Santa’s Little Helper: Gifts for your dog
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These gifts come highly recommended by Heidi, above, a 6-year-old German shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix who was born to shop and has her eye on a career in Hollywood. (You can follow her story in “The Heidi Chronicles” on The Times’ pets and animal blog, L.A. Unleashed.)
1. Nylabone Flexible Rainbow Flying Disc, Bone on Top
Dogs love Frisbees –- but have you ever watched a dog try to pick up a Frisbee off a flat surface? Look up frustration in the dictionary. These soft Frisbees feature a bone on top that makes them easier to pick up in case your dog misses the catch. They come in small, medium and large. Available from various dog product websites; prices usually under $10.
2. “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” by Garth Stein. (Harper 2008)
We really enjoyed this novel, written in the voice of a very thoughtful dog named Enzo. Read it to your dog. Prices vary, but we found the hardcover book at Amazon.com for $16.95.
When it’s really dark, we prefer a collar that actually lights up, rather than the reflective variety. This site offers a wide selection, price range $15 to $30. But let us know if you find a better bargain.
4. Dog collars from Beads for Education Inc. of Kenya
And, for fashionable daywear: The Dupoto Women’s Group is one of Beads’ women’s projects. Founded in 1993, the group consists of 25 Masai women who support more than 125 children. This is their primary source of income. Among their beaded products are beautiful collars for dogs in various patterns and four sizes: M, XM, L and XL. $25 to $30. See the dog collars, as well as many other lovely gift-worthy products created by the Masai women, at the Beads website:
5. Herding instinct testing
See if your dog likes to herd sheep -– a number of ranches allow you to bring dogs who belong to herding breeds (there are many; all shepherds, poodles, collies, Australian cattle dogs and Bernese mountain dogs, to name a few) out to the pasture to see how well your pet rounds ‘em up. Naturally they usually want to sign you up for a series of herding training classes, but that’s optional. All Breed Herding of Vista offers the test for $35. Phone number: (760) 505-4796. Another local tester is Drummond Ranch, with locations in Vincent and Malibu. Phone number: (661) 266-8418. (Prices are not listed on the website, but Heidi tested and passed with flying colors at the Malibu ranch a couple of years ago for $45.)
Ever wonder what your dog does all day? There are various brands of pet cameras, including “Pet’s Eye View,” that can be strapped to your dog and automatically shoots photos at one-, five- or 15-minute intervals. They are available at dog boutiques, at Petco stores and at various sites online including here and here. Prices seem to range from $44 to $50.
7: DNA testing kit
It’s ‘CSI: Canine.’ Find out what breeds make up your mutt by collecting DNA at home and sending it in for testing. Many brands available online and in pet stores, and here’s just one available link. Prices in the $50 range.
8: Intelligence toys
Puzzles for dogs are big this year; the dog must learn the trick to finding the treat. One popular brand is the Nina Ottosson Dog Spinny. (Watch dogs playing with the toy at YouTube.)
We found a Dog Spinny at Maxwell Dog in Studio City for about $60.
9: Magnetic bed
Dr. Gael Parks, who practices pet acupuncture in North Hollywood, recommends magnetic sleeping pads for animals with joint problems. Her favorite is made by Nikken. We couldn’t find a price on the website -- apparently, you have to call and ask -- but we saw a large Nikken dog pad offered on EBay for $99.
10: Beverly Hills Mutt Club Platinum Package
What recession? “We’re big on bling,” says Sandy Siegler, president of BHMC, located on Little Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills. This goes without saying in this glitzy boutique that carries customized collars ($90 to $300), a doggie “black tie jacket” and a small-dog-sized wedding dress of silk taffeta and pearls. Siegler says that BHMC was the planner-provider for a dog wedding held by Pamela Anderson. “It was a gay wedding,” she said. We did not question further.
If the luxury offerings in the store aren’t enough, BHMC offers a one-year “Platinum Package” membership. For $2,500, the lucky dog (and owner) receive a BHMC logo doggie T-shirt, human jacket and platinum keychain; a Tiffany silver doggie charm bracelet; an Arthur Court dog bowl and treat jar; a 15% discount on purchases; the BHMC Rewards Card; an in-store Champagne and Bones VIP Doggie Party for a total of six doggie friends (includes champagne for humans, party hats, spring “Muttini” water, human and doggie hors d’oeuvres and doggie party favors).
-- Diane Haithman
Photo caption: What do you get the dog who has everything? How about some herding lessons?