njjen3953
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Britain's pampered pets can look forward to unwrapping expensive
presents from Santa, with owners set to spend $42 million on their
furry friends this year, a survey said Tuesday. Animal-loving Britons
will spend an average of $6 each on gifts for their pets, ranging
from flashing antlers to collars with bells on them, the Blue Cross
animal charity said. Among the more bizarre presents that lucky
Rover or Tiddles might get are a special dog bath with fitted shower
and a fishing rod for a cat. "Many British people regard their pet
as a member of the family that should receive a Christmas present
just like the rest of us," said Steve Goody, director of companion
animal welfare at The Blue Cross. Two thousand Britons were quizzed
for the charity's survey and found that while women were more likely
to buy presents for their cat, dog, rabbit or guinea pig, a quarter
of men would splash out $15 or more on their pet.
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Santa better watch out in Britain, where the service club Rotary
International has warned against letting children sit on the laps of
red-suited, white-bearded volunteers during the Christmas
season. "Santa, and his assistants should not invite children to sit
on Santa's knee ... (and) Santa or assistants should not actively
invite children to kiss Santa," the organisation said. "It is
preferable for children to shake hands or blow a kiss. "If there is
to be any contact with children, even if it is not physical contact,
Santa must be accompanied by at least one other person," warned the
club on its website. For Rotarians not dressing up as Santa, but
otherwise taking part in yuletide activities for children, the
guidelines suggest "an appropriate adult-to-child ratio should be
maintained".
presents from Santa, with owners set to spend $42 million on their
furry friends this year, a survey said Tuesday. Animal-loving Britons
will spend an average of $6 each on gifts for their pets, ranging
from flashing antlers to collars with bells on them, the Blue Cross
animal charity said. Among the more bizarre presents that lucky
Rover or Tiddles might get are a special dog bath with fitted shower
and a fishing rod for a cat. "Many British people regard their pet
as a member of the family that should receive a Christmas present
just like the rest of us," said Steve Goody, director of companion
animal welfare at The Blue Cross. Two thousand Britons were quizzed
for the charity's survey and found that while women were more likely
to buy presents for their cat, dog, rabbit or guinea pig, a quarter
of men would splash out $15 or more on their pet.
----------
Santa better watch out in Britain, where the service club Rotary
International has warned against letting children sit on the laps of
red-suited, white-bearded volunteers during the Christmas
season. "Santa, and his assistants should not invite children to sit
on Santa's knee ... (and) Santa or assistants should not actively
invite children to kiss Santa," the organisation said. "It is
preferable for children to shake hands or blow a kiss. "If there is
to be any contact with children, even if it is not physical contact,
Santa must be accompanied by at least one other person," warned the
club on its website. For Rotarians not dressing up as Santa, but
otherwise taking part in yuletide activities for children, the
guidelines suggest "an appropriate adult-to-child ratio should be
maintained".
