By Sarah Hoggan, from the June 2000 Newsletter

Summer party etiquette dictates that one should present your host and hostess with a gift to complement their hospitality. This summer, consider being extra creative and give them something for their pets.

Toys are cute, but can be annoying if they contain a shrill squeaker. Also, most people don’t appreciate a drool soaked ball being dropped in their lap. Instead of toys, consider something edible for your host’s furry family members. The Moscow Food Co-op offers a variety of healthy and fun treats for pets.

For the cat owner, consider giving One Earth Naturals Cat Crunchies. They are a hard-textured treat to help maintain a pet’s dental health and have a chicken flavor. Also the treats contain catnip, a favorite cat reward!

If you want to spend a little more, the Co-op has earthenware bowls shaped like fish. Combine one of these with a few cans of Nature’s Choice, Lick Your Chops, or Natural Life wet cat food and you have a gift that is not only thoughtful, but unusual and practical as well.

For the dog lover, there is a greater variety of treat choices. The Co-op offers four flavors of Howlin’ Gourmet dog treats: Peanutty and Honey, Smokehouse Favorites, Oatmeal and Raisin, and Chicken PotPie. The treats are all colorful and come in round cookie shapes.

Burt’s Bones Whole Grain Biscuits are also available. The biscuits are brown heart shapes and come in a bag with a retriever illustration on the front.

If you know someone whose dog has a chewing fetish, the Co-op also offers carrot and potato based "bones". They could accompany a condolence card titled, "So sorry to hear about your favorite shoes."

Packages of treats are outstanding gifts because they last for several days. Every time the pet is rewarded with a treat, their owner is reminded of not only your thoughtfulness, but also your creativity.

Pets are part of the family, so show your hosts you enjoy their dogs’ and cats’ company as well. The next party you attend, bring wine for the adults, and treats for the pets. That way everyone will feel appreciated and will benefit from your presence.

Sarah Hoggan is a senior veterinary student at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She and her wonderful husband share their home with five furries: Nessie, Inky, Rowdy, Atticus, and Abercrombie.

 

Copyright: Copyright on articles and recipes are jointly held by the Moscow Food Co-op and the respective authors, except were otherwise noted.

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