dog gift ideas?

ATLdesi

Hi all - I used to be a regular here but haven't been able to visit so often ever since my DS was born.  I need some advice on creating a care package for a dog.  A family member whom I'm very close to has recently been diagnosed with testicular cancer  He's only 32 and single, not dating anyone seriously, etc.  Our family has been absolutely gutted by this news - we're all in shock and desperately trying to cope.  I live out of state, but want to do something nice for him.  He's the kind of guy that has a great job, comfortable house, and he's single/no dependents so he has been able to afford every gadget, electronic device, etc. that he wants.  Overall I couldn't think of anything that he would want/need that he doesn't already have.  However, I got an idea: he has an approx. 7 year old lab mix named Jack that he adopted from his local rescue some years ago.  Jack is the most important thing in his life; he calls him "his son" and would do anything for him.  The way I see it, if I get Jack some gifts it might mean a lot to him, especially b/c he's going to start chemotherapy soon and I'm sure he might not be able to do quite as much with Jack as he normally does in terms of long walks, throwing the ball around, etc.  

Can you help me come up with gifts and stuff to put in a care package for Jack?  Things that would keep a senior but energetic lab mix entertained indoors?  Thanks in advance!

LuckyAngel07

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's diagnosis. Cancer is so awful!!

I would recommend a puzzle toy or two, but only for use when your friend is home with Jack, possibly when he doesn't have as much energy to do something active with Jack, but still wants to play with him. The puzzle toys can really mentally stimulate and wear out a dog, they just need to be supervised when playing with them (and taught how to figure them out to begin with).

You might also get him something like a Kong Wobbler or Tug-a-Jug; treat/food-dispensing toys are invaluable for giving a dog something enjoyable to do when home alone.

I'd also include a batch of homemade treats if you're up for it. There are a TON of recipes out there these days for fabulous and fairly healthy dog treats. I know my friend over at theredheadbaker.com has Canine Treats you can make (I think the biscotti or cookies would travel best!). 

You're such a thoughtful friend to do this for him and Jack. They're very lucky to have you!

doeydo

A nice new collar and/or leash, if you had/could get pictures of his dog you could make him a photo album or scrapbook or just frame a photo of the dog or him and his dog, a FURminator (labs shed a lot), pet fountain, automatic feeder, a safety harness/like a seat-belt for a dog, treats, and/or toys that are interactive.

bpphoto785

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. It's so sweet for you to think about him & Jack!

Are you in the area? Could you include "coupons" to take Jack on walks or for overnights when your friend won't be feeling up to taking care of Jack? If you're further away, do you know if Jack already has a walker or kennel service and could you get him a gift certificate? That might be a nice addition to toys and treats!

ATLdesi

Thank you everyone for the suggestions!  I LOVE the idea of a puzzle toy, homemade treats, new collar, and the gift card for kennel/dog-walker - - though I have to look into who they'd use.  Unfortunately I live nowhere near them - if I did, I'd happily step in to take Jack out a few times a week.  There's a wonderful organic/natural pet boutique in my neighborhood, and I'm betting they make some great and healthy dog treats there that I could buy and put into the package.  Going to look on Amazon.com for some good dog puzzle toy ideas.  I bet he already has a Kong.  I'm a through-and-through cat parent (though I love dogs) so its been helpful to hear these ideas . . . I was pretty sure a laser pointer and catnip wouldn't quite cut it here haha

LuckyAngel07

ATLdesi said:

I was pretty sure a laser pointer and catnip wouldn't quite cut it here haha

Don't discount the laser pointer! My Boxer goes NUTS for it! Hahahaha!

chrisnjay05212010

The PP's gave you great options already! I wanted to add that my mastiff LOVES the laser pointer!! Def include one    I'm so sorry to hear about your family members diagnosis!  This is such a great idea and Im sure he will appreciate it.

zaria115

You could subscribe him to BarkBox, once a month they send a box of toys, treats and  all kinds of doggy stuff.

ATLdesi

Wow, I had no idea about dogs and laser pointers!  Good to know  And I wish I'd heard about Bark Box before, that sounds awesome!  But I'll keep it in mind for future needs.

Alright team, so here's what I've gotten so far:  a JW treat pod (kind of like a Kong and tug toy rolled into one), a plush toy shaped like like a giant candy corn, a blue whale shaped squeak toy called "Hear Doggy!" that evidently has an ultrasonic squeaker only dogs can hear (figured this would be nice if my ill family member was tired/resting), and a bag of locally-made organic dog treats in chicken flavor.  

I'll go pick up an animal-themed blank card tomorrow, and write a cute note to Jack addressed from his "cousin," my cat Pixel - but it'll talk about how I'm sorry that his human is not feeling like his usual self, and that I hope they'll both be back to their regular adventures soon.  Then I'll box it all up nicely and ship it off!

valrous

I love it. The animals in my family send each other all kinds of correspondence. You have some great ideas there and you are very thoughtful to think of Jack. If I were ill, my little Hank would be a major concern of mine. We'll be praying for Jack and his Daddy.