Holiday Shopping: A Gift for Your Pooch

Fido is the more common generic dog name, but we like Howard better because it's the name of our favorite dog. And although Howard is a loyal and frisky friend, he could use a little help in the oral hygiene department.

And so we are very happy to have found this gift at Leone Animal Supply in Wexford. It's called Fleecy Clean, and although it looks like something you would scrub your pots and pans with, it's a chew toy that promises to buff Howie's teeth and gums to a twinkly shine.

Howard the Wheaten Terrier would go for a medium one, but they come in small and large, too, and sell for about $5.

We will stuff Howie's stocking with a couple of these. Because the only thing we appreciate more than a reindeer with excellent breath is a dog with excellent breath.