Gift giving is a huge part of the holiday season- but even the most sentimental among us can lose site of what makes such an exchange truly meaningful. Thankfully, our furry friends are once again here to ground us and offer us humans some perspective on keeping things real.
1 What mutt could not resist a homemade bed? This soft cushion is easy to clean, rolls up for travel and makes use of towels you already have!
2 With their masterful imaginations, cats always seem to find magic in a simple cardboard box! This DIY kitty playhouse will provide the setting from many a game of hide and seek.
3 Simple safety lesson: Every companion animal should have an ID tag at all times. This vacation tag is a great idea to add to an existing tag when the humans are out of town. Whether you are taking Fido and Mittens with you or leaving them with a sitter- your vacation-time is often when they get out or lost - Being able to contact someone immediately is critical to their safe return home.
4 Kitty grass is both yummy and healthy... minimalist kitties seem to like the straight lines and simple look as well.
5 Socks are notorious for getting astray from their sock-mates... so why not give a baby sock a new job when they find themselves outgrown or unemployed? A little catnip might make them marketable again...
6 Perhaps not the funnest gift for pooch, but one that will help keep her safe and sound on evening walks. Adding reflective power to pooch's collar and lead can be life-saving...
A gift is essentially defined as a token offered willingly with no expectation of payment or reciprocity.
Given this definition, gift-giving is something our companion animals do for us each and every day. Whether it's a grand welcome home, a comforting paw at the end of a trying day, a reminder that we are important and special to them- these 'gifts' are given freely and with genuine appreciation.
A physical present is often given as a means of honoring another and typically chosen with a mind toward what the gifter believes the recipient might appreciate or enjoy. Again our furry friends seem to get this concept quite well. When Fido gifts us his favorite stick, a muddy shoe or a well seasoned security blanket-it's clear he is offering something that has brought him great joy- is intended to bring you the same- and is therefore of great value.
So in this season of human gift giving- let's not overlook our loyal companions who are expert gift-givers every day of the year. Thankfully the furry ones on our gift lists can be the simplest to please- but take the time to really consider what they might truly enjoy or benefit from.
A gift made by you is often the best way to go for human and companion animal recipients alike. Because the gifter has taken the time to create it especially for the chosen recipient- it is by definition imbued with love, energy and intention.
Martha offers no shortage of DIY holiday gift ideas- here are just a few personal favorites to consider making for furry friends and family!
Be sure and let us know how they are received.
In kinship,
Dr. Pia Salk
From: Basil | 12/8/11 at 2:23 am
Hello Dr. Pia,
Thanks for all the great gift ideas. My favorite is still the cookbook from a couple weeks ago. Mom is making her special biscuits for all my friends. Have a great week and thanks for always brightening my day.
Love & licks,
Basil
From: cora-bell, the cattle dog | 12/8/11 at 2:51 am
Dr. Pia, I disagree..I think a LOT of people do not forget for one second the meaningfulness of the season...and yes we, pets, do give our people a lot but I feel they give back everyday ..just my thoughts, Cora-belle
From: Kirby Bear | 12/8/11 at 10:30 am
Hello ladies, Kirby here.
And hello to you too Dr. Pia. A gift is defined as a token offered willingly with no expectation of payment or reciprocity. That defines my love for my family; it’s unconditional and I don’t expect anything in return. Even at some of my worst moments with my family, I forget and give that unconditional love to them. I’m glad that they do the same for me. I may get a ‘time out’ but within minutes after I’m back in the loving mode. I may not forget but I still give them the love we have for one another. I guess that’s why Mommy and Daddy have been married for over 50 years. You have to learn unconditional love; giving and receiving.
Catch you later, Kirby.
From: DDR & animallover jan | 12/8/11 at 10:58 am
Hi Dr. Pia, Thanks again for another fun blog post about what we and our wonderful animals do for and with each other! My sweet little Dudley Do Right loves to get me to play with him, talks me into going for a long walk, and reminds me when he is hungry, etc.! I love doing all kinds of things for him and when we travel in my truck, I always take a pillow, a towel, and treats for him and he loves it all! I love your ideas of making things for our pets and your photos were great! I remember seeing the photo of Martha and two of her kitties many years ago on her original TV Shows! Thanks for reminding us of her website! Hope you have a great weekend and see you later! Jan
From: Maddox | 12/8/11 at 2:19 pm
Hi Dr. Pia,
I feel that we, the Daily Wag crew, give each other gifts even though
we have not seen one another. We care about each other every day
When Basil is having a bad time due to health issues, we all try to
comfort him and wish him a speedy recovery. We are all concerned
about Cora Belle's sight. We all have deep concerns when Zoe gets
into trouble Ok, I lied about Zoe. Who am I kidding. We all laugh when
Zoe is bad. But my point is we give gifts to one another all the time
by the way we really care about one another. I am so glad that I
became a regular on The Daily Wag.
Love to everyone,
Maddox
From: delia | 12/11/11 at 12:18 pm
Great ideas for gifts! Thanks for sharing...