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Borrow Pet Gift Ideas From Animal Lovers

Photo provided by SPCA

Beth Lockwood, executive director of SPCA Tampa Bay, will find some fetching gifts for Dolly.

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Kristen Levine

Published: December 3, 2008

Of all our loved ones, pets are surely the easiest to please when it comes to holiday gifts. Maybe that's because we buy pets presents to make ourselves feel good.

More than half of America's pets will get a gift for Hanukkah or Christmas, the American Pet Products Association says. I guess we'll feel good as we shell out the $210million or so the association says we'll spend.

What will some local — and more distant — well-known pet lovers be wrapping up for their loyal little (or big) friends this year? Their ideas may help you with your own shopping list.

Jeff and Carmella Garcia, Tampa

Tampa Bay Buccaneer's quarterback/2008 Sports Illustrated swimsuit model

Pets: Andy, 3-year old dachshund adopted from the Humane Society of Tampa; Austin, 8-year old toy poodle; Logan, 5-year old chocolate Labrador

Gifts: "We get our dogs treats from The Grateful Dog Bakery in Ohio," Carmella Garcia says. "We love their products because they are all natural and freshly handmade. This way, our dogs get Christmas cookies, too!"

The trio will also tear into new toys on Christmas morning.

Visit the Grateful Dog Bakery at www.gratefuldogbakery.com.

Michelle Bearden, Tampa

Tampa Tribune and News Channel 8 religion reporter

Pet: Sadie, 2-year old Australian shepherd mix. Sadie was adopted from Lost Angels Animal Rescue in Tampa.

Gifts: "This year, on our second Christmas together, Sadie will find enrollment in her second round of obedience training with Tampa trainer Vic Carlson. Training your dog gives them the 'gift of life,' so they respond to you at all times. No breaking loose from a leash and dashing across the street to chase a squirrel ... she knows that on leash, and off leash, she has to follow the commands."

When Sadie completes her second round, she'll be going through certification for Project P.U.P. (Pets Uplifting People), so she can serve as a therapy dog with Bearden at nursing homes and hospitals.

"Her 'gifts' under the tree allow her to give — and dogs love to do that," Bearden says. "I'll also get her a few cartons of Frosty Paws, her twice-a-week treat for being such a good girl."

Martin Deeley, Orlando

Dog trainer, author and executive director of the International Association of Canine Professionals

Pets: Two cocker spaniels, Chopper, 8 months, and Sweet,14 months; five Labrador retrievers: Roper, 8 years; Becky, 13 years; Two Dot, 4 years; Ruth, 10 months; and Freckles, 5 years.

Gifts: "Freckles, Chopper and Sweet love to mother those cute plush toys, so that's what they'll enjoy this year," Deeley says. "Roper, Two Dot and Ruth will get new tennis ball-style Kongs because they love to fetch."

Becky will find special Glucosamine treats in her stocking, because fetching is getting more difficult.

Looking for a great training gift for you and your dog? Deeley suggests the new Cesar Millan DVD, "Sit and Stay the Cesar Way," featuring Deeley and Millan, available at www.cesarmillaninc.com.

Gayle Sierens, Tampa

News Channel 8 co-anchor

Pets: Woody, 6 years, and Gracie, 3 years, both Welsh terriers

Gifts: "We don't do much in terms of gifts, but we like to torture them by making them wear Christmas bows around their necks around the holidays."

Beth Lockwood, Largo

Executive director, SPCA Tampa Bay

Pets: Dolly, 2-year-old Yorkie; Hank, 10-year-old bloodhound; Anna, 14-year-old West Highland terrier; Ernie, 3-year-old orange tabby; all adopted from the SPCA Tampa Bay (of course).

Gifts: "Dolly loves toys and to fetch, so she'll find lots of toys purchased at the SPCA's new Edward D. Foreman Adoption Center and Pet Boutique. The rest of my four-legged family members will get treats, but they do have to work for them by sitting on command!"

The Pet Boutique is located at the SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave. N. in Largo. All proceeds benefit the SPCA. For details, call (727) 586-3591 or visit www.SPCATampaBay.org

Victoria Stilwell, Georgia

Dog trainer and host of Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog," author of "It's Me or the Dog: How to have the Perfect Pet," (Hyperion) and "How to Have a Healthy, Happy Pet," (Harper Collins)

Pets: Sadie, 6-year-old chocolate Labrador rescued from a home where she was never walked

Gifts: "Sadie loves soft animal toys and Kong bones, so Santa might leave a few of those in her stocking."

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; e-mail kristen@fetchingcommunications.com.

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