Every visit to LAFCO New York is a treat. The shop smells like heaven and the products are divine (almost literally). My inner history nerd can’t get enough of the Santa Maria Novella goodies whipped up originally by Dominican monks in the 1200s. Soaps, incense paper, and other health and beauty elixirs are still made based on the original recipes using herbs, vegetable-based glycerins, and essential oils. The Great Wall of Candles, as I like to call it, shelves rows and rows of LAFCO jars housing some of the most potent and delicious candles on the market. Larger jars run at $55 (and are worth every penny), but the Little Luxuries mini jars with a matchbox in the lid for $20 are equally delightful. Bars of soap are aged like fine wines and carved by hand. Jump for a roundup of my favorite things in the Highland Park Village boutique.
As if we didn’t love Lafco New York enough already, they’ve gone and warmed our hearts by pairing with Paws in the City, one of Dallas’ best animal charities. Visit the store on Saturday, June 11, and shop for all kinds of delicious smelly things. (I recommend Santa Maria Novella’s Healing Hand Cream and Almond Foot Cream–I seriously can’t live without these and Lafco’s Little Luxuries candle tins with match boxes in the lid–try Chocolate Dahlia, it’s so good it hurts. Twenty percent of all proceeds will go to Paws in the City. Even more exciting, bring Fluffy to check out Santa Maria Novella’s dog and cat care line. Water and treats for your four-leggeds will be served.
This first annual Pooch Party will probably be more fun than a people party. For one, dogs are perfect guests. They mingle nicely with others, they always enjoy the food selection, and they don’t spill wine on your carpet. Secondly, there will be on-site adoptions! Never seen guests get adopted at a house party before, have you? The Shops at Legacy is hosting this event with pups from all kinds of local rescues, which include Boston Terrier Rescue, Hillcrest Animal Rescue, Lone Star Pyrs & Paws Rescue, Metroplex Mutts, Plano Animal Shelter, and Weimaraner Rescue. Dr. Troy Lindsey, vet at Blackstone Animal Hospital, will be on hand for complimentary consultations, too. If you adopt a new cutie pie, Melanie Gayle will give you 20 percent off any purchase you make during the day, and upscale sports wear store Gameday Cloth is offering up special doggie merch and treats. If that’s not enough, prove you’ve added a new member to your family, and Twisted Root will give you a free hot dog, side, and drink. Paciugo’s got your sweet tooth covered with buy one, get one gelato cups or cups for adopters. If you’re not looking to add more fur balls to your furniture, come on out and show your support. Bring your doggie or kitteh, and you can get a $15 microchipping. (I’m bringing my little guy. He loves to party.) Saturday, May 14, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Shops at Legacy
This happy Pomeranian was spotted keeping cool at the Rockers vs. Mods event at Lee Harvey’s a couple weeks ago. Where does this stylish gal shop, I wonder? Lucca Bella Doggie Spa, perhaps? Tails of the City? Or maybe Avenue Barket?
Our beloved Foxy Paws is closing doors, but not before owner Michelle Lamont sells off her stuff. Right now, if you head into the store you’ll find everything displayed on sale for 50 to 90 percent off. (She accidentally received three new shipments, too.) See more goodies on the Foxy Paws Facebook page. Michelle tells me she has Swarovski necklaces, collars, and leashes for $12 to $18 (originally $34 to $110) and doggie sweaters, dresses, college jerseys, jackets, and more for $10 to $27 (originally $29 to $109). Last day to make a purchase is Saturday!
This darling boutique in the Shops at Willow Bend will be closed March 25. According to owner Michelle Lamont, 278 dogs were adopted with the help of her business since its opening. I know for sure the store made a lot of people smile. Foxy Paws will be greatly missed, but until then, go enjoy the store a little more. Everything in it is being sold for 50 percent off right now. You’ll find collars in every color, costumes for every occasion, shampoo, perfume, sustainable toys, sweet treats, and more.

I swore I'd never been one of "those" people that dressed up my dog, but Hank HAD to be festive for the V-Day party, right?
I stopped by the Foxy Paws Valentine’s Day party in honor of the Dalmatian Rescue of North Texas, and I can’t help but share these photos with you. I’ve never seen so many dogs dressed up in my life. It was hilarious and adorable. If you’re wishing you had attending the Plano canine extravaganza, don’t be sad. Foxy Paws owner Michelle hosts dozens of these event year-round. Jump for pictures that will surely make you smile (or smirk).
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Like for most holidays, Willowbend’s Foxy Paws boutique is hosting a furry fiesta to benefit Dallas doggies. Bring your pooch to the mall to participate in its Valentine’s Day-themed “Smooch the Pooch PAW-TY.” Every dime you spend here will go directly to the Dalmatian Rescue of North Texas. Purchase a pet portrait (like the one you see right), and you’ll get to participate in the goody bag grab, pink champagne (count us in), truffles, and a contest to crown Mr. & Mrs. Valentines. (Not you; the dogs.) Photo packages start out as low as $20, and for the goodies, drinks, a portrait of your furry lovie, and a donation to the Dalmatian Rescue, it’s a steal of a deal. Plus, if you’re interested in taking a spotted pooch home, adoption information is available. (Apparently more than 100 dogs founds homes last year because of this event!) Check it out from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
While cruising around Green Pet, I stumbled upon these super cute holiday toys perfect for any dog’s stocking! Not only does the nearly indestructible toy look like a mint, it smells and presumably tastes like one as well. (I didn’t actually gnaw on it myself to check the taste, but fresh doggy breath = bonus holiday present for you.) Even if your pup is sure he’s not on the naughty list, tell him to put out some cookies for Santa Claus this year, just to be safe. - Katherine Paullus
Are you gelin’? And by that I mean putting gels on your kitten’s toenails. Sounds weird, but it’s great. Soft Paws, a company who makes little gel nail caps for cats, created a more humane alternative to declawing. Pick a color from the website, and a packet of nail pieces and glue come in the mail for application. Once they’re on, they’re hysterical. I love watching my cat run around in his Halloween set of purple, black, and orange gel claws. They don’t seem to bother him and they definitely don’t stop him from jumping, playing, running, etc. They do stop him from ripping up furniture. Once they’re on, they stay on for a few weeks. And now… the caps come in… drum roll… GLITTER! So festive! (See right.) Order them online for $19.
‘Tis the season for angel trees. I love them. Rather than blindly donating money to shelters or funds (which, don’t get me wrong, is wonderful), you can pick out items for a person of your choice. It feels like you’re really personalizing a gift for someone in need. Green Pet has translated this seasonal pastime into a pet-friendly charity event with Animal Rescue of Texas (ART). Head to the Bishop Arts shop to visit their version of an Angel Tree, full of cards with photos of sweet foster doggies who, too, are in need. Each card gives some background info on the animal and a list of items to keep them comfortable. (Think sweaters for the cold, treats, leashes, toys, etc.) You can buy the goods right there in the shop and ART will pick them up.
I’ve recently been morphing into an obnoxious pet person. Doggie sweaters, cat bandanas, designer toys, and way too many pictures… I’ve got it all. That’s why you’ll likely find me at the West Village tomorrow at the Canine Holiday Cards event. Show up, get your photo snapped with your fuzzball for free, and purchase your prints if you like them. (On-site or online.) No appointments are necessary. Find the portrait area between Allen Edmonds and Lucky.
Into the artsy fartsy side. Check these pet portraits out.
Other things to do on Saturday:
You can’t tell me these aren’t ridiculously cute and fun. Dale Moses, Dallas artist and animal lover, paints these pet portraits and gets prints made to make these sweet packets of cards. The self-professed “old-as-a-rock” painter says he loves making the colorful art because “I love to laugh and be silly, and I love it when people say my art makes them smile.” They absolutely make me smile. Find packets of the Pooch Post Cards in Boston Terrier, Bull Dog, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Bull Terrier, Pug, and assorted versions.
$18 at Nuvo on Cedar Springs, Fete-ish in Bishop Arts, and Lucky Cafe on Oak Lawn
The Willow Bend doggie boutique is hosting a photo op with Santie Claus. Not for your kiddos; for your pets. Bring in your beloved four-leggeds, grab some “milk & cookies and Naughty Egg Nog,” and walk away with an adorable picture to mail out for the holidays. The snacks and drinks are free for the taking. Photos will run about $29 to $49, but every penny will go straight to the Lost Paws Rescue, which helps find families for the homeless animals in our city. Head to The Shops at Willow Bend, and you’ll find the doggie glamour shots happening at Foxy Paws, near Macy’s on Level One. Sunday, Nov. 14 from 1 pm to 5 pm. For any extra info, head to the Foxy Paws Facebook site. You’ll have fun looking at everyone’s pet ensembles posted there.