My Favorite Holiday Gift Ideas For Pets (In Honor of Bubby)

Way back in April, I posted some sad news about my sweet Bubby dog.  He had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, and given a few days to a few weeks to live.  Well here we are in December, and Bubby is still going strong!  He's had his ups and downs, but hasn't shown one symptom of cancer, and is now just 3 months away from his 16th birthday.  If only you could have witnessed the dramatic display of emotion I showed upon discovering Bubby's "Santa's Best Dog" bowl in the holiday decorations last week.  It was quite the scene.  I never thought he'd get to use it again, hence the uncontrollable tears streaming down my face as I sat cross-legged on the floor thanking the universe for one more Christmas with my furry soul mate. 

You see, Bubby is pretty magical to be around this time of year.  He's an old boy, and he prefers to sleep most of the day.  But when those boxes of holiday decorations came out, he suddenly had the energy of pup, all waggy-tailed and curious.  And I wish you guys could see his reaction to the presents under the tree on Christmas morning.  He assumes (naturally) that every gift is for him, and feels that it is his very special duty to help everyone in the room with the unwrapping of their gifts.  Yes, Bubby dog knows how to unwrap presents all by his very self.  (You can see so for yourself at the end of his 15th birthday video). 

In the midst of my joyful breakdown upon seeing his Christmas bowl, I promised him that Santa was going to be extra good to him this year.  This, of course, has meant all sorts of investigating and searching for the very best pet gifts I've been able to find.  Since many of you have beloved dogs/cats/bunnies/hamsters/lizards/hedgehogs of your own, I thought I'd share with you my most favorite gift ideas for pets - and those who love them - this holiday season...

1. Colorful cubes bow tie collar by Silly Buddy.  $42
2. Handmade eggplant dog toy and radish organic catnip toy by Wags and Wiggles.  $9.99/$4.99
3. 'Why Old Dogs Are the Best Dogs' poster, available in 3 colors (and inspired by Bubby dog!) in the Bubby & Bean shop.  $16
4. 'If You Can Read This, I Will Lick You' pet tag by Billets-Doux. $12 
5. Pet Pocket Mirrors from the Fabulous Animal Rescue Project (FARP).  All profits go to animal rescue groups! $4
6. Native American Cat Teepee by Loyal Luxe.  (Seriously, how awesome is this?!) $24
7. The Thundershirt in heather grey.  This little miracle has been a lifesaver for Bubby dog during thunderstorms!  $39.99
8. Black and Natural Pet Bowl by Jonathan Adler.  Not cheap, but undoubtedly one of the chicest pet bowls I've ever seen.  $50-$70.
9. Recycled P.E.T. leash from Found My Animal. This company makes "accessories for adopted animals and their people," and donates a portion of their profits to shelter pets. Love!  $41-$52
10. Vita Greens Natural Grass Treat 2 Pack for cats.  My friend's kitties love this stuff.  Just add water!  $4.50
11. Raw Apple Chew Sticks (10) for bunnies, handmade by the Dew Hop Inn.  $2.50
12. Wire and Dine Elevated Dog Feeder in orange.  This, my friends, is one beautiful dog feeder.  $80-$140.
13. Humunga Stache dog toy.  No words.  Just awesome.  $14.99


What are you getting for your fur babies this year?