[PET OHANA]
Pet toys range from common household items to extravagant store-bought gifts and everything in between. Playtime will turn a bored dog into a silly puppy for just a little while. Not simply for entertaining the animals, toys can bring people and their pets closer together. As humans and their pets wrestle with a rope or toss a ball, they build trust that lasts a lifetime. Pet toys provide playtime fun
Here are some suggestions to keep your pets happy:
For people with dogs, look for toys that have the extra advantage of keeping your dog busy during your long days of working or shopping.
Kong toys are made of puncture-resistant bouncy rubber in a variety of shapes with hollow interiors. Stuff the center with doggie treats, kibble and something to make it all stick together, like peanut butter. Your dog will spend many happy hours trying to get the treats out. Then play fetch with these toys when you are together.
The irregular shapes makes the Kongs bounce crazily. The Kong Web site even has recipes for stuffing; go to www.kongcompany.com. Kong toys are available at pet shops and the Humane Society shop.
Better than a ball is the Stretchy TennisBone® from Happy Dog Toys, www.happydogtoys.com. This extra-rugged toy looks like two colorful tennis balls stuck together with a wiggly polyurethane rope. In reality, no glues or adhesives are used. Pull it, twist it, tug it. Dogs love playing with this new product. The company reports that it is irresistible to dogs. It bounces like crazy, floats and after being stre-e-e-tched, it still pops back to its original shape. With a suggested price of $9.99, this toy is fun for dogs even when they're alone.
Cats love the thrill of the chase, so any springy rod equipped with something twirly or feathery will catch their interest. The laser mouse is a pen-like device that shines a mouse-shaped silhouette or a harmless, quick-moving dot across the room.
Rabbits and guinea pigs are happy with hanging wooden mobiles from the pet store, igloo-style houses for privacy and hard rubber balls or rings. Rabbits enjoy "redecorating" their cages by pushing small baskets or cardboard rolls around.
Rats and mice will be entertained by Transoniq's exercise wheels in three sizes. Called "Wodent Wheels," they feature a unique design with a safe running surface without dangerous pinch areas. They are approved by the ASPCA and found at www.transoniq.com.
The best pet toy of all is anything that allows you to spend one-on-one time with your animal friend. Use your imagination to choose a new toy to share with your pet.
Here are more safe and fun toy suggestions:
For cats and dogs
>> Soft, washable stuffed toys tough enough to withstand chewing.>> Kong toys in many different shapes that hold treats.
For cats
>> Battery-operated Cy-Prr Mouse that zig-zags across the floor.>> Da Bird, a flexible rod that twirls feathers on a swivel.
For dogs
>> Booda Velvet Chews which provide pooches with hours of chewing entertainment and are good for gums and teeth.>> Soft-bite Frisbees for flying and retrieving, but not for chewing.
>> Flexible Gumabones or bone-like Nylabones which come in many flavors and satisfy a dog's need to chew.
Pet toy drive
Because toys are so important to pets, the Hawaiian Humane Society is hosting a toy drive this month, so each new pet adopted during December will have a new toy to take home.The holidays will be merrier for these animals as they make the transition to their new homes and families.
As you pick up a new toy for your pet, purchase an extra one to donate to the toy drive. Bring the new toy donations to the Humane Society through Nov. 30. Look for the big toy deposit bin located on the lanai.
Pet Ohana, written by the staff of the Hawaiian Humane Society, runs the first and third Saturdays of the month. They are at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
Click for online
calendars and events.
