Every year we buy our dogs some toys for Christmas and they last how long? In my house stuffing and squeakers are surgically removed from the toy’s body within minutes. We have options!
You can hand make toys for your little buddy. Cheap and sweet. Play toys can be as simple as a used plastic water bottle with that crinkly sound shoved into an old sock. Tie it shut and voila! Your dog doesn’t care that you got creative. Her friends won’t tease her in school.
Squeakers can be purchased in bulk through Etsy. Sew them into any old piece of fabric you have around. No stuffing needed, but if stuffing is your jam, use more of that old fabric. If your dog is a heavy chewer, things like a piece of fire hose with a heavy rope knotted to it should do the trick. We use old wheelbarrow tires in the daycare and the are impenetrable.
And rope toys… why buy an expensive rope toy when you can purchase rope by the foot at the hardware store? Pro tip: Make the knot before you cut the ends so can really get those knots tight.
Let’s not forget Christmas treats. It’s easy to dehydrate meat treats in the oven if you don’t have a dehydrator. Thin slices of a favourite boneless meat slowly baked for hours in a warm oven will have your dog knowing that he was a good boy this year.
There are lots of dog cookie recipes on the internet. Get baking. You can get creative and make fun shapes, but a dog does not eat with his eyes like we do. Little squares will do the trick. These are also a nice gift for your dog’s friends. Who doesn’t love home baking?
And speaking of gifts for friends, have your dog make some nice paw print art suitable for Grandma’s fridge door.
For more advanced crafty people, you could knit a nice sweater. I did this once and it was easy. The results were adorable. Or get a sewing pattern from the internet and sew a nice warm jacket, maybe use an old jacket or blanket of yours for the fabric.
How about a new leash for Christmas? There are tutorials on Youtube for braiding and splicing a length of rope into a new lead, or you can start from scratch and make a new rope lead from smaller cordage. Use a collar clip from an old frayed leash you have around.
This will be a frugal Christmas for most of us. Your dog won’t notice. You can make a big (recycled) bag of goodies for your bestest doggo and she’ll be thrilled. Happy crafting!!
Debbie Wood
Lucky Dog U-Bath | Pet Grooming | Long Hair | Daycare | Duncan BC Lucky Dog (luckydogubath.ca)