You know who loves you. (We're not talking about your Significant Other or adoring progeny.) It's that tail-wagging or tail twitching, slobbering, mewing, chewing, shedding, goobery adorable four-footed member of the household. The one who's always glad to see you no matter how you look, what you've brought home or what sort of day you've had.

If you're buying for your four-footed, joy-giving friends who act as though every day's a holiday, or you know owners of the aforementioned, we have composed a list of possible gifts for the season. Some are directed to the actual dog or cat, some to the owner – all to enhancing the symbiotic nature of the human-pet relationship. (This is just a sampling of what's available in local stores and online – items have not been tested by the Star.)

Sure, the economy's been better, but when it comes to seasonal gifts for your best friend, can you really pass on Haute Diggity Dog's Manalo Barkniks or a little something from Sniffany & Co. ($10-$15)? Good for biting, tossing, snuggling, or being held down and drowned in drool.

Also in the biting department but for more serious gnawing, is the Classic Kong, a red, rubbery treat ball, which comes in small to big jaw sizes ($7 and up). You can insert little dog treats inside – when it's rolled around and gnawed, treats will emerge. Also of interest is the Ever-lasting Treat Ball ($17), which also has treats inside and has a chicken-flavoured treat cap on it. Yum. For felines who also like to bite and play, there is the soft Wagnolia catnip toys that can be filled with their favourite herb ($10). Another one is Petstages' catnip Crunchy Chew Sticks ($7), which are long, colourful, soft but durable shapes that can be easily grasped by paws and nibbled.

For dogs that like to play tug, either with their human or another dog, there is the durable (and apparently "buoyant and minty'') Planet Dog, bone-shaped Tug toy ($20). What's interesting about the design is that at either end of the "bone" is an indentation that allows dogs to grip with their teeth.

When it comes to playing, cats are often drawn to similes of the "real'' things they like to play with, like, er, birds. Da Bird Pull ($12.49), from Go-Cat, consists of a wand with a string attached to feathers. When drawn through the air, it does a good simulation of a bird flying. Similar in nature is the Cat Dancer toy (from Cat Dancer products), made of spring steel wire and rolled bits of cardboard at the end of it which, when waved, gets felines up and jumping ($3.99). This is an interactive toy that should be put away when not in use.

If you want some automated help in amusing your cat, there is the Pure Commotion toy from Petlinks, an electronic wand with feathers that can be programmed to come on at a pre-set time and for a specific duration of time ($29.99).

For dogs, interactive toys often involve chase and retrieval. The Chuck-It Squirrel (Canine Hardware Inc.) comes in small, medium and large sizes ($12.49 and up). It's aerodynamic and with its slightly raised sides, easy to grab by a dog.

Taking care of business on the dog-walking trail is easier for humans if they don't run out of the necessary disposal plastics. The Bon Ton Sporty (United Pet) is a dog-boned shaped carrier ($13) that comes in various colours and attaches to a collar, leash or belt loop and contains easy-to-unroll disposal bags.

For post-walk or post-outdoor outings, for both dogs and cats with messy paws, there are Earth Bath's All Natural Grooming Wipes (100 costs $18). They come in a green tea leaf fragrance or fragrance free – both touted as lanolin- and alcohol-free and containing only natural cleansers and conditioners. They're described as good for picking up pet dander, drool and even cleaning up bottoms.

And while you're waiting for the wet fur smell to dissipate, you could light the All-Natural Fresh Wave pet odour neutralizing candle ($16), from OMI Industries.

Some of our furry friends get tired. The Fundle pet sling is designed to hold a small dog or cat in a way that is comfortable for them at the rear end and allows them to place their paws so they can look out of the sling ($100 and up). It comes in different sizes, colours and prints. Available through gramercypet.com.

After outings, some dogs gallop to the water bowl. If you have a gulper, there's the Contech Drink Better water bowl ($30), which is designed to slow down drinking and keep ears dry and reduce muzzle stain.

Who says pet bowls have to be goofy-looking that jar with your stainless steel appliances? The Wetnoz brand has a variety of elegant stainless steel dishes and bowls for cats and dogs ($39 and up).

What's appealing about the Petlinks System cat bed and cubby is that it has dual use ($29.99). Its faux leopard print soft walls can be folded down to create an open, plush bed or the walls can pop up to provide the sort of privacy that some animals like.

Have you never quite captured your pet's personality with a photo? It may need that professional eye. Piotr Organa has done some extraordinary photos of pets, and he will come to you with a portable light system and backdrop. An 8.5-inch by 11-inch photo, framed, costs $120. The most popular photo package is $240.

http://www.thestar.com/article/551861

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