In 2000, alternative music group The Eels recorded "Christmas is going to the Dogs" for the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" motion picture, a classic holiday tale from the creative spirit of Dr. Seuss.
Although the track's lyrics may deviate from its title, many pet owners have shared the Eels' animal-directed holiday sentiment in recent years by showering their pets with gifts like they were a regular member of the family.
As many holiday lovers may say this time of year is about pampering others more than thyself, pet owners have shown that the same feeling goes for the Fluffy or Sparky of the home.
"Even though people are treating their (pets) more as members of the household ... we haven't gotten a big push of that out here like they have in the metro areas yet, but it's coming," said Keith Voorhees, manager of ASI Pet in Willmar. "Most people do their pet shopping the last two weeks, kind of a last minute thing."
Rhonda Lee, manager of The Blue Bird Pet Shop, said she's already had a steady stream of customers coming in the shop for holiday gifts for their furry loved ones. She said most customers will come in to get food for their pet, and in the process, leave with some holiday gifts for their companion of another species.
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But what does one get for "Man's Best Friend" or a cuddly, purring listener when pets can't write holiday lists or hint ideas like humans? To Voorhees and Lee, there are a couple ideas that are sure winners for every buyer.
"I have right now a total of six dogs, three puppies," Lee said. "And they're all going to get a new Christmas toy, I'll make sure they get a pretty shampoo job from me, and they also get a new treat, kind of like we get a treat of candy for Christmas."
Voorhees suggests any type of special treat will usually do the trick, no matter how well you know the pet. He said some are so fancy they come in tins like chocolates do for humans.
"You can't go wrong with something to eat," Voorhees said. "By that I mean a natural treat. And there are treats for dogs, cats, birds, take your pick."
Steering away from something perishable, both managers said comfort gifts such as dog sweaters, brushes and electric heating pads have been big hits.
"We ran all out of dog sweaters and dog booties last week," Lee said. Both also said new beds for their pets have also been big sellers.
And just in case a pet might be missing some holiday spirit, the pet supply stores in the region have everyone covered with Santa suits, reindeer antlers and festive holiday toys.
Kim Stover, owner of The Groom Room in Spicer, said her business just started selling handmade holiday collars and they've been leaving her store pretty regularly. She also said her grooming service has been booked out for the month with every owner wanting their pet to look like the Beau or Belle of the holidays.
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Yet as extravagant as pet owners may be during the holiday season, Voorhees said he doesn't see the zest for pet gifts slowing down anytime soon.
"I suspect we'll see Christmas cards, birthday cards coming up within the next couple years," Voorhees said. "A lot of the cards have little treats in them."
