There actually is a disposal issue. Plastic takes up room in the landfill and does not decompose quickly. It also is usually toxic if you try to burn it. A “real” tree can be mulched, burned, and does decompose readily. However the circumstances with the allergies of your wife makes plastic the best option. A great option would be a live tree that can be planted rather than discarded.
No matter how long I leave my dog’s nails, she never makes noise walking on tile or any hard surface. It is as if she floats. Not sure how she does it.
Note the expression on the young one in panel 3