Given that my dog just sort of got impounded (it wasn’t my fault)… I thought I should do a shout out to the SPCA! Especially if it’s called National Cupcake Day. National Cupcake Day is on February 26th, a fundraising effort supporting animal welfare societies across Canada. It’s easy and delicious to participate. Register your participation online at: www.nationalcupcakeday.ca. Plan a cupcake party at work, home or school; start fundraising by encouraging friends and family to donate online in advance; bake your favourite cupcakes; share them with family and friends; and collect donations to prevent cruelty to animals.
There’s a lot of talk in the world about diseases and viruses being spread by mosquitos and other insects, and one of those concerns is actually right here, in Canada, but this time it’s our four-legged friends who are at risk. No flea or tick bite is right for these beloved friends.
No matter how well you plan ahead, a new family member will be stressful for your family pet. The key to babies and pets is to make sure that you keep all training and baby-related matters a positive experience. Remember your dog or cat is used to being the centre of attention. It is understandable that they may experience something like sibling rivalry with a new baby. By following a few simple steps, you will help your pet welcome the new arrival into their pack.
I have a lot of friends who have opted to be pet parents instead of kid parents. While they know enough not to lambaste me on decisions about breastfeeding or screen time, they always seem to have criticism and advice about how I raise my beloved cat and purebred English Lab. Our dog Piper, in particular, has always been a going concern for the judgy-friend posse. Does she have fleas? She seems overweight. Does she look puffy to me? Am I exercising her properly? Are you reading the latest pet magazines to stay up to date? It is so ironic that I started UrbanMommies to combat the judgement and lack of solid information about pregnancy and parenting, and ten years later I’m in the same situation, but with my pets.
I remember many shopping excursions to the United States with my mom—outlet stores filled with clothing and jewelry were thrilling, and buying unique back to school supplies made me feel like I was in a candy store. As I have aged, shopping is still a delight and yet my store preferences have evolved. As a new homeowner I would get excited about tools, and then after my kids were born I visited garden centres and kids’ gear shops more and more frequently. As a super busy Mom and business-owner, I now demand a ton from my shopping experiences. The stores must provide great value, include many items that I need, and allow me to research my purchases digitally. I have honed my passion for shopping and no longer trek south of the border to get my heart palpitating.
As a pet owner, at times you may experience great pain regarding your pet. When people post to social media their heartfelt tributes to their pets that have passed away, they affect me so profoundly that I have to quickly scroll by! Owning a pet is like wearing your heart outside your chest everyday. It is part of the beauty, and pain of being a pet-owner. And it can be devastating when your pet is sick.
These homemade Valentine heart dog treat bags are the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the dog in your life. This potato stamp project is an easy and fun kid’s craft.
The holidays are upon us, and we spoke with Celebrity Pet Expert Harrison Forbes for a few tips on eliminating stress for our best friends during the busy holiday season. Here are his ideas on eliminating pet stress.
Most of us can agree that leading a healthy, fulfilled life is all about balance. We strive to eat nourishing, delicious food, find a form of exercise we enjoy, broaden our horizons through lifelong learning and surround ourselves with people we love and trust.
The Canadian family is getting a whole lot furrier with 95 % of Canadian dog owners considering their dogs’ part of their family unit. I certainly love mine! (And we also just adopted a kitten from the SPCA). With summer finally here, our precious dogs face a threat that most owners don’t know enough about – ticks and lyme disease. Only a third (30%) of dog owners protect their dogs from this serious but easily preventable illness. Pout.