Balls

Upgrade that plastic ball tosser with a beautiful bamboo creation in time for Christmas! This eco-tastic version has an ergonomic cork handle and a bamboo claw that's perfectly sized for an equally earth-friendly RecycleBALL or a glow-in-the-dark alternative for nightfall. Just remember not to let pups who want to wrap their jaws around everything run off with this toy because of splintery dangers.

There's such a high demand for this item, it doesn't ship until February 2011 from Planet Dog, but thankfully it's now available at L.L. Bean in time for a snowy romp this season!

To celebrate the ongoing US Open, I'm rounding up the first round thing to come to mind . . . tennis balls, obviously.While I already shared a pricey bed, most of you opted to pass for that tennis creation but still want to let pets have a ball! North loves the extra small Air Kong versions 'cause they're super squeaky and fit him perfectly. (He usually tears all the fabric off a normal doggy tennis ball to use the frays to fetch 'em since they don't fit in his mouth.) Since he's pretty darn destructive, I'm shocked how long it takes him to kill the squeakers in this version — they sometimes last a couple of months, which is an eternity in his chompers.

I've gathered up some extraordinary tennis balls for doggies and kitties so check 'em out in the widget below.

Fetch and repeat is a favorite game for many frisky pups. Now even though his mouth waters when he sees the ball (and will happily run wherever you toss), it can be hard to continue play after nightfall. But not with this toy.

The Glow-in-the-Dark Whistle Ball ($15) shines brightly to help him along and is equipped with mini whistles that hum as it goes — if you're still practicing your speedy pitch, the harder you throw it, the louder it whistles! Like many of my top ball picks, it fits into the standard size tosser if you want to keep the slobber away from your mitts. Game on!