A dog is for life…or is it?

Yes, it’s that time of year again when thoughts turn to the ideal Christmas presents. With less than a week to go before the big day, some of you may be thinking of some last-minute purchases.

The Dogs Trust, formerly National Canine Defence League, rightly warns us, quite sternly, that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. Try telling that to Paris Hilton, just nominated as the planet’s worst pet owner!

But onto the important things - gifts; if you haven’t come up trumps in the present division, I might have some suggestions:

• I-dog; apparently Hasbro has produced a dog that dances, likes being petted and generally responds to you humans once it is hooked up to your i-pod. I can see it being an amusing gimmick for a while but for life? No chance!

• Dogopoly – a great take on everyone’s favourite!

• Bone Shaped Cake Pan – for all those doggy tea parties!

And my favourite..

• WOOF! Dog Lover's Doormat.

But it could be that the woofer’s days are numbered; the new pet of choice is…a reindeer. A north London builder, Mr Elliott keeps six at home and regularly takes them out for walks in his local park.

More alarmingly, according to Saturday’s Daily Telegraph:

“Many Britons are following suit, paying £3,500 for a pair of reindeer and renting them out for festive events at up to £1,000 an hour.”

Oh no! And apparently, they are low maintenance – they can be left to do their own thing in the garden.

I guess it beats getting a cat!

Woof Woof