Pet toys keep getting more and more imaginative. Here are a few that might surprise you or entice you. Let us know what you think!

1.       Snuggie. Believe it or not, they now make one for pets. With convenient sleeves, your dog no longer has to struggle with a blanket when reaching for the remote control. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with the handy reading light. Sorry folks.

2.       Michael Vick chew toy. No one really wants this thing lying around their house, but what a rewarding feeling it is to allow our dogs to get a little revenge.

3.       Designer dog shoes. Of course they’re just plush toys, but finally there are Jimmy Chews that you can afford. Perhaps accompany it with a matching Pawda bag?

4.       Necktie collar. Sometimes we want to include the whole family, including our pets, on those fancy occasions. But we refrain because we know they would inevitably get made fun of by the bully dogs.

5.       iPaw toys. Now your pet can be high-tech like you by listening to the squeaks of his very own iPaw. Also available: the iBone.

6.       Your favorite celebrity. Did you know that you can choose from an array of plush toys that play on celebrity names? I like Brad Pittbull.

7.       Sweet treats. You enjoy your favorite candy so much, but have never been able to share it with your pet—until now! Dots for your dogs?

8.       A feline feast. You can find catnip toys in all shapes and sizes including steak, carrots, sushi, shrimp, and pumpkin pie! The good news: no carbs.

9.       Fancy pet snacks. Specialized pet bakeries offer treats covered in frosting and dipped in sprinkles that look good enough for us to eat. Though a little pricey, it’s tempting to want to offer your pet assorted truffles packaged in a gold box with a bow on top.

10.   Cat furniture litter box. This fancy cabinetry promotes the feng shui of your décor contrary to the “unsightly litter box”. Downside: Your guests may wonder what is causing that foul odor and receive an “unsightly” surprise when they open the cabinet in search of a magazine.

Many pet owners consider their pets as a part of the family. Though we’re aware that they are a different species, we may not realize that many of our behaviors mirror those of our furry companions. Find out how you and your pet are more similar than you think.

1.       A Kong is like an ice cream cone for a human. We lick and chew at it until we can get the good stuff inside.

2.       A Belly rub is like a back massage for a human. We’ll take one any time and it doesn’t matter who’s giving it because it feels so good!

3.       Squeak toys are like video games. How many times do I have to push this button before the thing dies?

4.       A walk in the park is equal to a vacation for humans. It’s that awesome place we always want to visit, but circumstances hold us back from going there whenever we want.

5.       Dental bones are like gummy bear vitamins. Fun to chew, thoroughly enjoyable, AND they’re good for you!

6.       Their identification tag is like our GPS. We need it to find our way home and without it, we’d be lost.

7.       People food to pets is like dessert to humans.  No matter how much of it we get, we always want more.

8.       Treats given to multiple pets are comparable to human meals at a restaurant. Once we see what the other guy got, we wish we had it too.

9.       Digging a hole or scratching a post is like surfing the internet for humans. We don’t always know why we’re doing it, but it keeps us completely entertained.

10.   A Human hand is like a slot machine. Though we usually get nothing, we keep prodding it in the hopes that something good will come from it.

We provide you with a few simple reasons why owning a pet makes us happier.

1.       They keep you healthy! Several studies have revealed that owning a pet can lower your blood pressure. Research has also provided that pet owners have an improved physical and emotional well being.

2.       Snuggle buddies. There is always someone there to cuddle with you.

3.       Greetings! You can always count on an enthusiastic and warm welcome from your pet every time you return from being away.

4.       They save you in stinky situations! You can always "blame the dog".

5.       Two words: feet warmer.

6.       No judgment. You can sing loudly, act silly, and dress strangely and your pet won't mind the difference because they love you for you.

7.       Laughs. You can't help but be amused when they race around the house being chased by nothing or roll around wrestling with a toy. 

8.       Kisses! Pet owners don't mind a little slobber if it's from a pet kiss.

9.       They comfort us when we are sad.

10.   Gratitude. They have run around the yard at top speed with their tongue flapping out, they have sufficiently sniffed everything last inch of sidewalk, you scratched that itch they can't reach, and they have been fed a hearty meal. At the end of the day, you know they are really thankful for you, too.

Can you think of more? Share them with us!

From the folks at Trupanion pet insurance, we thank you for visiting our blog and being a part of the community.  It is our goal to educate pet owners everywhere about the importance of pet care, positive pet parenting, pet safety, and the many advantages of Trupanion pet insurance. Thanks again for visiting our blog and remember to protect your pet and yourself with Trupanion pet insurance.