Or if it's for you, you could put something like, "This is my faithful watch dog, Bessie."

Or, if you have lost your beloved companion, as we did last year, you could write something like, "In loving memory of Lucky. The best bird dog a guy could have."

In either instance, you could certainly put whatever you think suits receiver best, those are just some examples.

Our favorite picture is of our late but beautiful yellow Labrador, Lucky. She was out in field with my husband one day and had been searching and searching for a mallard lost in tules.

When my husband was ready to give up and call her back, she brought in one of prettiest birds you ever saw, and she was so proud. The picture was snapped and now is forever matted in most appropriate frame: A ceramic model with a yellow dog chasing some flying mallards.

Go get 'em, Lucky.

Like people, dogs are comforted by familiarity. So dog toys that they know and love are great travel companions. They help give your dog a little extra comfort when you're away from home or take a vacation with your dog.

Here are some tips to consider when buying dog toys:

Make sure they do not have small, choking parts. Dogs are like babies here, they put it in their mouth and can choke. They don't know Heimlich!

Don't get realistic looking toys like, say, shoes or food. You don't want them thinking that your shoes are toys or that hot dog sitting on counter is really his toy.

Don't buy too many toys. Rotate ones they already have. I do this with my kids too and it works great. It's like getting new toys all over again.