One of the perks of my job is spending a lot of time talking to people who support Dogs Trust. On DoggySnaps, our photo-sharing community site - I also get ample chance to listen in on all the doggy advice, ideas and conversations going on in and around the forum. I've been seeing a lot of good ideas and interesting topics recently regarding Christmas, so I thought I'd flag my favourites and ask the wider web what they're doing to celebrate with their dogs.
Christmas Meals / Presents:
I knew my family couldn't be the only ones to get our pets pressies! There's a lot of discussion going on about how to keep dogs safe during parties, with Staffy-pitt explaining she's having a pooch party first so they get lots of attention, then keeping them secluded in a quiet room where they can't be fed a dangerous treat by a guest who doesn't know better or spooked by the noise. Zoepup's little Zoe is low on the foodie treats this year thanks to her kidney condition, but she's still getting plenty of fuss and bother.
Will you be having a Christmas party for your dogs (and other pets) or giving them a special Christmas meal? According to the
DoggySnaps poll, 75% of 'Snappers have already bought and wrapped presents for their four-legged pals. Tell all in the comments.
Boxing Day Virtual Walk:For the third year running, 'Snappers will be taking their cameras out with them on a Boxing Day walk. The photos will be uploaded and tagged with 'boxing day' so that people far and wide can share the walk the day after Christmas without any actual travelling. Social media at its simplest and most effective, I think.
Donations instead of Christmas Cards:One generous 'Snapper wanted to wish her friends on the site a Merry Christmas while helping dogs. So she decided to give a donation to Dogs Trust in return for posting a message to everyone on the site. Several people have now followed her lead, and we've been kept busy updating it. We have such appreciation for the dedication our community shows to their own dogs and dogs that are not lucky enough to have a home yet; it's such a lovely idea, and eco-friendlier than charity Christmas cards too!
Tell us your best doggy Christmas ideas and stories and who knows? You might even see them on these pages.
Just last week I was contacted by the lovely Katie from Ebury Publishing who suggested what I (an avid reader) thought was a great idea - a book club on DoggySnaps!
