ALL I WANT FUR CHRISTMAS IS… Attention, shoppers: Don’t forget your animal companions this holiday season

This time of year, things get a little unbearable at my house.

Just ask ShopGuy.

He’s the one who has to endure the Christmas carols I sing to ShopDogs Cassidy and Stella, and ShopCat, The Murph. Well, so do they, but generally, they dig high-pitched, ear-splitting noises.

From January to November, I treat them to such melodies as “I’m Hooked on a Feline,” “Sweet Cassidy” – good dogs never seemed so good (so good! so good! so good!) And “Stella, You’re a Fine Girl” – what a good dog you would be.

When I try to work the animals into my holiday favorites, however, things get ugly: “Jingle Stell Rock.” “Last Christmas, I gave you my hound – the very next day you gave her back to the pound.” And “We Wish You a Murphy Christmas.”

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “She’s nuts.” Trust me, even I think I’m nuts.

But what I’m really trying to convey here is that I’m crazy about my pets. And while I may be the only one who admits to serenading them, I know I’m not alone in my doting.

I know this because I’ve seen it firsthand. The Louis Vuitton dog carriers, the poodle booties, the velvet cat beds. There’s a reason Target has a whole aisle devoted to spangly sweaters and princess-type tuffets for the canine set. The store even sells a pink puppy “shrug” from Shabby Chic, for crying out loud.

With that in mind, I offer you a selection of my favorite pet gifts for the holiday season.

For the sporty canine, try Old Navy, where you’ll find retro parkas (or, should I say, barkas) in three sizes, along with cute scarves in a modern chevron stripe. At $3.50, the unbreakable bone chew toys are a bargain, too.

Your kitties will be sitting pretty on handmade fleece catnip beds from Maine-ly Cats ($12 at Maine Artisans Gallery in the Airport Mall or online at www.Maine-lyCats.com). The prints on these are meowy and bright.

Another purr-fect gift is a glow-in-the-dark collar from Blue Seal Feeds & Needs on Stillwater Avenue in Bangor. My mom got them for all of the animals last year, and they’re a great choice for nighttime dog walkers (or, in the case of ShopCat, night stalkers). While you’re at Blue Seal, check out the bargain table, where cat toys are 25 cents. Looking for something that packs a more potent punch? You may want to try the catnip pillows made by Kim McDonald-Distasio of Waterville. They’re $2.99 at all Mr. Paperback locations.

If your sweet little canine wants to put on the dog, try the adorable ribbon-trimmed collars at Green Acres Kennel Shop on Union Street in Bangor. And if you’re tired of putting on the dog – as in the fur that sticks to your furniture, your food and your black pants – grab a reversible pet throw at Park’s Hardware in Orono. It’s as cozy as a dog bed and thick enough to keep hair off your sofa.

At Petco, you can treat your canine cutie to a snack of real salmon jerky ($1.99). Feeling a little more decadent? Try a treat from the Dog Bone Bakery on Main Street in Brewer (a favorite of the ShopDogs). And for all you health-conscious dog owners, check out Bite O’ Blue treats, which are made with antioxidant-rich blueberries at Peaked Mountain Farm in Dedham (visit www.peakedmountainfarm.com for a list of local retailers).

Normally, I’m not much for cutesy dog sweaters, especially since both of mine have more than enough fur to keep them warm. But even I can’t resist the Pendleton blanket coat from L.L. Bean ($35 and up). It is simply too cute. Pair that with one of Bean’s embroidered organizer totes ($49), and you’ve got one heck of a gift for the dog devotee.

Another destination for canine-themed goodies is Planet Dog in Portland. The company recently came out with adorable shirts with sayings such as “You had me at woof” and “Who’s your doggie?” ($19.95 each at planetdog.com). Planet Dog also has the coolest chew toys – my favorites are shaped like Christmas lights, and they have a little spot to put a treat in, too.

Because, really, don’t all animals deserve a treat this time of year? They’ve been good, for goodness’ sake. Well, except for that uncomfortable poking motion that the dogs use to greet people. And the fact that ShopCat hasn’t caught a mouse in weeks.

Uh, oh. I think I just saw Stella snouting Santa Claus. This can’t be good. And to make matters worse, I may have another song brewing.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329 or by fax to 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. every other Friday on WLBZ-2.