1986 CHRISTMAS CATALOGUE Tips for buying pets They may not be appropriate gifts By PAULINE JOHNSON They may look cute and cuddly and irresistible in the pet shop window, but those furry little critters are not always an appropriate present for the people on your Christmas gift list. “Too often, people do not consider whether the person getting the animal really wants it and can be guaranteed to care for it,” says Carol Takagi, a humane society education officer. The animal beeomes the loser, either by being returned to the point of purchase or by suffering neglect However, this doesn't have to be the case. If you are buying for the confirmed animal lover, pets can make wonderful gifts. Here are some tips for both the buyer and the recipient. e Make sure the pet suits its new environment. “If a dog is going to be at home with smaller children, 1 would not advise a toy or miniature variety,” says breeder Andrea Robins. She says Pekinese and Pomeranian breeds also don't get along with toddlers. © Apartment dwellers should only own small dogs, which do not require a lot of exercise. e Always check that the animal has been vaccinated, dogs against distemper, para-influenza (kennel cough), parvovirus, reptrospira and hepatitis, and cats against distemper and influenza. Warning signs of unhealthy pets include runny eyes, coughing, sneezing and constant « No matter how healthy a new pet appears, it is always wise to take it to a veterinarian for a checkup within 24 to 36 hours of buying or receiving it. « If buying a purebred dog, investigate the breeder's background. Most are members of the Canadian Kennel Club. Or better skill, “go and see the kennels if you can.” suggests Takagi. “If an animal is kept constantly in « cage and away from human contact, this can affect the way it relates to potential owners.” Naturally, proper care for pets is important at any time, but especially so for new arrivals during the holiday season. Some do's and don'ts to keep in mind: Turkey fat and bones are definite no-nos for cats and dogs. Veterinarians advise that fat can cause liver and pancreatic troubles in older dogs, and all dogs and cats can suffer from diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps after too much rich food. Turkey bones, brittle and easily splintered, can puncture a pet's intestines. e If the going gets hectic with all your Christmas traffic, put the new pet in a separate room with his basket and toys, a radio or even a ticking clock for “company.” A supply of clean paper for d is also a good idea. Such messes will happen. A young animal cannot hold urine for more than an hour or so. Take him outside for a half hour after every meal. If the puppy's mess is something more drastic, don't rub his nose in it or smack the poor animal with a rolled newspaper. A little animal psychology works wonders in training the pet. Take him over to the mess, say “no” firmly, then take both the mess and the puppy outside, where you proclaim, “Good boy.” The same technique applies with kittens and the drowsiness. litter box Don't forget Fido's gift By JIM FLETCHER It's a heartless family indeed that allows forlorn Fido to watch from the side- lines as everyone else rips into the Christmas gifts. Fortunately, such families are few and far between, says pet shop manager Dar- lene Brown. “Most people buy gifts at Christmas for their pets, even for fish and gerbils.” But how does one choose that special ing for Now, this,” he adds, pulling out a rubber chicken, “this drives dogs wild for some reason.” According to Mansfield, one must try to think like the particular pet to make the appropriate gift selection. But in absence of such talent, pet store personnel can be valuable sources with their experience in customer feed back. MADE OF LATEX friend Fido or Gus the guppy? Store manager Chris Mansfield claims most people make the common mistake of buying for themselves, not their pets. “Look at this plastic car. rot,” he indicates, apparently totally serious. “What dog is intrigued by a plastic carrot? ded for dogs this year are toy newspapers, pacifiers, Snoopy dolls with candycanes and numerous balls — all manufactured from latex. “If torn apart and swallowed, latex toys pass easily through a dog's system,” says Brown. For the outdoors-minded dog, plastic boots are the ticket. They come with straps and snaps and protect the paws from ice, snow and salt, hazards that can cause blistering and bleeding for the cross-country canine Perfect for the uptown pooch is a day of pampering at a pet spa. Priced between $22 and $60 depending on the dog’s size, Arlene Probert's Waggity-Ann operation, for example, will provide chauf. feured door-to-door service and a complete treatment, including bath (with regular, medicated or flea shampoo), a cream rinse, blow-drying, seissor clip, combing and a manicure. Cats never tire of the old standby, catnip a perfect gift to help put Boots in the proper mood to join in the family’s New Year's Eve fes- tivities. For the diehard hippy cat, Hagen provides a “grow-your-own” catnip kit for $3. And for the more sophisticated feline, St. Aub- rey supplies an import vari ety of “choice leaves and tops.” RUNS ON HAMSTER If the family has both cat and hamster, the perfect gift to share is the Habitrail Speed Streek from Living World. The racy roadster with an adjustable front steering axle is powered by the hamster merrily running in an enclosed drum. At $25, this vehicle provides outra geous fun for both hamster and cat, especially if the lat ter is already well into the catnip. For birds, Brown recom mends mirrors and bells. Spa makes ‘touching gift’ By SUSAN GRIFFIN Professional pampering at a new breed of urban health and beauty spas is quite literally a touching gift for the special persons on your list. Recipients of a spa gift certificate might thank you twice — once when they open the envelope, and again after they luxuriate in the sensual experience you've provided. Facilities and servides vary from 5 spa across Canada, but they all have one thing in a a goal to help people relax, fee! good and look great. The skilled hands of the massage therapists soothe away tension, and cleanse, condition and rej from face to feet. A $110 gift certificate from The Spa at the Elmwood in Toronto, for example, buys the recipient a deep pore cleansing facial, a manicure and pedicure, a shampoo and hairstyle, plus a professional makeup application as a crowning touch. “Full-day packages are also very popular because they include both esthetics and massage,” says managing director Lynda Finlay “A hard-working businesswoman will come in saying that it helped her get through a particularly tough week just knowing she would be coming here,” says Alanna Van deMar, president of Alanna V spas and beauty centres TIED TO DESK “It definitely is a reward for them,” concurs Finlay, adding that the massage especially is appreciated by anyone who sits all day at a desk and is prone to tightening of neck and shoulder muscles. Both Van deMar and Finlay say executives are turning increasingly to spa gift certificates for secretaries and MAKE SURE YOUR TREE IS SAFE By STEVE RAYMENT The use of Christmas trees in the home has been a tradition for centuries. Another tradition, not quite as old, is the inevitable picking tree needles out of the iiving room broadloom. Of course, artificial trees eliminate the problem, but the more traditional-minded families shun these products either because they do not look realistic or because they tend to lack the intimate warmth of the real McCoy. Whatever your preference, both real and artificial varieties can become home fire hazards if not properly maintained. Here is some advice from the experts about selection of trees and proper maintenance to ensure a safe and happy holiday Two species, scotch pine and spruce, are commonly grown for use as Christmas trees. The scotch pine holds its needles extremely well, says Bill Irwin, consulting manager for the Christmas Tree Growers Association of Ontario. So well, in fact, that cutting starts in mid-October for export throughout Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Despite the early harvest, the trees will remain healthy through Christmas if they are stored outdoors where it is cool and moist prior to the holiday season. HARVESTED LATER The spruce, on the other hand, tends to lose its needles readily, especially when exposed to the warmth and dryness female colleagues. Husbands give them to their wives, and some businesswomen find them a great way to treat a network of close friends at Christmas. Services can cost anywhere from about $15 for a manicure to $200 for a full day of out-and-out hedonism, complete with a nutritious gourmet lunch. “This sort of thing goes much further than a conventional gift,” notes Kelly Sherman, assistant manager of Bianches, a large Vancouver health and beauty clinic. “In most cases the women who receive certificates will be introduced to something brand new and thoroughly enjoyable. They don’t do such nice things for themselves. Ladies who come in here with gifts are tickled pink by the thoughtfulness.” FEEL LIKE NEW At Institute Lise Watier in Montreal, a full-day package runs the gamut from massages to makeup, and rings in at $180. It’s a small price to pay when “the client leaves looking and feeling like a new woman,” says the salon's Diane Dawe. “She has been professionally re-done from head to toe.” Not that being pampered is the exclusive domain of women. “We have quite a large male clientel Van deMar. “About 15 per cent of our ‘relaxing massa ints are men, primarily doctors, lawyers, executive: profes sional men. Massage is replacing the martini as a way to unwind after a long day at the office.” In keeping with your Christmas budget, it's not necessary to buy a full treatment. Many spas allow the option of specifying the exact dollar figure to appear on the gift certificate. OOO 000060 000066666 606066 Check our Special Rack Arrangement by Bruce Miller and David Sussman With every DRESS SHIRT PURCHASE Receive a tie pai DRESS PANTS Receive a belt at % Price ENTIRE STOCK OF MENS SUITS 1986 CHRISTMAS CATALOGUE OLD WELSH AIR tor ou'tee vigne Fooplet SWEATERS EELSKIN WALLETS ACTIVE WEAR ROBES MENS ISITONER GLOVES SCARVES BELTS THES LIMITED EDITION PRINTS LITHOGRAPHED ON ACID-FREE PAPER Special Introductory Offer! Limited Edition Prints by of a heated home. Growers will not cut spruce until late November, Irwin says. Receive your BONUS FASHION DOLLARS EVERYTIME YOu SHOP AND SAVE! ‘Look for one that is bright green and soft to the touch, signs of freshness’ TREE TRIMMING . . . Water is the key to keeping your Christmas tree fresh ‘A has this seasons most desired fashion gifts! ee Rosebery. B.C These two beoutiful prints link British Columbia's nostalgic past to the present. These prints will endure and appreciate in value. Now on Sale at Collage Boutique 1396 Ceder Avenue. Troi! A Taste of Art 1129-Third Street, Castiegor Hummingbird Gallery Chehke-Mike Mell, Nelson Valhalla Trading Post Sixth Street, New Denver PUBASE MOTE: TI the Prederteh Clark A print worth $75 is now offered at only $35 FERRYLAND — Boffdirr. B.C Sond i.08 old os time. Indions left thew corvings on the rocks edging the to ink between the old ond FREDERICK CLARK Member Federenion of Conedion Artests When purchasing a tree, whether you cut it yourself at a tree farm or buy it at a lot, look for one that is bright green and soft to the touch, signs of freshness. Store a cut tree in a cold, moist area until it is taken into the home, Irwin suggests. Then, unbale it and leave it in the basement or an uncarpeted area for one day. Once the tree warms and its branches spread, bang the stump on the floor Uncut trees hold their needles for two years before shedding, and the pounding will encourage older needles to fall Before placing the tree into its stand, Irwin recommends taking a thin slice from the stump. “The end is like a scab,” he explains. “Nothing gets in or out. Cutting a slice freshens the (original) cut and allows the absorption of water.” Water is the key to keeping the tree fresh, says Chief Jack McFadden, director of fire prevention for the City of Toronto. “Keeping the stand filled with water and placing the tree away from heat sources like hot-air registers and radiators helps increase the life of the tree SUGGESTS TE When a tree drops its needles in large amounts, get rid of it, McFadden says. He recommends a test: pinch a branch between thumb and finger and pull along the branch. If the branch is stripped bare, it indicates the tree is too dry and a fire hazard Chemical sprays for flame-proofing trees were introduced recently, but they're expensive and could provide a false sense of security if improperly applied, McFadden says. Use only flame-retardant decorations and lights approved by the Canadian Standards Association, and then only if in good working order. No lights should be used on metallic artificial trees, and all artificial trees should also be CSA approved Generally, artificial trees have improved in quality, safety and appearance in recent years, Dr. Barry Benjamin manager of Weall and Cullen Nurseries at Markham, Ont stocks 32 varieties, each available in an assortment of heights Prices range from $15 for a tree standing 61 centimetres, to roughly $200 for an Alaskan Green model amost two metres tall. Of course, the spendthrift can go higher I've got an 18-foot (5.5 metre) Alaskan Green in stock, Benjamin says The cost: $2,500. 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