53 – Annual Christmas Gifts for Pets column

Christmas is nineteen days away.  While the AP gave you some ideas last week, you may still be looking for that “special something” for Chanel or Slider or Bugsey.  Buzz recommends the following for your furry, four-legged friends.

Dogs love to chew.  Thus, we seek toys that are (almost) indestructible.  Orbee makes a line called Tuff Cosmos Balls in a variety of colors including Luna, which glows in the dark.  These balls will also hold a treat to entice your dog to play just a little longer (www.muttropolis.com).  Dog slobber limiting your desire to play ball with your dog?  Try a Chuck-It!  The long handled ball launcher doubles as a pick up tool, keeping your hands dry and slime free (www.chuckit.com).

 If a ball is just too boring for Max, try the Tug-a-Jug (www.petexpertise.com).  Another toy designed to stand up to tough dog teeth, this puzzle is made of material similar to that used in making bullet-proof glass.  Treats are placed inside the transparent jug and the dog must work to get them out.  At Bark in the Park’s Splash Paws Park, many dogs enjoyed not only a dip in one of the bone shaped pools, but also had a chance to chase chicken-flavored bubbles.  Check out the wide variety of bubble machines available at Activedogtoys.com (they have lots of other neat toys, too!).

What’s that?  You don’t have a furry tornado that needs exercise 28 hours a day?  Well, how about a new, personalized collar and leash set for the Princess?  Besty Collars (http://bestydogcollars.com/) has a wide variety of styles from pink ribbons and paws to skull and crossbones.  They’ll even take custom orders.  And while you are looking for ways to help Princess look her best, forget about sweaters and coats – they are so yesterday.  Look at the newest joggers, overalls, and formal wear for dogs. Locally, Elizabeth of Pal World can dress your pup (On The Square in Livingston).  Of course, if you’d like to think ahead for next year’s Bark in the Park Doggie Bathing Suit Contest, check out the latest in bikinis and board shorts for your pup at Cozy Pet Clothes (http://www.cozypetclothes.com/beach_and_swimwear).  New collar, new outfit, now add a collar charm (www.petedge.com) and Sophie is ready for a night on the town with her best friend – you!

So maybe you just want some quality time with Lexi.  Did you know that BringFido.com lists forty-six Bed and Breakfasts in the U.S. that welcome dogs?  These aren’t small town destinations like Spud, FL, but places you might actually enjoy such as Asheville, NC, Savannah, GA, and Kennebunk, ME.  Though most require a pet fee, you’d be paying for Spike’s care if you left him home, so why not let him enjoy some time away in an exotic locale with you?

If you decide to travel by car, Trudy may enjoy a new seat.  Check the luxury look-out seats by snoozer-dog-beds (www.snoozer-dog-beds.com) or just invest a few dollars in a seat saver sling from Duluth Trading (www.duluthtrading.com). To help your dog stay calm, you might try Animals’ Apawthecary Ginger-Mint Dog Car Sickness Supplement (if it doesn’t work, at least your dog’s breath will be fresher) and Through a Dog’s Ear - Driving Edition (http://www.throughadogsear.com).

Of course, we must not forget the cats in the house at Christmas time (not that they would let us forget them).  There is a wide variety of gifts appropriate for that finicky feline who loves you and allows you to enjoy her presence.  Catnip mice – bah, humbug!  How about an interactive Mouse in the House automatic cat toy?  Designed to interact with your cat while you are away, it plugs into the wall and emits small animal noises before sending a mouse running around a track.  That should catch Patches interest!  Also from Cattoys.com, a wide selection of interactive and motorized toys is available as are DVDs to keep Laz busy while you have other things to do.  For those who would like to control their cats, check out Thinkgeek.com.  Their Control-A-Cat Remote Control uses no batteries or power, just wishful thinking on your part.

Did you know we have some seriously good pet artists in our area?  For paintings and drawings, check out Adrienne Stone (http://www.adriennestone.com) or Kim Kuykendall (KimsArtLife@Gmail.com) just to name two.  For photography, I have recently seen some beautiful work by Amy Callahan (amycallahan.com).  Take a look at the work of some of our local artists as you won’t find better than we have in this area.  A photograph or portrait is a gift that will last long after all the toys have been shredded.

If  you no longer have a pet, could you help another animal? The Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter Angel Tree at Kroger has ornaments listing their needs by the north exit door.  Food, bleach, blankets, stamps, money, and detergent are just a few items that could help.  Other rescues in our area can use help as well.  Just email or call them and ask how you can help at this time of the year. Perhaps your neighbor or a friend could use your help caring for her pet.  It doesn’t have to be money or things, it can be a little of your time.   It is the season of giving, after all. Giving a gift of your time and your care is priceless.

Jan Casey owns Smiles and Wags and provides reward-based training and behavioral consultations to pet owners in the Cookeville area. You may call her at 510-0119 or email jan@smilesandwags.com.