My dogs genuinely greet everyone who comes into our home. It could be just one of the family returning from school or work or a friend who is visiting. They greet heartily. However, when my oldest daughter comes over there is over the top excitement. A few reasons might explain why this happens. She makes it a point to bring them a treat and frequently a toy for each of them. In addition to these common blessings, she usually has our grand fur baby Mocha (you can read my previous post about Mocha here: https://reconfiguringwithgrace.com/?p=1019 ) with her. It is a play date for them all that is full of happiness and canine excitement.
While I love my fur babies, I do not always shower them with the same generous attention on a regular basis. Just the mention of my daughter’s or Mocha’s name and they get up and go to look out our front window. She is very expressive of her love toward them and they respond accordingly. It goes beyond the normal, “Hi! How are you,” greeting in their world. It could be compared to having a birthday or celebrating Christmas several times a year. Speaking of Christmas, let me ask you, “Do you buy your fur babies Christmas presents?”
Just like with our human family and friends, our fur babies enjoy a treat or gift. Ours have their own favorite blankets, toys, and food. Having two quite large fur babies has shown me that they each have individual distinct preferences just like your human kids do. Since they enjoy receiving as much, my answer would be yes, we do buy both something small, like a toy for Christmas. We also make their meal a little special for them on Christmas too. We want to appreciate our fur babies and include them in our celebration for all the love they give us in return throughout the year. Here is a shortlist of some of the ways we appreciate our fur babies.
7 Ways to Show Fur Baby Appreciation
- Love on your fur babies and let them know you are happy with them. Dogs read our emotions and moods though they might not understand the why behind the vibes.
- Take ten minutes and play a game that they like. Throw a ball or play a short game of tug of war. It will do you both good.
- Give them a treat. Make it pet appropriate and not human food since that can do them more harm than good.
- Go for walks outside. The fresh air and nature boost everyone’s mood.
- Brush their coats. It is therapeutic for them and helps keep the hair under control on the home front.
- Educate yourself on common household plants, foods, and everyday items that are poisonous to them.
- Set up play dates with their buddies.
Fur Baby Gift Ideas
In addition to these simple everyday suggestions, here are three Christmas gift ideas for your fur babies to bring them some holiday happiness. The first one is inspired by my Pepper Girl.
Keep Their Bed Warm This Winter
Have A Ball With This Hol-ee Roller
Keep Their Mind Busy With Twist N Treat
Show your love and affection to your fur babies by rewarding them for their faithfulness throughout the year. An old pillow or blanket that has your smell on it can become a treasured item. Don’t leave them out in the cold this year! Your fur baby would love a gift this Christmas! You know they would!
Love the story and of course the pictures too!! We love our fur baby too. We buy her a little gift too.