Gratuitous cute animals gallery

If your Instagram is full of pink noses, floppy ears, and cuddly creatures, this contest is for you. Welcome our first ever Survival of the Cutest pet contest. We are looking for the most adorable animals in town. If one of them belongs to you, you must nominate him or her.

I can’t wait to put aside online shoe shopping to browse cute pet photos instead.

Nominations close November 16.

Update: Sorry, guys. I just found out the contest is now DOGS ONLY. But feel free to send me pictures of any kind of cuteness.

Paws on the Plaza: Instead of treating yourself this Sunday, put your pet first with an afternoon of poodle-friendly fun. From 11 am to 3 pm, peruse pet vendors, listen to live music, indulge in a catered brunch, and, if you’re feeling generous, adopt another pal. Happening at One Arts Plaza.

Designer Trunk Shows in West Village: Attention men, the Friday trunk show is all about you as DEMERARA hosts jewelry designer Joe Pacetti from 4 pm until 7 pm. Browse his line of sophisticated silver jewelry. Stop by Eye Pieces on Saturday from 1 pm until 6 pm as it showcases Tom Ford and Roberto Cavalli eyewear for 20% off. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Big Sale at Tootsies: A selection of designer garb, handbags, shoes, and contemporary wear is on sale for 40 percent off. Swing by for some sweet steals.

Kristi McCann is a shopping intern.

The Great Wall of Candles.

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.

1. A jar of lozenges, $13, and a the Santa Maria Novella Water, $13, known earlier as “Anti Hysteria Water” were created in 1614 to calm and relax (especially the ladies hyperventilating in restricting corsets).
2. This simple bar of Toscano soap, $35, is a little luxury for him (that you’ll want to steal with it’s slightly sweet, subtly spicy smell.)
3. Kitties and doggies have their own line here. Though I’m hesitant to spend upwards of $20 on beauty products for my own, I love this sweet line for its gentle properties and its mouthwash gel, $22, that zaps bad breath with lemon extract.
4. I’m hopelessly addicted to this hand, $50, and foot cream, $48. The hand cream makes me feel like I’m wrapping them in clouds before bed and the foot cream is pretty much magic, starting out with an almond scent and turning into a tingly menthol cream after applying.
5. This lip balm, $30, contains natural oils (everything from grape seed to rosemary) which keep lips moisturized but able to breathe (unlike petrolatum products).
6. Season-themed incense, $50. Find winter’s “Inverno” in the blue box with a little incense stand included.
7. The Little Luxuries lineup.
8. Candle Row.
9. Make your house smell just. like. Christmas. in a snap with this home spray, $65.

My puppy's got his party hat on.

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

Tutus for Fluffy.

Collars for struttin' around the block in style.

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!

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).

Doggies fully dressed and accessorized

The festive decorations drew quite a crowd.

Cupcakes and s'mores (and plenty of booze) were available for humans.

A tutu-ed fluffball and a very ladylike Chihuahua that I HAD to hold.

Twins poodles in pink.

Hank tries on a pair of shoes for size.

A couple of pugs strut their stuff in red.

photography courtesy of Foxy Paws

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.

Minty dog toy ($12.95)

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

Real cats wearing Soft Paws gel nails.

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.

Dixie, who needs a winter sweater, is one of the "angels" on this tree.

‘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.

Into the artsy fartsy side. Check these pet portraits out.

Other things to do on Saturday:

• Dallas Flea
• The Trains at NorthPark