# Are you buying XMas gifts for your pets? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 22, 2006, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215 "2006-12-22T13:51:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/21 "2006-12-22T20:32:01Z")
Yes we give gifts to the dog (and friends’ dogs too), although my dog got a new bed last year, and he’s not a super playful dog, so he’s not that “into” toys (he prefers to snooze)- I’m kind of stuck on what to get him other than treats this year. I’m sure he won’t complain! (and yes, we have a stocking for him also, right next to ours) ---
**Author:** ![Mrs.Cake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/2acd7d/32.png) [@Mrs.Cake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrs.Cake)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/22 "2006-12-22T20:37:29Z")
Guilty. And I buy presents for other peoples pets sometimes. This year though, one of them got major surgery for Xmas, so he won’t be getting much else except an old thermal blanket over a heating pad and a mouthful of medicine. The others get yarn balls, catnip, and people tuna for breakfast (in water, low sodium). I got my sisters doxie a nice weater and a selection of munchies. In all fairness, my cats get me really nice jewelry, cd’s, or books every year. this year they bought Mr. Cake a very nice bottle of single malt, so it all works out. ---
**Author:** ![yellowval](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/919ad9/32.png) [@yellowval](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowval)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/23 "2006-12-22T20:37:52Z")
[QUOTE=Max Torque] I can’t remember the name of the company that makes 'em, but I can check it when I get home if anyone expresses interest. [/QUOTE] Yes, please! Those sound really cool. I can definitely think of a few dogs I’d like to send them to. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/24 "2006-12-22T20:42:04Z")
Of course I do. I also put out food for the birdies. It’s Christmas! ---
**Author:** ![Gridnak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ee59a6/32.png) [@Gridnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gridnak)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/25 "2006-12-22T20:50:31Z")
[QUOTE=yellowval] Yes, please! Those sound really cool. I can definitely think of a few dogs I’d like to send them to. [/QUOTE] A little googling on “rawhide christmas card” turned up quite a few hits: [http://www.jbpet.com/Shopping/category.asp?catalog\_name=JBWholesale&category\_name=HolidayChristmasRawhide&page=1&cookie\_test=1](http://www.jbpet.com/Shopping/category.asp?catalog_name=JBWholesale&category_name=HolidayChristmasRawhide&page=1&cookie%5Ftest=1) > **[Amazon.com: Crunch Card Merry Christmas from Santa Paws : Office Products](https://www.amazon.com/Crunch-Card-Merry-Christmas-Santa/dp/B00076KPOI)** > > 100% Natural Rawhide & Edible Ink Crunch CardEnvelope Included > **[404 error | Gifts.com](https://www.gifts.com/search/product/Rawhide-Greeting-Card?ideaID=7852&prodID=75428)** > > The page you're looking for can't be found or no longer exists. Please reference our directory for other options. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/26 "2006-12-22T23:34:17Z")
The in-laws’ and parents’ dogs get a chew toy or bone. The cats, if they’re lucky, get a new small toy. If they’re not so lucky, they get a quarter-can of lowgrade tuna (“cat tuna”) sauced with anti-flea medication. Happy holidays! ---
**Author:** ![psychobunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/54ee81/32.png) [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/27 "2006-12-23T00:32:50Z")
Of course I don’t buy my cats Christmas presents. That would be ridiculous! _(I buy them Hannukah presents. I knew they were Jewish when I caught them playing with a dreidel. One toy mouse a day, and a laser pointer today because it’s the last day.)_ ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/28 "2006-12-23T00:37:55Z")
Well, I bought kitty treats because they were on sale, and told my roommate that they were the cat’s Christmas present. Does that count? ---
**Author:** ![Asgardking](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/779978/32.png) [@Asgardking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asgardking)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/29 "2006-12-23T03:49:08Z")
I got two cats. They don’t play with toys and they don’t like cat treats. I could buy a bag of Cat Chow and put a bow on it. So no, no real point. ---
**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/30 "2006-12-23T03:57:50Z")
Sure, why not? It beats stuffing them and cooking them. Trust me, ever try to find just the right glaze for a retriever? It’s impossible. ---
**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/31 "2006-12-23T07:34:47Z")
Yes. I’m moderately ashamed. But it’s her first Christmas. She is getting: - a stocking of toys (all black and white–they match her!) - a Christmas collar (green with bling) - a Santa toy to rip apart and disembowel A coat. I never thought I’d have a six-pound dog that owned a coat. Gah. But the coat, it’s black and white checked (it matches her fur! Which is not checked, but black with white) and it has a little belt at the back (er, top) and a black ‘fur’ collar and this one has velcro fastenings, not the two little leg holes of her first coat. I’m so embarrassed, and yet, I’m really looking forward to seeing her “open” her presents. Also, tomorrow–pictures with Santa! It’s her first Christmas. I’m sure next year it will be more subdued. ---
**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/32 "2006-12-23T07:36:01Z")
…meaning that the coat is also a Christmas present. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/33 "2006-12-23T07:38:05Z")
Yup. Edible stuff we usually don’t let them have. Not only that, our old dog (half border collie so a doggie genius) knows how to unwrap presents. He puts one paw on the package, and gently tugs off the paper with his mouth. He’s very gentle, but we still don’t let him have anything not in a box that’s disposable. He’s a bit slower than we are, but neater (if a bit wetter.) ---
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/34 "2006-12-23T09:22:45Z")
Yes, usually chewbones or something. It’s not really for the pets, it’s for me. Though the dog does have fun tearing open the package. Of COURSE they don’t know it’s a holiday, they just have fun getting a treat. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/35 "2006-12-23T09:49:25Z")
[QUOTE=Dung Beetle] What I really really really want is one of those cat doors that you can set up in a window frame. That may sound like a cat gift, but it’s actually for me, so I don’t have to get up all the time to let them onto the porch. Or back in the house. Or onto the porch. Or back in the house. Et cetera. [/QUOTE] Spend the extra money for one that stays locked shut until the magnet on the cat’s collar opens it up – this way you will not have other critters wandering in. ---
**Author:** ![amijane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f0a364/32.png) [@amijane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amijane)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/36 "2006-12-23T17:39:34Z")
Our dogs already gave chewbones and cards to all the dogs on our block, including the big spaniel on the corner who they don’t like. They apologised in his card for barking through his window at him, and got a card and bag of doggy choc drops in return a few days later. They’ve also spent their hard-earned pocket money on rawhide bones and chew toys for the grandparents, who we’re spending the day with. They got their dad a couple of tins of good quality canned beef, which they’re hoping he’ll share as they’re not usually fed with wet food and it’s doggy crack as far as they’re concerned. As I’m only the alpha female, I doubt they remembered to get me anything at all. Plus I’ve already annoyed Butch this month by buying a small Christmas tree for the table as he’s still in his puppy chewing phase and he would’ve felt very festive eating all of our baubles. Yes, I’m well aware that I’m slightly deluded, but it’s far more fun this way. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/37 "2006-12-23T17:57:26Z")
We dote on our pets, but we don’t give them Christmas presents. Nothing against it, we just usually don’t think about it. We do have stockings with their names on them somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2006, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/38 "2006-12-23T23:14:59Z")
Yes, our dog is getting a big ol’ meat knucklebone. I think we’ll unwrap it for him, however. ---
**Author:** ![R.P.McMurphy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2006, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/39 "2006-12-24T00:44:44Z")
You had better be buying your most trusted and loyal friend a gift. Signed, **Spartydog** P.S. Giving a gift is suppose to make you feel better, not the recipient. Get the little beast something special because it makes you feel good. ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2006, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215/40 "2006-12-24T14:35:30Z")
My parent’s dogs got new collars from me. They really needed new ones, and I wanted to get them something. I’m dealing with the end of what I thought was a really promising relationship, and the dogs have been absolutely wonderful company. Besides, it meant they got to go to the store with me to find them and they got to both ride in the car (oh boy!) and get a treat at the store! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-buying-xmas-gifts-for-your-pets/385215.md?page=3)