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My favourite part of the holidays, the part that I look forward to even more than the big day itself, is Christmas Eve. No matter where I am when December 24th finally rolls around childhood nostalgia finds me.

Remember being little and waiting for Santa to arrive? Keeping careful watch on the skies above your house, listening intently for the soft pitter-patter of reindeer hooves on the roof or the tell-tale jingle of bells, preparing milk, cookies and carrots for your soon-to-be-guests, and dashing madly to bed, trying desperately to push excitement from your mind so you could fall asleep and meet morning a little earlier. These are but a few of the fond memories that come rushing back to me every year.

I also remember my childhood dog, Trilby, eagerly supporting my carefree elation! Whether wrapping or shaking presents under the tree, baking goodies with my grandmother, building intricate snowmen in the front yard for Santa to see, singing carols with the other neighbourhood children or curling up for a festive bedtime story, Trilby was always there with a waggy tail supporting the season’s magic.  She always fell asleep after me on the foot of my bed, but on Christmas Eve I would fervently try to coax her to sleep before me so that she wouldn’t be awake when Santa came — because everyone knows Santa flies over houses where somebody tries to stay up to see him, right?

I think pets in general help children discover their imaginations, because they tell their pets secrets, play games with them and firmly believe that they are more than just a dog, cat or rabbit — they are a friend, a being, a faithful sidekick who also believes in magic and wonder. On Christmas Eve especially, when magic is almost tangible and swirling amidst a flurry of snowflakes and cheer, I think pets help us rekindle that sense of awe from childhood. How do your pets make the Christmas season magical?

Would you like to know a secret? Rory is getting a new collar this year for Christmas — that is, if her people can ever decide on a style! It’s awful that we are days away from the big celebration and we still haven’t picked one (but please, no judgement!) Why a collar, you may ask? Well mostly because her present collar is looking a little shabby and this product can be both practical and pretty!

There is a vast rainbow of possibilities in the colourful world of collars, something to suit every pooch and every pooch’s whim! It is wonderful to have choice, but at the same time it can be a tricky business finding exactly the right look for your furry friend.

Above are a few of the top contenders. I’m loving the bold graphic prints and sophisticated fabrics that merge to bring forth some lovely neck attire. Which one do you think would best suit Rory? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

1. Tangerine Leather  2. Mod Dog Collection  3. Plaid Collar  4. A Pop of Pink  5. Floral Cream Collar Cover  6. Elephant’s On Parade Goldenrod  7. Preppy Plaid

For some extra cheer and hilarity over the holidays you should pick up a copy of “Awkward Family Pet Photos” and leave it on the coffee table for all to see.  Random House sent Rory and I a copy of this book to look at and let me tell you there was definitely more than one occasion where I found myself snorting into my tea with laughter — quite an awkward situation in and of itself.

The concept is pretty self-explanatory — a collection of awkward photos that feature families with their beloved pets. You’ll be surprised, shocked and even a little mortified by some of the poses and compositions people choose to commemorate their precious pet moments with, but at the end of the day you’ll be guaranteed a good laugh. Oh, and you’ll have lots of terrific examples for how not to take a photograph.

Perhaps the funniest thing about this book is that in every image it is the human who makes the photograph awkward, suggesting that modelling is yet another area in which pets lead by example. Do you have any funny pet/family photos you’d like to share? Post them here and make us laugh!

Also, don’t forget to swing by our giveaway page and enter for your chance to win, win, win!

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Owners adore doting on their pets. Some of us even spoil them from time to time…or a lot — let’s be honest! In many cases it is a human way of expressing our affection. However, this interesting infographic suggests that no matter how well-intentioned our spending is, there are numerous ways in which our dollars could be helping to save animals in need. Although this study was conducted in America about Americans and their spending habits, I think the general message is something worth thinking about, especially around the holiday season.

What do you think? Have you thought about this before? Are you donating to any shelters this year as a gift? What is your secret for spending balance when it comes to pets? I would love to hear your thoughts!

PS: Don’t forget to enter our raffle fund-raiser for Hopeful Hearts! Your pet could win a six-page editorial photo-shoot to be published in an upcoming issue! Hooray!