New Jersey ranks No. 1 in the country for spending on holiday gifts for their dogs
Bob Shryock It's comforting to know that New Jersey is first at something other than gas prices and shuttered casino hotels.
According to a report from Kyree Harmon, based upon information garnered from Milk-Bone and other doggie retail sources, New Jersey ranks No. 1 in the country for spending on holiday gifts for their dogs.
That means there's going to be a lot of happy dog faces on Christmas Day today in the Garden State, where owners shell out an average of $30.01 per dog for sweaters and other ill-fitting garb. We're not cheapskates like the folks in Blue Grass Kentucky, who spend a paltry $8.63 for gifts for their dogs and bring up the rear among the 50 states.
The top five states in most spent on holiday dog gifts are, in order, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Georgia. The Delaware Valley does its share despite the state of Delaware's embarrassing 45th ranking at $14.14. What, and no state sales tax?
We're almost eight dollars ahead of the national average of $23.10. But we're only 46 cents up on runnerup New York State so we've got to spend more on ugly sweaters for our dogs at Christmas 2016 to maintain the narrow advantage.
By the way, the report makes no mention who is expected to open our dogs' gift boxes.
To conduct the study, 3,000 Americans were polled on a variety of points relative to holiday gift-giving "including whether their dog is involved in stocking stuffing, Christmas sweater-wearing, and other holiday traditions."
Here, from the report, is a rundown on why dog-loving Americans are more generous in the gift-giving arena than other countries:
1. They want to express love for their dog.
2. Because it's fun for them.
3. To help their dog feel included like a family member.
4. To give their dog a moment of happiness.
5. To feel closer and bond with their dog.
Excuse me while I bawl.
Here's Milk-Bone's top five homemade doggy gifts:
1. Treat Bouquet.
2. Mistletreat.
3. Sweet Treat Jar.
4. Pawticularly Personal Ornament.
5. Ho-ho-Howliday Treat Bag.
New Jersey's lead would be substantially wider based on what our two rather large dogs consume daily between the treats and regular cans.
There's another intriguing category, "Christmas Has Gone to the Dogs" by owners going overboard in preparation. Here's how:
1. By hanging a Christmas stocking for their dog.
2. By including their dog in a photo and inserting a family holiday card.
3. By posting photos of dog on social media with a holiday message.
4. By dressing up their dog in a holiday-themed outfit or costume.
5. By making or buying dog-themed holiday decorations.
Frankly, I don't think a doggie sweater would fit either one. There are no XXXs for pooches, I think.
The dogs just wouldn't understand.
Merry Christmas, Blue. Ho ho ho, Romeo.
You're two lucky dogs to live in New Jersey.
Bob Shryock may be reached at bshryock@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
