Fun and Useful Gifts for Dogs

Wondering what to get your best friend for the holidays this year? Tired of always wrapping up a bone and a squeak toy? No, I'm not talking about your best friend Bob, unless your dog's name is Bob. Why not get something a little different this year and make that tail wag?

A company with some unique buys is www.mileskimball.com, or Miles Kimball. This place has good prices and fun gifts, but order early or you might not get your selection in time for the holidays. Their shipping takes a bit longer, and sometimes stock runs out. I've ordered in early December and missed out on what I wanted to get because inventory was gone, so if you want something it pays to shop a bit sooner.

If your pup or dog is of the smaller variety, the Pet Car Seat might be just the thing. For pets weighing up to 15 pounds, it measures 12 inches long by 12 inches wide with sides 5 inches deep. The wood and metal frame is covered with imitation sheepskin. The seat hooks over the back of the front passenger seat and hangs at window level so your dog can watch the world go by as you travel.

The Snuggle Ball Pet Bed is perfect for those cold winter nights. Made from polyester fiberfill and covered with soft fleece, this comfortable bed moulds itself to your dog's shape, providing warmth and security. It comes in four sizes. Small, at 16 inches wide and $26.99, Medium at 21 inches and $34.99, Large at 26 inches and $42.99, and X-Large at 33 inches and $56.99.

The Sherpa Dog Coat will keep your pooch warm and not look silly, either. It is made from 100% polyester and is machine washable. Tan with white fleece trim, it looks as though your canine companion is ready for an adventure on the wild side. It fastens around the neck and body with Velcro, making it easy to put on your dog without a lot of fussing. The sizes are determined by measuring your pup from the neck to the base of the tail. Small (10-12 inches) is $14.99, Medium (14-16 inches) is $16.99, and Large (18-20 inches) is $18.99.

Does your dog enjoy a good game of tug of war? If so, then Wilbur the Bungee Dog is a must have. At only $6.99, this is a fantastic toy for your pup. It is made from durable polyester and is safe for your dog since it has no removable eyes or nose. With a rattle tail and squeaky nose, this dog toy will stretch from its normal size of 21 inches to almost 3 feet when pulled. It can be thrown in the washer if it needs cleaned to extend the life of this fun toy.

Another great dog coat can be found at The Lakeside Collection, or www.lakeside.com. The Shearling Dog Coat is a warm, tan polyester jacket trimmed in wooly white fleece. It also has easy fabric closures at the neck at under the body for simple fitting. Size small is priced at $5.95 and Large only $8.95. This is truly a great buy.

Collections Etc, or www.collectionsetc.com, is a unique company where you'll find the Pet Pillow and Blanket Set for $9.99. This soft brown fleece blanket is perfect for placing on your couch or in the car seat to keep pet hair to a minimum. The blanket is 100% acrylic with polyester stuffing to make a cushy bed. It measures 28 inches by 29 inches. The pillow is bone shaped and measures 13 inches high, 7 inches wide and 3 inches deep.

If your dog is a little older or arthritic and needs help getting up on the couch or in the car, or if your puppy just isn't quite big enough to take those high steps, then the Pet Stair Case may be just what you need. For $14.99, you get a sturdy, wooden, three-step stair that can fold up for easy storage. It has Velcro step pads for traction that can be taken off to be cleaned.

Finally, for those with a sense of humor, there is the Refilling Dog Bowl for $14.99. Made of ceramic and shaped like a toilet, all you have to do is fill an empty 2 liter plastic bottle with water and put it in the back. It keeps the bowl filled, and your dog has fresh water without having to flush.

Whatever you decide to get for your dog this year, probably the thing he or she will appreciate most is the giving of your time and attention. The doggie beds and toys are a definite plus, though, along with tearing all that wrapping paper to pieces. Enjoy.