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Special to the Times

Gifts for the pets on your list

By STEVE DALE
Published December 14, 2006

The economy may not be all that great these days; nevertheless, about 154-million pet owners are expected to spend $2.6-billion on pet gifts this holiday season, says the American Pet Product Manufacturer's Association. Here are some new items on the shelves:

Play with it

It's shocking news: holiday lights your dog can play with safely. In fact, they may be unsafe for you. They smell so good that you might be tempted to chew on the candy cane-smelling Orbee-Tuff Bulbs. Each bulb looks like a Christmas tree light, but it's really a dog toy into which you can drop treats. Available in red, green and white the white glows in the dark, which may help Santa find his way; $9.95 and at most pet stores and www.planetdog.com.

As real light bulbs don't make appropriate holiday snacks, the same is true for real turkey legs. However, a hard rubber Turkey Chew is safe, and yummy if you happen to put some peanut butter inside; $9 to $15, from www.dogmt.com.

Dogs can enjoy a plush Tuchis donkey toy for Hanukkah. There's also Shlep the camel plush toy and the squeaky Mensch Chewish toy, wearing a great big smile. All three toys are $9.99 each, available at www.just4pooches.com and boutique pet stores.

It's tough, it's rough, and it even floats! The Combat Squeaker bone dog toy from the Bamboo Co. is designed for small dogs and puppies. $4.99 for two at amazon.com and in stores.

If you're unsure about how frogs are connected to Christmas, this cheerful little frog (dog) toy ribbits We Wish You a Merry Christmas when squeezed; $13.50 at www.barkerandmeowsky. com. That perennial retro favorite We Wish You a Merry Christmas duck toy remains available; $13.50, at the same Web site.

Cats deserve toys for the holidays, too. How about a reindeer with a red nose, black antlers and a pouch for stuffing catnip inside? It's $5.50 at www.barkerand meowsky.com.

Most toys aren't purchased to immediately be ripped apart - but that's what parrots love to do. Candy cane, Santa and Driedel Polly Wanna piqatas are filled with a mix of banana chips, raisins, pineapple and papaya; each $9 at www.fetchitpets.com.

Wear it

Wearing new baubles, you should look and sniff your best. One holiday pet gift pack includes Merry Berry shampoo and conditioner and Cool Yule freshener and detangler. All products are DEA-free and pH-balanced; $11.99 from pet stores and from www.pet-living.com/ vetbasis/index.htm.

Pink isn't your typical holiday color, but it is trendy. Dress your pooch in a knit winter hat with embroidered snowflakes. Light blue hats (for Hanukkah) and Christmas red hats also available in various sizes; $14.99. At pet stores or www.doggles.com.

A ferret Santa suit has a matching hat; $14.50 at www.ferretstore.com.

Steve Dale welcomes questions. He will answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207. Send e-mail to petworld@aol.com.

[Last modified December 13, 2006, 20:21:59]