The dog grandma is a specific and wonderful person. She's not the primary owner. But she knows the dog's schedule, keeps treats in the car, has the dog on her phone wallpaper, and would take the dog in permanently if asked. She's more invested in the dog than in some of the actual grandchildren.
Here's how to thank her for that.
Who We're Talking About
Usually a parent or in-law of the dog's owner. The one who babysat while you were away, who spoils the dog in ways you've asked her to stop, who talks about the dog like a grandparent talks about a grandchild. She has a relationship with this dog that is real and specific and probably underacknowledged.
What Works
**A portrait of the dog for her house.** This is the gift. Not for the dog owner's house. For hers. She gets to have the dog on her wall, in an oil painting portrait, where she lives. That's an acknowledgment that her relationship with the dog matters too.
The portrait is made from a single photo. You can use a photo she's taken of the dog, which will probably be one of forty she has saved. The digital version can be emailed to her directly, or you can have a museum-quality print shipped to her address with free express shipping.
**A printed photo, properly done.** Most people keep photos on their phones. A professional print, properly matted, of her with the dog, is the kind of thing that ends up on the mantelpiece permanently.
**Something the dog will use at her house.** A proper orthopedic bed for her place, or a set of good quality treats in a nice tin. The gift is really "I know you're part of this dog's life too" expressed as an object.
The Message
Whatever you give, the message is the same: "We know how much you love the dog. We know the dog loves you back. That matters to us." She already knows this, but being told it explicitly tends to go over well.
