new pet

I know that 71 percent of you call yourselves "pet parents," so I can only assume you'll understand my adoration for these new doggie cards, which just happen to look a lot like birth announcements for babies.

The front side of Modern Pet's Dog Announcements and Cat Cards offer space for your latest addition's name, date adopted, weight, and breed. The back side of the postcards are blank, so you can include a personal note about how much you love your new furry friend. A set of five cards and envelopes costs $11.

That's right! Not a new puppy, Reese and fam took home a new piggy . . . and, seriously, how adoro is the little oinker?! While adopting a pig can be a challenge for many families – piggies need plenty of space to roam – if owners keep a close watch on their eating habits, a potbellied pig should end up weighing no more than 100 to 150 pounds. Methinks Atticus and Coco Chanel will have some new playmates for walks around the neighborhood! Check out piccys from their grand ol farm visit over the weekend when you read more

I've always loved the tradition of new parents passing out pink and blue bubblegum cigars — so why shouldn't new pet parents do the same?

Enter Chewgars, cute rawhide chews for dogs that make the perfect gift from (or for) a new pet owner. A pack of six chicken, liver, and beef flavored "cigar" chews come packaged in a wooden box for $14.95.

Of course, the creators note: "This product contains no tobacco, causes no bark defects and may contribute to excessive tail wagging."

Even the tiniest kitties know how to use their claws. As a holiday gift, consider getting the new cat a scratcher, or the cat a new scratcher. It gives them an appropriate outlet, and adds to your home décor! For the latest addition to our network-wide 2007 Holiday Gift Guide, here are scratchers for every budget – from $30 to $300!

Collective awwww – it's a pacifier for kitties! Let your cat get comfy with the Catsifier. If your kitten sucks on blankets or pillow corners, offer up this pillow instead. That way your cat stays happy and your furnishings remain clean and dry! The Catsifier ($19.95) comes in six different colors and prints, and it flips over to reveal a solid colored pillow on the back!

Get ready for gift-giving! Welcome to the official start of PetSugar's 2007 holiday present extravaganza. I've been stocking up ideas for this season's gift guide so stay tuned for over a month of great ideas for giving! To kick it off, here are some sweet ideas for those new mommies and daddies out there!


Prepare for your baby... errm, pet... shower with Kitty Kit and Puppy Pup Gift Sets ($45). Each includes a Keepsake Scrapbook with fun fill-ins and photo pages to chart the milestones of your pet's life, eight Pet Announcements, and eight matching Thank You Notes. And, if you've got a big party plan in the works, purchase additional cards separately to get everyone in on the celebration!