Dear Herd Hosts:

People think I'm silly, but I love to get holiday presents for my pets. Any gift ideas?

-- Signed, Generous in Georgia

Dear G.G.:

As someone who has been known to unwrap a few presents, I don't know many pets who would think you are silly for buying them gifts!

But, as much as we like toys, treats and other good (or bad) smelling stuff, what we really want is for you to love us and keep us safe all year long and forever.

With that in mind, here are two gifts I recommend:

1. Make an emergency kit and evacuation plan for us. You might think "it can't happen to me," but trust me, it can. Hope you never have to use it, but make an emergency plan that includes places where you can evacuate with us pets. Put together a kit of essential supplies that you can take with you. It's really easy -- get tips on how to plan on the UAN Web site.

2. Start a "dog day" emergency fund. If your pet became seriously ill or injured, how would you pay for the vet care? Start a "dog day" emergency fund in case you are ever faced with emergency vet expenses. Even putting away $5 a month can make a difference!

Oh, and throwing in a special, EDIBLE treat won't hurt either!

-- Love and kisses, Paula Bunnyann, member of The Herd

p.s. If you have any other holiday gift ideas to keep your pet safe, please post them!

Our two dogs and two cats have everything, including a disaster kit for each,and an ememegency fund for each. They also get top of the line food, purified water, have thier own sweaters for winter complete with dennom doggie underwear. They are all fixed,up on thier shots,microchiped,have proper I.D. tags and get lots of love. I guess they have everything. We also use a great product called mussers secret on thier paws in the winter to keep thier paws from freezing. This would be the best thing I can recomened for those who live in snow country like we do.