A Furkid Christmas

Today pets are family also. To many they are the children they never had or like me the children after my children have grown and moved out. They are your fur kids. They give you unconditional love. When you come home you are greeted like you've been gone for a month.

This is a great reason not that you really need one to spoil them on Christmas day.

My four dogs and cat actually have their own toy box. The toys often need restocked after the four dogs have had them for awhile. Christmas time is actually a great time to find stockings packed with toys and goodies. For me it's easier to buy one for the cat. I have to be careful with what's in these stockings in case there may be something the bigger dog would chew and swallow whole. Yes they come in different sizes for different size dogs but sometimes it's more fun to buy a stocking and fill it with your own ideas. You can always gift wrap each stuffed toy or squeaky toy individually. My pets have not problem opening their gifts. Especially if it makes noise.

You can buy boxes of home made (store bought) cookies or treats anymore. That is really a cute idea. My fur kids always look forward to their treats. We always find some reason to give them a treat. Just need to watch that weight problem as we do for ourselves.

There are cute outfits you can buy now. Many like to dress the dogs. Some stores actually have a clothes section for pets.

When I had gotten my first dachshund I went through that phase. Winter in Pennsylvania is a little rough on these dogs whereas at times the snow is always deep to them. Even two or three inches. I bought a Parka, t-shirts and anything else I thought would look cute on her. For me dressing a dachshund was easy but as soon as I released her, she pulled those short little legs out and was off with the clothing laying behind. A lot of people have better luck with the clothing so if you really desire this for you dog or cat here's another gift idea.

Some dogs are burrowers when it comes to sleep time. You can buy them a blanket. I have a friend that visits the Salvation Army every now and then. When she finds a decent blanket or two she will pick them up for a couple dollars. You can also find inexpensive blankets if your really look. I love to gift wrap them and watch the dogs open them.

My bigger dog is a husky mix. She loves her giant pet pillow. I will be buying her another one this Christmas. Pets love them and seem to have no problem figuring what to do with them. That's her own special place. They're easy to move when cleaning and if you are traveling with the dog you can take them with you.

Last Christmas my friend with three cats actually bought them a video for cats. I thought there was no way those cats would sit and watch TV. To my surprise and I have seen it myself, they do. They are indoor cats so watching the birds and other animals captivated their attention. Hard to believe but a great idea for the cats. I am not sure about something like this working for dogs but you never know.

Christmas is a special day and giving your pets gifts is more for you than them. After all, we are always buying them toys and treats. Just remember the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy another day with the pets. After all, they are also gifts from God. They are always there for you no matter what.