Doggone Etiquette —

The Wish List

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

Have you finished your Santa Claus Wish List yet? That may be a silly question because by now you have probably come up a bunch of lists, with lots of changes and additions. Catalogues are not much help to you dogs – they smell just like any other piece of paper that comes in the mail. Pay close attention when your VIPeople are flipping the pages and mention anything that rings a bell in your head – words like “bones” or “toys” or “treats.” Go into your ‘YES!’ act – roll over on your back, or wag your tail, or do a perfect wide-eyed Sit with a big smile. If they happen to repeat the word, you can dance a little jig. They’ll get the message.  

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

Rufus can’t tell you what he’d like Santa to leave for him, which makes your job a bit difficult. However, you know roughly what things he likes, the kind of toys, his taste in treats, whether he’ll go for a new winter coat (or tear it to shreds!). Toys can be divided into those that the dog will play with all by himself, and those which are interactive involving anyone in the family willing to participate. Consider toys for indoor play that will not destroy the house, or for play outdoors that will stand up to winter weather. Then, of course, there’s always the limit put on treats that don’t happen to agree with the dog’s idea of ‘delicious’ – or his tummy.              

This is all last-minute guessing, and you probably have Christmas shopping-for-Rufus well in hand. If you will be taking a gift to someone else’s dog over the holidays, you can’t go too far wrong by keeping in mind the size, and perhaps age, of the dog. I say “perhaps age” because plenty of elderly canines are still alert and active when it comes to being given something new of their very own, whether it’s a toy to mouth or cuddle, or a treat to gulp now or keep for later. Puppies, on the other hand, will be delighted with anything they even think might possibly be theirs. Even so, keep in mind the size of the pup, as well as its age, when considering in your choice of a gift.              

If a dog itself is actually on the wish list in your family (but you are being very good, and are waiting until after the holidays) you can still shop for all the things the soon-to-be new member of the family will need. The list is almost endless – everything from a food dish to a fence! You would, however, need to know exactly what dog you’ll be getting. Again, it’s that size-and-age factor. 

Winter weather is still another aspect of your dog’s wish list. Consider if Rufus will be joining the kids when they are ice skating, sledding (careful with that one – collisions are dangerous!) or just playing in the snow. Dog boots might be a last-minute purchase. Or a special dog towel or a fleece blanket for when the dog comes in from the cold.

Whatever you do to let your dog participate in the holiday, you only have a few days left to plan or shop for it. A good dog owner is always a Santa Claus, not just at Christmas – and not always in disguise!

Until next time – BE A GOOD ONE!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.