Unique Gifts for Dogs

Pets are members of the family. I completely understand that, my dog certainly is. But some people apparently won't even "paws" when it comes to shelling out big bucks for their furry friends. Just take a look at some of these gift ideas.

For the well-heeled dog, there's the Amour Amour collar from I Love Dogs. You know that "hundreds of cats, thousands of cats" thing you learn when you're a kid? Well, this doggie collar costs one million, 800-thousand cats.

According to the product description: "'Amour' means 'love' in French, and Amour Amour represents the love you have for your dog, and the love your dog has for you." It goes on to say that Amour Amour has 52 carats and more than 1,600 hand-set diamonds. The centerpiece diamond is 7 carats. I Love Dogs also has some "cheaper" diamond pet collars, which cost $280,000 and up.

Their homepage says, "Indulgence has been taken to new heights." No kidding.

If these prices are too steep, don't worry. There are more fetching gifts for dogs out there.

For people who like to take their best friend everywhere in their purse, there's a new way to do it - make your puppy into the purse. No, it's not gross, the Puppy Purse company figured that you wouldn't want your dog to get hot rattling around with your lipstick and wallet. Basically, this gift for your dog is like a padded, decorated, over-the-shoulder doggie holder.

One purse in pink gingham is listed at $70 dollars for small, medium and large. There's also an XL and XXL for $78, but I'm wondering if they should call that one a doggie duffel and include a session with a chiropractor.

For those days when you can't take your dog with you, he or she can be entertained at home. They've got videos for dogs, cats and birds at PetSitterVideos.com. Be prepared for some chirping when you click on this one.

Then, if you and your dog want to relax after a "ruff" day, you can sit, stay and pop a brew together, thanks to Beerfordogs.com. This gift, "Happy Tail Ale" is not alcoholic, and even includes glucosamine and Vitamin E. It's made with water, barley and beef drippings. Yum.

Finally, when it's time to hit the sack, Ruffles and Bark will help you. They offer pet beds like four-posters that look like human beds. And there's even a doggie bunk bed. I'm not sure what the prices are for these, but their homepage says "Luxury is no longer just for people."

Really? I hadn't noticed.