Home-made for the Holidays

Almost everyone has been effected by the economic downturn, whether directly or indirectly, so it comes as no surprise that some families will not be buying their dog (or cat) a gift this year.  If you find yourself in this same predicament you need not worry because you have other options.  While you could go the year without getting a new toy (and your dog wouldn’t be the wiser) you may feel guilty.  You could always hide a favorite toy for the rest of the month, wrap it and give it as a gift on Christmas day.  Your dog would be very excited.  But if that does not sound like what you had in mind here are a few home-made gift ideas that may spark your interest.

Ball Toys

A clean sock and a tennis ball is all this toy requires.  Slip a tennis ball into a clean sock and knot the open end closed.  Wah-la, you have a toy; its as simple as that.  If you don’t have a tennis ball and you find yourself buying some at the store, that 3 pack can be turned into 3 different tug toys.  Check out the YouTube video of this article for step by step instructions on how to make those toys for your pup.

Tug Rope Toys

This is another simple toy to make.  It involves 3 scrap strips of material (fleece is best and better for dogs to chew on but an old t-shirt will do) and a couple rubber bands.  Tie your 3 scraps of materials together on one end, hold that end between your knees and do a tight braid all the way to the other end of the material.  If you don’t know how to braid then ask a family member or neighbor for some help.  Once you are done, knot both ends and wah-la, a tug rope toy.  You can add more knots or loops just like the toys in the store.  For step by step instructions and helpful pictures, check out mevsthehouse.com.

 Dog Treats

Nothing says love like some good home cookin’.  Your dog will be more than happy to only receive treats as a gift this year, I guarantee it.  Baking for your pup is not only a great way to show love but it’s a great way to know exactly what your dog is eating.  Homemade treats contain no preservatives, no funny by-products or fillers, and no chemicals or additives that you can’t pronounce.   Diane Martinez of Riverside shares a cheesy treat she makes for her pup, Bruno.

You’ll need:

8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup margarine

1 egg

1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

1 ½ cups wheat germ

1 pinch salt (optional)

2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1.       Cream cheddar cheese and margarine together using an electric mixer then add the egg.

2.       Stir in the flour, wheat germ, salt, and milk. Cover and chill for up to one hour.

3.       Roll the dough out to approximately ¼” thick and use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.

4.       Turn oven to 350˚F and bake for 15 – 18 minutes.

5.       Cool and store in an air tight container.

Dog (or Cat) Beds

A fun thing to try this year is repurposing old items into pet beds.  An old computer monitor or suitcase can be spruced up into a new piece of furniture that blends into any room.  Simply gut an old desktop computer monitor or cut off the top half of an old suitcase, throw in a pillow and wah-la, a pet bed.  What items do you have laying around your garage that could be turned into a pet bed?

An Extra Lap

Have a lap dog that doesn’t always have a lap?  Why not repurpose an old pair of jeans?  Stuff the legs of an old pair of jeans with newspaper or scrap fabric. Fold the legs in and secure them underneath the thigh part of the jeans.  Place a decorative pillow in the open end of the jeans and wah-la, a lap for a lap dog any time of day.  Train your dog to only use his extra lap while sitting on the couch and you will save yourself the trouble of having to vacuum up his hair on the rest of the couch.

Don't be afraid to get creative.  Your dog will be excited about anything you give him and he will still love you no matter how awkward-looking it may turn out.