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Be Kind To Animals Week

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When you take part in Be Kind to Animals Week, you become part of a celebration of one of the longest commemorative weeks in U.S. history. According to American Humane’s website, they began the event in 1915. It is celebrated the first full week of May annually.

This year, the week kicks off May 3rd and runs through the 9th.

American Humane suggests several different ways that you can get involved this year. They include:

  • Taking a kindness pledge;
  • Adopt from a shelter or rescue;
  • Commit to year round kindness; and
  • Showing support on social media.

By visiting their website you can select one of four (or all) of the kindness pledges available. You complete your name and email and will receive your pledge electronically.  [Read more…] about Be Kind To Animals Week

National Pet ID Week

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Everyone knows they need to keep ID on their pet. But, we all get lax over time. That’s why it is always good to take the opportunity during National Pet ID Week to be sure all of your information is up-to-date and your pet is properly tagged.

Beginning April 17th, Pet ID Week will begin. Most pets, particularly those you may have obtained from a shelter or rescue group, are microchipped. However, one of the things that we tend to forget are updates to our address or phone numbers. 

One of the things that I personally overlooked after my move last year was making sure that my microchip information was current for Ginger. And guess what? It wasn’t. In all the shuffling and moving around, I had forgotten to take care of that detail. 

Even with a microchip, it might not be enough. You never know when a pet could be lost or how far away they might wander. My parents are in a very rural location and each year they see countless dogs wander onto their property. Some have ID tags on and some do not. The pets may be microchipped, but with a veterinarian at least an hour’s drive away, the better option would be to have an ID tag with phone number on it. The dogs that had that were promptly returned. The ones without, they had to take to the shelter. 

Losing a pet is traumatic and can put your family through a great deal of anxiety and grief. Make sure that your pets have legible tags with current information. And check in with your microchip provider to be sure your current phone and address are on file. We hope you never have to use either, but leashes and collars break. Be safe and make sure your pet has the best chance to be reunited with you in the event they become lost.  [Read more…] about National Pet ID Week

National Mutt Day

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For those of us with mix breed dogs in our lives, we have two days to celebrate them! The first date is July 31st and the second day of celebration comes on December 2nd. What, you may be asking, is National Mutt Day?

According to nationalmuttday.com, this holiday, also known as National Mixed Breed Dog Day, was created by Colleen Paige in 2005. Paige is a celebrity pet and family lifestyle expert. National Mutt Day allows individuals to celebrate and save mixed breed dogs. 

The website states that the day’s mission is to “educate the public about the sea of mixed breed dogs that desperately await new homes and to celebrate the amazing characteristics that the mix of breeds creates in each individual dog”.

If you are thinking about adding a new pooch to the family, consider heading out to the shelter on National Mutt Day to find your new floofin!  If you can’t adopt a mixed breed friend on July 31st or December 2nd, remember that shelters are open to donations or even volunteer assistance. You can walk dogs, donate food, or supplies. Rescue groups can also use foster assistance or dog beds or toys or other supplies. 

“Dad, I want a cat!”

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My eight-year-old niece has been in love with cheetahs for a few years now. So, I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised when my brother told me that her feline adoration had evolved into more domestic spheres. She wanted a cat.

But, what kind of cat would appeal to a child whose notion of “cool” is informed by a cheetah? Turns out that my brother had an idea. The Maine Coon cat.

If you are not familiar with this cat, but are considering adding a feline Floofin to your brood, here’s what I found out about them. [Read more…] about “Dad, I want a cat!”

Dog Days at Cantigny Park

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Floofins & Co. will be hitting the road once again to participate in Dog Days.

Visitors can bring their dogs into Cantigny Park in Wheaton for one day each year. The event is a great opportunity to explore all the grounds at Cantigny with your furry family members. And what would a Dog Days event be without Floofins & Co. and lots of great vendors and demonstrations?

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 29th, at the Parade Field. Entry is free with a $10 parking fee and allows you to stay until the event ends at 4 p.m. According to Cantigny’s website the events will include: [Read more…] about Dog Days at Cantigny Park