Tag Archives: holidays

Gift Guide: The Nature of Animal Healing

Posted on by

0

Dr. Marty Goldstein is a renowned animal health expert and the author of The Nature of Animal Healing: The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat. This book is a wonderful gift for anyone with a pet, especially if they are interested in learning more about health, feeding, and disease. While the book is aimed at treating health holistically, it also discusses conventional veterinary medicine as well. In the words of Dr. Marty,

Since its release in 1999, my aim with this book has been more of an immediate one: to demonstrate the ways in which our pets are being ill served by us, by their environments, and, yes, by some aspects of conventional veterinary medicine. I hope to be, in effect, a voice for these pets, because they cannot talk. I want to show that with the right care, they can still lead healthy lives. And I intend to make clear that we are not the true healers of our pets; they are. The best we can do is to help them grow as strong as they can, both physically and emotionally, so that they can best tackle the hard work they must do to regain and maintain their own health.

Dr. Marty has gained national recognition by appearing on the Oprah Show, as well as having his own slot on Martha Stewart’s Sirius/XM station. His segment is called “Ask Martha’s Vet”, and airs on Mondays at 8pm EST. Not only is this book full of information about pet health, it is a great start toward encouraging someone to start building a solid pet information reference library.

Gift Guide: Rat Sac Lumberjack Hammock

Posted on by

0

[photo credit]

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

Posted on by

1

[photo credit]

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

Posted on by

0

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

Posted on by

2

[photo credit]

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: Dyson Pet Clean-Up Kit

Posted on by

0

Need a gift for someone who likes to keep the house neat and tidy, but has a lot of pet clean-up to do? If that person has a Dyson vacuum, the Pet Clean-Up Kit has several attachments designed to maximize cleaning and pet hair removal, including the wide mattress tool, Zorb carpet cleaner, and handy flexi-tool. Normally $99, it is on sale now for $29.99 and includes all of the items seen above. Check it out on Amazon.

*Note- Amazon’s prices fluctuate on a regular basis. It is currently unknown how long this deal will last.

Gift Guide: CatWare Scratch-N-TV

Posted on by

0

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

Posted on by

0

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

Posted on by

0

[photo credit]

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!