Giving my dogs a Christmas gift really want
Daisy and her Woobie
If you celebrate Christmas then I am guessing many of you will be buying a gift or two for your dogs in the coming weeks. I’ve been debating whether or not I will be doing the same.
Two years ago I chose not to buy my dogs any gifts because they already had SO many toys in their toy basket. Then last year, I broke down and purchased a new Woobie for Daisy (that Jasper destroyed fairly quickly), some stuff-less squeaky toys for Cupcake (that she still has and loves) and new Kong Squeaky balls for Jasper (one of which still survives) for Christmas.
This year I am leaning towards not buying them any more toys. Don’t get me wrong, my dogs would be happy to have a new toy to play with, but they also wouldn’t mind not getting toys either. The things that make my dogs most happy are not “things.” They love what cannot be bought. So this year I am thinking I will give them more of what they really want:
- Longer walks in the park.
- Longer walks in new parks.
- More time learning new tricks and commands.
- More time playing outside in the snow.
- More time cuddling and playing inside (when it’s cold).
What are you getting your dogs (and cats) this year?
There may not be any of this going on this year, but maybe that’s okay.
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No Dog About It Blog 
My dog just died so I’m not in the Christmas mood, but in honor of his memory, I am donating money to a no kill shelter.
Joelle – I am so sorry. What a sad time for you. Also, what an honorable thing to do. I am sure it will help many dogs in need. Sending you hugs and healing thoughts.
Mom rarely buys us gifts. Sometimes if she finds something we could really use like a new bed or something that will be our gift but she likes to bake with us. We love homemade treats and know when the treats are for us (usually there is a photo shoot which is a big clue). We go to a fun new place or on a special walk and just spend time together. We have no clue about presents under the tree. We get presents from Gramma, usually cookies or something and that is good enough. Katie and I don’t play much with toys and Bailie has enough for a lifetime, so hanging out together is the best gift.
I agree with Emma. Neither Jack or Maggie are big ‘toy’ fans so their Christmas would likely be food treats, but having read your list – i KNOW #2 is what they really want.
I think that’s a good idea, maybe Easy would like a “voucher” for a day on the beach or a day in the forest? He likes toys and gifts very much, but sadly within 5 minutes the toy is ready for the trashcan.
Ya, no buying gifts here. They don’t need anything, and we aren’t buying each other anything. We are headed to warmer weather and fun in the desert for the winter. That’s our gift for all of us.
Those all sound like wonderful gifts for any pup, any time of year!
My dogs have a box of toys they’ve forgotten about. I’m wondering if i could recycle something they used to enjoy so much.
I actually didn’t get my pets anything last year because all of my friends and family did instead. In fact, they received more gifts than we did! So it hardly seemed necessary to spend any more money. 😛
I’m sure they will love getting out and doing those activities.
I don’t usually buy Honey gifts because she gets whatever she wants and needs and the day doesn’t mean anything in particular to her.
I love your idea of giving your dogs what they really want. And of course, you do that for them all year around.
And I thought Joelle’s idea of donating gift money to help other needy dogs is a great one. Do you mind if I post a link to Frankie’s Fund? This is a great way to give a gift for dogs if you decide not to buy toys and treats for your own: http://willmydoghateme.com/end-of-pet-life/frankies-fund-because-every-dog-deserves-a-great-sendoff
Those are great gifts! Dogs don’t care if they don’t have anything under the tree… although Rita is getting a new Jones Natural Chews bone in her stocking and one new stuffie.
Santa will be bringing some new puzzles as we use these to help our girl with her anxiety. They will get lots of love and attention!
If I still had Sadie, I would hang her stocking and make sure there was some new toy or special treat in it for her to open Christmas Day. After all, she was part of the family even if the family was just us 3. This year we are pet sitting over the holidays for a little girl that was rescued 2 yrs. ago from a puppy mill. I’m going to be sure she has something to open Christmas morning. And maybe we will take her to the dog park! It is also a great time to donate food and supplies to the local shelters.
Yes, I totally agree with you. What our dogs really want is time with us, time outside, time for fun. While we do get a toy here and there, the gifts we give are special walks, special outings, special time.
I really wanted to get the dogs all new collars, but I’m a bit broke this year. I know they’d prefer your list … although the way they all line up smiling and wagging their tails to have their collars changed maybe they would prefer collars, lol? Actually, they’d prefer your list wearing new collars!!
We usually get the girls each one toy, and other than that maybe a new bed if needed. Kobi only wants treats anyway, he doesn’t play with toys, and I get some special high quality ones and then try to bake some also. I think the gift of more of our time and attention is the best gift of all. I am cutting back my work hours next year so I think that will be the best gift for them! And me too!