Friday, December 17, 2010

the greatest gift

With Christmas just around the corner, much of the discussion at work and many of the emails I have received from readers of this blog, have been focussed on what we give our pets for Christmas....and I've been asked quite a few times what I plan on getting for Sophie. I fully admit that I am one of the those owners, like many out there, who purchase gifts for my pets over the holidays. But I also recognize that the "stuff" I buy...the whole routine of deciding what to buy, the shopping in the store, the wrapping of a new toy....all of that is for me, not for Sophie or Elora. I love Christmas shopping for my family...and I consider Sophie and Elora part of my family so it warms my heart to include them in my holiday gift giving...even though they do not understand the concept of Christmas.





I do believe however, that there is no amount of "stuff" in any pet store that can equal the greatest gift of all we can give our animal companions...and that is the gift of our time. So early Christmas morning, probably before Santa has even finished his rounds, Sophie and I will be on the trails, hopefully enjoying some fresh fallen snow, and my girl and I will spend the first few magical hours of the holiday together in one of her favourite places. It will cost me zero dollars...and it will mean the world to her. That's the greatest gift that I can give her....and I will love every minute of it.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Along with our time our 3 will be getting a new collar.
That is a beautiful picture of Sophie

Jan said...

What a beautiful idea. Dogs are so completely non materialistic, but quality time is the best with them.

My guys always rip open anything under the tree that smells like goodies for them.

Becky said...

Truly the best gift of all for our furbabies. Beautiful photo of Miss Sophie. Hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a most joyous New Year!

Hilary said...

And a perfect gift it is, too.

Kathy said...

She is a lucky girl she is. Enjoy your morning walk with her, she will certainly enjoy it too. Merry Christmas to you both.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Merry Christmas to you Andrea and to Sophie too! Dogs live in the moment..she will love your time together..much better than a toy:)

Andrea said...

Yes, you're right. And if we're doing things right, the same goes for our families and kids. Merry Christmas!

Carolynn Anctil said...

So true. Every weekend, I see people with their animal companions and I have to comment on all the happy animals that are out there, so thrilled to be receiving the gift of time with their human.

Blessings,
Carolynn

Jackie said...

So true! I'm lucky to work as a freelance writer so I get to spend my days with my Schipperke. We have a routine so she always gets plenty of play time and walks through out the day. She may cramp my work style from time to time but I don't regret one minute that I get to share with her. Thanks for yet another lovely post -- and a gorgeous photo of Sophie to boot!

gigi said...

★Merry★* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★Christmas★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~\。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門| ˚From our home to yours!! May God Bless You and Your's in the coming New Year!

ThePainterPack said...

Merry Christmas!!

Painter Pack

Scout and Freyja said...

The PURRfect gifts for canine or human - our time and our love.

╔═════════ ೋღ❤ღೋ ═════════╗
ೋ❤❤❤~MERRY CHRISTMAS~❤❤❤ೋ
╚═════════ ೋღ❤ღೋ ═════════╝

L. D. said...

Yes, taking time to brush my Barney, border collie, is something he surely enjoys more than anything.