Shopping for presents? Don't forget the 'furmily'

Pets and Christmas. First, I don’t like the word "pet," because it implies an object, a thing, something we can own. Bah humbug, I say!

Pets are family, so let’s just call them that from now on shall we? Or "furmily." That’s much more loving and appropriate. A home without an animal companion is no home at all. Thank you, moving on.

I dropped by D’arcy’s ARC here in the ’Peg, which is "a registered charity dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats and dogs in Manitoba," and had a visit with some of their current residents and a chat about what people come in to shop for around Christmas.

The bottom line from D’arcy folk Brenda and Martine? "Holiday item treats, gingerbread men cookies, toys, anything Christmasy, candy cane shaped catnip toys, anything they think their fur baby would be thrilled to receive Christmas morning!"

And, interestingly enough, she added, "Generally, price is no object and many people buy for other people’s (furmily)." I put that word in her mouth. I just couldn’t write... you know.

I just don’t think I realized how extensive this Christmas furmily thing is. In preparation for this column, I asked on my Facebook page: "Do any of you people buy Christmas presents for your furry family members?"

I got a tsunami of responses. I’ll give you some examples:

From Jona: "Yep, fresh catnip."

From Diane: "Yup, got toys and treats for my granddog. More than I should have. Oh well, it’s a dog’s life."

And Marilyn: "Yes. And I make our Boxer, Romeo, a Christmas dinner as well!" Geoff wrote, "Always, he is family, and loves getting gifts the same as anyone does."

Elaine chimed in: "Only the dog. She gets upset if others get presents and she doesn’t. One day she completely snubbed us because another dog visiting got a gift and she didn’t." Tracey added: "Yes, all five of them," while Marianne said, "Yes, I splurge on a big bone for Odie and toys for Belle."

Harry added, "Lots! This year we have two newborn pups five weeks old so we have to buy eight. FUN FUN!" And, last but not least, Charlene said, "I did until she passed and I’ll never forget how much fun it was watching her open them!"

I’ll just interrupt myself here with a quick apology to those whose responses don’t hit today’s page. I just haven’t got room for them all, but they’re all much appreciated.

OK, a few more: Elaine: "Sure do, usually the first present I get is for our furry shih tzu, Bailee. She even has her own stocking. I love my dog!"

That reminds me of a family I heard of a couple of days ago, who would put up stockings for their three guinea pigs (containing celery and grapes) and a big stocking with a big chunk of yummy cooked meat, wrapped in tinfoil, for the dog. And they got their horses presents too.

Maggie: "We do, lol, plus my boss buys for them as well!" And Brandi said, "Absolutely, I buy for my furgrandbabies."

Meanwhile, Maureen said, "More than for my non-furry family."

And Leslie? "Yes, every year! Funniest one was our mini dachshund, we had hidden her treat in the tree, even the little bag was edible! But it gave off a great chocolate scent. We feared the tree would come down and the dog would blame the cats!"

Smart doggie.

So many great stories — and obviously presents for furmily are a huge part of retail sales each Christmas, which is terrific.

They deserve all the love we can give them. Furmily that is. And if it helps the economy? Bonus!

You people who dress your dogs up in Christmas outfits and other get-ups year round, I think you may have "issues." I say this with mindful love: Get help. (Just kidding!) Our furmily members love the attention and affection. If they don’t like it, they’ll let you know. Carry on.

Now if you don’t have a furmily member to get a gift for, that is easily remedied by adopting one of the 150 or so residents D’arcy’s ARC has, just waiting for a loving home to go to, along with a shout out for all the other shelters around the city and province overflowing with four-legged unconditional friends waiting to be picked up and fussed over for years to come. You can check D’arcy’s out online at darcysarc.ca

All shelters very much appreciate any donations you can give them at this time of year — and all year — as well. A lovely Christmas gift for furmily, even if they don’t live in your home.

Yes, I’ll be buying the six furmily members who live with me gifts, but can’t say what here — the border collie (Murphy) might read this and tell the rest of the herd. Happy holidays!

lmustard1948@gmail.com