I Spoiled My Dog with This Gorgeous Bowl, and I’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat

Years ago, my mom, grandma, and aunts would take day trips to the MacKenzie-Childs house and store in Aurora, New York. I would beg to tag along, as the store’s magic felt like a day at a maximalist dreamland. I’d wander the store, and my eyes would dart from one piece to the next — I was dizzily overstimulated in the best way. On the car ride home, I’d go through my mental Rolodex of pieces I’d bookmarked to decorate my future grown-up home. 

As the years went by, I (obviously) grew up and eventually called a little space my own. I’ll never forget my joy when my mom gifted me the Courtly Check tea kettle as a housewarming gift for my first apartment. Now that I’m a (pet) parent, I wanted to do the same thing for my stunning Chihuahua mix, Sardine. I gifted him two of the Courtly Check pet bowls — to match, of course!

Technically, it’s more of a gift for me than him, but it makes me feel so “adult” to see him chowing down from his little MacKenzie-Childs bowls. The size I purchased for him is marketed for cats, but it fits perfectly because of the amount of food his vet recommends. It’s big enough for eight ounces of food, but if you have a bigger pup it also comes in a large and medium size in the same traditional black-and-white checkered pattern.

I understand the price (just under $50) is a lot for a dog bowl. However, I justify it by acknowledging that it’s something that’s used every single day. It’s always on display in my apartment, and it’s a great conversation-starter. 

I don’t mean to shame Sardine, and I’ll deny it if you repeat this to him, but he’s a bit of an aggressive eater. While I appreciate his zest for mealtimes, he’s definitely not afraid to fling his bowl far and wide while enjoying his food. One good thing about him is that he’ll always send his compliments to the chef. 

Luckily for me (and my wallet!), the bowl is made of heavy-gauge steel and has a stainless steel rim on the bottom. Basically, it’s tough enough to withstand his vigorous eating habits. It’s also dishwasher-safe, which makes it a breeze to clean. 

And I’m not the only pet parent who appreciates the bowls. “Perfect for our fur-baby,” one commenter said. Another reviewer noted, “Both items for a puppy. The ‘cat dish’ shape & size are darling/practical.” Sentimentally, though, what I love most is that I’ve grown to a place where I can look around my home and see several MacKenzie-Childs pieces — some gifted and some bought — and know that my childhood self would be very happy. 

Buy: MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Cat Dish