by Beth McEwen

This month, Mind Your Manners taps into the expertise of downtown dog boutique Fido & Stitch’s owner, Alli McDonough, to help create a holiday gift guide for all the dogs and dog lovers in your life. First, let’s get to know McDonough (and Fido & Stitch) a bit.

McDonough has always been a pet person. “I’ll never forget our first dog, Bella (an English Bulldog). My brother and I thought we were getting a new flat screen TV as a surprise from our parents, and were so confused when we heard this crazy snorting creature coming through our back door when our parents came home. That was one of the best surprises ever!”

She is also no stranger to rescue pups either. Her first dog as an independent adult was rescued from the Anti-Cruelty Society while living in Chicago.

“Sparkle was a nervous, spunky dog, who didn’t really like guys,” McDonough shared. ”She has definitely come a long way since then, becoming way more confident, playful and liking almost everyone she meets.”

Now married and living back in West Michigan with Sparkle and her newest rescue addition, Fiona, McDonough is making her mark on the Grand Rapids pet scene with her boutique on North Monroe.

“Fido & Stitch was born from my love of dogs,” she expressed. “When I lived in Chicago, they had these amazing little pet boutiques in every neighborhood where people could shop with their dog. Grand Rapids did not have anything like it yet downtown, and I felt it would be a great fit. I definitely live by the saying, ‘Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life!’”

In addition to foods, toys and accessories, Fido & Stitch also offers professional grooming services. Dog owner meet-ups are a regular occurrence, and McDonough makes it a point to partner with local trainers to create accessible training workshops aimed at helping owners with a variety of common dog challenges.

“We are working towards opening additional locations in the Greater Grand Rapids area, and also hope to one day bring a small-scale boarding and daycare facility to downtown Grand Rapids, as our customers have identified that there is a definite need,” she commented.

McDonough and her team at Fido & Stitch can be found at 820 Monroe Ave NW (or at fidoandstitch.com) to help with all of your pet gifting needs at any price point.

Busy Bodies and Treat Lovers

PetSafe Busy Buddy Barnacle Treat Holder The multi-chambered Barnacle features the patented Treat Meter® to randomly dispense treats while your dog plays. You can trim the Treat Meter prongs with scissors to increase the rate at which treats come out. Small - $10, Medium - $15, Large - $20

 

 

 

 

Human Dog Lovers

Odor Eliminator Candles The paraffin and soy blend jar candle is perfect for eliminating your Pet, Smoke, or Household Odors. Simply light the wick, and the special enzyme formulation will remove nuisance odors while leaving a refreshing fragrance behind. Each 13 oz candle burns approximately 70 hours! One Size - $10

 

Dog Speak Diner Mug Start your day off right with a cup of coffee in one of our mugs. Several different sayings/varieties available. Size: 10 oz. One Size - $11

 

 

 

 

 

Chewers

Earth Animal No-Hide Chews

Fido & Stitch’s most popular chew at the “Bone Bar”, the No-Hide chews have the texture and look of a raw hide, but is made of all-natural ingredients that makes it easily digestible and much healthier for your pup! Available in four flavors: Salmon, Beef, Chicken & (new) Venison! Small - $5.25, Medium - $10,Large - $15.50

Festive Fur-Babies

Fluff & Tuff Holiday Candy Cane This toy’s sophisticated yet playful design is appealing to both you and your dog(s), and the unique construction methods will significantly prolong the life of the toy. Small- $10, Large- $15

 

 

 

Huxley & Kent Buffalo Plaid Hat & Scarf Give your pet the gift of warmth AND style with this combo! This ensemble comes in multiple sizes to fit your pup, and keeps their head and neck toasty warm on those long winter walks…all while looking very stylish! (Pictured above). Small Hat-$12, Medium Hat- $13, Large Hat- $14, Small Scarf - $8, Medium Scarf - $10, Large Scarf - $12

 

 

 

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Beth McEwen, owner of Mind Your Manners Dog Training, has been working with dogs and their families for almost 20 years. Learn more at www.mindyourmannersdogs.com.