From the folks at www.Funstufffordogs.com the following two gifts, for less than $5, captured my attention and made me laugh:

Funny Fleece Toys – “It’s better to bite the toy than the real thing!” touts their website. Plush, fleece gingerbread-shaped men labeled, ‘the Boss, Mailman, the Ex (my favorite!), the Dog Catcher or the Vet,’ “let your dog relieve his frustrations on these toys made to look like dogs’ mortal enemies. These tough and durable toys squeak and rattle to goad your dog even more. They look hysterical in the dog’s mouth!” I’ll take one of each, please.

Edible Card in the mail – “Developed by a veterinarian to provide a treat for dogs and a token of affection from their parents and friends. Made of flattened rawhide and decorated in a dog-safe printing process, this card is just the thing for your dog to give this Holiday season.” That’s right, have your dog send my dog a card in the mail that really is meant to be eaten. I love the warning – “For supervised consumption only; remove and discard if your dog attempts to swallow large pieces.” Traditional cards in my house were usually consumed unsupervised!

Bow Haus Dog Crates – “A hip alternative to the traditional dog crate. Innovative styling by Bow Haus mixes furniture chic with functional pet den,” from the website. Powder-coated steel construction with a white or silver top comes with a sliding pocket door and waterproof foam pad. Available in small “studio” size or medium “loft” size. This combo dog bed/crate, plus other models in wicker and Asian hardwoods are available from $150 and $550 at www.dogbedworks.com.

Beaded Purses – “For the fashionable woman who enjoys unique accessories” boosts the website www.mrsbones.com/catalog_pages/bowtique where you can find lovely beaded purses and key chains in the shaped of dog heads or whole dog bodies with wagging tails and hanging tongues. For the woman who “wants” everything.

New York Chic - If you find yourself shopping in New York City this weekend, you may want to check out the New York Dog store sample sale, which runs til Sunday. They have a large inventory of all dog accessories, including beautiful dog carry bags, pouches, collars, leashes, harnesses, beds, shear ling coats, raincoats and toys.  Shear ling coats and carriers start at $15. New York Dog is located at 133 West 25 Street Suite 8 West (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues) or call 646-486-1331 for more details. Open til 8p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Lisa’s Pick of the Litter

This piece of holiday information from a “Legislative Alert” from the American Kennel Club warns the consumer to do your homework before giving to charity. Many dog owners choose to give to charities that benefit the animals we love. But you should carefully select organizations that best serve your desired ends.

There is a difference between animal “welfare” organizations and animal “rights” organizations. Animal welfare involves providing a dog with love and proper responsible care for its entire life. Animal rights include extreme views that disapprove of and seek to eliminate companion animal ownership.

Before making charitable donations to animal-related causes, you should thoroughly investigate, understand and approve of programs or ideals your donation will support. Ask for a written summary of the organizations goals or mission. Request and review a recent annual report. Will your funds go directly to help animals or will they be used for administrative costs? Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about how your donation will be used, or how to discontinue donations if you are not fully satisfied with the charity’s work.

You may consider donating to worthwhile causes such as your breed’s parent club rescue organization (www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm), a local animal shelter such as Canine Advocates of Newtown, The AKC Canine Health Foundation (www.akcchf.org) or the AKC Canine Support and Relief Fund (www.akc.org/news/CSRfund.cfm) both are non-profits with gifts being tax deductible or to Take the Lead (www.takethelead.org) which donates funds to those families in need among the dog fancy.   

Lisa Peterson, a long-time breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the Club Communications Manager at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com  or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470