Best birthday gifts for dog mom?

DEAR FRANKIE

Best birthday gifts for dog mom?

GENEVA WOODRUFF

Frankie is a rescue dog and emotional support animal for Geneva Woodruff. Woodruff is a retired educator.

Dear Frankie,

My mom’s birthday is next week, and I can’t think of what to get her for a present. My human siblings are getting her perfume and making a card. My usual birthday gifts for friends are a ball, a bone or a chew. Whatever I find, I bring it home and hide it under my bed. This way, I’m always prepared if I get invited on short notice to a canine birthday party.

I know none of my stashed gifts would be appropriate for my mom. But as you can see, my options are limited. Any ideas?

Ramon

Dear Ramon,

Thank goodness for your mom, you are not a cat. I understand they bring dead birds and mice to family members as gifts. Yuck! You did say in your letter that your siblings were making a card. How about putting your foot on an ink pad and signing the card with a paw print? Another idea is to ask your sibs to dress you up with a big bow and tell your mom you’re her present.

You might also think of ways to lighten the load she carries taking care of you. You could wipe your feet before you come into the house, stop slopping the water out of your water bowl onto the floor, or sleep on your bed instead of the couch.

She might not know these new behaviors are birthday gifts, but she will be appreciative. She might even take credit for your changed behavior. It never hurts to let someone else take the credit.

Best,

Frankie