Wishing dog owners a very yappy holiday

Since its founding in 2009, Yelp!BR earned a perpetual place on the “nice” list by rescuing and rehoming more than 1,000 dogs and puppies. Those animals came from the East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Shelter, where only one of every two dogs is lucky enough to find a new home.

To extend that goodwill to all Capital City canines, YelpBR! Director Jessica Card and her staff have created a great list of gifts for dog owners.

• A Grooming Salon, Obedience Class or Pet Supply Store Gift Certificate. While the rewards are beyond compare, owning a puppy or dog requires a huge investment of time and money. Any owner would be delighted to have the opportunity brush up on training skills, have their hounds brushed up by a professional, or simply have the extra funds to buy a really good Furminator brush or indulge in other extras.

• Kongs. For the uninitiated, the basic Kong toy looks very unimpressive. It’s basically a beehive-shaped piece of industrial rubber with a hollow center that comes in several different sizes. Besides bouncing erratically enough to keep a dog’s attention, the Kong’s cavity can be filled with all sorts of treats. “We like to put creamy peanut butter and treats in them and then put them in the freezer,” says Card. “The dogs love them, and it helps keep them occupied.”

• A Cute—Maybe Personalized—Container Full of Tasty, Healthy Treats. Pets are family. Particularly around the holidays, people love to indulge friends and family in sweets and traditional holiday dishes. Owners are no exception and enjoy giving their pets special treats as well.

• Dog Beds and Blankets. Undoubtedly, our furry friends certainly deserve their creature comforts. Even if a dog already has a bed and/or blanket, it may show the affects of time, mud stains and teeth marks. A new fresh one is usually a welcome change.

For those searching for a very special gift, a new canine companion can definitely put some spring into the holiday spirit. These are among the great dogs available at Yelp!BR.