Early date at the beginning of November, I thought, when Martina told me about the Sighthound Christmas Market. After a moment's consideration, actually a very smart choice, because:
- Many (not all!) sighthounds have very short, smooth, not particularly thick coats. In winter they get cold quickly when you're standing with them at the mulled wine stall.
- While doing my research I discovered that there are now quite a few Christmas markets geared towards dogs. This date doesn't clash with any of the others.
So off we go to the training grounds of the Austrian Dog Training Center in Biedermannsdorf for some pre-Christmas shopping.
Sighthound Christmas Shopping.
Martina is of course not visiting for the first time and already knows many faces (Tiago and Atlas also take part in the ADTC's tracking training). She introduces us to some new four-legged friends and their respective can-openers.
The first Sighthound Christmas Market, by the way, took place on 01.11.2011. Born from the desire to finally go proper shopping for your sighthound, the idea and its realisation — the "Sighthound-Christmas Shopping" — came entirely from the private initiative of Stefanie & Stefanie.
So there are lots and lots of Galgos, Podencos, Whippets, Deerhounds, Greyhounds and Borzois milling between the stalls. But also a Corgi, some Chihuahuas, and of course Murphy — the little Frenchie weaving his way among all those long legs.
The exhibitors are mainly producers of handmade goods, though there is also a representative from a larger brand on hand to cater to visitors' wishes.
The range is understandably tailored to sighthound needs and makes many a heart beat faster. Dog coats in various styles, collars, dog beds and plenty of other accessories to dress up or pamper many a beloved dog.
At the GiN stand we run into some friends from the Galgo in Not walk along the Prater Hauptallee, stock up on delicious biscuits and pastries, and buy some incredibly tasty spreadable sausage muffins for the four-legged members of the Hundereise team. Tiago, Atlas, Che & Murphy say a hearty paw-up in thanks for these treats!
The Sighthound Christmas Market is definitely a date that every dog, lady and gentleman should mark in their calendar. We'll be back!
The Advent Season.
There are people who are total Christmas Grinches and are just glad when all the fuss is over.
And then there are Christmas elves like me and other dog bloggers — who genuinely look forward to Advent!
Every year I love filling the Advent calendar for my loved ones. So I didn't have to think twice when I came across this call for participants:
The wonderful Stephie from the dog blog The Pell Mell Pack came up with this brilliant idea and motivated 23 other bloggers to open little doors for you. You can look forward to DIY projects, recipe ideas for two- and four-legged family members, as well as some festive stories.
Stay tuned — we're delighted to be lending a helping hand to Father Christmas!
