By Lisa Peterson

and Adria L. Henderson

I love to shop online, especially for my dogs. Now that the holiday season is upon us, it is time to indulge in some conspicuous consumption for our canines.

Let’s get past the obvious. Go to http://www.petopia.com for Petco’s Internet Pet Paradise. This site has everything, so let’s move on to the more personalized and eccentric. Two of my favorite sites happen to come from two of my favorite destinations Hawaii and California.

At the online store, Tails By the Bay, from Sausalito, CA at http://www.store.yahoo.com/tailsbythebay/dogstuff.html you can find a multiplicity of dog stuff. From stuffed antlers and santa hats to doggie yarmulkes in the doggie hat department. Don’t miss out on the aromatherapy car travel kit for pets or the dog life jacket for trips on the boat.

My favorite is the “yuppy puppy treat machine.” It looks like an old-fashioned gumball machine with a bone shaped handle to dispense treats at the dog’s will. Or if you prefer, select a mood collar or itchy spot scratcher. Treats include poochi sushi, bark bars, love snax, power bone, “Greenies” dental dog chews and for those on a diet, “low-fat” pig ears.

Visit Hawaii’s premier pet boutique Purrfectpaws online at http://www.purrfectpaws.bigstep.com for a wide selection of gifts, aromatherapy and photos of all their customers who have visited their store on Oahu. At http://www.dognip.com you can find the all-natural dog toys, chews, treats and bed made out of hemp. That’s right, hemp, including the ever popular, “Hippi Stix” rope pull and chew toy. Also, biscuits made from certified organic hemp seed cake for a healthy “on-the-go” snack. For pet consumption only!

At http://www.petgiftshop.com a wonderful selection of upscale items can be found in their art gallery, entertainment section, books, videos and breed specific jewelry stores.

Treats are still the dog’s favorite Christmas gift. At http://www.pawspot.com the best selection of treats, both homemade and packaged as gift baskets, can be found. Visit their e-boutique for a wide selection. To keep those treats fresh, visit http://www.puppykisses.com for beautiful handmade matching ceramic food bowls and treat jars in doggie motifs. Other items worth mentioning include create your own handmade sweater.

Other lovely bowls can be found at Bowled-Over at http://ur-net.com/bowled-over. These lovely hand-painted and designed ceramic and glassware bowls and glasses for both human and canine use are not to be missed. At http://www.pawsandclaw.com gifts appropriate for animals such as the “a-plaws” gift box for the new show champion or if your pet isn’t feeling well, the “boo-boo” box.

Housing for the canine just went up a notch with the Dog Cabin. Log cabin doghouses in lodge, chalet or cottage sizes can be found at http://www.dogcabin.8k.com. And for inside you must visit http://www.poshpets.com.au/ for Posh Pets – glamorous gear for pampered pets. Here you can pick-up faux fur coats or beds in panther, ermine, linx, tiger, zebra and leopard, just to name a few. Other beds that look more like they came from a doggie Fredrick’s of Hollywood catalog can be found at http://www.krisybelle.com/. From velvet and satin beds to the featured “Princess bed” with a feather boa trim and the “Paris collection” of fine linen beds.

Yes, dogs need jewelry too! First visit http://www.precious-pets.com for charms to dangle from your pet’s collar featuring sterling silver guardian angles. Angels come with complete pet guardian angel history. But for the ultimate in canine costume jewelry “as seen on TV” visit Pet Jewelry Beverly Hills™ at http://petjewelry.com. Look for the “Branklets” in leather or denim with rhinestones. Can be worn on the front or rear legs!

And of course for that night out your pet will need pet cologne. Yep, I found some at http://www.royalpetinc.com.

At http://r-wilson.home.netcom.com the greatest selection of handmade bandanas and scarves in designer solid colors and prints can top off the look.

For the more traditional gifts http://www.personalizedpet.com/ has leashes and collars with names embroidered on them. Also, ID tags in 24K-plated gold and road signs depicting your favorite breed at play. For the lazy shopper you can go to http://www.pamperpaws.com and order “party in a bag” for a complete doggie party kit or pre-stuffed stockings for Christmas.

A quick trip to http://www.wetnoses.com and you will find breed watches, doormats, food mats shaped liked dog bones and the famous “binky ball” and “fetch glow-ball” as well as some nice gourmet treats.

For the active pet and owner, you must visit http://www.vagabonz.com for “on-the-go pets” and their owners. A nice selection of travel bags, t-shirts and knapsacks with custom monograms and pet names can be ordered. And for the smallest of dogs go to http://toyvilleproducts.homestead.com which features “pup tents” and other products just for toy breeds.

What about price? Who cares! Nothing at any web site was over $300, except the large “dog cabin” at $319. Most gifts ranged from $8.99 to $100.

Your dog gives you unconditional love all year long, now they deserve a little pampering.

Happy Holidays!

Lisa Peterson and Adria L. Henderson are owners/operators of Safe At Home, LLC, A Newtown-based pet sitting service. You can reach us at animallifestyles@usa.net or write to us at P.O. Box 427, Botsford, CT 06470.