Meowy Christmas Howliday Guide

By Alma J. Buelva

WHAT Christmas gift would you give a pet that loves you blindly? if dogs could speak, they would probably ask for a whole rotisserie chicken. Cats would likely demand for their favorite canned good, a real cat loft or just some alone time.

Before you go gift hunting for your pets, take a look at the following unique gift ideas that are not all store-bought but might be even more appreciated by your furry pals.

1. Shower them with love
   
   Nothing makes pets, especially dogs, feel secure than your hugs and kisses. This Christmas, make sure you give them lots of both.
   
   
2. Give them a massage
   
   Your pets will love your warm, familiar touch as you massage their heads, legs and body. Cats love to be massaged around the back of their ears. Dogs want their bellies to be rubbed. This is something you can do with your pets on the eve waiting for Christmas.
   
   
3. Make them a new bed
   
   Instead of buying a new, expensive pet bed, why not improvise? Use your clean, old clothes or towels and arrange them neatly inside the box, basket or wherever your pets sleep. Your pets would love this because they can smell you in those fabric and that would make them feel closer to you even when you're not around.
   
   
4. Clip their nails, clean their ears
   
   Many pet groomers can do these tasks for you, but pets would rather have you clean their ears and cut their nails. They know you, they trust you so they would look at it as extra pampering from you.
   
   
5. Have them sleep with you
   
   If you don't always allow your pets to sleep on your bed, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day would be the sweetest time to let them cuddle up next to you. They'll be warm and happy and, in return, they'll give you lots of purrs and furs to keep you warm and fuzzy inside.
   
   
6. Let them play, eat and be merry
   
   Like us, pets also get very excited with all the glittering ornaments around the Christmas tree and all the aroma from the kitchen. In the spirit of Christmas, let them have a supervised play with some of the decorations and choose some holiday food treats that are safe for them to munch on because Christmas, after all, is also about sharing.
   
   
7. Take their photos
   
   You must have dozens of pet photos already, but it won't hurt to have another one that would make you remember this Christmas with your pet. Better if both of you or other people would be in the photo. The more the merrier.
   
   
8. Exercise together
   
   Does your dog like to play ball, take a long walk or swim? Engage in your pet's favorite form of exercise or activity and do it longer than usual as a Christmas treat. As for cats, you can initiate a game that would make them swat at or chase things around, or you can patiently sit next to them as they engage in their all-consuming pastime: bird watching.
   
   
9. Take them to a new place
   
   Almost everyday, we leave our pets behind as we go to work, school or other places. This Christmas, why not take them with you to a place that is safe and where both of you could have fun while giving them new sources of stimulus? If your office allows it, take them for a short office tour and show your pet proudly to your friends and co-workers.
   
   
10. Get them a new friend
    
    If you only have one cat or dog, consider getting them a new friend if you can take care of another pet. A companion pet would be good for their physical and social health especially if you are not always able to be with them.
    
    
11. Wrap them a nice gift and let them unwrap it
    
    You can always gift your beloved pet with a new toy, an accessory or a pack of their favorite treat. Or, why not wrap that old ball your dog thought was lost or that winding mouse your cat was missing? Getting these old or new toys out of a gift box should give them a sense of maximum accomplishment and joy.
    
    
12. Let your pets love you back
    
    Who wants dog saliva all over the face? This Christmas, let your dogs lick your face and sit on your lap (regardless of their size). And your cats, let them head-butt you all they want and wipe themselves all over you before sitting on and kneading your lap or tummy or even your head. These are just some of the many sweet ways your cats and dogs show their overflowing affection for you. This Christmas, let them knock themselves out loving you.
    
    

Pets, all year round, have been naughty and nice. The fact that you're almost finished reading this means that you love them both ways. Merry Christmas to you and your pets.

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