A Gift of Giving

As the holiday season unfolds, our routines often become a whirlwind of activities, from cookie swaps to toy donation drives, potlucks to caroling. Amid this bustle, even our pets sense the shift in priorities. This year, let’s pause to embrace the transformative power of giving and discover how it enriches lives, including those of our furry companions. By focusing on thoughtful, safe, and meaningful acts, we can create a holiday filled with joy, connection, and generosity.

The Transformative Power of Giving

The act of giving is transformative, not only for the receiver but also for the giver. Research has shown that giving, whether through gifts, acts of kindness, or charitable donations, activates the brain’s reward center. This release of endorphins and oxytocin, often referred to as the "helper’s high," naturally reinforces the benefits of altruism.

While receiving presents and indulging in festive meals are highlights of the season, there is an unparalleled luxury in the act of giving itself. In a world where material goods are abundant and instant gratification is the norm, the true essence of giving can often be overlooked. Yet, generosity fosters humanity, empathy, and community, making it the ultimate gift this holiday season.

Safe and Simple Gifts for Pets

Our pets are family, and we naturally want to include them in our celebrations. With so many toys and treats available, it can be tough to know where to spend your hard-earned dollars.

• Pet-Safe Toys: Look for durable, safe toys. Always supervise playtime and remove toys once they’re damaged. If a toy or its parts are small enough to be swallowed, time to toss it.

• Identification Updates: Gift your pet a new collar with up-to-date ID tags. If your pet is microchipped, confirm the registration is current. If they’re not microchipped, consider this as a gift for a simple procedure as a permanent form of identification.

• Engaging Activities: The best dog toys are mentally engaging, provide an outlet for chewing, help reinforce positive behavior, relieve stress and provide physical exercise and entertainment. Give your dog something new to enjoy their food in, like a Kong or snuffle mat. These are great ways to engage your dog’s brain during feeding time and are fun activities for them too. Check out our guide on stuffing dog chew toys for tips on making a lasting experience that your dog can enjoy.

• Gift That Keeps Giving: A gift that continues to give and will bring your closer to your canine is a training class. It’s a gift that strengthens communication and enhances your relationship. A training class is like giving your dog a promise of spending quality time together each week.

• Creative Cat Gifts: Some finicky felines can be the most challenging family members to please with the right gift. Instead of buying new toys, repurpose cardboard boxes to create cozy purrfect cat hideaways or scratching posts. Add festive touches like blankets or aluminum foil balls to engage their senses. Catnip bubbles can also provide hours of fun! Keep in mind that scratching is a natural behavior for cats and allows them to maintain their nails, so a new scratching post can be a relief for both you and your cat.

• Quality Time Matters: The best gift you can give your pets is your presence. Take your dog for a winter walk, ensuring they’re protected from the cold with booties or paw balm. Dry their paws thoroughly after returning home to prevent irritation from salt or snow. Plan family activities, like a family winter walk or a game night, to create cherished memories with all your loved ones – pets included.

Celebrate Our Calm Companions

The holidays can be overwhelming for pets. Changes in routine, unfamiliar faces, and loud noises may cause anxiety. Maintain a consistent schedule, and provide a quiet, cozy retreat for your pet to escape the chaos. Calming aids like pheromone sprays (e.g., Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs) can help create a soothing environment. Give your anxious pet the gift of calmness. Champagne bottles popping, Christmas crackers, and other noisy surprises can be especially traumatizing for dogs and cats. Just like thunder and fireworks, make sure your pets are not caught off guard. Make them a quiet, cozy place and celebrate your pet’s calmness. Positive reinforcement is recognizing and celebrating the moments of glimmers, no matter how small. Acknowledge the effort and the impact it had, reinforcing the idea that giving is a joyful and rewarding act for you and your pets. Acknowledge and reinforce your calm companions to ensure more calmness to come.

Giving Back to the Community

This season, consider volunteering or donating to support homeless pets and local animal welfare organizations. Items like pet food, blankets, and toys are always in need. Small acts of kindness, like baking treats for a shelter or making handmade toys, can have a big impact. The cost of providing care to homeless pets is high, and resources are scarce. While shopping try to buy a few extras to donate or share with your local animal welfare professionals, whether it be taking your veterinary team a tray of candies or making cat toys and dog toys to donate to your local animal shelter. Whether it’s food, clothing, or toys, your donations can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Many organizations host holiday drives, making it even easier to give back.

Celebrate Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is one of the most important days for nonprofits. There are so many animal welfare groups, local and national, that are doing lifesaving work. How do you choose? Where will your dollars have the most impact for pets? Consider making a charitable donation in someone’s name or your pet’s name as a holiday gift. Choose a cause that is meaningful to you or to the recipient. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference!

Safe Holiday Décor

With all the holiday hustle, even pets might need a timeout from the family festivities. If you’re expecting guests, set up a cozy, quiet space where your pet can retreat if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Remind visitors to keep bags, medications, and other belongings safely stored, as curious pets might get into them. Also, keep an eye on little ones who may be tempted to sneak your pet treats under the table! Holly, mistletoe, lilies, poinsettia, and amaryllis plants are poisonous to both dogs and cats. Check the ASPCA’s list of harmful plants, and ASPSA’s Holiday Safety Tips use pet-safe decor whenever possible. Never leave a pet unattended with lit candles, as they can be easily knocked over. Prioritizing safety and mindfulness are great gifts!