Make Pet Lovers’ Holidays Merry

Posted Nov 25, 2006 by Kristen Levine

Updated Nov 25, 2006 at 12:14 PM

Here are a few gift ideas for the pet lover in your life:

Books
Pet lovers will enjoy reading a book while sharing a cozy chair with their pet. Dozens of new books about pets are available. Here are a few of my favorites:

“Shelter Dogs” (Merrell Publishers, 2006). While volunteering at animal shelters, photographer Trader Scott was asked to take photos of the dogs she was working with for records and Internet adoption sites. The hardcover, 96-page book features 50 dogs, their souls and spirits revealed through Scott’s images.

The author includes notes explaining how each dog came to the shelter and where the dog ended up.

“Shelter Dogs” makes a great coffee table book and is available at the ASPCA Online Store for $19.95 plus shipping at http://www.aspca.org. Proceeds benefit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet? - 101 of the Most Perplexing Questions Answered About Feline Unfathomables, Medical Mysteries and Befuddling Behaviors,” by Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori (paperback, Health Communications Inc., 2006).

How well do you know your cat? After reading this book, you’ll understand why your cat kneads against you, the best way to hold your cat and how kitty can leap onto a countertop without so much as a running start.

The book also answers curious questions such as, “Why do cats’ eyes glow in the dark?” and “Why does catnip make kitties so silly?”

Becker is the resident veterinarian on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” The book lists for $12.95 and is available at major bookstores and online. (For dog lovers,“Why Do Dogs Drink From the Toilet” is also written by Becker and Spadafori.)

“Mostly Bob,” by Tom Corwin (New World Press, 2006). Written with humor and love, “Mostly Bob” tells the amazing story of a ferocious, distrustful dog named Bob who changed his own destiny.

After suffering eight years of neglect, Bob doggedly worked his plan to adopt Corwin as his new owner. “Mostly Bob” is the touching tale of how both of their lives were changed through the relationship.

This small hardcover is a quick read at $12.95. It’s available online at http://www.barnesand noble.com and http://www.borders .com, or visit Bay area bookstores.

Practical Gifts
Hidden Litter Box, from Pet’s Best Products. Finally, a litter box you don’t have to hide! The decorative, claylike pot accommodates a plant, while the inside of the planter hides a litter box.

A patented design and filter control dust and odor. Various models, colors and finishes are available to fit your decor. The large-capacity pot is great for big cats or multicat households. An attractive artificial plant is included; just add litter.

Prices for pot and plant range from $98.95 to $198.95. The Accessory Liner Pan is $28.95. Shipping charges apply. Order at http://www.petsbest products.com.

Dog breed luggage tags. Distinguish your luggage from others’ with a luggage tag that resembles your favorite breed. The tags are durable, easy to see and have a tough, clear strap with a chrome buckle. They come in 31 breeds and sell for $5.95 each plus shipping from the ASPCA Online Store. Sales benefit the ASPCA.

Gifts That Give Back To Pets
Memorials: Consider a gift that memorializes or honors the recipient’s beloved pet. Check with your local shelters to find out what kind of programs they have available to honor the memory of your pet, while benefiting the shelter. http://www.TBO.com, keyword pets, for a comprehensive listing of animal shelters in the Bay area.

2007 calendars: These are a great practical gift that can benefit animals all year long.

Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida is offering its 2007 full-color calendar for $12. Go to http://www.grrmf.org. Check with other rescue groups to see if they offer calendars for sale.

For Little Kids Who Love Pets
“Tails Are Not for Pulling,” by Elizabeth Verdick (boardbook). This delightful children’s book won a Companion Animals Award in 2005.

Using simple language and delightful illustrations, the book teaches kids how to pay attention to their pets’ body language and that teasing isn’t nice. “Tails Are Not for Pulling,” for ages 0 to 3, is available at the ASPCA Online Store for $7.95 plus shipping. Proceeds benefit the ASPCA.

Barbie Hug & Heal Pet Doctor: Barbie may have a tiny waistline, but apparently she has a big heart, too! If only I had had this toy when I was a kid. Instead of dressing up Barbie and her friends, I could have been healing sick pets.

Give the little girl in your life the best Barbie has to offer: the Hug & Heal Pet Doctor kit for girls 3 and older. The toy retails for about $19.99 and can be found at Wal-Mart and Target locations.

Love & Licks Puppy: Kids begging for a puppy yet? Get all the love and affection you love from puppies without ever having to pick up any mess with the Amazing Pets Love-N-Lick Puppy.

The puppy (Jack Russell terrier or cocker spaniel model) responds to your love and care by wagging its tail and by barking and kicking its hind leg when you pet it. It will even give you a wet puppy kiss!

The toy is appropriate for kids 4 and older; $26.88 at Wal-Mart and Target.