dogs: at least one to carry, one to shake, one to roll and one to “baby,” for play and to release stress. Many dog toys should be interactive, to increase time with people. By focusing on a specifi c task—such as repeatedly returning a ball or playing hide-and-seek with treats or toys—dogs can take advantage of the opportunity to expend pent-up mental and physical energy. Healthy and organic presents for
pets are now widely available in neigh-
borhood natural pet stores, as well as online. At such shops, people and pets can check out the choices fi rsthand and seek advice from the staff. If there’s a toss-up between products, ask if a por- tion of the product sales goes to benefi t animal causes, making it a gift that gives again. That could be the tiebreaker.
Gail Condrick is a freelance writer based in Sarasota, FL. Reach her at
NiaVisions.com.
Savvy Shopper Tips Friendly Brands for Pets, People and the Planet
ooking for inspiring pet- and Earth-friendly gift ideas? Here is a list of the top six eco-friendly brands recommended by natural pet store owners in an informal survey. Other local natural pet stores will have additional appealing ideas and products.
L WEST PAW DESIGN (
WestPawDesign.com) – Look for hang tags that
say “I used to be a plastic bottle,” on toys and bedding for cats and dogs. The Bumi boomerang invites pooches to bend and tug. The Hurley encour- ages an active canine to chew, bounce and fl oat it, and even comes with a replacement guarantee. Cats take to their catnip toy mouse. And, if a pet tires of a West Paw Design toy, their Join the Loop program will recycle returned products into new pet toys.
PLANET DOG (
PlanetDog.com) – Planet Dog eco-products range from
recycled balls and bones to a Zoom Flyer for throwing and an after-bath tow- el for canine comfort. The company operates a foundation providing products and funding to worthy causes based on the philosophy, “Think Globally and Act Doggedly.”
KONG NATURALS (
KongCompany.com) – Their eco-friendly line of cat
toys feature straw cones with feathers, crinkle caterpillars and entertaining fantasy animals. Kong also offers cat scratchers made of recycled products, some reversible for longer wear, with feathers attached for play.
DUCKYWORLD (
DuckyWorld.com) – If a fi sh-shaped toy with the aromatic name of “Yeowww! Stinky Catnip Sardines” brings a smile, consider DuckyWorld’s 100 percent organic, leaf- and fl ower-top catnip toy, grown by a private farmer with no chemicals or pesticides. Company owners swear cats can tell the difference.
THE GOOD DOG COMPANY (
TheGoodDogCompany.com) – Innova- tion here includes two Labrador employees, Howard and Ruby, who “lab” test the company’s hemp toys, collars and leashes. Good Dog claims that its lab-sized hemp biscuits and bungee bone tug toy are good to fetch, catch and carry, and can even improve dental health.
SWEET FEET & BEAK (
SweetFeetAndBeak.com) – If a favored pet is feathered, try this bamboo perch, which offers the gift of a daily calcium supplement, along with an ongoing pedicure for bird friends.
In the end, it’s all about just doing what comes naturally for all of our gift-giving. natural awakenings December 2010 21
April Green Homes & Gardens
May Women’s Wellness
June Men’s Wellness July Living Simply
August Vibrant Children September Creativity
October Green Living, Blue Planet
November Local & Personal Economy
December Uplifting Humanity
2011 EDITORIAL
CALENDAR
January Health and Wellness
February Balance March Natural Foods
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