Introducing: The Collector's Corner for Dog Lovers

See our INDEX of dog lover gift collectibles

Gifts for Collectors

Collectors are a special group of people. Some approach their hobby with casual interest, but many more are what you might call "enthusiastic" collectors, and a few are fanatics.

The casual collector is the easiest to shop for. They'll probably just appreciate the fact that you've taken an interest in their collection.

Before you shop for an "enthusiastic" collector, see if you can learn something about what they collect. Perhaps you could go window shopping with this person, and see if they drop any hints about items they need to round out their collection. Or ask someone they're close to, and you might get some "inside information". Your dog lover gift for the rabid collector should aim to fill in a "hole" in their collection.

The fanatic can be a risky prospect when choosing a dog lover gift for their collection. They're very, very specific about what they're looking for. Unless you're confident that you know exactly what they want, (ie., they or someone in the know actually told you), it's best to find another kind of dog lover gift.

What makes a Gift Special ?

Defining the perfect dog lover gift is a challenge mankind has faced ever since he domesticated his first dog. But of course, the challenge isn't limited just to dog lovers. When it comes to choosing a special gift, I think you'll agree that most people have a tough time figuring out what to give.

As long as you stick to the dos and don'ts of gift-shopping outlined in our gift-shopping tips at www.great-dog-gift.com , you can't go too far wrong. You've already shown a degree of thoughtfulness that says, "I didn't just grab the first gift I saw". Adding to someone's treasured collection certainly lets them know that you're
in tune with what they're "into".

But if you really want to make a gift special, you'll need to go a bit further. If you want your gift to make its recipient feel special, or to evoke certain emotions, you need invest a little effort in learning what makes this person "tick", what "pushes his or her buttons" (in a positive way, of course!). Put a little of your own personality into your gift by adding a well-thought-out message, using special gift wrapping, or presenting your dog lover
gift in a clever or unusual way. (Such as hiding a small gift under a pillow or in a gym bag, or leaving hints around the house!)

We'll be adding more inspiring dog gift ideas as time goes on, so keep checking back. Or get our free newsletter to have gift-giving tips and ideas delivered right to you mailbox.

Remember, all of us want to be recognized, understood, and appreciated. A gift that accomplishes any (or all ) of these things is a special gift, and one that you'll be remembered for!

The Great-Dog-Gift.com Collector's Corner

From each category of popular collectibles, we've sorted out the ones that have doggie themes. It wasn't until I went shopping for Betty Boop collectibles that I realized Betty has TWO dogs! Anyone who's fond of The Wizard of Oz will remember Dorothy's little dog Toto. And what Peanuts lover can resist the dozens of dog lover gift ideas in the Snoopy & Baby Snoopy collection?

Betty Boop

Cool Cats and Hot Dogs
Cow Parade French Moodle

Disney

Mother and Puppy figurines

Puppy and Dog Sculptures

Dr. Seuss Collectibles

Sealed with a Kiss Jones Hounds

Snoopy& Baby Snoopy Collectibles

Stuffed Animals

Tee Shirts

Vanmark Heroes Collectibles

Wizard of Oz Popular Collectibles &Gifts

Zelda Wisdom Popular Collectibles & Gifts

Gifts for the Homeless

Give a Homeless Cat or Dog the Gift of Good Cheer

Volunteering at the local soup kitchen isn't the only way to help the homeless. Here are some ways to uplift some of God's less fortunate four-legged creatures.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of excitement , expectation, and celebration.

But for many it's also a difficult time. This is especially true for anyone not blessed with a close, supportive family, or those physically separated from loved ones.

Consider, among these unlucky souls, the four legged ones who have to spend their holidays--all of their days, in fact--at the local ASPCA or animal shelter. These poor creatures have little to look forward to besides hoping that some nice family will adopt them some day.

Pets need new games, new toys, new smells and experiences, and above all, exercise to be happy. Dogs and cats in shelters can get depressed, lose their appetites, and become more susceptible to illness.

I was pondering this recently, when a light bulb turned on in my head (figuratively, not literally). "Why not get all these lonely and stressed-out souls together?", I thought.

Now, I'm not implying that everyone who's feeling a little despondent or stressed during the holidays should run out and adopt a pet. Bringing home a new dog or cat is a serious commitment and should be done for the right reasons, and with plenty of forethought. But there are other ways to bring the gift of good cheer.

A lifting of the spirits is not only a rewarding gift to give, but is good medicine for animals and people alike. A happier animal is a healthier animal, and probably a more adoptable one. And a happier human is not only healthier, but more apt to enjoy the season of giving.

What could be more uplifting for both dog and human than bringing some inexpensive "kitty or doggie gift baskets" to a local shelter, and watching the residents enjoy them? You -- or the "holiday-challenged" people in your life-- could fill up a basket (or two, or three!) with healthy pet treats, amusing toys, or comfy blankets. You might want to check first to see if the shelter in your area allows this, or if they have a need for particular
items.

If cat or dog gift baskets aren't an option, offer to take a canine resident for a walk. I recently learned about a retired couple who does this on a regular basis. They spend their entire day at the local shelter, making sure that every single dog has been walked. The couple does this twice a week, all year round. The dogs love it, and it's wonderful exercise for all concerned.

I know what you're thinking. But you don't have to do anything as time-consuming as all that. Just show up once or twice. A walk and some fresh air is a great way to alleviate holiday stress and you're sure to catch some of the light-hearted spirit that radiates from a happy dog. Tell a friend about it. Maybe they'll give it a try. Some might be inspired enough to become "hometown heros", like the couple mentioned above.

You might know an older retiree who considers dog ownership too much of a burden, but wouldn't mind taking a dog for a walk. If it's a friend or family member who walks but no longer drives, perhaps you could volunteer to drop them off and pick them up.

Giving freely of ourselves is one of best gifts we can give. But if all of this seems too time consuming, then a small financial donation would still go a long way. Lots of shelters have fund raisers this time of year, and odds are you won't have to look far to find one. In the end, it's caring that really matters.

PetsMart Presents..."Santa Paws"!!

PetsMart stores around the US are offering a great way to help the homeless in December...

Have your pet’s picture taken with Santa Claus!

Take advantage of this unique way to celebrate the holidays and your love of your precious pets at the same time. This is a great way to include your pets in your holiday festivities. It’s also a great way to help homeless animals as the proceeds benefit homeless pets in local communities. Dogs, cats, and pocket pets are welcome.

Photo package includes two Polaroid photos of you and your pet with Santa, and two holiday frames for only $9.95.

Check Your Local PETSMART for the "Santa Paws" fundraiser!

Click here to find a PETsMART near you!

Kung Fu goes to the Dogs

Dog lovers, dogs, and martial arts enthusiasts, this one's for you! Someone had a stroke of genius with these doggie Kung Foo fortune cookies!

Look at all the ways you can share them with others:

The kung foo theme is great for anyone who's a fan of the martial arts.
Fortune cookies are perfect for people who do Chinese takeout.
And even though the cookies are meant for the dog, the fortunes give us humans a chuckle. They say things like, “Don't judge a book by its cover -- its pages may still taste great.” or "Don't forget to stop and eat the roses".



The fortune cookies are made with human grade ingredients, but don't try them yourself unless you like your goodies flavored with chicken and liver!
If you're looking for something that'll still be around after the cookies are gone and the fortunes are read, you can go for a side-order of Kung Fu Fido tee shirt...



This great gift idea is from a company called Sojourner farms, and it's the latest additon to their line of premium quality pet foods and snacks.
"Sojos" believes that the healthiest foods for your dog are the ones that contain no preservatives, and no artificial colors or flavors. So, I'm betting that the doggie fortune cookies are a lot more wholesome than the ones that you get at the restaurant!