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Animal Angel Tree

Animal Angel Tree
Each new year, animal shelters are overrun with pets given as unwanted gifts during the holiday season. Now, a local business is asking that people forgo puppy mills and breeders for a more animal-friendly alternative - support of a pet shelter.

Animal Angel Tree
Each new year, animal shelters are overrun with pets given as unwanted gifts during the holiday season. Now, a local business is asking that people forgo puppy mills and breeders for a more animal-friendly alternative - support of a pet shelter.
Best Friends Pet Resort and Veterinary Hospital, in Spring, is encouraging animal lovers to share in the holiday spirit by either making a donation - or for those who really want to buy a new pet - doing so at a local rescue instead of a pet store.
Best Friends has set up two Animal Angel Trees - one in the veterinary clinic and one in the pet resort, where animal lovers may sponsor a needy pet by making a donation of food, money, treats, toys or blankets and beds.

"The holiday season is especially difficult for animal shelters," said Kim Barrett, manager of the veterinary hospital. "Shelters find that donations of food and funds decline at this time of year. What's more, few animals find homes during the holidays, so many shelters are at capacity and need donations more than ever." Barrett said the donations will be split among a total of eight charities, including Twyla's Friends, located in Kingwood. Barrett said people may also designate that a donation goes toward a local rescue group for their favorite breed. Best Friends will also accept sponsorships by phone. Barrett also said she lets people know that some of the animals portrayed on the trees still need homes. Often, adopting is far cheaper than buying from a pet store or breeder, and most shelters require that adopted animals be spayed or neutered before adoption.

On the Web site for Twyla's Friends, the rescue group features a "wish list" that includes, among other things, an old bath and beach towels, dog food and all sizes of dog crates. The Montgomery County Humane Society lists bleach, stainless steel bowls, dog and cat shampoo, paper towels and trash bags as some of their basic needs. Best Friends will be donating a supply of Eukanuba food to the shelters. The Angel Tree program is part of the national chain's efforts at helping animals in need. This is the fourth year for the program. Last year, more than 50 shelters and rescue groups across the United States received food, toys, treats and pet care products for the animals in their care, according to a press release. The Best Friends Pet Hotel, location in Houston, at 5602 Royalton Road, is also accepting donations. Barrett said the Spring location has already raised $1,000 in the month that the tree has been up.

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Pet Presents
People who already own pets often splurge on their companions each holiday. According to a survey conducted in 2003, 85 percent of PETCO customers bought gifts for their pets during special occasions. Aaron Tagerson, general manager at PETCO's Spring location, said one of this year's best selling toys is something for all types of pets, from cats and dogs to birds, reptiles and fish. Tagerson recently demonstrated at his store, pulling a small key-chain-sized laser pointer out of his pocket. Walking up to a birdcage, he points the laser at the bird's feet and whistles. Immediately, the bird lunges for the tiny red dot the laser creates. "One of the biggest things we have here is this little laser," he said. The laser is a point-of-purchase item, meaning it is sold right at the checkout stand. It retails for $7.99. Again, Tagerson demonstrates, this time with rows and rows of fish tanks. Each time, the fish dart this way and that, following the point of the laser like lemmings. "It's great exercise for them," he said. Still, Tagerson said most of the gifts sold are bought for dogs and cats. PETCO carries a line of Barbie-brand pet toys, and fancy collars, beds and plush toys are always popular, Tagerson said. For cat fanciers, the Panic Mouse has been a big seller. At $29.99, it runs on batteries and can provide hours of entertainment for cats with its movements that imitate a real mouse. The toy is basically a teaser toy, like the kind with feathers on a rope attached to a plastic stick. Except with the Panic Mouse, the stick is inserted into a machine that flings it around randomly, inviting the cat to chase after it. "It's powered up," he said. "It does everything for you." Dog owners seem to enjoy dressing up their animals. "There's huge business in sweaters and pull-overs," Tagerson said. To learn more about Best Friends Animal Angel Tree, call (281) 298-6500. To shop online for your own best friend, visit the PETCO Web site at www.petco.com.
Brittanie Hoofard may be reached via e-mail at bhoofard@mail.hcnonline.net.
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