Flowers for My Blog Pals

Such a wonderful bouquet of flowers from my blog-pal Victoria at Teachings of The Horse. The flowers have helped to lift my spirits today. So, in the spirit of keeping a gift in motion, I'll pass on this bouquet to a few other blog-pals.

One bouquet is for Kat at Poetikat's Invisible Keepsakes, who very recently lost her beloved father. Hugs, Kat.

A second bouquet is for Linda at Linda and Her Twaddle, who recently underwent surgery, but is back sharing with us her contemplations on life as a wife, mom, and artist in Australia. Nothing keeps you down, Linda!

And, because we are all about animals here at The Dog House, a third bouquet goes to -- good grief, what is her name?! -- my blog-pal over at Strawberry Lane, who's generous spirit has put her through many trials and tribulations with her rescue horse Shadow, and who recently adopted a rescued golden retriever named Katie.

Ladies, I salute you.

Detroit Dog's 8 Great Holiday Gifts for Your Pet....

Here are detroit dog's 8 great holiday gift suggestions for your beloved non-dog pet! A variety of affordable, necessary, and luxury-made items for ferrets, rabbits, cats, guinea pigs, and birds -- and their people of all types.

1. Super Pet Super Sleeper Sleep-E-Tent, for your ferret. Zippered, it's a very hip, brightly colored fleece tent (with round entry hole), offering privacy and snuggly comfort; un-zippered it's a cozy hammock. Wish I had one! $7.59 at Ferret.com.
2. Marshall Frontpack for ferrets. Not a backpack - a frontpack. Carry your pet with you - stylishly and safely. The frontpack is vented, has pockets for food and a water bottle, a lead attachment, and a mesh window to see what's coming. Long and wide straps look comfy for you, too. $19.99 at Drs. Foster and Smith.
3. A Bunny Toy Box - for your bunny. A cute little toy box made of chew-safe pine, with a bottom layer of Timothy hay, and filled with balls, chew rings, cube chips, apple stick, pine cone, and a treat dispenser ball. Heaven! $29.95 at The Busy Bunny.
4. A Window Perch for your cat. Easily assembled and attachable, the 14"x24" orthopedic foam perch/bed comes with or without thermostat heating. Watch the squirrels go by! Now on sale for $34.99 at Catguys.com
5. A Cat Tree. A wall-mountable scratching surface for your cat, with replace corrugated pads. Very stylish...rather like a scratch-able artwork for your wall. $90; $25 for replacement pads, at Everyday Studio.
6. A foraging toy, to satisfy your larger bird's call of the wild, Nature's Instinct Rings of Fortune challenges your beloved bird with treats. $19.99 at Bird.com
7. The Birdy Condo for your parakeet. Rather like a floral print hanging tent, the Condo makes a great nest-like home for your small bird. Machine washable. $11.99 at Bird.com
8. A new and Big guinea pig Home! Open and closed cages, one and two levels, with a variety of features and options (ramps, decks, hay racks). It's amazing. Your piggy will love you. Prices vary. Guineapigcages.com

Happy New Year!

Detroit Dog's 8 Great Holiday Gifts For Your Dog...

Here are detroit dog's 8 great holiday gift suggestions for your beloved dog! A variety of affordable, necessary, and luxury-made items for dogs of all sizes and their people of all types.

1. Flashing LED collar. Great for keeping an eye on your dog during the night (at the park, if you have a very large yard, if s/he has a tendency to jump the fence, etc.). The ASPCA sells one at their online store that can be worn with and without lights flashing (like a regular collar). Runs on lithium batteries. $13 - $17. If you're buying for your greyhound, please use this collar in addition to a martingale collar.
2. Pet First-Aid kit. Also at the ASPCA online store. All the supplies you could possibly need for those little accidents or boo-boos or for those emergency moments on the way to the vet. Very handy little carrying case with 126 items, including a First Aid guide, a slip leash, topical antibiotics, and more. For the home or travel. $50.
3. Eco-friendly hemp bed, hemp collar, or hemp toy. Eco-friendly. 'nuf said. Earth Dog.
4. Raised dog bowls. That's right, raised dog bowls. Do you like to bend your head all the way down to your bowl to eat? Well, maybe you do. But think about making it a bit easier for the family dog. Raised dog bowls help to prevent bloat and torsion (both life-threatening within minutes), especially in deep-chested dogs such as greyhounds and other site-hounds, dobermans, and others. If you and your pup would like something a little more lifestyle-appropriate, check out the designer-type raised bowls at The Pampered Pup. Styles include the "cottage chic feeder," the "wine dog diner," and the "paris gate feeder," among others. Prices $59 - $109. The gift that lasts a lifetime.
5. Pet bike basket. Take your li'l doggies (under 15 pounds) with you on your bike-riding adventures. Check out the Pet Cruiser - Sport Style at Midnight Pass, with air flow vents, removable sunshade, safety harness, padded with pockets. Pink, blue, green, or silver. About $90. For you more traditional types, try the wicker basket at $80.
   
6. Travel bed. Portable and in its own roll-sack. Great for those short camping trips or overnight hotel stays. $40 from Drs. Foster and Smith.
   
7. Doggie Life Jacket. For those pups that accompany you on your boating and fishing trips, surfing, or other sports. Check out the Pet Saver Life Jackets and other outdoor gear at The Kyjen Company. Prices range about $18 - $36. Worth your pet's life.
   
8. A Dog House! Very cool cedar dog houses - individual, duplex, raised, and kennel style - at Blythe Wood Works. Sizes range from small to Godzilla. With and without windows, some with a platform-type deck. Options available include pet mats and heated pads, and insulation. Prices vary.
   

Feliz Navidad!