Results tagged “pet gear” from Petfinder Blog

Finally! I've been saying for years that there should be some level of tax relief for those of us who dedicate our income to our pets!

That there is actual legislation being drafted is certainly a step towards a lively conversation on the subject. It also validates what we already know about the importance of pets as part of the family.

Actor-director Robert Davi writes in The Washington Times:

In 2008, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimated that Americans spent more than $41 billion on their pets. Being allowed to use these expenses as deductions would positively affect the tax burden on a majority of American households. I am pleased to report that Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, Michigan Republican, is taking the lead on this, working closely with us to write legislation.

I've got some great tips on how to make your own pet toys, but first, a very exciting announcement: Rachael Ray's Nutrish has pledged one pound of dog food to homeless pets for each card received on Dogfessions, Dogvice, Pugfessions/ Pugvice, and Bullyvice/ Bullyfessions!

The goal is to give THREE TONS of food to both Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and Sabbath Memorial Dog Rescue -- we need 6,000 cards! Please send in your cards today!

Now for this week's topic: Toys!

You know the old cliche that kids would rather play with the cardboard box than the expensive toy that came in it? The same holds true for pets. There are plenty of fun things around the house that you can turn into easy pet entertainment.

For cats: Ball up some used (but clean) tin foil and toss it around - even more fun, put a pinch of catnip inside the ball and watch your cat go nuts. Tape up a cardboard box and cut a cat-sized hole into it - toss in some catnip and you've got a cat condo that's good for at least a few days of fun.

For dogs: Put a couple of old tennis balls into a old (but clean) sock that you don't want any more. Tie the sock at the top and you've got a brand new toy! To entice your dog to use it, put some kibble or another smelly treat at the bottom of the sock before you tie it.

Have your own money-saving pet tips? Share them here! 

Studies show expense is one of the top five reasons people give up their pets to shelters. And these days, with the economy in such a bad state, pets are being hit hard.

But there are lots of ways to fit Fido and Fluffy into the budget and still maintain their quality of life -- and yours. This weekly series will feature practical tips that every pet guardian can use while the purse strings are tight.

This week's topic? Treats!

It's fun and it feels good to offer a pet extra treats. Treat-giving shows that we love our pets and want the best for them, right? Sure, but treats are an added expense that the pet can live without. And guess what? If you offer your pet his regular food the same way you offer treats, he won't know the difference.

What's on my dog's holiday wish list? This awesome "Bully" tank from Muttropolis.com. It would look quite, ahem, fetching, on my pit bull, Champ (he's a boy, but he can wear pink because he's secure like that).

And Santa/Hannukah Harry can feel good knowing that the gift benefits a great cause: Through Dec. 31, Muttropolis is donating 2% of proceeds from sales made using a special coupon code to the Petfinder.com Foundation.

Get the Muttropolis coupon here and you'll also get 10% off your next order.

Another great thing about our friends at Muttropolis? They're committed to promoting pet adoption and often host adoption events at their stores in Tucson, AZ, and La Jolla, Newport Beach and Solana Beach, CA. (Here's a list of stores with links to their calendars of upcoming events.)

The Petfinder.com Foundation gives more than 90% of donated funds directly to shelters to help them prepare for disasters or feed, house and vaccinate the pets in their care. (Find out more about the Foundation's programs.)

Happy shopping!  

Want to send your favorite person a smile for the holidays? Check out our new, free holiday e-cards -- featuring pictures of Petfinder visitors' pets in their holiday best.

While we only had room for three e-cards, the truth is, we loved ALL the ugly-pet-sweater photos you sent in (you can view all the photos here).

Thanks to everyone who submitted a photo -- we're glad to see that your adopted pets are keeping toasty in their loving homes this season! Help spread the word about pet adoption and send a Petfinder e-card today!

Previous entries:

Check out these adorable ugly-pet-sweater photos!

Send us your ugly pet-sweater pic, be on a Petfinder e-card!

Last week we asked you to send us your ugly pet sweater pics. The results were even cuter than we could have expected! Here are some samples.

Lori Renner writes: "Thank goodness Kasey doesn't fit in this anymore!" (We think Kasey looks adorable!)












Angela M. Shatzer of Carolina Poodle Rescue in Spartanburg, SC, writes: "Here is one of our Chinese Crested dogs at our shelter. She's so sweet. One of our kennel workers call her 'Hot Momma.' She loves to hug her leg all day long."







Megan Goetz writes: "Mrs. Murphy is ready for the holidays! Cheers!"











Amanda Tredway writes: "This is Landon, a Yorkie mix. He is currently up for adoption through PPAWSS, Promoting Pet Adoptions and Welfare in Sulphur Springs (Texas). Thanks, I hope you enjoy!"


See even more adorable pups in ugly sweaters after the jump!

As the holidays approach, you may remember the decorative, ornate holiday sweaters that were so popular in the '80s and '90s. Some of you might even pull yours out as Thanksgiving rolls around -- hey, what better way to get into the festive mood?

However, all of us in the pet-loving community know the only thing better than a not-so-fashionable holiday sweater is an ugly pet sweater. So send us yours!

Whether it belongs to you or your pet, post it here in the comments section (here's how) or e-mail it to us at blog (at) petfinder.com by Nov. 23 to share a couple of laughs.

And here's the best part: One ugly pet sweater will be made into a holiday e-card!