Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
Editor’s Note: Chanukah is around the corner! We asked pet expert Julia Szabo, a.k.a. Pet Reporter, for some grrreat gift suggestions for the furry members of our community. For more musings from Julia, check out her blog, “Dog is My Doctor,” pre-order her next book, “Medicine Dog,” and follow her on Twitter @PetReporter1. Got a list you’d like to share? Contact us!
1. Slow Food Movement – Does your dog speed-gulp meals? Doing so increases the risk of gastric torsion, i.e. bloat, which can be fatal. Prevent mealtime from ending in tragedy with Green by Northmate, a sculptural feeder designed to resemble a patch of bright-green grass. Simply scatter your dog’s kibble — or schmear his wet food — in between the “grass” blades; then stand back, and watch feeding time turn into a fun, challenging game as Spot retrieves meals bite by bite. [ www.northmate.com ] This pup figured it out instantly:
2. Treat ‘Em Right – Your pet can be a locavore thanks to Boulder Dog Food Company LLC, dedicated makers of dog and cat treats for digestively challenged best friends. Grass-fed, humanely raised meats and organically farmed tilapia are the main ingredients of these treats, which are designed not to upset the tummies of our beloved allergic pets.www.boulderdogfoodcompany.com
3. Sweet-Tasting Supplement – There’s no nicer, easier way to tell animal companions “I Love You” than with a daily loving spoonful of Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet. The antioxidants will keep pets healthy, while keeping their haircoats gleaming and their skin moisturized from within. And for senior dogs and cats, the fish oil helps lubricate creaky, old joints to improve everyday mobility — which means more quality play time. [ www.nordicnaturals.com ]
4. You Oughta Be in Pictures – Dogs and cats can surely feel the love when we photograph and frame them as the gorgeous treasures they are. Book a portrait session for your best friend — or opt to pose for the camera together WITH your best friend! Here in Boulder, the go-to place is Farfel’s Farm, www.farfelsfarm.com. If you’re Denver-
bound, meanwhile, check out the work of talented celebrity pet portrait photographer Heather Green, www.heathergreenphotography.com.
5. Frame This – The most casual canine or feline snapshot assumes the aura of art when displayed in a lovely picture frame. Our favorite is the nickel-plated Pet Photo Frame by Michael Aram, which accommodates a 3×3 inch image and surrounds it with a witty, whimsical web of … bones!
6. Plastic Pup Playthings – Speaking of bones and dogs and stylish items, PetProjekt makes chic chew toys using all-natural rubber. Spot will have a blast gnawing at these toys, and you can rest easy that they’re made of non-toxic materials, without a trace of harmful phthalates, cadmium, lead, DEHP, heavy metals, or BPA. [ www.petprojekt.com ]
7. A Book to Bow-Wow About – Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed (New World Library) is the newest title from Boulder’s own beast behavior expert, Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus at the University of Colorado, Boulder. As the subtitle suggests —The Fascinating Science of Animal Intelligence, Emotions, Friendship, and Conservation — reading it promises enlightening new insight into our own animal companions and animals in the world at large.
8. Forever Home – Keep your home atmosphere smelling holiday-happy with aromatherapy candles made of non-toxic wax. Sniff Pet Candles come in a range of delightful essential-oil-based fragrance blens, including our favorite: Forever Home, which combines clary sage, bergamot, and jasmine, plus calming chamomile, neroli, and marjoram. [ https://sniffpetproducts.3dcartstores.com/Forever-Home-In-Box_p_1.html ]
And speaking of a forever home, that’s precisely what tops the wish list of all the sweet pets at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley this holiday. If there’s room at your inn, please adopt a Chanukah Hound or Chanu-Kat … and if not, please follow @HumaneBoulder on Twitter, and donate whatever you can, whether it’s money or supplies (animal shelters are always grateful to receive towels, blankets, and cleaning supplies). [ www.boulderhumane.org ]
Great article.