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Community Corner

Pet Presents

Tips on gift giving for our furry friends.

Do you give your pets presents for Christmas? You’re not alone. According to a survey from Petplan pet insurance, almost 90 percent of pet parents will give their animal a gift for the holidays.

Most pet parents (68 percent) estimate they will spend more than $20; 28 percent will spend more than $50; and 8 percent will spend more than $100 on presents for their pets this year. And a majority of pets (76 percent) have their own stockings hung on the mantle.

So what’s the best gift for you’re your furry one? PetSmart has recommendations on the ideal toy for your pet. For dogs who like to chew, they suggest rope toys and dental chew toys for low to moderate chewers and toys made of rubber which are labeled for maximum durability for the heavy chewers (like our dog). If your dog enjoys a chase, choose toys that throw well like balls or flying discs. And to combat boredom while you’re away from home, get interactive toys where you can hide treats as rewards, such as Kong’s or Busy Buddy toys.

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For cats, balls, furry mice, feathers and fishing toys are recipes for success. Playing with interactive toys is a good way for cats to work out their behavioral problems. If your cat is aggressive, he or she can take out her aggressions with the toy, and if your cat is on the shy side, interactive play can help draw him or her out.

The survey also revealed that 71 percent of people sign their pet’s name on greeting cards. Today I bought two Christmas cards for my husband, one from me and one from our dog. It must not be that uncommon because there were at least five “Merry Christmas from the Dog” cards to choose from. What surprised me were the greeting cards intended for the dog or for the cat. I don’t think my dog would appreciate a card, although she does enjoy eating paper. It makes me wonder how many people buy greeting cards for their dogs and cats during the holiday season.

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Pet of the Week

This week’s pet is Elizabeth, young tortoiseshell-tabby mix kitty. She’s very friendly and enjoys being around people, other cats, and yes, even dogs. When she’s in a playful mood, she’ll run up and bat at your legs.

For more information about Elizabeth and other cats available for adoption, visit the Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter website.

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