Bark! The heralds sing for pet gifts at Christmas

While man’s best friend may bark profusely at Santa sneaking down the chimney, dogs keep people company and listen when others don’t have the time, which should count for something. They may not be human, but they definitely have distinctive personalities, and happy dogs are easy to spot.

So, if you’re ready to spoil your dog this year and want to really make his or her tail wag, then look no further than your neighboring pet shops, businesses and groomers to help Fido remember Santa and his sleigh.

“Multi-vitamins or joint-supplement health treats help a pet get the nutrients they need for long-term health that they may not get from an unbalanced diet,” said Cade Wilson, doctor of veterinary medicine at Carter County Animal Hospital. “And by keeping their teeth and skin healthy, you will greatly improve the pet’s long-term health and it will add years to your relationship with your four-legged best friend.”

The Carter County Animal Hospital at 315 Rockford Road has check-ups for $32.50. Dental cleaning and polishing will cost $99 with a holiday special that begins on Jan. 1. Gift certificates are available for all items. The animal hospital also provides multivitamins for dogs for $30 and joint-support vitamins for older dogs for $12. Both are in the form of chewable treats. Shampoo and conditioner may be purchased for $9.75 each. The hospital is also offering gift bags, where customers may choose the items of their choice to give their pet or neighbor’s pet.

AGRI Products also offers a full line of vitamins for dogs. Their garlic vitamins are being sold for $7.95. They offer minerals and vitamins to help with flea control for dogs of all ages and offer 100 percent natural supplements. AGRI’s yeast vitamins are sold for $9.95 and they have a range of B vitamins, and ascorbic  acid improves the dog’s coat and helps to reduce shedding. Their regular formula offers zinc and biotin and costs $11.95. The store also offers a wide range of dog collars in blue, plaid, green and blaze orange. The collars have a fleece lining and generally cost between $3.50 and $10, depending on the size and length of the collar. Their  buy-one-get-one-free special is going on right now on dog clothing, which includes sweaters, coats and blankets starting at $10. For sleepier dogs, who enjoy a good nap, they have  pet beds fleece-lined of different sizes. The large bed is 36 inches and its cost $29.95 and the smaller bed costs $12.95 and is 18 inches.

Fun-N-Fur Specialized Grooming at 208 H St. NW has grooming facilities for dogs. Although larger dogs generally cost more, prices range between $30 and $40. This includes a minimum of three shampoos and one rinse. Nails are clipped and filed. And special care grooming for specific body parts is available upon request at an extra charge. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Bunking for pets is also available for travelers looking for a “doggy sitter.” Boarding is $15 per day. Facilities for active yard play are available. Fun N Fur also offers gift cards for holiday shoppers looking to spoil a neighbor’s pet that has been awfully good this year. 

Dogs Unlimited at 1022 W. Broadway St. is offering a 10 percent discount on all private dog lessons during the holiday season. Hour sessions generally cost $60 per hour. Sessions may include obedience training and behavior modifications for dogs that jump and climb a little too much. Package deals for multiple sessions are available. Sessions are available for any breed or age, along with puppy temperament testing and puppy pre-school.

Paws 4 Fun Pet Boutique at 1022 W. Broadway  St. is a great opportunity to get a long-lasting picture of your pet with Santa Claus. Pet owners may bring in their pets on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. in the month of December. Paws 4 Fun sells packages of digital pictures, which include a 5x7, a 4x6 and four wallet size photos. The store also offers a plethora of doggie treats. Their bon-bon treats are their most popular item, which sell for $1.50, and are made with graham crackers, yogurt and peanut butter. Their peanut butter cookies go on sale for two for $1. Their gourmet dog donuts are $1 and their dog truffles are two for $1. All treats are made with carob, a chocolate substitute. And their dog beer is made with beef stock and extra glucose, but without the hops.

Dog lushes can sip from a customized dog beer bottle, complete with their picture on the label.

Dog beer is $3.99 a bottle and there’s a free bottle if you buy a six-pack.