This Logo Pawprint Heart Sterling Pendant was created by artist Merry Rosenfield (each piece is designed by Merry and cast in the USA). Merry has been creating her wonderful animal jewelry for over 25 years. She started her company, The Magic Zoo, in 1989, and has many animal jewelry fans worldwide. The 1/2″ H X 3/4″ W sterling silver pendant, chain not included, is $28. Buy it here.

I have my eye on this adorable “Love is a Treat” Dog T-shirt, made of heavyweight, 100% preshrunk cotton and machine washable in adult sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL for $15.99 (add $3.00 for XXL and $4.00 for XXXL). Get yours here.

Get the coffee or tea lover in your life this “Let One Love You” 11 oz. white ceramic mug with the ASPCA logo on the reverse side for $9.99. Buy it here.

 
Chocolate is always a winner on Valentine’s Day, and this Grey2K USA one-of-a-kind Greyhound Chocolate is divine. Each hand-dipped, 4 oz. candy is made of sweet chocolate and measures 4 inches tall by 5 inches wide and costs $15. They are also Kosher and cruelty-free (vegan). Get one (or two!) here.

 If your sweetheart wants something to snuggle with (besides you or Fido, that is!) how about this greyhound toy doll in fawn or brindle? Each baby greyhound has been individually sewn, measures 5″ x 10″, and costs $25. Get yours here.

The best gifts are those that capture the spirit of the season and honor the essence of our four-legged friends — fun, generous and unique. But since your dog can’t tell you what’s on his wish list, you’ll just have to trust your dog-loving instincts to help you sniff out the perfect gift. For a little inspiration, here are five ideas for spot-on holiday gifts for your perfect pooch:

1. Photos with Santa

Santa loves children, but he also has a special place in his heart for animals, especially reindeer and of course, dogs. Plan a road trip to your nearest pet specialty retailer to give your dog some much-needed face time with the ultimate gift-giver. Plus, your dog will also get a chance to socialize with some of his doggie friends when the photo session is over. The best part is that professional photographers take the pictures and they are able to snap the photo at just the right time when your dog has his ears perked up and his tongue lolling. The experience isn’t complete, though, until you make a stop in the apparel aisle to pick out a nice Christmas sweater for your canine companion. You want to make sure your dog stays cozy and warm as the weather turns colder.

2. An Ornament to Get Your Dogs Barking

Show your dog how much you love him by paying tribute to him on your tree with a special ornament. Purina Dog Chow is celebrating the upcoming release of the Fox comedy “Marley & Me” with a limited edition holiday ornament featuring the most rascally dog in America, a yellow lab named Marley. The ornament celebrates the upcoming release of the Marley & Me movie on Christmas Day and depicts Marley riding on a sled and crashing into a snowman. This collector’s item will be available in specially-marked bags of Purina Dog Chow brand Dog Food and Purina Puppy Chow brand Puppy Food this holiday season. Visit www.longliveyourdog.com to find out more about how you can get your paws on one.

3. Stocking Stuffed with Treats

Make a personalized stocking for your dog with his name on it, and then stuff it with his favorite treats. Don’t be surprised when your dog skips his morning ritual of nuzzling you with his cold nose, and instead follows the scents of his favorite snacks and heads straight for his hanging stocking. To really get your dog drooling, fill the stocking with a variety of delicious selections like crunchy bones, mouth-watering bacon-flavored strips and long-lasting chews. Keep some extras on hand because your dog is sure to want seconds.

4. Toys that Make Noise

A dog can never have too many squeaky toys, especially since dogs have a natural instinct to chew. Pamper your dog’s playful side by placing a variety of sweet-sounding toys in a decorative box that can be easily accessed by your curious canine. Consider toys of different materials like rubber or rope that will pique your dog’s interest. Then, when your holiday guests start to arrive, pull out the box and your dog will be busy for hours.

5. Winter Wonderland Walk

Some gifts won’t fit under the tree, but those are the gifts that dogs love most. Carve out time after your holiday feast to take your dog for a walk around the block. With all of the commotion around the holidays, your dog will be excited for a little one-on-one time with his favorite human companion. This is another great time to break out the doggie Christmas sweater to really get your dog in a festive mood.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The classic holiday image of a puppy in a room full of bright paper packages, bows and ribbons is a wonderful sight, but as the season passes, the demands of dog ownership increase. Before you purchase a puppy as a gift, especially if it is intended for a child, make sure that the household is prepared for the new family member and the added expenses that come along with the dog.

On average, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that the annual cost of a small dog, including food, veterinary care, toys and license, is $420. Make that $620 for a medium dog and $780 for a large pooch. The price tag doesn’t include initial expenses for spay or neuter surgery, collar and leash, carrier or crate, either.

So, while a puppy seems like a great idea for an enjoyable Christmas Day, many times the pets are abandoned or delivered to animal shelters because their new owners cannot care for them. According to the ASPCA, the heartbreaking statistics are that 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized.

A better idea for younger children might be a realistic plush puppy such as those in the Beverly Hills Puppy Club. The huggable high style pups are nearly as fun as the real thing. The playful plush can help children work up to the idea of owning a real puppy and learn more about the work involved in caring for a dog.

The puppy club offers a choice of “toy” dog breeds, such as a Pug, Shih-Tzu, Yorkie or Chihuahua, as well as trio litters of even smaller pups that little mommies and daddies can nurture. In addition, primping accessories such as hair styling tools and multiple fashion outfits can be purchased separately. Found at Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, or KB Toys, the new toys offer the enjoyment of role-play, while not having the commitment of dog ownership.

Completing the official puppy plush ownership, you can also have a child register her puppy online by visiting www.beverlyhillspuppyclub.com where you can also find info on the breed, and other fun facts.

Courtesy of ARAcontent