| Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't | | | | of the most notable signs that we regard our dogs as |
| familiar with 21st century dogs. Time was when the | | | | members of our family is the fact that we buy them |
| average canine slept outside, ate whatever scraps of | | | | gifts. A dog gift for the holidays, a dog gift for a special |
| food were tossed his way, and if he was lucky, was | | | | occasion, or a dog gift to show our appreciation for |
| thrown the occasional bone. He was even expected | | | | how much our dogs appreciate us. Any reason will do. |
| to earn his keep! | | | | Heck, we even wrap our dog gifts! |
| Times have changed. As the world has grown more | | | | Here are some very interesting statistics regarding |
| affluent, so have our pets. We're obsessed with | | | | gifts for pets: |
| keeping our canine companions happy, healthy, and | | | | * More than half of U.S. households have pets, and |
| properly accessorized. So much so that many of us | | | | many of them are including their "best friends" in |
| worry about our own welfare less than that of our | | | | holiday plans. |
| dog. This didn't happen overnight-- the trend started | | | | * According to a survey conducted by the Pet |
| decades ago. | | | | Supplies "Plus" chain, 97% of its customers will buy |
| Take, for example, my grandmother Rose. During the | | | | gifts for their animals this Yuletide season. |
| 60's and 70's, Rose and Henry discovered cruise | | | | * 28% of owners will spend more on their pets than on |
| vacations. On every cruise, whenever they pulled into | | | | their spouses when buying gifts. |
| port to "shop", Rosie made it her mission to find stray | | | | * 47% will spend more on their pets than on relatives |
| dogs and feed them. She'd head straight for the | | | | other than their spouse. |
| butcher, buy a few pounds of fresh meat, and comb | | | | * 54% will spend more on their pets than on their |
| the islands for the hungry and homeless. She would | | | | in-laws. |
| exclaim, "It's a crime the way these animals live!"-- in | | | | * 83% will wrap their pets' gifts. |
| spite of the fact that the people of those islands were | | | | * 68% claim that their pets will unwrap presents |
| desperately poor! | | | | themselves with their paws. |
| Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not passing judgment on | | | | * 71% will buy something practical for them. |
| Grandma, or anyone else. I spoil my pets as much as | | | | Buying gifts for our pets is only the half it. If someone |
| the next guy or gal, and take immense pleasure in it. | | | | we know is a pet lover, we often show our support |
| Truth be told, I'd rather hang out with my dog than with | | | | by giving the person a pet-related gift. And, since the |
| a whole lot of people I know. We share a special bond, | | | | saying goes, "love me, love my dog", there's often |
| my best friend and I. Hey, admit it... lots of you feel the | | | | pressure to throw in a little dog gift for Spike too. For a |
| same way! | | | | casual dog-loving aquaintance, our dog lover gift might |
| The fact is, man has always had a close relationship | | | | be a simple coffee mug with a picture of their favorite |
| with animals, and has enjoyed having pets around for | | | | dog breed. A set of plush doggie-themed golf club |
| companionship. Having a pet can bring great pleasure | | | | covers could make an amusing gift for a colleague. |
| into our lives, and is believed to have a therapeutic | | | | Maybe Aunt Janine has a collection of dog figurines |
| effect on the owner. For empty nesters and those | | | | we can add to. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, |
| who've delayed or opted out of having kids, pets | | | | one could splurge on a diamond-studded doggie |
| almost take the place of children. We bond with our | | | | themed bracelet for the wife (although I wouldn't |
| pets especially because they don't judge us. Dogs in | | | | recommend this as an anniversary gift. Unless you're |
| particular offer the kind of unconditional love we all | | | | verrry sure.) and a new house for Spike. |
| crave. They're always thrilled to have us around! | | | | The good news is, there's no shortage of goods and |
| So, how do we spoil our pets? | | | | services to inspire even the most rabid of dog lovers |
| Probably in much the same way that we spoil our | | | | and dog gift shoppers. And dog lover gift shoppers. |
| children! Aside from all of the care attention lavished | | | | Whether the names on your gift list are human or |
| on America's pets, a tremendous amount of money is | | | | canine, you'll never run out of things to buy and places |
| spent providing goods and services that were once | | | | to shop. If you're one of those gifted gift givers who's |
| deemed a luxury-- but are now considered essential. | | | | never at a loss for what to get and where to find it I |
| Today's dog sees the vet for regular checkups. She | | | | envy you. If you're more like the rest of us, and you |
| eats premium dog food and munches on gourmet | | | | need a little help, you'll find plenty of ideas online |
| doggie treats, is enrolled in obedience classes, and runs | | | | (Ahem!). You can also look for future articles in this |
| agility courses. She has her own collections of toys, | | | | series, in which I'll hone in on various ways you can |
| clothing, and possibly even dog jewelry and canine | | | | pamper and reward the dogs and dog lovers in your |
| cologne. She sleeps indoors on a luxury orthopedic bed | | | | life. |
| and takes shelter outdoors in her cedar dog house. | | | | So go ahead, spoil your furry friends. Celebrate your |
| She wears a safety harness when riding in the family | | | | love for your dog, and your sister in law's love for her |
| car, a reflective vest on hunting trips, and rain gear in | | | | dog. Shower them with goodies and gifts. It's a dog's |
| foul weather. She can even dodge UV rays with a | | | | life. And if I get to come back for another round, I want |
| pair of doggie sunglasses. Her responsibilities are few. | | | | it to be as one of those lucky dogs!! |
| I could go on (don't worry, at some point I will!). But one | | | | |