Happy Holidays! Which photos of your pets best reflect your holiday moods? Share them on our Facebook page or tag us with #wellnesspetfood and we’ll be sure to see your post!
We conducted a recent survey of pet parents across the country and found:
74% of pet parents give a gift to their dog or cat during the holidays.
As Thanksgiving approaches, are you starting to feel the pressure? We sure are. That’s why we’ve curated a list of some of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday savings on sought-after pet products in all sorts of categories. Whether you and your pets are techies, looking for the latest in pet innovation, or you’re a practical pet parent looking to score savings on staple pet food or treats, we’ve got something for you.
A long-time staple for energetic, thriving dogs, Wellness Complete Health dry dog food is complete and balanced, plus it’s loaded with antioxidants and guaranteed levels of probiotics. This Black Friday weekend, U.S. and Canada PetValu stores are offering $5.00 off large bags of Complete Health for dogs, as well as a FREE 12.5 ounce can of Wellness Complete Health wet dog food with purchase of a large bag of dry. Find out where your closest PetValu store is. Offer is valid Nov. 24-Nov. 27.
Being able to coax your dog away from the windows from your phone while you’re stuck at work will be equally as thrilling for your pooch as it is for you. That’s because the Petcube Bites HD camera monitors and flings treats! And each Petcube Bites purchase comes with free Wellness Petite Treats so you can treat your dog to healthy, grain-free treats in delicious, festive flavors like Lamb, Apples and Cinnamon.
Petcube is offering some serious savings on both their Bites and Play models this Black Friday:
Creators of high-quality dog gear, Kurgo’s motto is #gotogether. And they sure do make it easier to share life with your dog, whether it’s with a dog backpack for hiking on the trails or a backseat protector so you and the pooch are always road trip ready.
This holiday season, our friends at Kurgo are offering 30% off all items on Kurgo.com. Just use code CYBERWKND at checkout. Promotion lasts from 11/24-11/28.
Our friends at KitNipBox have cats figured out pretty well. Not only do irresistible, grain-free Wellness Kittles regularly make an appearance in this cat-exclusive subscription box, but it’s loaded with fun, innovative kitty toys, and best of all, is shipped in the all-important cardboard box that cats will instantly claim as a new favorite hangout spot.
This Black Friday week, KitNipBox is generously offering Wellness Pet Food fans 25% off KitNipBox by using code WELLNESS25 at checkout. Offer is already live and runs through 11/27/17 at midnight.
If you have any questions regarding the offers presented, we suggest you please reach out to the brand or store directly as they will have the most up-to-date information about offer details. Please note that some of the deals mentioned do not go live until Thanksgiving (11/23) or Black Friday (11/24).
Autumn is here and the feeling of fall is in the air. Pumpkin spice is on every menu, the air is cool, the leaves are extraordinary colors, and Thanksgiving planning has begun! I don’t know about you, but Thanksgiving is one of my all-time favorite holidays. And as much as we all love the amazing Thanksgiving food and festivities, so do our pets. My dog Dory sits patiently in the kitchen all day while I prepare Thanksgiving dinner for our family waiting for me to drop a piece of turkey or offer some mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, as a small animal veterinarian, this is a common time of year when I see many emergencies from pets eating “human” food that can cause illness. So today, I would like to take a moment to discuss the typical autumn and Thanksgiving foods that are toxic for our pets, what clinical signs that you may see, and what you need to do if your pet eats these foods.
Onions, Garlic, Chives
I know…who knew? These food items are commonly used in preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Cats are actually more susceptible to the toxic effects of onions, garlic, and chives; however, dogs are also at risk. The toxicity causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by the bursting of red blood cells circulating through your pet’s body. Ingestion can also cause less critical side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic evaluation of red blood cells.
Grapes and Raisins
Some fruits are more common for consumption during autumn months. Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs. It is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs altogether.
Macadamia Nuts
Although not as common, many people bake cookies and desserts with macadamia nuts. Weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia are common clinical signs associated with macadamia nut ingestion in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours.
Nuts
Nuts, including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats. Foods that are high in oils and fats can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets.
Milk and Dairy
Milk and cream are common ingredients in Thanksgiving foods. Please be cautious with dairy. Despite what many people believe, pets do not digest dairy products well. Dogs and cats do not have significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Milk and other dairy-based products cause your pet to suffer from diarrhea or other stomach upset.
Salt and Salty Snack Foods
Pretzels and potato chips are in abundance during the football season. Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium-ion poisoning in pets. Salt toxicity clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. Please avoid giving your pets foods that are high in salts such as potato chips or pretzels.
Alcohol
I know, I know, this seems obvious, right? Well you would be surprised how many times I have seen alcohol intoxication on emergency. Most cases are accidents. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. If your pet has ingested alcohol, see or contact your veterinarian immediately.
Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine
Chocolate, ice-cream, and desserts are a big part of the Thanksgiving meal, especially if you have children. Chocolate contains two ingredients that are toxic in large quantities: theobromine and caffeine. Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine and caffeine; therefore, the amount and the type of chocolate your pet eats plays a role in its toxic effects. Darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of theobromine, while baking chocolate contains the highest. Clinical signs of chocolate toxicity include diarrhea or vomiting from the high-fat content in the chocolate, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, tremors, increased drinking and urination, excessive panting, irritability, increased heart rate and abnormal heart rhythm.
Raw or Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans. Pets can choke on bones, or sustain injury should the bone splinter become lodged in or puncture their digestive tract.
Yeast Dough
I have seen this emergency a few times. When pets digest raw yeast dough, the dough can expand and rise in the GI tract, causing gas to accumulate. This can be painful and cause the stomach to bloat, and potentially twist, becoming a life-threatening emergency. In addition, the yeast produces ethanol as a bi-product and a dog ingesting raw dough may become drunk (see the section on alcohol above).
I hope this helps all my pet parents out there be more aware of all the possible common autumn foods that can be dangerous for your pets. There is no need for your pets to feel left out. Let them indulge on Thanksgiving! I tell all my pet parents to have your Thanksgiving treats and food easily accessible during the holiday festivities and spoil your pets rotten. I absolutely love and trust Wellness CORE and it is what feed my own dog. Wellness CORE is a balanced diet that is grain free, contains all the highest quality ingredients, added supplements (omega 3 fatty acids, and glucosamine), and higher protein for lean body mass and muscle tone. My goal is to always keep our pets safe and healthy. As much as I love seeing them walk through my animal hospital doors, I prefer to help avoid sick trips to the veterinarian, especially during Thanksgiving when you should be spending time being grateful with your closest friends, family, and of course your pets.
Hello everyone! My name is Alison Streit and I am Forever Freckled’s veterinarian. Being a veterinarian has been my dream job since I could barely speak. Over the past six years, I have dedicated my life to building, opening, and running an animal hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, accomplishing a life long goal of mine. It has been an amazing journey turning my passion for animals into a career. I know pets are our family and nothing brings me more joy than to help pets and their parents with wellness and healthy living. In addition to being a veterinarian, I am a wife to my amazing husband Rob, and a mommy to my greatest accomplishments and the most unbelievable joy for me, my children Luke, Leah and Hayden. Everyday I feel so lucky to have pursued my dreams to take care of animals, and become a wife and mother. I am so proud to have started Forever Freckled with my sisters and develop a platform to help people and pets on their life journeys.
Wellness Pet Food participated as a head Paw It Forward event sponsor, donating over $1,000 of natural cat food
Over $1,000 in donated cat food and treats for KittyKind Rescue.
On October 14, 2017, the cat people were in full effect in New York City. Cat lovers far and wide convened for Paw It Forward NYC, a fundraiser for cats.
Now in its third year, the event saw over 150 guests and raised over $8,500 for this year’s benefit rescue, KittyKind. Each year, the event organizers choose a non-profit rescue and 100% of the proceeds are donated directly to the organization.
This year’s chosen shelter, KittyKind, is a local NYC no-kill, all-volunteer, rescue who also also provides NYC’s first cat café – Meow Parlour – with their adoptable cats.
Cat lovers walk the red carpet at Paw It Forward NYC. Photo via @madebyroman.
Paw It Forward started as a low-key gathering to unite the human faces behind their Instagram-famous cats. Several meetups later, the idea for a fundraiser was born – something that could benefit cats while serving as a social hub for cat Instagrammers – so in the Fall of 2015, the first Paw It Forward took place. Using brand connections garnered from the organizers’ Insta-famous cats, the event featured cat-centric raffles and an open bar, and 100% of the proceeds were donated to the event’s charity of choice. In the 2015 and 2016 installments of the event, over $10,000 was raised and donated to Sean Casey Animal Rescue and Jersey Cats, respectively. In 2017 alone, over $8,500 in monetary and product donation was raised for KittyKind.
Cat lovers walk the red carpet at Paw It Forward NYC. Photo via @madebyroman.
Mainly discovered by guests via organic reach on Instagram, the event’s turnout has grown exponentially each year. Guests fly in from all over the US to meet and mingle with other Instagram cat owners, and many bring cat merch featuring their furbaby’s face on stickers and business cards even clothing! The organizers are made up of a crew of NYC-based cat ladies with strong social media presences: @_porkchopthecat, @tinaf78, @life_of_ziggy, @thatcatblog, and @rukasthecat. Collectively, they have a reach of over 500K followers across platforms and are able to secure tons of fabulous product donations that are raffled off at the event. Sponsors range from human-focused products like Kate Spade and ConAir, to beloved pet brands such as Wellness, PetMate, and MeowBox. Guests who win prizes often Instagram their cats using the products, giving brands great organic exposure.
Paw it Forward MC pulls a winning raffle ticket. Photo via @madebyroman.
A lucky raffle basket winner celebrates her new cat goodies. Photo via @madebyroman.
This year, Wellness contributed the largest product donation ever – over $1,000 worth of Wellness product went directly to KittyKind.
Aside from the satisfaction of donating to a rescue each year, the best part about Paw It Forward is the chance to meet virtual cat-loving friends from across the US. Paw It Forward NYC hopes to continue the tradition in 2018 and beyond with even bigger events! If you are a cat lover and wish to get involved, please email pawitforwardnyc@gmail.com or submit an inquiry through the website, www.pawitforward.nyc. 2018’s event will be scheduled for Fall, date to be announced – “like” our Facebook page for updates. Hope to see you there!
I’ll start with a confession: I’m embarrassed to say that even though I have spent my entire career in pet food, I have never had a dog or cat.
In contrast, my wife, Rachael always had pets—cats, dogs, a bird, and a turtle—until she met me. As long as I can remember I wanted a dog, but for one reason (excuse) or another the time was not right. Between our jobs and satisfying our wanderlust, we didn’t feel it would be fair to be kenneling a dog all the time. Fast forward three years and one baby later, we decided there was no time like present.
We knew we wanted our kids to grow up with a dog, but that also meant we needed to find a baby friendly dog. After searching through what felt like hundreds of PetFinder profiles, we came across Moana, a beautiful 3 year old lab hound mix.
Moana, an adorable lab, hound mix pup.
We wanted to rescue, but felt the need to meet the dog with our son before committing. Since the number of adoptable baby friendly dogs in the Boston area was limited, it took some time to find Moana. When we met her through Great Dog Rescue New England, Moana was so gentle with our 8 month old son. Even when he tugged her ear, pulled her tail, or used her as a walker she stayed unflappable.
Moana making best friends with her new brother.
We knew we had met the dog for us, and after wrapping up the formalities and picking up supplies—like some CORE food and WHIMZEES treats—we were going to have a new family member!
On October 11th Moana joined our family and has fulfilled a lifetime wish.
I was nervous and anxious that first night, especially because once I got home Rachael was leaving me alone with both Moana and our son! Thankfully Moana adjusted well to our house, and while it’s not been all sunshine and rainbows it has been easier and more fun than expected!
Robert’s son helping get Moana her dinner, Wellness CORE!
Moana fit right in to our busy lives. She’s loved going hiking, playing outside, and snuggling on the couch at the end of a long day. She particularly has connected with our son. She guards the stroller on walks and is our son’s personal jungle gym. Whenever he sees her—especially after a nap—he gives the biggest smile. Our son adores his doggy and loves it when she tries to give him kisses.
Moana taking a walk with her brother.
Q. How did you prepare your home to welcome the dog with your baby?
Since Moana was already house trained and seemed to behave well it didn’t take much preparation Just to be safe we picked up some shoes and toys to reduce any temptation. We set up her crate, dog bed, and water bowl. Our first day together she picked her spot on the couch, and we realized that we needed to set-up a baby gate on the stairs for both her and our son.
Moana loves snuggling with us on the couch!
Q. What advice would you give to a new parent(s) interested in welcoming a dog into the home?
Meet the dog first with your baby, but if you’re waiting, don’t. Just do it. There are so many dogs that need a home and the more we wait the more there are. It’s not as hard as we were anticipating. In some ways Moana helps – our son has an easier time waking up once he sees Moana. When walking with the stroller, Moana is very protective and keeps her eye on our son. She also tries to help by cleaning up his spit-up…gross.
Q. What are some of the challenges of caring for a baby and dog simultaneously?
There are certainly some challenges caring for a dog and baby. Like when Rachael is home alone and feeding our son, but Moana also needs to go out. Or when Rachael is pushing the stroller and Moana smells something she’s interested in. However, overall it’s not been as hard as we were anticipating. Rachael is definitely busier at home than she was without a dog, but it’s worth it!
Moana has been the perfect addition to our family, and we couldn’t be happier! I finally know what I was missing out on all of these years, and I’m looking forward to many years of great memories with Moana.
We’re happy to introduce Jessica Denoncourt, Regulatory Affairs Specialist at WellPet who’s here to share her personal story about adopting her best friend, Maggie the dog. (above photo via Brooke Whicher)
Q. Why did you decide to adopt a dog?
I grew up always wanting a dog of my own. My mom always said no because she was afraid that we (the kids) wouldn’t own up to the responsibility of having a dog. I had moved out and knew with that, a dog was in my future. My partner and I had been together for a few months and our schedules worked out perfectly (one during the day, one during the evening) to welcome a dog into our little family.
Q. What’s Maggie’s story and why did you choose her?
I was watching the Puppy Bowl 2014, as one does, and saw the little bulletin that all the puppies feature in the Puppy Bowl are available for adoption. I decided to look into their stories and see who had been adopted and what the happy-endings were. That led me to Petfinder. I branched off from looking at stories about puppies across the country to looking up a local rescue in my area – Great Dog Rescue New England. I saw Maggie’s little face and just knew she was my dog. At the time, her name was Pipsqueak (rude!). There was something about her sweet face that I connected with. My partner had fallen asleep on the couch, so I quietly filled out the application. I woke her up and said to her, “I either need you to tell me ‘yes, we can do this’ or I need you to talk me out of it.” Shortly after that conversation, I hit submit and we were off on our adoption process.
Maggie’s, (previously Pipsqueak’s), original Petfinder profile
Q. What was the most challenging thing about adopting Maggie?
Great Dog Rescue New England was very easy to work with. The only challenge that I faced was not getting my hopes up. Maggie was one of six little girl puppies. The initial email I received after submitting my application stated that they received several applications, would read through every one to find the ‘best match’ for each pup, and at any time, they could be adopted and unavailable. I told my partner to not buy anything, not to pick out any names, and not to talk about having a dog until we were sure it was happening. It’s very nerve-wracking, but it was well worth the wait. Everyone I dealt with within Great Dog was friendly, patient and answered all of my many, many questions.
Here’s Maggie shortly after we brought her home.
Q. What advice would you give someone interested in adopting a pet?
Be patient. Be patient with your new dog or puppy. Every dog is different and has their own personality. Puppies are adopted with little to no manners. Adolescent and older dogs sometimes carry baggage. With proper training and a good heart, it’s one of the most rewarding things. Be patient with yourself. Everything is a learning curve. Be patient working with your rescue. Most of them are volunteer based and have other jobs on top of helping find these dogs and puppies new homes. After adopting Maggie, I started volunteering with Great Dog Rescue New England. I wanted to give back in some way to the organization that gave me my best friend. It’s filled with great people who are there solely to help rescue dogs and puppies.
Maggie enjoying her new home
Q. What’s Maggie’s favorite Wellness food or treat?
Maggie LOVES WellBites. Any flavor. Any day. She is on it. We especially like WellBites because they’re soft and we can cut them up into little pieces. She’s just a small gal, so she gets little pieces.
Q. What do you value most about your relationship with Maggie?
Maggie is my best friend. She is always there, no matter the day I’ve had. Doesn’t matter if it’s early in the morning or late at night. She’s always there with her tail wagging excited to see me. No one is as excited to see me as she is!
“I was grateful to have Maggie be with me as part of my wedding day.”
Q. What’s her goofiest or quirkiest trait?
Maggie is a little dog with a big personality. My favorite trait of hers is that she LOVES scratches. You will be in the middle of doing something and she will march on top of you to demand scratches. You can be reading a book or typing on the computer and she will come over to paw at your hand until you relent and scratch her up. And if you aren’t scratching her just right and where she wants to be scratched, she will let you know and paw your hand to exactly the right spot. She’s our silly little Maggie.
Chances are, you know your pet needs regular wellness care, good food, and exercise to stay healthy. But did you ever wonder if there was a “Healthy Pet Checklist?” These six items form the basis of good health and will help your pet thrive. Let’s take a quick look:
1. Annual Wellness Visit
Your pet should have a yearly vet checkup that includes dental cleaning, updated vaccines, and heartworm test.
The types of vaccines your dog or cat will vary depending on their age, where you live, and your lifestyle. For example, while the rabies vaccine is recommended everywhere by law for both dogs and cats, your veterinarian may only recommend the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine if your dog is around other dogs frequently.
Your veterinarian will help you set a vaccination schedule that makes sense for your pets.
2. Spay or Neuter Your Pet
It extends their life expectancy and helps prevent overpopulation. While most pet parents think of spaying and neutering as a responsible way to prevent unwanted litters, you may not realize it also protects against certain types of cancers.
For example, spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer in females and neutering helps prevent testicular cancer in males.
3. Keep Your Pet on a Heartworm Preventive & Flea Control– Even if they’re inside pets!
Veterinarians recommend keeping your dogs and cats on year-round heartworm and flea & tick control. Yes, even if you live in colder areas of the country, ticks can still lurk outside your door just waiting for an opportunity to latch onto Rover when you go out for a walk.
And while it may seem silly to worry about mosquitoes (the pests that transmit the heartworm disease) in January, fluctuating weather, or a road trip to the South can bring risk.
Please protect your pets year-round.
4. Microchip Your Pet So They Can Find Their Way Home if Lost
While no one thinks their pet will go missing, one in three pets do every year. According to Petfinder.com, microchipping your pets can have a 238% increase in the chances of reuniting with your dog and a whopping 2000% increase in reuniting with your cat.
It’s a simple process done at your veterinarian’s office and costs about $45. Then you’ll need to register your pet with the microchip database and include your updated contact information.
5. Bathe Your Pet Regularly for Healthy Skin
How often does your pet need a bath? It depends on their health. Healthy dogs and cats don’t require a weekly bath. In fact, it can dry out their skin. They may only need one bath a couple of times a month. However, every dog and cat benefits from frequent brushings (daily if you have a long-haired dog), nail trimmings, and ear cleanings.
Other pets will require frequent – more than once a week –baths with a medicated shampoo to treat irritated skin as it can provide relief. Your veterinarian can make recommendations about what’s right for your pet.
When you clean those ears, use an ear cleaning solution like a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water but use a damp cloth and your finger, never cotton swabs. They can damage your dog’s ears.
6. Give Proper Toys and Treats
Some dog chew toys can damage your dog’s teeth like some of the bones and rawhides that are available in pet stores. It’s better to go with softer chew toys that won’t damage teeth, and of course, we have a wide variety of healthy treats to spoil your pet without spoiling their healthy diet.
These days, it seems like everybody and their aunt has a pet account on Instagram with more followers than you. So, you might be asking yourself some questions: How did they do it? Why is that poodle who can’t even pay taxes cooler than me? Well, I’m here to help you with the first question!
Create Quality Content
Instagram is a picture driven social media platform, so clean and beautiful imagery is key to catching people’s attention. That said, the quality of your post will directly affect your engagement. If your Instagram game has plateaued with iPhone pictures, try investing in a DSLR camera. When it comes to captivating pet photography, a DSLR camera is a fantastic resource. In conjunction with a low-aperture lens, for example a f/1.8 50mm, you can create stunning images with a shallow depth of field or blurry background. If your budget does not allow for a new camera, spend more time drafting up unique photo and video ideas. Right now on Instagram, there is nothing more powerful than a fun, cute, comical, or interesting post. With Instagram’s algorithm, quality content will naturally rise to the surface. So, if your content is engaging enough it will reach a larger audience. In addition to posting quality content, the timing of your post has a huge effect on its success. If your post goes out and no one’s there to engage with it, the picture or video will naturally perform badly. So, find out the most active time of day for your followers and schedule your posts then!
Develop A Voice
Before diving headfirst into the Insta game, do a little research and create a voice for your furry friend. Is your pet goofy, energetic, lazy, rambunctious, sassy, or all of the above? Is your pet a master of tricks? Does he or she cuddle with a favorite toy every night? Find something characteristic and run with it! Craft your voice around your pet and the rest will follow. For instance, Kodiak is extremely goofy and adventurous, so we create content around him being weird and curious. Keep up with pop culture and all the craziness that goes along with it. Is there something trending that people are currently talking about? Capitalize on it and make a post that your average consumer can relate to. Is it Taylor Swift? Is it Star Wars? Is it a funny meme on Reddit? Whatever the trending topic may be, find a way to incorporate it tastefully into your content. Create posts that keep people coming back. What do you find in other pet accounts that makes you return to their page every day? What works or doesn’t work? Ask yourself these important questions and apply the results accordingly!
Build Your Audience
To climb the ranks of the interwebs, you’ll need to continue to grow and expand your following. A quick way to achieve this is by getting shout-outs from larger accounts. So, when it comes time to post your photo or video tag brands, companies, feature pages, and other similar accounts to catch their attention. Along with tagging accounts in your posts, come up with no more than 30 relevant hashtags. Save these somewhere easily accessible on your phone, so when it comes time to post all you need to do is copy/paste the hashtag block in a comment below your caption. With Instagram’s algorithm, there’s a trending section for each hashtag so if your post is doing well it may be trending under multiple hashtags. This is a great way to reach new audiences beyond your own following. To keep your engagement high, post once a day and interact with your followers. The dog community on Instagram is amazing, so it’s easy and fun hanging out with like-minded dog owners! Also, if you have the time and resources, coordinate a product giveaway with a group of fellow pet accounts or brands. When pulled off appropriately, giveaways are a powerful tool for bringing in fresh followers. The real challenge is getting them to stay!
Utilize the Instastory Feature
Since Instagram’s buyout a few years back from Facebook, the social network has been rolling out new features every month! One of their biggest additions to the app was the “Snapchat” story feature, Instastories. This allowed for additional content consumption, but it was much different than your standard feed post. Consumers were given the option to click on informal bonus videos and pictures showcasing the behind the scenes and everyday life of the instagrammer. This feature made accounts more personal and followers more invested. That said, stories today play a huge part in the clockwork of the algorithm. If people are clicking on your stories and continuing to engage with it, your content will take priority over someone else’s the next time you post. So, the longer they stay on and engage with your profile the quicker your content will appear in their feed. If your story content is interesting, quirky, funny, and captivating, your overall engagement will increase, creating a larger reach for your posts. The quickest way to grow your account is through quality, organic posting and daily activity. So, what makes a good story? Find interesting things to capture throughout the day. Show off your goofy side. Take pictures and videos of your routine or training sessions. Try out new ways to use the in the widgets and stickers. Finally, don’t forget to use captions for every story because most people consume them without the sound on. If your average consumer sees a 15 second video of you staring at your dog with no indication of what’s going on, they’ll simply swipe left and move on to the next account.
Hi, I’m Kono! I am a 2-year-old Golden Retriever who lives in Orlando, Florida. My humans describe me as sweet, confidently curious, and most of all, very loving! When I am not swimming, hosting doggy play-dates, or going on new adventures, I spend my time volunteering as a registered Therapy Dog with Therapy Dogs International.
Here I am with my humans
What is a Therapy Dog?
Therapy Dogs International (TDI) is a volunteer-based organization that is committed to regulating, testing, and registering Therapy Dogs and their handlers. Therapy Dog and handler teams will visit locations such as nursing homes, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities, as well as other institutions and places where Therapy Dogs may be needed.
It’s important to note that in the U.S., Therapy Dogs have different rules and regulations than Service Dogs. Service Dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the ADA, “A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability” (www.ADA.gov). On the other hand, a Therapy Dogs’ purpose is to provide comfort and/or emotional support to any number of people, and do not provide a specific task/s to mitigate a disability for one individual. Service Dogs also have public access rights, whereas Therapy Dogs must be invited or receive permission to enter facilities.
How did I become a Therapy Dog?
In the summer of 2017, I officially passed TDI’s test. A Certified TDI Evaluator assessed my behavior and reactions to a number of situations and scenarios. TDI has recently revamped their testing requirements, meaning the requirements to pass each section is judged tougher and the acceptable standards even more strict.
Not only was my general temperament evaluated, but my behavior and reactions were judged as well. The evaluator used objects and replicated situations a TD will come in contact and experience throughout their career to assess my behavior around them.
My Assessment
For example, I was evaluated based on how I responded to medical equipment being used around me (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.), sudden loud and unusual noises, strangers running up behind me, the presence of other dogs, and so forth. I was also judged on leash manners, such as loose-leash walking on a normal buckle-collar. I also had to listen to my handler and ignore food on the ground as I walked over it. Additionally, upon practicing my “greeting” with a “patient”, I had to flawlessly obey my “Leave It” command and willingly turn and walk away when the stranger, or “patient” offered me food. All of this took place on a busy Saturday morning at a popular park in the city.
Here I am showing how calm I am around new people and medical equipment
Here I am showing off my manners and skills.
It took about an hour to complete all the required sections. Since my mom and dad BOTH desired to be my official handlers while we are out on therapy visits, I tested with each of my parents separately. This meant doing every step perfect not once, but TWICE! My family is so proud of how I was able to complete all of the requirements impeccably in a very distracting environment.
It’s official! I’m a registered therapy Dog! I am ready to use my healing paws to bring smiles and give unconditional LOVE to humans in need.
Now that all of my paperwork is submitted and we have completed the necessary registration steps (such as submitting health forms) I am ready to touch lives in my future as a Therapy Dog! We are so excited to be a part of this amazing organization and the journey that awaits.
“God sent angels down to earth in the form of dogs with notes saying, ‘don’t judge, just love’; they ate the notes but they keep trying to deliver the message.” -Unknown
If you’re a cat parent, then you know cats are very good at keeping us guessing. Are they happy, annoyed, secretly plotting our demise? Maybe they’re just sleepy.
Cats are very different than dogs and require some important things to keep them at their quirkiest. Here’s what we’ve identified as the pillars of cat happiness, and some tips to ensure your feline is satisfied:
Play
Even if your cat is older, he or she still needs mental (and physical) stimulation. You can help by playing with your cat on a regular basis. Like people, cats have their preferences so try out a few different toys to see what your cat prefers. Is it catnip stuffed mice, dangling string, or chasing a laser pointer?
When you get your kitty playing, you strengthen your bond, stimulate their brain, and even help them get a bit of exercise. This latter is no small feat since most cats spend around 20 hours a day sleeping and the other four are divided between eating and grooming.
Grooming
Yes, your cat is probably excellent at grooming him or herself. When they aren’t napping, they’re probably grooming. However, you can help loosen dead skin and fur by using a brush or comb on your cat every few days. Not to mention, brushing your cat is a key way to prevent the dreaded hairball.
It’s usually best to wait until your kitty is relaxed before you start your brushing. Otherwise, your cat will get up and move out of reach. Assuming kitty is allowing you to brush, this is a good time to check for ticks, flea dirt, or any unusual lumps or bumps that you’ll report on your next vet visit.
Most of us can agree, there’s nothing that turns a frown upside down quicker than some good eats. Eating well helps your cat stay healthy because good nutrition is essential to a healthy life. Ingredients in Wellness cat food recipes include good omega 3 fatty acids like salmon oil and flaxseeds as well as cranberries to support a healthy urinary tract.
Of course, depending on your cat’s preferences (or the day), it may be challenging to pin down the perfect food that she’ll meow for and gobble up. Just ask Wellness fan Karen A:
My Persian cat, Toby, has been eating Wellness grain-free Turkey and Chicken canned cat food for many years. At first, when the new Chicken Pâté recipe came out, he was just picking at it. I was so upset. Then, all of a sudden, Toby decided it was pretty darned good. He now “inhales” it whenever I fill his dish. I am so happy. My vet says he is the healthiest 12-year-old cat she has seen, and can’t get over his beautiful coat. I thought you’d like to hear my story, because I believe Wellness is the most nutritious food I can feed my little boy.
The advice here? If at first you don’t succeed, try again! We offer a 100% Catisfaction Guarantee on our recipes, because we’ve seen it with our cats, too. What they devoured one day, they turn their nose up at the next. But we’re armed with a full variety of textures and flavors to help every cat find something they love. And if your cat is particularly picky, our friend and expert cat behaviorist, Pam Johnson-Bennett, has some great tips for getting your picky cat to eat.
How do you know your cat is happy? Is it a particular “tone of meow,” a celebratory knocking your favorite glass off the coffee table or maybe a friendly head boop? Maybe someday we’ll truly crack the code of “the happy cat,” but until then, we’re good with a peek into their mysterious life.
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