Aside from heaps of treats, etc, Thriller’s main Chrissie present was a “Snuffler” – and she loves it. It’s the size of a pillow with long double strips of fleecy cloth tied in double knots to a rubber base mat. Tasty edibles get secreted amid the Snuffler’s maze of myriad concealing strips.
Christmas Day, and wearing her springy Santa hat, seasonal Merry Christmas bib and festive Jingle Bell Collar that has brought joy Christmases celebrated with Liquorice, Keaton, Ruggles and now Thriller as each in turn “composes” their own festive music with each movement of their head – even simple breathing creates its own jovial melody – however, it was Music City when Thriller’s nose was, then vertical, searching frantically for elusive treats, her arms holding the Snuffler in place lest it escape with its booty, nose buried deep within the fleecy material navigating the strips of said fleecy material, her springy Santa hat’s white pom-pom dancing merrily bouncing off the floor then skywards with the force of Thriller’s none to subtle searching, or swinging wildly from side to side as a fresh scent told of yet another hiding treat, and all to Thriller’s collar excitedly jingling jangling about filling our home with festive good cheer!
And yes, Her Ladyship makes a “snuffling” sound when seeking her hidden treasures.
The design of the Snuffler mat does have one ingenious built-in feature – the strips of fleecy cloth automatically mop Thriller’s flews as she hunts elusive treats!
Since Santa Paws visited, Thriller has had a great many “refills” so that even when passing her Snuffler, the venerable Miss’s nose dives deep into the Snuffler’s interior regions ever hopeful that her old dad will have buried more treats within its depths. And so many “refills” that perhaps a diet should be imposed upon the little love’s New Year’s resolutions! Thriller does love her Snuffler!
So, please tell the list what Santa Paws brought your Newfoundland/s for Christmas! We could all do with some ideas for next Christmas – and remember, that next Christmas is only 11¾ months away, so start planning!
Wishing everyone everything they could wish for themselves for the New Year, and much more!
Arthur Witten
Thriller – How do I tell my dumb old dad that larger treats in my Snuffler would be much easier to locate????