State Pride on Display with Pet Gear
By Judy Colbert
Marylanders can’t agree on some things: J.O. or Old Bay, Berger’s cookies or Otterbein’s, Wawa or Royal Farms, crabcakes broiled or fried, or even how to pronounce Weis. We do love our state flag though. It’s the design on our favorite blanket, coffee cup, keychain and an abundance of apparel. Almost as popular as the flag are items with the logos of Natty Boh, Old Bay, the Orioles, the Ravens, or the University of Maryland Terrapins. You can even buy a doggie bed with the University of Maryland football stadium design on it.
Maryland-themed items can be found in grocery stores, museums, stadiums and art galleries. Dressing your fur baby in Maryland apparel makes him or her too cute for words. But where do you find a bit of Maryland pride for your pets?
We have suggestions for you.
Start at Sea Dog Pet Boutique, a relatively new shop in Annapolis that stocks unique items including pet toys, collars, and treats, specifically items from Sweet Paws Bakery and Sweet Piggy Baking Company. You can find a collar, bowtie, leash, or bandana with the Maryland flag, Natty Boh, a map of the Chesapeake Bay, or the U.S. Naval Academy themes. All their Maryland items are locally made. Owner Karen Komisar aims to make the experience easy and fun. “High-quality products should not be hard to find,” she says.
Sea Dog Pet Boutique, 172 Main Street, Annapolis, 410-946-6800, seadogpetboutique.com
Known for their outstanding nursery, Greenstreet Gardens is also in the pet gear business, as of March 2021. Caren Milliken, buyer and merchandiser for the Greenstreet GreenPaws department invites you to check out the space. “We have stuffed crab toys, leashes, water bowls, and Bay Dog products, including canine life jackets, and toy buoys. We have bath products, treats, toys, harnesses, and collars. And, the store is pet-friendly, so you can bring your loved one in to make sure something fits and that your pooch likes it.”
Greenstreet Gardens, 391 W. Bay Front Rd., Lothian, 410-867-9500, greenstreetgardens.com
Maiden Maryland Gift and Ice Cream Shop in Cambridge is the place for all things Maryland. From tip to toe (and in between) for humans, the store also carries Maryland and Old Bay- themed collars, leashes, and bandanas.
Maiden Maryland Gift and Ice Cream Shop, 501 Poplar St., Cambridge, 443-225-5358, maidenmarylandsweetsandtreats.com
At Local By Design, owner Susan Sears offers space to a collective of more than 100 local artists who create art, jewelry, home décor, furniture, gifts, and even pet accessories with a Mary- land theme. Her joint ventures are set up in three locations, primarily at Westfield Annapolis Mall and on Main Street in downtown Annapolis, and also at the Gallery on Margaret Avenue.
Local By Design, 109 Main Street, Annapolis, 443-808-8571/443-951-8221, localbydesignannapolis.com
Maryland, My Maryland has all sorts of items for you and your pets, including bandanas and leashes adorned with the Maryland f lag design or Old Bay logos.
Maryland My Maryland, 888-862-9989, mdmymdgear.com
If you’re looking to browse in a festive setting, check out the Made in Maryland Festival, Sunday, Aug.14. You’ll find artisans, crafters, live joust- ing, food vendors, local wines and craft brews, live entertainment and beyond. They’ll have Maryland-themed products and food trucks with Maryland culinary staples. 11am-5pm, Kurtz’s Beach, 2070 Kurtz Ave., Pasadena, $12 w/discounts, 410-255-1280, http://madeinmarylandfest.com.
You can also find some Maryland pride for pets on Etsy.com site and Facebook pages as Crofton Creatives and find crafters who will create the perfect item for you.
Many of these shops feature items from Route One Apparel, but you can also order directly from them. They carry dog collars, ID tags, harnesses, with the flag, Utz, Natty Boh, and crab designs. routeoneapparel.com.