Twelve Days 'Til

'Tis the season, as they say, and there's twelve days left to find the perfect gift for those on your Christmas list. Hanukkah starts the 22nd. Kwanzaa and Boxing Day are on the 26th, so everyone is out shopping. To parody a classic carol, here are a dozen suggestions for the canine lovers on your list.

On the first day of Christmas, a true mutt lover brings - an item on a shelter needs list.
*Donate an item on a shelter's "Needs" list and credit the recipient on your gift list. Take a picture of what you donated and include it in a nice card.

On the second day of Christmas, a friend of canine brings - two brown eyes shining.
*Help a loved one adopt a rescue dog. Take a friend or relative to a shelter or contact a rescue group and be part of their adoption experience.

On the third day of Christmas, the noble minded brings - three hours of helping.
*If you volunteer with a rescue group or shelter, invite a friend to share a volunteer session. Include lunch or breakfast, so you have time to chat about the experience. The visit will create a special memory and it may inspire the recipient to become a volunteer them self.

On the fourth day of Christmas, the shelter shopper brings - four doggie mugs.
*Some shelters have gift shops or sell promotional items to fund raise. One of those is
SPCA of Tampa Bay. Rescue groups often sell t-shirts with their logos on them. Do some shopping there.

On the fifth day of Christmas, the smiling baker sends - five golden treats.
*There are lots of recipes online for dog treats. There's also The Healthy Dog Cookbook by Jonna Anne and Mary Strauss and Shawn Messonnier, DVM , which has a whole chapter of simple recipes for dog treats.

On the sixth day of Christmas, an enlightened soul suggests - a half dozen canine- themed books.
*Anything by Patrick McDonnell - author of the Mutts comic strip and books; books focus on animal rights and environmental issues.
*The Healthy Dog Cookbook.
*Speaking For Spot, Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs by Nancy Kay, DVM.
*Tell Me Where It Hurts by Dr.Nick Trout.
*Choose a Book from Dogwise
*Anything by Pat Miller

On the seventh day of Christmas, a green citizen sends - seven eco- friendly stocking stuffers.
* All at Eco Choices:
Food Can Covers
Pet Waste Bags
Dog Toys
Doggie Placemat
Paw Balm
Shampoo and Rinses
Leashes and Collars

On the eighth day of Christmas, a kind soul brings - eight weeks of positive training.
*Create a safer, happier world for some one's dog while strengthening the bond between animal and handler. We use Courteous Canine, but I'm sure there are many other good positive trainers out there.

On the ninth day of Christmas, the efficient shopper brings - nine gifts that give back.
*Look for shops who donate a portion of their proceeds to charities:
Stray Dog Arts - offers dog themed greeting cards from original paintings.
Big Dogs Porch - t-shirts, sweatshirts, journals, magnets, calenders, mugs, prints, tiles and more adorned with a wide variety of dog art. All proceeds go to breed specific rescue groups, ASPCA or RSPCA.

On the tenth day of Christmas a thrifty person sends- $10 Bark subscriptions.
*The Bark - An intelligent and eye appealing modern dog culture magazine, featuring dynamic guest authors, and experts leading their fields in animal behavior, care and training. Offers a wide ranging look at the dog world and what is being done worldwide to further the canine cause. And they have a great Christmas deal- $10 unlimited gift subscriptions.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, the conscientious brings - eleven useful weblinks.
*Petfinder.com - for finding the perfect rescue dog.
*Missing Pet Network - for finding or reporting lost dogs.
*ASPCA Poison Control Center -for that scary time when your dog eats the plant someone gave you.
*The Pet Center - for veterinary questions.
*Association of Pet Dog Trainers - to find a trainer in your area.
*Pets Welcome - for travel plans with fido.
*Kong Stuffing Recipes from Westwood Animal Hospital- when you run out of ideas for stuffing the invaluable Kong.
*Dog Community- to converse with other dog lovers.
*Sirius - free dog behavior advice from Ian Dunbar.
*Pet Loss Support - so you don't grieve alone.
*Caber Feidh - holistic health index

On the twelfth day of Christmas, a holistic friend sends - twelve issues of the Whole Dog Journal.
*Whole Dog Journal - monthly newsletter that informs and educates dog owners about holistic health care and nonviolent training.