A Visit From Santa Paws
How to Buy a Gift for Your Pet
PRESENTS FOR CATS Indoor cats don’t get much mental stimulation, so it’s important they have things to play with. If you’re in the market for a cat toy, you first need to determine if you have a bird cat or a mouse cat. Some cats prefer feathers and dangling toys that flutter in the air, while others would rather pounce on furry things on the ground. Don’t spend money on fake mice when your cat would be happier chasing a ribbon. Not every cat will be interested in toys, but there are other gifts that can keep your cat entertained. Tall scratching posts are often a hit, as are shelves or ledges that give your cat access to the window. Being able to sit and watch the birds and squirrels outside is great for your cat’s mental health.
Finding the perfect present is hard enough when shopping for family members who can tell us what they want, but what about our pets? If you want to have toys for your dog or cat under the tree this year, let these veterinarian- approved tips be your guide. PRESENTS FOR DOGS Treats are a popular choice for dog gifts, but you should avoid real bones and rawhide. Hard cow bones can hurt a dog’s teeth, and it’s common for pig ears or rawhide to get stuck in their intestines. When it comes to dog treats, processed goodies are actually safer for their health. In terms of dog toys, there’s no end to the fun that’s in store. Whatever toy you buy, always check for choking hazards before playtime and remove any rubber bands, strings, or plastic eyes that can be swallowed. On that note, make sure you don’t give your dog something they can easily tear apart. Dogs like ripping stuffed animals to shreds, but you don’t want them to swallow the fabric or stuffing. Consider more durable options instead, like a Kong chew toy.
In the end, you know your pet better than anyone. When you make safety a priority, you’ll be sure to find a present your pet will love for years — or at least until they finish ripping it apart.
Looking for an easy holiday roast that still feels elegant enough for the occasion? Look no further than this delicious prime rib flavored with garlic, thyme, and red wine. Ingredients Food Hounds ! HOLIDAY ROAST PRIME RIB
PAWSitively Hilarious !
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1 bone-in prime rib (6–7 pounds)
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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2 cups red wine 4 cups beef stock
Directions
1. 30 minutes before cooking, remove roast from fridge and let sit until it reaches room temperature. 2. Heat oven to 350 F. 3. Make small slits in prime rib and stuff with slices of garlic. Liberally season with salt and pepper. 4. Place a rack inside a roasting pan and roast prime rib for 2 hours, until medium-rare. 5. To make au jus, place roasting pan with drippings from roast over 2 burners on high. Add wine and scrape pan as liquid reduces. Add beef stock and cook until reduced by half. Finally, sprinkle in thyme. 6. Slice roast and serve topped with au jus.
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