Better watch out!

It's Christmas Eve. Did you remember Santa? (They hope so!)

IMAGE: Many thanks to FunnyPicture for this image!

It's all about proportions

The Artdog Image of Interest

Yeah, that's a pretty generous garnish. I've heard of lemon water, citrus water, cucumber water, and mint water, but who knew pine water was a thing?

IMAGE: Many thanks to Funny Pictures Christmas Cats, via Pinterest, for this image!

That funny-looking tree!

Seriously, people. 
You have pets and you also want one of those tree-thingys?
In researching this month's Images of Interest, I found a BUNCH of funny pictures of pets tangling with Christmas trees.

I'm not going to glorify the ones where the animals appear to be in active danger (though the tree-topper cats are pushing it), but here's a collection of assorted favorites. Happy holidays!

This was a much-re-posted favorite, all over the Internet.

Assorted critters
It's not just dogs and cats who get in on the Christmas tree action.

Yes, it's a rat. Don't judge--rats make great pets. They are sweet natured and smart. Also take to trees pretty naturally.

Almost a "Hallmark moment," if you're a rat-lover.

Here's another natural climber. Matches the pseudo-flocking pretty well, don't you think?

Who knew Bearded Dragons made such good Christmas decorations? This one liked the warmth the lights created.

I thought this little guy was especially stunning. When better for a chameleon to show what it can do?

But the Cats rule
Dogs, lizards, rats, and ferrets may take the occasional stab at consorting with the Christmas tree, but the cats OWN this territory. Don't believe me? Take a look:

This is my favorite Christmas Cat photo of all time.

What? You thought it needed something more?

it's almost like the toy closet scene from ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, don't you think?

Ruler of all s/he surveys . . . naturally.

Never doubt it.

So, then, are we who want Christmas trees defenseless?
Well, maybe. But we do still have a few options left.

We could take the "minimalist" approach . . . or is that simply how the tree looked after the cat got done with it?

I think this might qualify as "extreme cat-proofing."

I actually did a variation on this "Fortress Christmas Tree" idea one year, when we had a puppy. Made it harder for the humans to mess with the packages, too!

Whatever pets you may have--and however they interact with your Christmas tree (if you have one), I hope you got a Christmas laugh from this post, and I wish you the best holiday season possible!

IMAGES: Many thanks to The German Shepherd Dog Community's Facebook page for the "Oh Christmas Tree" German Shepherd; to Bonnie Cook's Christmas Animals Pinterest Board for the Christmas tree Rat on a limb and the Christmas Ferret; to Michelle Nyree's Pinterest Board for the red-package Christmas tree rat; to TikkiLink's DeviantArt page for the ornamental Beardie, and to Harlingen Pets' Facebook page for the Christmas Chameleon. As for the cat collection: a thousand thank-yous to: Emma Bruck's "Emma's Pics" Pinterest Page, via my own earlier post from Christmas 2015; to FunnyCatsGif's "Christmas Cat" post, for the two mid-tree cat photos; and once again to Bonnie Cook's Christmas Animals Pinterest Board for the tall "Tree-topper Cat" and "I'm the Star." The three "cat-proofed" trees are all from i iz cat's "6 Cat Proof Christmas Tree ideas to try out during the holidays" page. I appreciate you ALL!

Holiday charm-eleon

The Artdog Image of Interest

When caught in a jam, be creative! It also helps to be cute . . .

IMAGE: Many thanks to eBaum's World for this image (check the linked page for more!)

No words can express the feeling . . .

The Artdog Image of Interest 

IMAGE: Many thanks to FunnyLMAO for this Awkward Moment meme.

Now we're in trouble

The Artdog Image of Interest 

What better day to exorcise a cat-demon than on Friday the Thirteenth?

IMAGE: Many thanks to I Can Has Cheezeburger, via Pinterest, for this meme.

Artdog Image of Interest: Does You Haz Creativity?

There's some in all of us! Believe it.

IMAGE: Courtesy of MOZ Blog.

Artdog Bonus Image: Merry Christmas!

Do you have a cat like this?

IMAGE: Many thanks to Emma Bruck's "Emma's Pics" Pinterest Page.

Artdog Image of Interest: Surprise!

As we gear up for Christmas card season (I know: it always comes too soon), here's a little something for the letter carrier.

Seriously, though--I'd like to thank all the postal workers (and delivery drivers) for their hard work all through the year--and especially during the holiday busy season! Thanks, and be safe out there!

IMAGE: Many thanks to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Facebook Page.

Artdog Photo of Interest: K9 Needs Backup!

Sometimes it's just too much . . .

This is a wonderful photo. I've also seen it captioned "Who forgot to feed the cat???" What other accompanying messages could you suggest?

IMAGE: Many thanks for this particular photo/message combination, to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Facebook page.