{"id":4134,"date":"2012-12-14T17:56:11","date_gmt":"2012-12-14T17:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lbpost.com\/articles\/life\/pets\/in-progress-the-creatures-are-stirring-gifts-fanciful-and-functional\/"},"modified":"2012-12-14T17:56:11","modified_gmt":"2012-12-14T17:56:11","slug":"in-progress-the-creatures-are-stirring-gifts-fanciful-and-functional","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/hi-lo\/pets\/in-progress-the-creatures-are-stirring-gifts-fanciful-and-functional","title":{"rendered":"The Creatures Are Stirring: Gifts Fanciful and Functional"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Most likely, your dog, cat, rabbit, rat, gecko and especially the fish don\u2019t know it\u2019s the holiday season. The tree that\u2019s inexplicably taken root in the front room is out of bounds to batting at, chewing or relieving oneself on. But many of us like to indulge the already indulged little brats with special gifts and treats on this day. Why? Because they love us without question, and who cares why.<\/p>\n

With this in mind, I asked four of the purveyors of pet supplies and indulgences for their favorite seasonal item among the many in their shops. Whatever you choose, however, do it with safety in mind, and don\u2019t forget to save the (nonplastic) wrapper so that they can play with that, too.<\/p>\n

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The red cashmere body sweater with matching scarf is the favorite of Scott Rinehart, co-owner of Chuck and Toby<\/strong>, 191 Park Ave. in Belmont Shore. The sweater\u2019s from Love Ur Dog and comes in sizes XS\u2013L, $28. And while you\u2019re there, pick up a goodie box of Chuck and Toby\u2019s freshly baked pet treats.<\/p>\n

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What are you going to use for poop bags now that the only plastic ones available are those that cover the newspaper, and you get your news online? Belmont LaunderPets\u2019<\/strong> shop assistant Sarah Jahn holds the perfect answer: Earth-Rated Poop Bags and leash-attachable holder. They\u2019re biodegradable, which plastic isn\u2019t, and come in a box or roll of 120 for $6.99 and a value box of 300 for $13.99. The holder is $2.99. All the LaunderPets http:\/\/www.launderpet.com\/locations.html<\/a> carry this product; click the link for locations.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI would eat them, and I have,\u201d said Sydney Champlin, staff member at Pussy and Pooch<\/strong>, 4818 E. Second St. in Belmont Shore. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t give my dog anything I can\u2019t eat.\u201d Sydney\u2019s holding up Bocce\u2019s Bakery\u2019s Truffle Mac & Cheese dog biscuits, which also come in Holiday Feast, Big Apple Pie, and Lumps of Coal (good for the digestion, by the way). The biscuits are $16 a container and are made with all-natural ingredients and don\u2019t contain wheat. For more Pussy and Pooch staff picks for pets, click here http:\/\/www.pussyandpooch.com\/holidaygiftguide2012\/2012-holiday3.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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John Flynn, who works at Unleashed by Petco at 600 Redondo Blvd., likes the tried-and-true down-home toys for his cat and dog. Petco\u2019s Healthy Teeth and Jaws Doggie Floss, $16.99, is his own buddy\u2019s favorite tug-of-war tool. The Petstages Cheese Chase, $21.99, is a step up from the classic ball-in-a-circle; it also contains a hidden second ball for the kitty to suss out and a little catnip mouse on a stick on the top.<\/p>\n

The greatest gift you can give a pet is a loving, safe home. Remember that this Christmas. The following are safety tips that Judy Crumpton and I put together a few years ago<\/a>:<\/p>\n