by Peter Pond

Created on: January 14, 2009

As the economy struggles, gifts tend to get simpler for humans and dogs. And this is not necessarily a bad thing. Simple is not an indictment regarding a gift's true value. Sometimes the simpler the gift, the more profound it is. That being said a gift should be something out of the ordinary, above and beyond the everyday routine spent with a dog. A new collar or dog tags, while necessary, are not something to wag a tail over.

A gift should not be a visit to the vet. Vaccinations, spaying / neutering and check ups are necessary and part of being a good human is ensuring a dog has its medical needs addressed. While not routine, they really can't be considered gifts. Gifts are special. No matter how you might dress it up a visit to the vet, while out of the ordinary routine, is not special. My dogs know that a shot hurts.
I am not convinced they see the value in them. I give them a lot of credit regarding cognitive ability but I would be completely blown away if they new that distemper shots were worth the pain in the long run.

Dogs are not very materialistic. Territorial yes, bogged down by the trappings of an affluent lifestyle no. When dogs are on display at a dog show, even the most regal and poised dog is simply looking for acceptance and praise from his handler.
A treat, verbal praise, a rub. Simple and effective. And some of the rewards or gifts humans come up with are not embraced by our dogs.
Patsy, a collie I grew up with, would promptly go visit our horse corral for a roll in a pile of dung after my mom brushed her hair out and removed burrs and tangles. Patsy placed little value on the human concept of grooming.

Dogs value companionship perhaps more than people do, they are the ultimate pack animal each with a role and a function. They relish inclusion and attention above all. So many of the gifts we buy our canines are really a gift for us:
a new leash, a fenced in yard, a day at dog spa or camp. Face it, does your dog really get jazzed about getting a bath or a hair cut? Come to think of it, my kids don't like them either.

A dog has simple wants and needs. A long walk, a hike or swim, a visit to a dog park, a ball, a new bone or chew toy, are all gifts that a dog would be very happy with. And the time and attention shared with your dog(s) is priceless. Pause the next time you get home and really watch how your dog reacts when you enter the house. The canine expression of joy is hard to capture here. Suffice it to say there is dancing and barking and it is a grand occasion for a few minutes as one of the "pack" returns to the "den."

Granted there are times when you just want to do something special for the dog. Resist the urge to buy expensive items that are really for human benefit. Keep it simple. In addition to ideas already expressed try this: take a bone or a hollow rubber chew toy and put peanut butter inside it. Freeze it for a few hours, give it to your dog, and sit back and watch. Joy.

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