ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Toys enhance pets' play time, with you or alone

Hawaiian Humane Society

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Pictures with Santa Paws Photographer Stan Wright will take holiday photos of families and their pets in the garden at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Dress up your pet with accessories such as antlers or lei, and include our Aloha Santa if you wish. For $20, you'll receive four photos and four negatives in one pose from Fujifilm Hawaii, mailed to you in plenty of time to order prints for holiday cards. No appointment is necessary; just stop by Saturday or Sunday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Toys and playtime help to create a connection between the animal and its person that lasts a lifetime.

The best pet toy is anything that allows you to spend one-on-one time with your animal friend. Interactive toys enhance the animal's relationship with you, strengthening the bond. Toys can serve other needs as well. All puppies, many dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs need something appropriate they can chew on.

They are intrigued by toys they can chase after, fetch and retrieve. Young animals especially find comfort with stuffed plush toys that they can snuggle up with, perhaps reminding them of a littermate.

Because felines like to perch, a shelf at the window allows them to look outside or snooze in the sun. There are special cat shelves that can be attached to any wall. Cats love the thrill of the chase, so a springy rod with something feathery at the end will be appreciated.

The irregular shape of hard-rubber Kong toys make them bounce crazily, which appeals to dogs and cats. Play fetch with these tough toys when you are together.

Before you leave your pet alone at home, stuff the Kong's hollow center with treat bits, kibble and peanut butter for dogs, or catnip in a little cloth sack for cats. Your animal friend will be happy for hours.

Rabbits and guinea pigs enjoy hanging wooden mobiles and hard rubber balls or rings. Birds enjoy mobiles and mirrors.

Use your imagination to choose a new toy to share with your own pet, and bring another to the Pet Toy Drive bin at the humane society.

ADOTPABLES

Tag No. 11768

An interesting patter of black and white spots is the first thing you'll notice about Whitney, a playful year-old female adolescent feline with golden eyes. Her trainers say she has lots of character, and is a sweet and loving kitty.

Tag No. 663

This tall, sturdy Airedale terrier mix is still a teenager and loves to play. His former family called him a "good dog" and says he learns quickly.

Jux will be happy living with an active family with kids and other dogs.

These particular animals already may have found homes. Visit all the pets in person. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Waialae Ave. are open Mondays Friday, noon to 8 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The incoming-animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.