It’s Black Friday — Here’s Some Shopping Tips

If you’re like some of my friends, you’ve already been up for the last 6 hours looking for the latest holiday deals at the malls. If you’re like me, you enjoyed a restful 8 hours of sleep! Never fear! I have some great Fido-approved holiday shopping tips for you! You can get special, unique gifts for your friends, save on the gas, avoid the aggravation of fighting crazed shoppers, AND get that important 8 hours of sleep. Leaving you, of course, with an important additional number of hours to use for a lovely hike in the woods with Fido — now how great is that!

Tip #1: Give the gift of a healthy 2010

What better way to show loved ones you care than by trying to help them on the road to a healthier, happier life. It’s your way of saying, “I love you SO much, I want to keep you around FOREVER!” All the tips they’ll need are packed into a copy of Fit As Fido: Follow Your Dog to Better Health. When you order copies of the book, include the name of each book recipient and his or her dog(s) for a personally inscribed copy that will be paw-tographed by my famous, certified therapy dogs, Wheatie and Toby. And Fit As Fido is more than just another dry book about eating right and exercising. You’ll find practical tips about how to approach all aspects of your life with a healthy, dog-inspired attitude. You already know that no one’s going to listen to you when you tell them to eat right, get enough sleep, and chuck off those extra pounds. While most people can ignore this advice from Mom and their doctor, who can risk those pleading brown eyes of their Golden Lab? They’ll not only learn to eat right and play better, but tips on sleeping, socializing, and even shopping like a dog will help reform their entire life into one of joy, thankfulness, wonder, and better health! Shipping is free and if you order at least 5 copies, you’ll get a 20% discount!

Tip #2: Find unique gifts for dogs and their loyal companions

PetMD.com just published their list of Haute Gifts for a Cool Yule. You’ll find a wide assortment of gifts for pets and pet owners alike. Everything from toys and treats to books to cleaning products. Check out the Sink Drink to help give kitty her drink without a visit to the toilet! There’s even a camera for photographing your favorite pets! One of my favorites is the Paw Plunger that cleans Fido’s feet after a day at the park. And if there’s someone one your list with a great sense of humor, check out the Michael Vick dog chew!

Tip #3: Check out your local animal shelter

Let’s face it — after giving your loved ones a thoughtful gift like a personally paw-tographed copy of Fit As Fido and something for Fido, what more do you really need to buy? But everyone always enjoys doing a bit more shopping for fun, so make your shopping time count. In Pittsburgh, Animal Friends, where I volunteer with my wheatens has all kinds of great holiday options for supporting the shelter and helping pets in need while having fun and socializing with your dog and other pet lovers. You can breakfast with Santa and get Fido’s photo with the big man, visit their gift shop, and even buy a calendar featuring our beloved Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins and their family pets or adoptable dogs. You can also ask about getting involved with activities to help others during the holidays — donate bags of dog food to your shelter for them or needy families to pick up for their dogs or, like me and Wheatie, join in on holiday sing-a-longs to bring cheer to seniors in your community or nursing home residents.

And remember — the holidays are about MORE than shopping, so use your time wisely to show your loved ones you care, remembering your blessings, and spreading joy to those less fortunate. Let memories of past holidays help soften sadness of the loss of those no longer here to share with you. And let Fido give you cheer and bring joy and peace to those you two meet and greet!