FROM PETS BLOG at Press Democrat.com [the web site has pictures]

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Gifts for the pet and owner
by "Pets"

A new AP Petside Poll finds that despite our current economic challenges, most pet owners still plan to tuck a little something under the Christmas tree for our animal companion.

After a not so precise survey of folks in classes and at feed stores in Sonoma County, “Sonoma Pets” has come up with some nifty ideas.

But first, it’s important to say one might want to give a gift to pets and don’t make a pet a gift. Of course, that works if the pet is the gift for the next 10-15 years. Most children don’t get that and most people surprised with a pet as a gift really wishes they had been able to make such a decision themselves. Donate to a humane society/shelter or rescue in honor of someone, who may then later, make the decision to adopt.

Aside from that annual missive, here’s the shopping list, which contains items for the pet but also items for the pet’s owner.

1) Bissell’s SpotBot Deep Compact Cleaner. This nifty little cleaner promises to get out even the toughest of stains left by our pets, who do tend to be a little messy at times. Bissell has decided to focus in on the pet market, developing products that claim to clean up pet hair without clogging. This sure beats the heck out of enzyme cleaners and dabbing carpets for days. For more information and a chance to make your pet famous as part of a Bissell ad, visit www.Bissell.com

2) Cat trees are so laughed at and so underrated. Why do cats climb trees? Because they love the high perches. Why do cats claw furniture? Because it’s the closest thing in a house that mimics the stability of a tree. So go get them a cat tree. We’re not talking about some measly little two-foot thing, but a tall tree with lots of options. The one pictured costs $127.49 with special shipping deals.

3) Prepaid veterinary care. This is an idea that came from a client in a class where most of the pet owners are seniors. The person’s family wanted her to have a companion animal, but didn’t want her to worry about the veterinary bills. They have made arrangements to pay for her dog’s veterinary needs. What a wonderful gift.

4) Puzzles for dogs are the latest “hot” item out of the training realm. Pros have known for years that dogs are pretty adept at manipulating objects to get to what they want, food, squirrel or vermin. Now puzzle makers have started paying attention and they’ve developed a series of manipulative puzzles for dogs. Here is a link to the puzzle pictured.

5) Dogs love these new toys from Kyjen. The Real Animal Squeaker Mat comes in a squirrel, raccoon and fox version. The toy comes with 12 squeakers, and a grunt in the tail, “these toys will help satisfy the instinctive nature of your dog. Did You Know? Toys that mimic the natural colors and textures of animal fur tap into the instinctual drives that help keep dogs healthy and engaged,” say the makers. Cost is $21.99. **

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[** ...the instinctive nature... the squeaking sound is killing a smaller animal, according to Cesar Millen, DogWhisperer...**]