Christmas Giving Going to the Dogs... and Cats?

By Jackie Lukas

As we approach this upcoming holiday season, there are some interesting new facts coming out about spending. So let me just be blunt. If your name's not Fido or Buster -- you probably won't be getting as many presents under your Christmas tree!

A recent consumer report shows that 76% of Americans are going to be cutting back on spending this holiday. That's gifts, travel, decorations, holiday cards... you name it!       

84% of people said that they will cut back on spending for themselves.                                            40% are scaling back on family and friends.

But - only 23% of shoppers said they would cut back on spending for their pets! I mean, why should our furry friends suffer? The struggling economy and volatile market is no reason to not get those extra treats for your pets. I know my Mitsy and Kit Kat will get as much catnip as they want this holiday season!  
 

And some of my co-workers feel the same way. Who could deny these lovable pooches anything?

     

But in all seriousness, I can see why pet presents may not be on the holiday budget chopping block. You're not really breaking the bank buying that extra dog bone - or mouse toy.

    

Since times are hard, I am curious to see how the holiday season is going to be. I still haven't really thought about whether or not I'm going to cut back on spending this year. I believe my family deserves the best of the best. Especially if you throw in some door buster sales and coupons!

But - recently for my birthday my brother showed me that you don't have to spend a lot of money - to give a great and thoughtful gift! Check this out!

   

He actually made me a tea box from scratch! How cool is that?! He took the time to build, stain and stencil it. It's the best present he has ever given me - and far better than anything he could buy in a store! My new tea box is a reminder that special occasions like birthdays and holidays are not about how much money you spend. "It's the thought that counts!" We've all heard the saying - but how often do we really act on it? So whether it's a present for your family, friends or Fido -- be sure to add that extra special touch to show them how much you really care this holiday season! And who knows - maybe you'll be able to keep some extra cash in your piggy bank in the process!

Comments

[John]

Jackie did you lose a camera in New Jersey on 12/30? If so, I have it. Please send me an email and let me know and I will send it back to you. Thanks.

[Mack Downalds]

I like your cats.. That tea box is amazing!!! I would pay 1000 million dollars for that. And. ... PS... I think!

[Bob]

Steve, yes they can be trained to use the toilet. You start by putting a litter box on the toilet in the opening (not a big box of course) and after they're comfortable with it, you remove it. Of course not all cats will like it, but it can be done.

One thing that people think is that cats are not smart and just lay there and do nothing and ignore you. That is not true. If you interact with them, they interact with you. It all depends on how you raise them and that goes for any animal. My cat follows me from room to room and always wants to spend time with me. I play with her with ribbon and she loves the flashlight. She comes running up to the door and greets me when I come home. She comes when I call her and yes she knows her name. Cats and dogs are like people, the more attention you give them, the more they give you.

[Steve S.]

I'm not a cat person but I definitely know there is no soul stealing going on.. I just think a dogs love is more unconditional.. They are always happy to see you and lift your spirits (not steal it..lol) when you are down. They are truly a member of the family. That's why I will always spoil mine during th holidays.. I have a question though can a cat be trained to use the toilet like in the movie "Meet the Parents"... and I saw something on the internet too.. I think that is a pretty cool trick if they can.. Pretty smart too.. Jackie I always picked you for a dog person... But don't worry I won't hold that against you ;)

[Bob]

Uh ok John, I think you've had a bit too much coffee. That is absolute hogwash. Cats meow to communicate to you just like a dog barks. Dogs wag their tails as another form of communication just like cats do. I can assure you they do not steal souls. There is no hocus pocus stuff here. Cats are furry, cute, and a lot of fun to play with. This is one thing that people who do not have cats realize. They want attention and love just like any other pet wants from their owner.

Now enough with this hocus pocus stuff.

[Bob]

Uh ok John, I think you've had a bit too much coffee. That is absolute hogwash. Cats meow to communicate to you just like a dog barks. Dogs wag their tails as another form of communication just like cats do. I can assure you they do not steal souls. There is no hocus pocus stuff here. Cats are furry, cute, and a lot of fun to play with. This is one thing that people who do not have cats realize. They want attention and love just like any other pet wants from their owner.

Now enough with this hocus pocus stuff.

[John]

You have it all wrong. Cats steal the souls of visitors on behalf of the owner, which is where the confusion lies. We cat owners mostly sold our souls to get the cats in the first place (making them impossible to steal), so it all balances out.

What, you thought that tickle in the back of your throat was an allergy...?

One thing to consider when questioning the sociability of cats is that they're not naturally vocal creatures. They meow purely for our benefit, which is why they sometimes sound like us--they're mimicking the sounds we make to get our attention.

That, and my little old guy hops up in my lap to lick my face. And yes, it hurts every bit as much as it sounds. But I'm sure as heck not going to argue with an eighteen year old cat.

[Jackie]

Thanks for sticking up for my cats Bob! For those who asked... Kit Kat (who's a girl) - is the white and gray cat.. Mitsy (a boy) - has the stripes. I don't have a dog... yet! :) Thanks for reading! I really liked the tips on the homemade toys!

[Bob]

Franky, it is hogwash that at night cats steal your soul. Just one of those folk tales that are not true. I've had two cats and they are great at night, curling up next to you.

Bob

[Franky, Freeport]

Your Cats seem nice, but I heard that at night when you're sleeping they could try to steal your soul.. That's why I am a Dog person. My Wheaten terrier Maggie is the best. She even opens her own presents at Christmas. Just watching how excited she gets on Christmas makes every penny spent well worth it. Are any of those dogs yours?

[getosama]

cats are people too! nice pics!

[Sue]

Jackie...loved your blog! I think gifts given from the heart(the tea box)are the most wonderful gifts of all. It's not how much you spend its the thought that counts. Thanks for reminding us whats really important.

[Ellen]

Hi Jackie,

You are doing great on News 12! Love the blog. Keep up the good work!

[winca]

Another way to celebrate the holiday season in a small but important way is to donate to your local animal shelter. There are so many dogs and cats that would love a home for the holidays. Not everyone can provide that, but almost anyone who loves animals can donate a small amount of money or food or toys. Every little bit helps. I am sure that Fido and Fluffy would give up one toy or bone for their less fortunate friends.

[Mr. Zibby]

Hi Jackie,

I really liked the piece you did today on the spanish guy who was killed by that 17 year old kid. One of the girls they interviewed on TV said he had a swastika tattoo. Real Nice.....

I feel bad for the guy who got killed because he happens to be the same age as me. When I sit around the house in Bayville that my parents essentially gave me on a silver platter with no house payment and the biggest monthly expense being the $400 per month I pay in property and school taxes (to educate other peoples children). All I can think of is how lucky I am to be where I am and how unlucky that Spanish guy was to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Perhaps if he had parents that gave him a $800,000 house he would have been home watching TV instead of hanging out at the train station getting killed by a mob of spoiled White Punks...

I hope the kid who did this is tried as an adult. I personally would take all 7 of those kids and lower them head first into a commercial sized meat grinder and then there would be 7 less jerks running around Long Island that could possibly get in my way someday....He will probably get 20 years in Prison at a cost of $59 a day to the tax payers to keep him there...so he can eat hot dogs, drink Juice Boxes, and eat Cherry Jell-O...he can also get many more tattoo's and raped in prison on a daily basis. Maybe if he misbahaves in Prison the prison guards will finish him off....

I hear what your saying about the holiday spending...I usually spend $1,000 each season on gifts but since gas cost me and extra $760 dollars this year---This year Daddy's getting a $100 Lowe's Gift Card...Mom's getting a $100 JCPenny's Card---And little bro gets a crock pot...

You are the most beautiful woman on Cable Television. News 12 did good when they hired you...

[larry cj]

HI JACHIE
great blog, times are hard ,to cut back on your pet that's hard to do .thay love you nomater what, and you are so right it is the thought that counts a smaller gift with a card that has a nice saying to let your family know how much thay mean to you is important, it's very nice to here how important your family is to you jachie, I mean that is what the holidays are all about ,your not just beautiful but a real nice down to earth person , I hope you blog more keep up the great work. TAKE CARE

[Justin]

Hey Jackie,
I totally agree with you. I love to spoil my little Tino. And the best part is watching him get so excited when he gets a new toy. That's my gift. Family and friends can understand how times are tough. If you put thought and a little TLC into it, the cost doesn't compare. The only ones I'll be spoiling this holiday season are my dog Tino and my beautiful girlfriend.

[Pat]

Hey Jackie, great blog! I don't think i'll be cutting back on spending for my 2 dogs this year. They like the holidays just as much as most people do :). I like the pics of your cats, which one is which? That's a great box your brother made for you. I would guess by the contents inside you love drinking tea? Also, I like the pics of all the dogs, who's dogs are they? Hope to read more from you and keep up the good work there at News 12. Hope to read more from you on here sometime soon.

[John]

I was going to cut back on the cat, but he probably has my credit card number memorized and you don't really need thumbs to surf the web.

Oh--another free cat toy? Peanuts still in the shell. It makes noise and rolls in unpredictable directions, so it's hard to go wrong.

[Bob]

The tea box is very cool. Very practical too and made from the heart as your brother took time to make it. When you think of the time, effort and thought he put into it, you know its a special gift.

As for your two cats who are very cute, here is an idea if you are saving money on a cat toy. You know that spool of ribbon you spent to tie up packages? Well dangle that in front of them and they'll go for it. Take a stick and tie it to that and let them have fun.