Most likely, your dog, cat, rabbit, rat, gecko and especially the fish don’t know it’s the holiday season. The tree that’s 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.
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’t forget to save the (nonplastic) wrapper so that they can play with that, too.
The red cashmere body sweater with matching scarf is the favorite of Scott Rinehart, co-owner of Chuck and Toby, 191 Park Ave. in Belmont Shore. The sweater’s from Love Ur Dog and comes in sizes XS–L, $28. And while you’re there, pick up a goodie box of Chuck and Toby’s freshly baked pet treats.
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’ shop assistant Sarah Jahn holds the perfect answer: Earth-Rated Poop Bags and leash-attachable holder. They’re biodegradable, which plastic isn’t, 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 carry this product; click the link for locations.
“I would eat them, and I have,” said Sydney Champlin, staff member at Pussy and Pooch, 4818 E. Second St. in Belmont Shore. “I wouldn’t give my dog anything I can’t eat.” Sydney’s holding up Bocce’s Bakery’s 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’t contain wheat. For more Pussy and Pooch staff picks for pets, click here http://www.pussyandpooch.com/holidaygiftguide2012/2012-holiday3.html.
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’s Healthy Teeth and Jaws Doggie Floss, $16.99, is his own buddy’s 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.
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:
- Keep the tree as inaccessible to pets as is possible (this is often as much for the tree’s sake as the pet’s). Don’t allow them to drink from the water, as it contains toxins.
- Tinsel can get caught in throats and intestines. Best not to use it if you have a pet. Same goes for ribbons and packaging.
- Keep the candles away from your pet, and don’t keep them lit if you’re away.
- Mistletoe, holly and poinsettia are all toxic to pets, as is chocolate specifically to dogs.
- Exposed wires can be chomped on; keep them covered.
- Keep on the refrigerator the name or business card of the nearest after-hours pet emergency clinic. The closest in Long Beach is Long Beach Animal Emergency, 4720 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90804, (562) 735-5200. We’ve listed others here.
Virtually Pets (for a Warm Hearth)
Found Animal Foundation’s 12 Pets of Christmas, through Dec. 23
For a limited time, animal lovers and advocates can receive discounts for adopting pets that are traditionally hard to place. Long Beach Animal Care Services is participating in the Found Animal Foundation’s “12 Pets of Christmas” discount pet adoption program, which seeks to increase adoptions and reduce euthanasia among pets that are hard to place and often overlooked in shelters. The promotion focuses on the following 12 categories of animals: adult cats (over 4 months), large dogs (over 40 pounds), all-black pets, pit-bull-type breeds, pets with minor medical needs, senior pets, overweight pets, bonded pairs, shy pets, adult Chihuahua/Chihuahua mixes (excluding puppies), “keep alone” pets and exotics (birds, reptiles, etc.). Discounts are $30 off for cats, $40 off for dogs, and 50 percent off exotics (up to $40). Discount coupons are available at FAF’s home page or by visiting Long Beach Animal Care Services. The discounts are funded by the FAF. The FAF is a privately funded LA-based nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare issues.
Here are a couple of candidates:
Prancer is a male black domestic shorthair. He’s only about 3 months old but has less of a chance of adoption than his peers because of the so-named black cat/black dog syndrome. And we’re equal-opportunity advocates. Ask for ID#A481170.
Kringle is a male brown-and-white pit bull terrier, about 1 ½ years old. Pitties are more difficult to adopt because of their comparative proliferation in shelters as well as a reputation for aggressiveness. Like any behavior, that’s taught at home—many loving, sweet pit bulls have humans to match. Ask for ID#A482233.
Cat Adoptions at Pussy & Pooch, 4818 E. Second Street, Belmont Shore, Long Beach, 90803
On Dec. 15 from noon to 5 p.m., the Seal Beach Animal Care Center will gather at the hydrant for Cat Adoptions at P&P. And on Dec. 22 from noon to 5 p.m., equally special cat adoptions from Long Beach Spay and Neuter will be spotlighted. To get the new little guy (or gal) started on the right path to health and wellness, P&P is gifting every new adopter a bag of healthy food (your choice up to $25 per adoption) and will also provide you with a complete guided list of all the essentials you’ll need to welcome home your new best friend forever.
Pet Holiday Projects
Operation Santa Paws, through Dec 22
Haute Dogs’ Santa Paws is again coming to town to give all good shelter pets—which means all of them—treats, attention, love and possibly forever homes to anyone who simply can’t resist them. Visit the Santa Paws website or find them on Facebook for the wish list that includes everything from toys to cleaning supplies, the locations of the drop-off boxes and shelter drop-off instructions.
Pussy and Pooch “12 Days of Twinkle” and a Few Other Bright Spots, 4818 E. Second Street, Belmont Shore, Long Beach, 90803, Dec. 13–22
From Dec. 13–24, Pussy & Pooch will host its annual 12 Days of Twinkle in both its Long Beach and Downtown LA locations. The two-week event features a variety of in-store festivities and limited-time sales on pet apparel, pet accessories, pet treats and pet toys, as well as special Mutt Mingle and Meow Mingle holiday pet social events, pet adoptions and cheer for all. Click on the link for event details and location information, and then join in for holiday cheer!
Then, on Dec. 20, P&P will host a special Twinkle Howliday Mutt Mingle holiday mixer for dogs and their people, featuring festive sips, nibbles, lots of merriment and great holiday shopping.
Finally, and most importantly because not all pets are fortunate enough to be indulged, P&P is having its annual Santa Paws drive happening, which encourages pet parents to further pay it forward by purchasing a collar, lead or toy for a pet in need—one item for $3 or two items for $5—and they will donate them to local shelters.
spcaLA Holiday Donation Drive
Your help is needed—spcaLA’s supplies are dwindling, and they need to provide for the thousands of puppies, kittens, dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals who will rely on spcaLA in the New Year. There are many things on spcaLA’s holiday wish list, from large appliances to pet toys. Donations can be dropped off at all spcaLA locations during business hours, or you can purchase and ship needed items right from their Amazon Wish List. The spcaLA Marketplace in Long Beach offers discounts on select pet food when purchased as a donation. Monetary donations to purchase items are also more than welcome