Special Dog Days

Our daily lives can often get so busy that we don’t always have a lot of time to really enjoy the companionship of our four-legged friends. Work, school, and chores leave us a little exhausted with little time to play with and show some quality affection to our dogs. But, this year we need to set some time aside for our canine companions. This February, Love Your Pet Day gives you a special opportunity to really spend some quality time with your companion and give them the attention and love they need to really enjoy life.

Just around the house

Start by scratching them behind the ear just a little bit longer. Then you can move on to more generous ways to give your pup some love. Perhaps you could give them a belly rub and puppy massage. Puppy massages can be a great experience for any dog, especially our older senior companions. It stimulates both blood flow and the nervous system to keep your dog healthy and active. Don’t forget to rub their paws, too! Even the more “grooming” related of activities can give your dog the attention and affection they want. Bath time isn’t popular for every dog, but for some, it can be an experience to feel fresh and get any dirt out of their fur for their special day. You could finish by giving them a good brushing to get tangles and stickers out of their fur (plus if feels great on their skin too).

Playtime outside

As for the methods by which we get dirty again, that brings us to playtime. There are certain places where our friends can’t always run free to enjoy their special day, so try to avoid most of them. Instead, take them to the park where they can be off their leash and play a good game of fetch. Make sure you bring plenty of tennis balls, Frisbees, and even a tug-o-war rope to keep things versatile and exciting. There may even be a couple of friends there that are celebrating the same thing with their canine companions, so it’s your dog’s chance to make some new friends. While you’re there, you can try and teach them a new trick or go through the old ones to keep up the practice. If you’re having trouble finding a place where your pup doesn’t have to be on their leash, you can always enjoy a walk together through the park or better yet- a new park that your pup has never been to before, where they can sniff and explore to keep their senses tuned and their tail wagging.

Give them a treat

Amongst your dog’s favorites is the always pleasing treat. So what does your dog enjoy the most? Perhaps there is a tasty treat that they favor? Or you might even cook up some new ones for your dog to try. Puppy muffins or even banana related treats can be delicious and best of all…new for your pup. When it comes to snacking, the best things are often something they’ve never tasted before, especially when you cook it just for them.

But you don’t always have to stick with the edible treat- give your dog some new toys, too. Chew toys, squeaky toys, and tug-o-war ropes that are new to their environment tell your pup that today is definitely a good day to be a dog. Dogs love new and interesting toys, so you might even invent some of your own. While very simple, few dogs can resist this particular toy, and plus, there’s no stuffing to clean up if your dog likes to pull their toys apart.

Try this: One-gallon water jugs are noisy and hard for a dog to catch, and when you combine two of them with a simple shoe string, it can make for a special, but very noisy, toy that they can chase around and get a little wild with. Just make sure to remove the caps and any extra water inside. You can even hold onto one jug while your pup holds onto the other for a fun one-on-one gaming experience.

Remember that February 20 is a special day to help remind us that we should love our companion every day of the year. Don’t let the fun stop on the 21st. Spend some quality time with your faithful friend every day. After all, that’s why we have them, and they have us.

Do you enjoy seeing your pup strut around with a cute hat on? Maybe something simple like a handkerchief around their neck to add some charisma to their style? Well, this January 14 is National Dress Up Your Pet Day and that means that your pup has their own special day to get dressed up for the occasion. But you don’t have to stop at dressing up – you can plan yourself a puppy party to make the day fun for everyone.

Dressing up for the occasion

When it comes to dressing your dog up, you should take into consideration personality, weather (especially since it’s colder right now), and general comfort. Since the day is about your four-legged friend, it’s important to make sure that they’ll enjoy the occasion.

Not every pup is going to enjoy spending time in a bulky costume, especially our corgi and collie friends who prefer the cold weather. But they can still join in the fun, so consider something simple or perhaps even a little entertaining like some alien antennae or a “super” cape that they can chase around.

Since comfort is a big part of dressing up (even we don’t enjoy wearing something that doesn’t feel right for very long), make sure that what your pup dresses in isn’t going to bother them. The last thing you want is to buy a nice costume that they’re just going to rip off and turn into a chew toy. Make sure your pup’s costume fits them properly, and that you don’t have any tags or seams that might irritate them in certain spots.

Get creative

There are various costumes, hats, and other charismatic articles that you can buy. But you don’t always have to spend a lot of money to have fun. If you don’t want to go out and buy a costume, go ahead and put your own creative and innovative talents to the test. Maybe that Halloween costume from last year needs a few changes to turn it into something new (and maybe a little less uncomfortable). Change around hats, or add a pair of bunny ears.

Puppy party time

Aside from dressing up, we can throw a party to really make the day enjoyable. Why not organize a puppy party where all of your friend’s pups dress up too. Of course, your pup isn’t the only one who gets to get into costume. You and your friends can join in as well. Perhaps even have your pup go dressed up as a sheep and you as a shepherd. Then, you’d be able to find your four-legged friend no matter where they run off to (and everyone will know who belongs to who). You can even trade places with your pup. All you need is a tail and some doggy ears, and your pup can wear a hat and tie. The leash would only add to the style if it looks like your pup is walking you.

The nice thing about throwing a puppy party is that you can theme it any way you want to. Perhaps an elegant dress-up with a doggy tuxedo to look good for their special day, and there are stylish dresses for the girls, too. Both you and your pup can look nice for the occasion, even if they do manage to find some dirt to roll in. But that’s what the washing machine is for.

Don’t forget the puppy treats to add some flavor to your party. You and your friends can bake your own doggy biscuits or soft banana strips that your pups can enjoy.

But where can you enjoy such costume parties? While dog parks might seem like a nice place to meet-and-greet with other puppy party goers, it isn’t always sanitary or safe health-wise for dogs. A secure location, such as your own backyard or home would be much safer and probably more enjoyable for you pups, especially if they want all those delicious treats to themselves. Plus, you won’t have to worry about someone else’s huge dog knocking anyone down and taking off with their costume hat.

This January, you can celebrate spending some time with your pup by dressing up and throwing a puppy costume party. Have a few friends over, play a few games with your four-legged friends, and even get dressed up yourself. It’s time for everyone to get dressed up and have some fun.

Animal shelters do more than just hold on to furry critters until they can find a home- they play a big part in your community’s efforts. Along with sheltering our four-legged friends, they also protect against cruelty, animal neglect, locating and reuniting lost friends, and even provide efforts to reduce animal overpopulating through spay and neuter services. All these services take a lot of effort to maintain, and it can be hard with the very little funding they receive.

National Animal Shelter week is dedicated to acknowledging and promoting the role shelters play in their communities. What we can do is carry that torch onward and help support the animal shelters in our community by doing our part to help our four-legged friends find some happy homes and families.

Spread the word

Word of mouth is a well-known marketing skill- and it works. Tell your friends about what’s going on, and bring it up in conversations. Nowadays, there is wide spread use of the internet which is connecting everyone to everyone else. Consider linking your local animal shelter’s information to your Facebook page or Twittering a link to help get the word out. Awareness is often the biggest part of any event.

You can also try promoting your local shelter with the classic flyers and banners. Simple as it may sound, a simple letter or flyer letting folks know what’s going on can really get the word out there. Post them on telephone poles or on bulletin boards so that others can see and know.
Children will someday be adults, so involving them with supporting pet adoption can help them become aware of the world they will one day grow into. Let them know what animal shelters do and their role in their community.

Promote adoption

If you’ve been thinking about adding a friend to your own homestead, November is definitely the time to do it. Tell your friends about adoption as well. Many people don’t know that you can easily adopt a pup from the animal shelter and give a homeless pup a happy home. You can even take a moment to support adoption efforts by clicking the “like” button on the Shelter Pet Project page on Facebook.

Donations to keep those tails wagging

Some of us want to help directly by donating to the cause. Financially, many organizations have made contributions, both big and small, that help their local shelters continue their efforts and reach out to help others as well. A few coins here and there can really add up, so don’t think that you shouldn’t drop that extra change in your pocket into their funds just because it isn’t enough. When you’re helping, anything you can do is better than doing nothing at all.

Supplies!

Donations aren’t limited to monetary amounts. Items such as blankets, towels, and toys can help as well. Often, your local animal shelter will have a “wish list” posted on their website. You’d be surprised at how much a few items can really help, especially with the cold winter approaching.

Throw in a helping paw

Many shelters will welcome volunteer workers. If you have a few hours or some extra time, consider helping your four-legged friends this November. There may be a variety of types of shelters around, so find one that is right for you.

Take a few moments to thank your local animal shelter for the love and care they give our animal friends. And remember, supporting your local animal shelter doesn’t have to be extravagant, any and all help is appreciated. So do what you can to keep those tails wagging towards a happy home.

Halloween is nearing, and with it will arrive haunts and treats alike. But, for those that have pups, it may be a little too spooky for our friendly canine companions. Not all pups are ready for all the excitement that one spooky night brings, as masked strangers roam the streets.

Preparing your pup for Halloween night takes a little bit of insight on your part. You’ll need to have an idea of how your pup will act, and if you don’t know or are unsure, it is best to keep them away from the excitement in general. Some dogs can be sensitive, especially when it comes to noises, and strange smells. If you feel that your pup is a little protective, arriving trick-or-treaters will likely turn their protective instincts up. Don’t be afraid to seclude your pup in their crate or a room where they will be away from the front door. But remember that Halloween is a time of fun and enjoyment, so don’t leave your pup locked up without their own fun. Get them a rawhide bone and toys to play with to keep their mind busy. You may even leave a television or radio on to distract them.

Don’t leave your pup alone in the backyard! You’d be surprised at how many children still play tricks even when you give them treats. Animals are a target for mischief on Halloween, often victims of harassment or thrown objects such as eggs, fruit, or unwanted treats. Though these objects might not always hurt your pup directly, they may enjoy eating them- which can hurt your pup.

If you decide that your pup would be okay to enjoy some of the fun, it is still wise to supervise them at all times. Use a leash, especially if you’re out and about with the kids. Watch for any signs of stress, such as barking, whining, or growling (and hair on their neck standing up). Don’t let other children give your pup treats, too. In large quantities, chocolate is toxic for pups, and they don’t have fingers to open wrappers, so they eat the whole thing. They aren’t picky either, so they’ll eat leftover wrappers, too.

Not all pups like to play dress up, so don’t force your doggy to look like a pumpkin if they don’t want to. Though it may look cute, they can get hot fast, and with all the excitement they may get a little anxious or stressed.

It’s important to prevent children from harassing, teasing, or worse- scaring your pup. Dogs are naturally territorial, and when spooked, they will often attack in self-defense. Whether your pup is friendly or protective, it is still best to keep your pup away from the front door in general, as a curious pup will make a break for the excitement. Then, you’ll end up chasing that rascal around.

At the end of the night, make sure you toss out any pumpkins, candles, candy wrappers or anything else that your pup may get into and eat. Remember that just about everything looks tasty to a pup, especially the curious ones.

Be cautious for your pup on this spooky night, and make sure that it’s enjoyable for them, rather than stressful. No one should have to miss out on a good time, so do your best to ensure that your pup can enjoy the night too.

Every once in a while, we want to experience something different at work to relieve us from the stress that normal day-to-day work routine brings. Companies have days like summer outings or family day, any gig that will change the office environment even for just a day. But what better way to enjoy a day at your office than sharing your day with your dog at work. It’s going to feel like you are home and he will get a chance to meet other dogs to play with.

Pet Sitters International created the event Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999 and every year since, the event is celebrated by companies all over the nation to recognize how great dogs can be as a companion.  Both big and small businesses participate in this annual event to show how great having a dog is and encourage people to adopt a canine companion and provide them with decent homes.

The event is a chance to enjoy your office environment with your favorite companion to help you unwind a little even though you are working on stacks of paper work. Imagine an office with cute dogs that your dog can socialize with. Your office will look like a dog park on a Sunday afternoon.

You might think that a pet in the workplace is a bad idea but according to studies, pets in the office help boost the morale of employees and increase productivity. There are actually dog-friendly policies that are being implemented in some companies and this results in less stress among pet owners who have a home-alone dog. Studies also show that those who don’t have a pet tend to enjoy those that they see at the office.

Joining the celebration is a step to welcoming our canine friends to humane society even for just a day. The day will be a time for you to enjoy your dog in the office and not worry about him being lonely or making a mess at home. This is our chance to give back to the animal community.

If your office is supporting this movement, there are guidelines that you can follow in preparing your dog for the big day at the office. Some tips include having your dog on a leash when not in an office or cubicle and having a backup plan just in case your dog feels uncomfortable in your work environment. If you are interested to let your office join the event, there are ways to get involved.

Take Your Dog to Work Day is indeed a celebration that one should participate in, especially for dog lovers out there. Show off your canine friends and promote how they can be a great companion to others. Spread the movement of owning a pet and encourage others to adopt their own. This day will also be your chance to talk about how your dog helps you in any way. Celebrate this event with your co-workers and the rest of the nation.

Having a pet adds joy to a home and the experience of raising one is invaluable. The bond that we develop as they grow up by our side and witness everything that we go through as life unfolds; they are there for us just like a true friend.  But like everything in this place, there will come a time that they have to go.

It is painful to lose a pet and sometimes it is difficult to accept that they are gone. We grieve for them and remember the times when they were around to make things alright and relieve us from life’s difficulties. We all have different bonds with our pets but we all consider them as a friend, a great companion. The memories stay with us.

World Pet Memorial Day is a time where everyone who lost a pet pays their respects to their departed friends and remembers the memories that was once shared with them. During this day, you can do a memorial in honor of your lost pet. It can be a simple memorial or you can join communities that gather on this day of remembrance and exchange memories and experiences with them.

There are many ways to memorialize our departed pets. I remember holding a small burial for my dog when I was a kid. I had him for almost 5 years. That may not be a long time for some, but when you’re a kid a dog is all you have for company and we were really close. I specifically chose a spot at the back of our house so I could still visit him. I was there every day, lay flowers on his grave and talked to him. I did this until we moved to a different city but I still remember him. I never had a dog again or a pet after him.

If you can’t get a burial ground at your house, there are other ways. Ask if your community has a pet cemetery, this is quite common in some areas. You can also do a living memorial by planting a tree or a flower bed to symbolize him. You can also keep something that will remind you of him like a framed photo or his favorite toy. If you have taken numerous pictures together, you can try making a scrapbook as a reminder of your friendship. When you remember him, try to write a poem about him or write him a letter.

As a way to participate in the World Pet Memorial Day, you can volunteer at your community animal shelter and help out or participate in other memorials and candle-light ceremonies. If you think you are ready to have another pet, try to adopt one and give your new pet a nice home that he deserves.

However, what matters is that we remember them and that we give our respects. Participate in the World Pet Memorial Day and together, let us all take this time to thank them for the friendship and lessons that they gave us.

For many of us, our dogs are our children.  So, by show of hands – who has graduates this year?

Has your pooch recently graduated puppy kindergarten? Here are some fun ideas for your beloved pet’s graduation party.

* What’s a party without guests? This is a great opportunity for your puppy to socialize, so invite his fellow graduates and friendly neighbor dogs.

* Get a cake from a doggie bakery, or make one yourself. You can find plenty of dog cake recipes on the Internet. Top the cake off with a candle that looks like a dog, a bone, or a fire hydrant!

* If you’ll be having human guests, be sure to feed them, too! Serve cupcakes and other party food with dog themed plates and napkins.

* Don’t forget to take lots of pictures! You’ll want to look back on this event in the future.

* Make graduation hats for all the graduating canines to wear.

* You can also prepare goodie bags filled with treats for the dogs to take home.

* Get balloons with paw prints on them, or stamp plain balloons with dog themed patterns. Use these to decorate the party area.

* Blow bubbles! Dogs love chasing and chomping on them. Be sure to use a solution that’s especially formulated for canines.

* If the puppy graduation party is taking place in the summer, serve doggie smoothies to keep the dogs cool. Again, you can look for recipes online.

* You can also turn the graduation party into a pool party. Get a kiddie pool for the dogs to splash around in. Remember to tell the owners to bring their own towels.

* Have games like puppy races, tag team Frisbee, or musical sit/stay! Musical sit/stay is similar to musical chairs. Play music, and when it stops, the owners will have their puppy sit/stay. The last one to do so is eliminated.

* Give your pet a new treat and/or toy to congratulate him for completing puppy kindergarten!

During National Pet Month, thousands of people across the UK will be celebrating life with their pets, sharing information on responsible pet ownership, or holding events to raise money for their favorite charity.

Every year, the message of responsible pet ownership is conveyed by running the events under a central theme. For 2011, the theme is “Happiness is…time with your pet”.

Why?

The objectives of National Pet Month are to:

* Encourage responsible pet ownership
* Spread the word on the mutual benefits of living with pets
* Inform people about the role of pet care specialists
* Increase awareness of the significance of working and assistance companion animals

When?

This year, National Pet Month will be celebrated from April 2nd to May 2nd.

Who?

National Pet Month is a registered charity that brings together animal welfare groups, professional bodies, schools, pet businesses, youth organizations and pet lovers, with the common goal of improving the welfare of pets. Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA), National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), and Pet Care Trust (PCT) are the trustees.

How?

If you’re interested in holding an event for National Pet Month, you can visit www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk to register your event and get a free events pack.

Did you know that February 20th is Love Your Pet Day? It reminds us of Valentine’s Day –  is it a coincidence that it’s about a week from February 14th? Now do we really need a special day on the calendar to point out the love we have for our animal companions all year round? I think the answer is yes!

Why? Well, even with my energetic Jack Russell Terrier, there are some days when it’s easy for me to not really notice all of the wonderful things he does to brighten my day. While I do love my dog, I plan to pamper him more than usual on Love Your Pet Day. I’m thinking of buying him some new toys, getting him a box of treats from our local dog bakery, and taking him to his favorite off leash area, even if we have to drive an hour from our place to get there.

I’ve browsed around online and found more great ways we can go the extra mile for our furry, finned, and feathered friends on Love Your Pet Day. I’ll most likely do some of these suggestions, too.

* Instead of opening a can or bag of pet food, prepare your pet’s meals from scratch. Look for recipes on the Internet!

* Make your pet some new toys. Toilet paper rolls are great for mice. Cats will love bells on a string.

* Give your pet a bath and groom them. Show your pet you love them by keeping them clean and comfortable!

* Let your pet do something they love to do. If you have a dog, for example, take them to the park and let them run around until they’re pooped.

* Play with your pet! Turn off the TV or computer and really give them your undivided attention, even if just for an hour or two.

* If you have a pet that lives in a cage, e.g. a mouse or a hamster, let them outside for a longer time.

* Clean your pet’s home, whether it’s a crate, fishbowl, or cage.

* If you really want to spoil your pet, take them to a day spa or salon that caters to your particular animal.

* You can also do something for pets that are still waiting for homes. Donate to your local animal shelter.

This year, February 14 to 20 is Random Acts of Kindness Week. To inspire you, here is a true story about a series of random acts of kindness.

Seth, who lives in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Oakland, had just pulled into his driveway one evening when he noticed an unfamiliar vehicle parked near his house. As he got out of his car, the driver came running up to him. He told Seth that he had seen a black Labrador Retriever running across the street and he was worried that the dog might get hit by a car. He asked Seth to help him catch the Lab, and the two men set off.

At one point the driver said he could no longer stay around, so Seth followed the dog by himself. Meanwhile, Seth’s wife told their next door neighbors what was going on, and their teenage granddaughter joined in the pursuit. In the end, the Lab came into Seth’s yard and they closed the gate. The dog was awfully frightened at first, but calmed down after a while and became very friendly.

Later, the driver came back to Seth’s house to see if they had found the Lab. He gave Seth his name and phone number in case they wanted to contact him for more help. He also provided a list of places they could call to locate the owner from the number on the dog tags.

Seth’s next door neighbors decided to take the Lab in for the night. The next morning, they called around to see if the dog could be traced by his tags. One of the animal shelters provided the name of the possible owner. The owner, who had been in contact with the shelters as well, arrived to pick up his dog that afternoon. Needless to say, the Lab was extremely excited to see his owner.

Fortunately, the lost Labrador was taken care of by good people who made an effort to locate his owner. Thanks to the random acts of kindness by the worried driver, Seth, and Seth’s neighbors, dog and owner were reunited.