You know dasher and dancer, prancer and vixen…
comet and cupid, donner and blitzen…
but do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?
(insert your pet’s name here) the red nose (insert your pet’s breed here)………………
C’mon….. don’t tell me you have never made your pet the star of Rudolf’s song! I know, because I do it too!
Pet Xmas is just like kid xmas. Full of enthusiasm for you to find presents they will love. Full of excitement for them when they get to see those gifts for the first time. Ahhh….. the magic of it all.
The realization came over me as I stood at the cash register of my local pet store last week, placing item after item on the counter. I had gone in just for pill pockets. But how could I walk by the displays of stuffed holiday themed toys I could already imagine my dogs jumping for joy over?
Before I knew it, an hour had passed and I was still perusing, planning and picking. I could give these for Xmas eve, these Xmas morning, and since it’s always sad when Xmas is almost over, how about these for Xmas night! I rationalized additional things I wanted to get them, since I had already spent this much. Maybe I could give those as New Years presents….. so as not to spoil them on Xmas.
The sweet cashier, who could have passed for Mrs Claus to me at that moment, or maybe that was just my seeing through a holiday haze, said “Someone is all ready for Christmas!. I smiled and chuckled.
But then it suddenly hit me… I was not ready for human Xmas at all, only Pet Xmas. I hadn’t even yet thought about what I could get my husband. And I hadn’t bought stamps to send out the cards that I had also forgot to get. I better get on this!
Once back in my car, with my passenger seat filled with dog gifts, I decided I would decorate the house as soon as I got home.
That evening I sat back on my couch, letting out a sigh of accomplishment as I gazed upon the holiday costume I had dressed my fireplace up in.
Both of my two dogs had their stockings hanging from the chimney with care. My first dog, who is now in spirit, of course still had her stocking hung. Even our spirit cat had her stocking displayed.
Our Christmas tree was also up on the mantle, in the center spot. It fits since it’s only about a foot tall. We call it our Charlie Brown Xmas tree and tell ourselves it is a symbol of keeping the holiday simple.
We all really know though that it’s place of honor was born out of necessity. It only takes one or two toppled over trees to make you realize you need a plan B.
In their defense, what dog doesn’t want to explore behind the Xmas tree, just like they do with the ones in the back yard. And smell each wrapped present that originally laid picturesquely below it. And maybe even open said gift boxes, full of their novel scents, just in case there was something they should know about hiding within.
The latter of which was the reason for our plan B of not putting presents out until Xmas morning.
I chuckled again to myself, smiling at the revelation that my dogs really are my kids. And that Xmas really is all about the magic you see in pets’, err kids’, eyes.
And now for the inner child still hiding somewhere inside of me, it was time to watch a meaningful holiday movie……. hmmm…..The Grinch or Year Without a Santa Claus? I’ll ask the dogs which they’d prefer.
ps
To make sure we keep it a safe Xmas for our furry Christmas elfs,
here are a few tips to keep in mind to keep them safe this holiday season:
TIPS FOR A SAFE PET XMAS
- Create a Safe Haven
Pets like routine and consistency, so the chaos of holidays can take them out of their comfort zone, especially when that includes guests who are not usually their in their “safe place”. Take some time to create a place for them to escape to if they feel over-stimulated by the sights, sounds, hustle and bustle.
Put their bed into a room in the house far from the chaos. Play calming music for them in there. I like the “Through A Dog’s Ear” series. Diffuse essential oils if you have them. My dogs seem to like the combination of lavender and chamomile. Leave one of their favorite toys, something with your smell on it (like a towel or t-shirt), and a safe chew toy in that room for them too. Now they have the ability to be with you and/or retreat to their hide-away as they need throughout the day.
- Minimize Tinsel
Its shiny so it’s interesting to them, but can wreak havoc in their GI system.
Keep it to the top half of the tree, or better yet, skip it.
- Beware of Scented Candles
They smell yummy so beckon your pet to taste them.
Not only would a hunk of wax be difficult for them to digest, knocking one over could burn them and/or start a house fire.
- Supervise the Fireplace
A roaring fire is a nice place for the family to snuggle up and stay warm, but if there is anything up on the mantle of interest to your pet, they may hover too close for comfort to the dangerous flames.
- Clean as You Go
So many things everywhere on Xmas morning, from sparkly wrapping paper, bows and ribbon to ingredients on the counter as you whip up your family’s holiday favorites. The mess can get away from you quickly and become too much to manage. Trouble is, all that extra stuff around is like a sensory playground for your pet. Don’t tempt fate, clean as you go to keep out of your pet what shouldn’t end up inside of your pet.
- Supervise new Gifts
My dog thinks every stuffed toy is hers to tear apart in search of the squeaker. Fine at our house, but may not be if a little kiddo got a brand new stuffed animal from Santa. You never know how your pet will react to new gifts opened by anyone in the house, so keep an extra eye on it all for a while.
- Keep Plants Out of Reach
Although festive, some plants can be toxic to animals. If you aren’t sure which ones, keep them all in a safety zone.
Some culprits include Mistletoe, Holly, Poinsettia, Lilies, and Daffodils.
- Supervise the Food
What pet wouldn’t want a taste of Christmas Dinner, or better yet, dessert. More than not wanting them to get ill from over-indulging, some human edibles are actually dangerous for pets.
Avoid: Chocolate, Macadamia Nuts, Grapes, Raisins, Onions, Garlic, and anything sweetened with Xylitol.
- Keep Alcoholic Beverages Out of Reach
Spiked egg nog may be merry for adults, but it’s sweet aroma attracts pet noses and is toxic to them. A drink set down “just for a second” is roulette with a pet who only needs a second to swoop in and try it.
- Pet Poison Control 24/7 Hotline = 855-764-7661
You may get charged a fee, but when many vets are closed for the holiday, their assistance may be priceless.
And now that you’ve set the scene for keeping your fur family safe, enjoy the merriment of the day!
Wishing you a Happy Holiday!!