Posted 12/10/2002 7:13 PM     Updated 12/15/2002 5:29 PM  

Four-legged friends dig holiday cheer

By Amanda Tyler, USATODAY.com

There are only 15 shopping days left in the holiday season, do you know what you're getting your favorite four-legged friend? If the answer is "nothing," you're one of a rapidly declining number of pet Scrooges in the country.

Americans spend $5 billion on holiday presents for pets, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. And about 25% of pet owners sign their pet's name on greeting cards while 36% include the pet's photograph.

Pets are part of the family these days — they have their own spas, daycare, hotels, professional photographs and personalized crematory urns. (Yes, personalized crematory urns.)

But holidays are especially busy for pet owners.

Frank Burke, store director for PetsMart in Alexandria, Va., says business soars during the holidays. And shoppers bring everything from ferrets to dogs to pet alligators to cruise the aisles during the holiday rush.

And today's holiday gifts aren't your granddoggy's rawhide chews. Choices of what to give that dog or cat who has everything runs the gamut this year.

PetsMart hosts a Holiday Village extravaganza that includes festive toys, apparel and pictures with Santa. Some of the most popular gifts include:

• Seasonal antlers headgear ($2.95).
• Santa suits for dogs and cats ($9.99).
• A bear wizard plush dog toy ($6.99).
• Pack of five natural pig ears for dogs ($5.99).

Customers usually purchase the antlers just in time for photos with Santa, according to Burke.

And a portion of the proceeds from the $9.95 Santa snapshots goes to rescue groups, such as Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue. Derek Watson, a volunteer for Oldies But Goodies who has spent an entire Saturday dressed as St. Nick, says he's had about 70 furry fannies on his lap — everything from hamsters to dogs.

Even book publishers are getting in on the action with unique presents. Hutton & Klohe released its Doggie Diary ($9.95) just in time for the holidays. Dog owners can jot down everything from eating habits to temperament to favorite tricks a la baby-book style.

Other unique gifts include:

• After-bath robes that prevent shedding while drying (Phoebe's, $38).
• Panic mouse interactive cat toy (www.panicmouseinc.com, $29.95).
• Litter-free, self-washing cat box (retail pet stores, $299.99).
• Musical dreidel (Doolittle's, $10.99).
• Musical Star of David (Doolittle's $10.99)
• Musical menorah (Doolittle's $10.99).
• Dr. Daniel's Catnip Santa Hat (Doolittle's $2.79).

But not everyone is feeling festive; some cat owners admit more of a bah-humbug attitude. (Just 37% of cat owners hang stockings, while 40% of dog owners do, according to AVMA).

"It's just silly," says cat owner Aaron Kahn. "If they need a scratching post, I'll get them a scratching post. If I had a dog, I might get into the holidays more. They seem more responsive."

At least one store owner agrees that dogs are more festive.

"It's easier to meet dog owners' needs," says Denise Graybill-Donohoe, owner of Three Dog Bakery specialty store in Bethesda, Md. "Most dogs aren't as finicky as cats."

While a catnip-filled mat has been a holiday favorite for finicky felines at Three Dog Bakery, the Hanukkah-celebrating dogs have been emptying the doggy shelves.

"We're all sold out of our Hanukkah toys," she says. "The menorahs and dreidels are gone. We've had an incredible season this year."

Animal headgears, toys with replaceable squeakers and Hanukkah toys have been the biggest sellers at Doolittle's in Washington, D.C.

"We stocked a lot of Hanukkah toys this year," says Rob Rexroth, assistant manager of Doolittle's. "And only three menorahs are left."

According to Graybill-Donohoe, personalized, carob-dipped stockings with red toes, and "holidog" snowman cookies are extremely popular. And since they're made in the store, they're always in stock. Now there's a treat to please the dog of any denomination on your list.