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December 14, 2009

Amid the rampant belt-tightening, dogs fair better than human friends and even family in the holiday shopping rush. Human hangers-on and family gift obligations get the heave-ho, but dogs? Well, they remain KEEPERS even in tough economic times. Or, so says, an article in yesterday’s New York Times (Fewer Gifts and Frills …)

The piece by Stephanie Rosenbloom reads, in part:

Of the various retailing surveys chronicling the collapse of materialism, one from American Express found that consumers are more likely to excise certain friends and family members than their pets.

“Dogsand pets are winning in this recession,” said Kit Yarrow, a consumerpsychologist and chairwoman of the psychology department at Golden GateUniversity in San Francisco. “The things that nurture us and make usfeel cared for, they’ve been elevated in stature lately. All auxiliarypeople are out.”

Because of all that’s going on around me, this holiday season will indeed be different from years past. Who is in? Who is out? What can I afford, etc? All questions that flood me … yet, I find myself compelled to buy “just one more thing” for the dogs.

I guess I’m not alone. After all, when I am alone (or at least feel that way when at my stress saturation point), the dogs remain by my side.

About the Author Roxanne Hawn

Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, I'm a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, and private clients. My areas of specialty include everything in the lifestyles arena, including health and home, personal finance and other consumer interests, relationships and trends, people and business profiles ... and, of course, all things pet related.

I don't just love dogs. I need them in my life. Seriously.

  1. Somehow when I cut back, the dog always wins and continues to get spoiled, as always! (As if she’d notice the difference??)

  2. I’ve never bought gifts for my dog, but I’ve pampered him in many ways. We’ve cut back a lot this year, but, true to form, we have not cut corners with him. After all, he’s probably our lowest expense as it is. Will cheaper dog food or fewer bones really change my bottom line that much? I don’t think so. And I could never board him in a cheaper place. I need that peace of mind to know that he’s well taken care of. So sure, other than having to live in a house that is not as warm in the winter (because we’ve lowered the heat) than in year’s past, he hasn’t had to suffer much this year.

  3. Does a skijoring harness count as a gift for Java? I do nee to get her a couple new chew toys to replace the ones that have seen better days.

    I received the magazine “Healthy Pets” from my vet and opened it up and saw your article “Making Dogs Think”. I thought Wow! I know the writer! Very cool.

  4. That’s pretty funny and I definitely agree with it! I can be such a cheapskate sometimes, but I LOVE picking out new stuff for Marge.

    The holidays have been different around here, too, due to the tough money times.

  5. I was thinking I could felt a new mouse for my felines. After all, Chamille keeps running off with the felted soaps I’ve made for the rest of the family for pressies.

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