By Elizabeth Parker
Holiday Fun with Your Pets!
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elieve it or not, it is almost that time of year. The time when we focus on sending out cards, decorating our houses, buying gifts and outwardly dreading the holiday music (even though we hum merrily along in our heads)! It’s been a different kind of year to say the least, and while it may be a little difficult to get into the holiday spirit, here’s one way that will surely help out! Use this time to have some holiday fun with your pets! After all, our pets are indeed our family and although they may not know exactly what it is they are celebrating, they will be more than happy to oblige. There are many ways to include your pets in the festivities. For instance, does your pet mind wearing a little fashionable clothing? If not, find a Santa’s hat (the dollar stores always have them) and let your pet try it on. If they are open to sitting still for a picture, take it a step further and create a holiday card. As an added bonus, if you have someone who is willing, have them dress up as Santa and let your pet sit on their lap for the photo! Not only will it bring you memories in years to come, but it is the perfect way to send out joyous and uplifting greetings to friends and family! Do you love holiday classics? Well, chances are your pet will love your favorite ones too (without complaint)! Dedicate a certain night, invite your pet to sit next to you and indulge in a cozy, comfortable movie night. What better way to bring in the season than with your pet enjoying the movies with you! To make this night even more special, find a pet-friendly recipe, and start baking homemade dog biscuits. Your pet will sense the excitement and rejoice when they get to sample your masterpiece! And, of course, don’t forget to bake some human varieties too so that you can enjoy your pastries together! If you have a dog that enjoys exercise, take a stroll through the neighborhood and be on the lookout for decorated houses. The 6
Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • November/December 2020
animated figures that many people display are beautiful to look at and you might find that your pooch enjoys them as much as you do. Make it a family event if possible! Since your pet has been by your side through it all, there’s one thing we certainly can’t forget during the holidays. Presents! You may reward your pup with little gifts throughout the year, but during this season, why not take your pup to the store to pick out what they want? Take a trip to a pet-friendly store, stroll down the aisles and let your pet lead the way. The excitement on their face is surely enough to put anyone in a celebratory mood! Or, if your pup isn’t the type who enjoys shopping, visit any of the pet stores, or even dollar stores and pick up some new items to give them. Wrap them up and surprise your pup. There’s even wrapping paper with paw prints on it! One thing we can’t forget, Christmas stockings! Does your family have stockings hanging on the mantle? Don’t forget to pick up a stocking for your pet and be sure to fill it too! (You might want to fill it on the day you are celebrating, however, as overzealous pets may get curious and open their gifts way too early)!
This holiday season is the perfect time to pamper your pet and make them feel even more appreciated than they already do. Seeing them happy will bring a smile to your face as well!
Have a Safe & Happy Holiday! Elizabeth Parker – Author of Finally Home, Final Journey, My Dog Does That!, Bark Out Loud!, Paw Prints in the Sand, Paw Prints in the Sand: Mission Accomplished, Unwanted Dreams, Phobia, Evil’s Door and Faces of Deception.
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