Dear Santa,
I’ve been such a good, good, dog this year! My humans say so nearly every day. I have kept the yard free from squirrels, only chewed up one couch since last Christmas, and I have stopped chasing the cat (well, OK, I’m down to only once a week but still better)! I am the best snuggler, sloppy kisser, tail wager for miles. So if possible could I have the following for Christmas? If not, that’s OK too, we can still be friends.
1. TOYS! – Bring it on – chew toys to keep my teeth healthy, balls for fetching and much needed exercise, puzzle toys for my mental health. I’m not picky.
2. Treats – I love treats.
3. Walks – I know I have a yard but I love to get out and meet people, sniff a lot, keep my weight down, and get my wanderlust out of my system. It is so good for me and my human. So maybe you could bring some extra cold weather gear for my human so we can get out every day!
4. New collar, new leash, and a microchip to make sure I don’t get lost on my walks or while ridding the yard of invading squirrels.
5. Grooming – I want to look great for my Christmas pictures!
6. A professional dental cleaning by my veterinarian – My human sometimes turns their face away during my awesome kissing. They say I have bad breath, whatever that means. I don’t always like going to the vet but it keeps my mouth healthy which in turn keeps my other organs healthy as well!
7. More cats to chase, …uh…, I mean play with.
8. Year round heartworm prevention – It tastes delicious and keeps me free of parasites including intestinal parasites that are present year round. I don’t want to gross out my family.
9. Did I list treats yet? OK fine, healthy ones like carrots, no salt green beans, apple slices, Cheerios. I can share them with the Reindeer so we can all be friends.
Love,
The Dog
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Dear Santa,
Oh poor guy, you can’t read my mind and know what I want for Christmas? I guess I can help you out with that. It goes without saying that I have been a good cat this year. I let the humans pet me sometimes, I keep a spot on the couch warm, and I only swat at the dog once a week now. So here is what I require for Christmas:
1. Sufficient litterboxes – We should have as many litterboxes in the house as we have cats + 1. They should be scooped daily, cleaned weekly, filled with unscented litter, uncovered, and away from noisy areas of the house. This helps me be as happy as I can be and minimizes the chances that I will not use the box.
2. A cat tree – I love different levels to play and perch. It makes me feel safe and allows me to survey my realm. Who knows, it might even keep the dog safe from me.
3. An annual check-up – I haven’t been to the vet in years. Yeah, I know I’m low maintenance and I don’t go outside, but I’m also really good at hiding my illnesses and things such as dental disease until much later in their course than the dog.
4. A scratching post – Apparently, the humans don’t like it when I scratch their couch and drapes. A scratching post will help me direct my natural behavior appropriately.
5. Feather toys and laser pointers – I need exercise and mental stimulation just like the dog! I only act like I don’t care. I mean, would I be grooming myself all day if I didn’t want to look my best?
6. Take the dog with you back to the North Pole. He loves the snow anyway.
7. Catnip
8. Catnip
9. Catnip
With Regards,
The Cat
article written by:
Jessica Smith, DVM
Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect
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