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Companion animals have become an integral part of the family in millions of homes across the nation. As the holiday season approaches, many of those companion animals will be pampered with their favorite treats, toys, habitats and apparel by loving human companions.

But what are the best gifts to consider for a pet, pampered or not? PETCO, a leading pet food and supply retailer, offers some thoughts on what it expects to be the hottest selling items for our finned, scaly, furry and feathered family members. These unique items will satisfy even the pickiest of pooches, finicky felines, happy hamsters, festive ferrets, very merry mice and maybe even some humans.

Here are some PETCO picks for this year's best holiday companion animal gifts:

  1.  Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Holiday Merchandise.
      Tying in with the Universal Studios release of the live action film
      "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," PETCO will have a number of items,
      some of which are exclusive to the store.  The Grinch items include
      treat canisters, bowls, beds, photo frames, Christmas tree ornaments
      and Max the dog antlers.  Prices range from $4.99 to $44.99.
  2.  Holiday-Themed Aquatic Ornaments and Stones.  The aquarium ornaments
      depict a man and a woman in scuba gear with holiday decorations around
      their necks.  These festive ornaments are priced from $5.99 to $6.99.
      Decorative stones, in red, green, gold and silver, are priced from
      $2.99 to $4.99.
  3.  Unique Aquariums.  A prism aquarium kit, priced at $39.99 and shaped
      like a pyramid, comes with gravel and plants.  A globe-shaped
      aquarium, priced at $29.99, also includes gravel and plants.  Both
      these items are exclusive to PETCO.  The "Undersea Encounter" aquarium
      has a built-in periscope so pet lovers can see fish up close as they
      swim past the periscope.  It is priced at $29.99.
  4.  Ferret Frenzy Plush Toys.  These plush holiday Reindeer and Octopus
      toys exclusive to PETCO, are the perfect cage companion for a ferret
      and are priced at $7.99.
  5.  Space Dome Cage.  This small animal cage in the shape of a Space Dome
      has a combination of wire sides and plastic tunnels that offer both
      full ventilation and unobstructed viewing of the animal.  The Dome,
      priced at $34.99, provides lots of living space and comfortable
      nesting areas.
  6.  Wild Bird Promotional Pack.  Don't forget the wild birds in your
      neighborhood!  This kit, priced at $29.99, includes wild birdseed, a
      pair of binoculars, and an educational guide to bird watching, all in
      a reusable plastic container with a handy seed-pouring spout.
  7.  Upscale Pet Beds.  These beds, priced at $109.99, are made in the
      shape of a Panda and an Otter in realistic looking synthetic plush
      fabric.  Other beds priced at $39.99 and exclusive to PETCO, are faux
      fur plush in tiger, zebra and leopard prints to go with your decor.
  8.  Dog and Cat Toys.  The Karli sport ball and tug rope will provide
      hours of fun for a dog and is priced at $14.99.  The Kookamunga catnip
      gift pack, priced at $9.99, includes catnip treats, catnip and catnip
      bubbles.
  9.  Stylish Fashions.  Coats, sweaters and vests are among the pet
      fashions available this year.  Examples include a quilted suede coat
      in a wrap style priced at $19.99, a faux fur coat at $16.99 and a
      weather-resistant trench coat with a flannel collar at $19.99.  Fleece
      pullover sweaters in a variety of bright colors are priced at $12.99
      and vests ranging from $12.99 to $16.99 in metallic gray quilted nylon
      with a knit rib back band are also available.
  10. Pet Bar Treats.  You can select a variety of treats for all your
      friends' pets.  Try holiday themed cookies and treats in a festive bag
      that will look merry under the Christmas tree.   All Pet Bar items are
      priced at $3.99 a pound.

For more information on these and other companion animal gifts or to make arrangements to take photos or videotape in one of our stores call PETCO at (858) 657-2086 or 657-2028.

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc., founded in 1965, is headquartered in San Diego and operates approximately 530 specialty pet food and supply stores in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Each store offers more than 10,000 high-quality pet-related products.

SOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.