Certainly someone on your gift list has pets. And it’s always nice to treat the dog-loving friend to something sweet for the pooch. Perhaps a customized doggie bowl or one of those classic yuppie dog beds.

I think it’s safe to say, however, that your friend’s best friend will probably make it through ’08 just fine without this particular invention from home-furnishing retailer Frontgate. It’s called the “Telescoping Pet Ramp,” and it’s designed to ease Rover’s transition in and out of SUVs.

Well, just take it from Frontgate itself: “For a little help up uneven stairs or a big step into the truck bed, this innovative pet product accommodates pets of all sizes and ages. Great for use indoors or out, at home or on the road.”

Think about this scenario: You head out in your Cadillac Escalade, with your Telescoping Pet Ramp, your kids, your husband, and Rover, who hangs out with the ramp in back. You’re going to take a walk, let’s say on the C&O. You arrive at the parking lot somewhere out there near Cabin John or something. Everybody’s pumped to jump out. You go around back and open up the hatch. Is Rover really going to wait for you to pull out your Telescoping Pet Ramp, adjust it to the proper length, and set it up?

TPR lists for $129.99.