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Is your feathered friend inclined to destroy?
Polly Wanna Piñatas
are designed for just this purpose. At $10.50 each, these clever toys will occupy any bird's teething desires and surprise them with dried fruits inside. Available as candy canes, snowmen or Christmas trees, these piñatas are a perfect holiday fit and are available at Feathered Friends (1089 St. Francis Drive, 988-5154).
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We've all seen the holiday bells designed to fit on pets' collars-even our four-legged friends seem annoyed by them. Instead, try Zoe & Guido's (1441-C Paseo de Peralta, 988-2500)
charming pet collars
($9-$13) with soft-sounding bells. The smooth lace and wide array of sizes will fit any cat or dog. Pick up a Christmas-colored collar or maybe a Hannukah one for the holidays. Or, if you're so inclined, simple pink and blue shades are available for everyday enjoyment.
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The holiday season for dogs typically means squeaking Santas and furry candy canes.
Santa's Little Helper
available at Teca Tu (500 Montezuma Ave., Sanbusco Center, 982-9374) is a cute, clever alternative to typical doggie stocking stuffers. It's 12 inches tall, squeaks like a chicken and is available in two sizes and two costumes. Her lipstick and eye shadow make for a traffic-stopping deal at $14.50.
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Puppy's First Gift Set
($28.95) is the perfect start for a brand-new addition. The set is available in pink or blue and comes with a small fleece-lined bed, a matching blanket and an adjustable bandana. Of course, how could the puppy's homecoming be complete without a "milk bottle" squeaker toy? Find it all at Jackalope (2820 Cerrillos Road, 471-8539).
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The Pampered Pup is a not-to-be-missed Web site for any pet owner. Among clever gift ideas, the
Dog Perignon Chew Toy
($14) takes the cake. It's a furry bottle of champagne for those high-class pups. Be sure to check out
and pop one of these bottles today!
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Got a horse owner on your holiday list (or feel like buying your own horse a nice gift)? The Feed Bin's saddle selection makes for beautiful holiday gifts. Check out the
Lil' Dude Stirrups
($67.99), which will help kids learn to ride comfortably in a full-size Western saddle. Or just peek at the other saddles available, a generous idea (starting at $1,400) for a friend or yourself (1202 W. Alameda St., 982-0511).
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Fancy faux-suede
Big Sky beds and blankets
will make any pet feel pampered. These beds ($97.99 or $167.99) and blankets ($46.99) are available in beautiful earth-tone colors and are machine washable-a convenient feature for those hairy creatures. Critters and Me (1403 Agua Fria St., 982-5040) has you covered.
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The cold weather is here, and kitties need a cozy spot to cuddle. Check out the
Thermo Kitty Bed
($67.99) available at Pete's Pets (2801 Cerrillos Road, 471-5071). It's a great indoor or outdoor solution with temperatures designed to be warm to the touch. It will take about one or two hours to warm, and it's a perfect fit for any size cat.
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Although the birds that visit your yard may not be thought of as pets, this
tall-standing bird feeder
will make a great gift for any friend. The feeder is made from recycled milk jugs and comes with a lifetime guarantee. If you think these creatures will stay away for the winter, think again! Sizes and prices vary, but the largest feeder is $154.99 at Wild Birds Unlimited (518-B Cordova Road, 989-8818).
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For the couture-minded, designer Donald Pliner has your (and your Chihuahua's) back (or your shoulder, anyway). Emilia Poochie (708 Canyon Road #3, 438-9663) carries Pliner's
leather carrying bags
(starting at $600) in a few sizes and colors (burnt orange, bright green and cobalt blue, to name a few), a great way to carry your pup around town. They are all made in Italy and have convenient zip pockets to store some treats or let the little guy see the world.
Santa Fe Reporter