If you are planning to give a pet this holiday season, please read our article on problems with pets as gifts and some fun and clever alternatives if someone you know wants a pet this holiday season.
Tag Archives: christmas
Gift Guide: Rat Sac Lumberjack Hammock
If you’re looking for a Christmas present for one rat or several, check out the multitude of items at the RatAttack Team’s Etsy store! One item for sale is this very cute and wintery lumberjack style hammock.
Product description:
Every home needs a plain hammock, perfect place for waiting for you to come play!The bottom is a grey cotton twill topped with super soft black & 2 shades of red fleece and measures 12.5″ x 12.5″. You have to feel this fleece! Even nakkie rats will love it. ;-D
I would recommend my 4pc long hangers @ $2 for this to fit larger cages. They’re removable, can be used on other hammocks, they’re 3″ longer than shower hooks & your furry can’t destroy them.
This hammock is just $6 with $2.75 shipping. Don’t forget to check out the variety of other items available too!
Gift Guide: Earth Dog Hemp Leashes
With National Walk Your Pet Month coming up in January, it’s the perfect time to get a new leash to walk your pet in style! These fanciful leashes from Earth Dog are made of 100% hemp canvas and handy snap hooks to stay put while attached to the collar. Leashes are available in two, four, and six feet lengths at various price points, with six feet being $29.50. Free shipping is available if you spend $40 or more.
While visiting the Earth Dog website, don’t forget to read the story about how this company came to be!
Gift Guide: The Whole Dog Journal
Do you know someone who is crazy about all things dog, including learning more about them? If so, The Whole Dog Journal is the perfect gift! This monthly publication is just $20 for twelve issues, and is packed full of information about holistic health, new healing methods, training, and more. They also have the annual pet food issue of approved foods, for both dry and wet food. Also, a subscription gains access to many articles exclusively published on the website. Another option is to buy two years for $30 for better savings.
If interested in giving The Whole Dog Journal as a gift, visit their website.
Problems With Pets As Gifts And Smart Alternatives
Now that the gift giving season is here, many people look to giving puppies or kittens as presents. Unfortunately, this often leads to unpreparedness, especially if the person on the receiving end has no idea what they are getting into. Many animal lovers are against giving animals as gifts for that reason, because the pets often end up at shelters or abandoned once the recipient realizes they have bigger priorities than pet care.
Some problems with bringing an animal into the home during Christmas:
The pet might be stressed due to the amount of people around
The pet might get into holiday food that is harmful to their health
The pet might be unhealthy if it is bred to be a “Christmas present” only
Less time to help the pet adjust to the new household
Less time for proper training
Less time to connect with the pet
Children will not be the primary caretaker, even if that is the intent
For those set on giving a pet as a present, there are creative ways to do so without jeopardizing one. Consider one of these ideas instead of giving the physical pet:
1. Give a book about the intended pet instead. This will encourage learning about the animal before taking it home, and also allows the recipient decide if that particular pet is right for them.
2. Give a double gift: promise the recipient a day of volunteering at a local animal shelter, which is two gifts in one! The shelter will appreciate the help they get, and maybe the gift recipient will find a pet to rescue. Be creative and make a card to gift the idea. Set a specific date to make sure it happens. This is a great way to show children how to give back to the animal community as well.
3. Give pet supplies instead of the pet. Water bowls, collars, leashes, or a hamster wheel are fun surprises to open and passes on the joy of a pet to the recipient. This also allows the family to make the decision together at a later time, after the holiday season has passed.
4. Give a photo of a shelter pet. Not only does this encourage adoption from a shelter, it also provides time for the idea of a pet to settle in. Combining this with a book about the type of pet will encourage learning about the pet first, and the many expectations that come with it.
5. Foster a pet. Shelters are always looking for good foster homes. Fostering a pet is a great way to see if bringing an animal into the home is right for the family. Always be honest with the shelter if considering fostering to adopt.
While adopting a pet is a wonderful thing to do, it is best to not rush into it as a gift, but instead as prepared, educated decision. It is the best thing to do for pets, shelters, and the family.
Gift Guide: CatWare Scratch-N-TV
Does your cat want to be famous? The Scratch-N-TV is the perfect perch for your feline friend to perform their dramatic antics “live”. The Scratch-N-TV by CatWare is only $9.99, and provides a perch and boredom buster for cats. With most cats gravitating toward cardboard boxes as toys, this scratching toy is sure to please! Another perk is that recyclable inserts are available for replacing the scratch pad.
Available at Kitty-Furniture.com. Check out the video below to see some cats enjoying this toy!
Gift Guide: Wood Chuck Launcher and Orbee-Tuff RecycleBALL
Do you love the idea of a ball launcher toy, but are looking for something sustainable and eco-friendly? If so, check out the Wood Chuck ball launcher, made with bamboo and recycled cork scraps. A blurb from a secret shopper reads:
This is hands-down, the best performing, best constructed dog ball tosser we’ve ever tested and knowing that we’re helping protect Mother Earth by using a product made from recycled cork scraps and that a portion of our money is going to organizations who raise, train and place service dogs, makes the Wood Chuck even sweeter!
With a sleek handle and four-prong ball holder, the Wood Chuck can be used with standard sized balls, but also has the option of being used with the durable Orbee-Tuff RecycleBALL. Another perk is that two percent of the proceeds made will be donated to the training of service dogs for people in need! Planet Dog makes the RecycleBALL based on the colors of scrap material that are available. The most common colors are purple, black, cream, and green. They are all made in the USA. The purchase of the Wood Chuck ball launcher comes with one RecycleBALL.
The Wood Chuck is $24.95 from Planet Dog, but available at other venues as well. Orbee-Tuff RecycleBall price points vary based on how many are purchased and what type (glow-in-the-dark and whistle balls are available) they are. To see how the Wood Chuck works, check out this tutorial!
Gift Guide: Day Dog Designs Collars
Shopping handmade is a great way to support small businesses during the holiday season, and Day Dog Designs, located in Colorado, makes beautiful collars out of European ribbons and other pet items. Another great reason to shop at Day Dog Designs is that 5% of the proceeds go toward helping out Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue and Arizona Cavalier Rescue. Some items are designated for 100% donation as well.
The bag in the photo above is a pet mess clean up pouch, perfect for carrying waste bags and keys, or other small items needed while walking the dog. It is $13, and just $2 shipping.
This snood is one of the items in the shop where 100% of the proceeds are donated to Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue ($10). The purpose of the snood is to keep long ears out of the way while the dog eats or chews on a bone.
Most of Day Dog Designs is full of beautiful collars, like this red apple collar! Size ranges from extra small to extra large (which has a special listing). $16 plus $2.75 shipping.
Check out Day Dog Designs on Etsy!
Gift Guide: Heated Outdoor Cat House
Wow! Talk about luxury accommodations! If your cat loves to be outside, check out this amazing heated outdoor cat house! Product description:
A removable 20-watt heater inside the floor of the house generates radiant heat that warms the floor yet is not hot to human touch. The waterproof floor is lined with 1 1/2″ of soft foam, providing a comfortable, dry surface for cats to lounge. The entire house is covered in durable 600-denier nylon backed with waterproof vinyl and the pitched roof overhangs all four sides of the structure, keeping cats dry during rain showers. The house’s front and back doors allow cats to come and go as they please. Plugs into AC with 6′ cord. For cats weighing up to 25 lbs. 17″ L x 16 1/2″ W x 13″ D. (5 1/2 lbs.)
Consider this gift to let your cats get a little fresh air and still stay nice and comfortable. This is also a great option for those with strictly outdoor cats or those who care for a feral colony. Available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $129.95.
Gift Guide: Ruffwear Approach Pack
Never heard of Ruffwear? For the backpacking or hiking enthusiast with a dog, Ruffwear is a must have! They have many wonderful items available, including this Approach Pack, which is perfect for day and overnight hikes, and just plain recreational use. Load it up with lightweight items like toilet paper, or simply have your dog carry your keys while walking at a local park. Working dogs will especially enjoy being given a job as they carry plastic baggies (to pick up after the dog, of course!), water bottles, or cell phones. Another perk of the backpack is that many dogs who pull hard will be easier to walk without having to wear prong or choke collars. Here are the features of the Approach Pack:
- Attached saddlebags with lightweight streamlined, go-fast shape
- Weight-forward saddlebag design for ideal load-carrying position
- Trail-savvy details like coated zippers, high-visibility reflective trim, external gear loops, and durable construction
- Comfort-fit Web Master™ Harness frame ensures good structure, stability, and load dispersion
- Five-point adjustable fit and extended size range to accommodate dogs of all sizes
This is a great gift for your pup and will last for a long time, as these packs are very durable! They are $75 at Ruffwear. Be sure to visit the website and read all of the great reviews for more uses!
