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 spe- cific 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 firsthand 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 benefit 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 L
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.
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 float 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 towel 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 entertain- ing fantasy animals. Kong also offers cat scratchers made of recycled prod- ucts, some reversible for longer wear, with feathers attached for play.
DUCKYWORLD (
DuckyWorld.com) – If a fish-shaped toy with the aro- matic name of “Yeowww! Stinky Catnip Sardines” brings a smile, consider DuckyWorld’s 100 percent organic, leaf- and flower-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) – Inno- vation 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 45
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72