I confess, I don’t know much about gift buying for cats or birds or ferrets, so I apologize in advance if those critters are on your gift list. I’m a dog gal (although I did once have a cat named Smoky Green-Eyes Brown), so I’ll mainly focus on animals of the canine persuasion and pet owners.
Image from http://www.kongcompany.com
Pharaoh, our Canine Companions for Independence puppy, came with an entire binder of instructions. Not kidding, his life is more complex than mine. One toy line CCI recommends for their pups is Kong. Although these toys aren’t completely indestructible (my dogs tore up a stuffed one quickly by playing Tug of War with it), they are pretty darn tough, especially the ones made of rubber. You can put treats, peanut butter or Kong Stuff’N (I think of it as Cheez Whiz for dogs) in the toys to keep your dogs happy and occupied while you’re away from home. Bad Dog and Pharaoh LOVE this fuzzy Snugga Wubba. Kong toys are widely available online and in pet stores.
Obedience Classes
Until Pharaoh, we’ve “home trained” our dogs, but after attending three puppy classes and teaching him CCI required commands, I’m already a believer in the power of dog training. You could give an obedience class gift certificate to a friend or register your own dog for classes. Call your vet for recommendations on reputable local trainers.
Puppy Paraphernalia
Image from www.cci.org
Image from www.cci.org
Canine Companions for Independence maintains their own online storefront with items ranging from kids’ books to shirts to charms. They also have great CCI treat bags and collapsible water bowls. For the puppy lover in your life, consider a 2013 calendar or a set of cute notecards.
Charitable Donation
When my mom passed away earlier this year, we asked folks to make donations to the local Humane Society in lieu of flowers. If you’re at a loss for a gift idea, consider making a donation in a loved one’s name to a pet-focused charity like the Human Society, ASPCA, or Canine Companions for Independence.
Do you buy gifts for your pets at the holidays? I just placed an order for five new Kong toys and stockings for mine!
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Today is Stay Home Because You’re Well Day, which would sound like a fabulous idea except I do that every day. However, if your job takes you outside the house, consider indulging yourself in a mental health day at least a couple of times a year. You’ll feel like a new person!
