Don't forget Fido or Fluffy over the holiday season

By Marty Metzger
North Forty News

Christmas began in a stable occupied by animals. Their innocent eyes were the first to look upon God's gift to the world. Two thousand years later, it seems appropriate to include creatures in the tradition of gift-giving.

Some helpful adjectives and phrases to recall when adding pet presents to a shopping list are fun, safe, creative, breed- and size-appropriate.

A fun gift that keeps on giving is membership to a doggie daycare. At Canine Learning Center in Fort Collins, attendant Anna Deligio endorsed the benefits to pet and parent. She noted that group activities socialize the dogs while they expend excess energy in a safe environment.

At daycare, dogs play with toys, exercise in outdoor running areas and enjoy hide-the-treat games. In summer, kiddy pools might add to the action. A trip to daycare can also be a good time for grooming, nail trimming and training.

For safety's sake, reputable pet daycare facilities prohibit aggressive animals, screen collar types and divide animal visitors by size and temperament. Some daycares require specific vaccinations. It's also a good idea to inquire about number of pets assigned to any one pet sitter.

Pet parents who travel should also consider the advantages of finding a doggie daycare that provides in-home pet-sitting when needed. This makes for a seamless transition from daily routine to being home alone.

For pets that prefer more instant gratification, toys, gizmos and gadgets run the gamut this year. For example, Arfy's Mercantile in Fort Collins offers a line of interactive toys for dogs and cats. Some of these devices make over-eaters or overly eager eaters exercise to get their food. Others mentally challenge pets with I.Q. puzzles that reward with treats. Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble, Seek-a-Treat game and others can fascinate and occupy animals at length. On the traditional side, Arfy's has in-store baked cakes and Pupcakes in apple, oat, carob peanut butter or snickerdoodle flavors.

Check out pet-product aisles for a huge variety of balls, chew or fetch toys, flyers and (for kitties only) catnip toys. Fleece coats and booties will keep even the chilliest critters snug. Comfy jackets and sweaters will warm Fido's heart and other parts while he frolics in Colorado's winter wonderland. Car booster seats, beds and (again, felines only) window perches nicely accessorize fashionable pet-friendly homes.

If a Christmas wish list includes adding the pitter-patter of puppy paws to your home, Jax carries a variety of puppy starter supplies and training/breed books.

If Pooch is looking a bit bedraggled this holiday season, Animal House Pets and Grooming in Fort Collins can come to the rescue. A basic tidy-up (breed appropriate) includes bath, brush and nails. Cuts and trims are available, too. Also, Animal House offers an add-on spa package with a pup-pampering specialty shampoo and conditioner, teeth brushing, facial scrub and paw treatment.

The best part of these great gifts is that, while half of the profits go to the groomer, the other half benefits Animal House's adoption program. While improving the health and appearance of your wonderful dog, you'll help another wonderful dog survive to find a forever home.

Pets go green with earth-friendly gifts from Jax Ranch & Home in north Fort Collins. Natural products include hemp toys and colorful collars, as well as soy collars and harnesses. Jax's Booda's Treat Launcher combines active playtime with snack time as it sends yummy rewards airborne. Keep pets' shedding hair out of guests' sugar cookies and eggnog with the Andis Power De-Shedder or Furminator's shedding/grooming products.

Remember to include your beloved creatures, great and small, in your family's holiday bounty. A happy one to all.