Category Archives: General Interest

Petfinder’s Adopt The Internet Day March 15, 2011

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In honor of Petfinder’s 15th birthday, Stella & Cupcake has pledged to spread the word online about adoptable pets today, March 15, 2011…

Here’s a chance to find your best friend! ♥

…For me, the journey began one morning with browsing on Petfinder…  Remembering my fondness for a certain kitty named Tinkster (a friend’s Siamese cat with a gentle and lovely purrsonality), I could easily recall the joy Tinkster had brought into my life…  I fell in love with all those pretty and handsome faces on Petfinder and was also moved to tears as I read the nearly endless kitty profiles and how they came to be at their particular shelter.  I wanted to rescue all of them!  That day, I was resolved to make a difference in even one creature’s life.  Mohandas Ghandi’s words still resonate loudly with me, “be the change you want to see in the world.”  I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Petfinder and BARC Shelter for bringing Captain Smith a.k.a. Captain Neo into our lives.  As much as he needed us, we needed him more.

*More than 320,000 pets are waiting for homes on Petfinder.com. Help Petfinder Adopt the Internet to find forever homes for as many as possible!  Please continue to spread the word about adoptable shelter pets today and always!

Dig Little Digger

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There’s something about the scent of newly watered plants which acts as a cat attractant. I ended up wanting to water the plants less or watering them in secrecy trying to be watchful of golden spying eyes. Over the past couple of months I grew tired of cleaning off soil from our dining room floor so I was determined to remedy the situation. A few weeks ago I realized that by placing river rocks atop the soil, it would take all the fun out of the kitties from digging the dirt. We zipped to a local craft store and solution achieved. There are a variety of river rocks out there. I chose the larger (heavier) earthy toned variety since it was most suitable for the potted plant I had in mind. Think like a cat and the answers will fall into place. There’s no need to get even; just get smarter.

*Please remember to choose non-toxic/pet-safe plants; especially in places where you allow your pets to spend time.

*Photocredit: Michael’s Craft Store

Counter-Surfing

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All our cats have been quite the counter-surfers- curious investigators, scouts, and thieves. In a desperate measure to deter this behavior, my husband and I have been doing some research and happened upon the following article on About.com. While I personally don’t agree with all the solution options, I’m willing to look into Tattle Tale a bit closer because of it’s more mild nature. Still need to do further research. In addition to the pet safety points highlighted in this particular article, I also think it a good idea to regularly empty out drain caps (where potentially toxic food scraps collect e.g. onions etc.) and to keep your sink clear of dirty dishes, pots, or pans… Don’t want to further tempt our furbabies to counter/sink-surf. If you need more information, simply do a Google search and you will find a wealth of information.

*Photocredit: He may look like our Opie but this is a picture of Prints, The Cat by Prints of A Cat @ Blogspot

Pet Insurance

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Pet insurance is probably the best gift you can give your pet. In the long run, it will also help you immensely when you are overwhelmed by costly veterinary bills. Pet insurance allows caring for a pet to be much more affordable. It’s as significant as what health coverage means to you. Call at least a few insurance companies for quotes. The more you inquire and speak to those who have it, the more knowledgeable you will become. Always do comparative shopping. Many companies offer multi-pet discount rates. Your pet’s health history will determine level of coverage eligibility.

ASPCA Pet Insurance <– we’ve been enrolled since January 2008 and we have been satisfied with reimbursement rates so far.

VPI Pet Insurance

American Kennel Club/AKC Pet Insurance

Best Friends Pet Insurance

There are more out there of course…

I believe Petco offers insurance too–> Trupanion

Here is a link to a pet insurance review site: http://www.petinsurancereview.com

Vacations Sans Furbaby =(

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Family members (that can house-sit and care for your pets or your pets can stay with them)
Trusted professional kennels
Your vet (may have boarding services; you should inquire)
Scheduled dog-sitters

Needed Supplies: Remember to be courteous to your pet-sitter. They are doing you a big favor!

Ample food (I always provide extra)
Treats
Cat litter box and ample cat litter
Any medication your pet needs
Collar with tags and leash
Poop baggies
Dog coat for cold weather
Grooming supplies
Bowls
A favorite toy e.g. scratch post for cats, blanket, or bed
A binder filled with important and up-to-date pet health info
Info and directions to a 24-hour animal hospital
Your travel contact info
…anything else you find important that has not been included on this list…

Always spend a little quality play time with your furbaby before you travel
Leave ample time to review instructions with your pet-sitter

It’s a good idea to email or call occasionally to check-in =) I usually call once daily (taking account the difference in time zones). I know I’m crazy but I think this is part of being a good mom…

Increased Space= Increased Responsibility (A Hard Lesson Learned)

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In the previous post, “Back to the Drawing Board…”, we discovered that having Stella stay in the kitchen was not the best idea. It was a large amount of space that a wee puppy like her was not ready for. We rearranged and dog-proofed a tiny bathroom space for her, which to our relief, worked out splendidly =) Stella, what a gal you have become! Mommy’s so proud of you!

The Area: Ideal for when you are out food shopping or gone for a short time to e.g. see a movie, meet friends for dinner, etc.
small dog crate
water
food
dog chews e.g. Greenies
toys e.g. Nylabones
baby gate
kid-proof cabinet locks
shower for her to “do her business” (easy clean-up)

Chilly Bone Dog Toy

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When Stella was a puppy and her teeth were erupting, we bought her a Chilly Bone to ease any discomfort she might have and to keep her out of trouble. In her formative years, she had destroyed the bottom of a shower curtain, parts of her crate, and furniture legs. Ahhhhh!!! Anyway, Chilly Bones was easy to use and is made of a very durable canvas. It’s also a potentially great summer dog toy- a sort of pupsicle. Another great inexpensive treat for your furbaby. I imagine you can easily find these at a Petco or Petsmart.

*Photocredit: Chilly Bone

Unstuffed Plush Dog Toys with Squeakers

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One of Stella’s birthday presents this year was an unstuffed chicken plush toy with two squeakers. She really loves playing with it, plus it’s still in pretty good shape even after all the rough treatment. I’m glad I bought this for her. It makes me happy to see her enjoying her toys. It was a gift purchased from Petland but also saw this being sold at Animal Kingdom. I’m sorry I don’t know which brand since I threw the tags away.

*Photocredit: Animal Kingdom

Pet SPF Protection

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If Stella is spending some time in the sun, whether sleeping by a sunny window or going on a summer’s hike, I give her a light spray-down of The Coat Handler’s SPF 15. I bought this from either Petland or Petco. I think some dogs are more prone to sunburn than others, like Chinese Cresteds (hairless dogs), but either way, I believe putting SPF on them is the responsible thing to do. It’s something I would do for myself.

*Photocredit: Sharpwright

Dog Tartar Control

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In addition to the daily teeth brushing, I also use Four Paw’s Pet Dental for Stella (as directed) to further remove any tartar build-up on her teeth that regular brushing can’t always remove. So far I noticed her back teeth are the hardest hit (which isn’t in bad shape). I truly believe in preventative care. I do these cleanings at night e.g. when commercials are on and after her dinner so she can go to sleep with a clean mouth (something that you would do for yourself). Cleaning her teeth daily has helped to keep the cost of her vet care under better control. Not sure if you realize this but professional dental cleanings for pets involves the use of anesthesia (which is very costly). If I can help it, I’d rather avoid it unless it’s an absolute must. In general, good at-home-care will potentially improve and maintain the overall health of your pet.

*Photocredit: Petland