Woof, Meow, Bubble Bubble....Translated: "Don't Forget Your Pets!"

The gift buying season is upon us. Every year I sit down and make a list of the people I need to buy for and struggle to match that list to gift ideas. Face it, some people are harder to shop for than others. Since I'm probably not the only one with this problem, I thought I would share some of my ideas. Today's list is for the  furry and scaly creatures in our lives. Check back often throughout the month for more gift buying ideas! Good luck shopping! May the deals be plentiful, your cart overflowing, and your wallet not emptied.

Pets like getting gifts too! In fact, we usually give our dog a cardboard tube filled with treats that she works on opening/eating while the kids open their gifts.

DOG:

• Dog House (We have an inside dog, but this looks like a nice house.)
• Collar 
• Leash  This is the leash I use for J, and I love having the two handles! The normal handle is great for walks, but when I need her closer the second handle comes in handy.
• Toys: Kong, Nylabone, Stuffed Toy, ChuckIt! (For those of you, like me, who cannot throw the ball very far!)
• Dog Bed
• Treats: Whimzees, make your own
• Pawz: Disposable rubber booties. These are the only booties J will use. We get snow and ice, but she can't feel the ground well in the thicker normal style dog boots/booties. These protect her feet but she can still feel the ground. We love them.
• I saw Advent Calendars for dogs at the store! DreamBone comes filled, or Midlee offers an empty one that you can fill with your own choice of treats (which is great for dogs with dietary restrictions!).

If the kids want to help there are some ideas for gifts they can make for the dog too:
     *Chew toy. Use scrap pieces of fabric (jeans work best) and tie together in a knot at the top. Braid together and tie again at the bottom.
     *You can ask your kids for any stuffed toys they don't want anymore and are ok with being chewed up. The boys have donated a few stuffed animals to make stuffies for the dog. I bought squeakers online to sew into the toys to make our own squeaky toys. It's a lot cheaper than buying a ton of stuffies for her, when she normally destroys them within a day.
     *Treats. Fold over the ends of a cardboard tube on one side (toilet paper roll, paper towel roll, etc.). Fill with a few dog treats and fold the ends over to seal. Let the dog(s) figure out how to get the treats out while everyone is opening their presents.

CAT
Mouse Catcher
Scratching Post
Tree House
Ball Tower

FISH
Tank/Aquarium
Reef Ornament
Log
Ship: Pirate or Battleship
Fish Training/Obstacle Course


GERBIL/HAMSTER/FERRET
Running Ball
Playground