| nyone who owns a dog, and they’ll tell you that | | | | same quality of products they would want for their |
| dog lover gifts rank high on their “must | | | | children. It stands to reason, then, that those devoted to |
| have” list for holidays and birthdays. It’s | | | | their family pooches welcome (and maybe even hope |
| not at all uncommon to see dog owners sporting all | | | | for) any gifts that showcase their four-legged family |
| types of paraphernalia celebrating their pooches and | | | | member. |
| their respective breeds. What gives? Why do dog | | | | In the past, the choices available to those shopping for |
| owners love to proclaim their canine love so loudly? | | | | dog lover gifts were limited. Coffee cups and bumper |
| Perhaps the answer lies in the role that dogs play in | | | | stickers were often the only options readily available. |
| society—and in American families. Today, over | | | | However, with the advent of so many pet superstores |
| 65 million dogs live their lives in harmony with humans. | | | | and online specialty pet stores, more options are |
| And an overwhelming number of those | | | | available than ever before. Just a few items available |
| “humans” (approximately 92 percent) | | | | for dog lovers today are: |
| consider their dogs more than just pets – they | | | | * Dog-themed jewelry. From charms to bracelets to |
| consider them family. | | | | earrings, male and female dog owners alike enjoy |
| It’s no wonder. Dogs, with their unique | | | | wearing long-lasting mementos of their favorite pooch. |
| personalities and willingness to please, are often given | | | | * Picture frames. Today, Fido’s face sits on the |
| the same liberties at home as other family members. | | | | mantle right along with the rest of the family. |
| As family members, dogs are no longer relegated to | | | | * Magnets. Pictures of children aren’t the only |
| back yards or cramped kennels. Today’s dogs | | | | thing decorating American refrigerators these days. |
| are treated to regular grooming, doggie-daycare, and | | | | * Key chains. They carry the keys to their |
| organic treats. | | | | owner’s hearts, so it’s only fitting that |
| Owners demand human comforts for their dogs, and | | | | they carry the rest of the keys, as well. |
| they aren’t shy about celebrating it. It’s | | | | Dogs aren’t just pets anymore, they are family |
| not surprising, then, that dog owners welcome dog | | | | members. As such, their roles in families are celebrated |
| lover gifts from others who recognize the unique | | | | in much the same manner as children or devoted |
| relationship they have with their pets. | | | | companions. With sales of dog-related products in the |
| This “humanization” of dogs has | | | | billions of dollars each year, owners have made their |
| elevated the amount of care provided to man’s | | | | pet priorities ring out loud and clear. Anyone who |
| best friend. From veterinary care to cosmetic products | | | | graces them with dog lover gifts can only be affirming |
| geared towards dogs, dog lovers often seek the | | | | that proclamation. |