Fun Stuff Archives

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets

October 6, 2017/0 Comments/in Fun Stuff, Pet Health and Safety/by [email protected]

Halloween is fast approaching and we’re all busy planning. There is no doubt costumes are on our minds; whether it’s for yourself, your kids or your fur-babies. And it’s a whole lot of fun dressing up for Halloween. However, there are some Halloween costume safety tips for pets you need to know about.

1. Comfort is key

A lot of times Halloween can be chilly. Use an old jacket or sweater for a pet costume to keep them warm and festive. Something along the lines of a superhero, or firefighter would be good; simple and sweet, but most importantly comfortable for your pet. It needs to be loose fitting, but snug enough

istolethetv from Hong Kong, China, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

that they don’t trip on it.

2. Watch out for choking hazards

Tying on hats or scarves can be super cute too, but make sure you watch them to avoid getting stuck or having the tie wrap around their neck too tightly. Also, avoid costumes where there can chew off small pieces which could cause them to choke or have gestational issues.

3. Keep an eye on them at all times

This is the biggest Halloween costume safety tip for pets. Make sure to watch your pet carefully for signs of discomfort. You know how miserable it is to be stuck in an uncomfortable outfit. If your dog seems to be suffering for the sake of fashion, maybe it’s time to snap a quick pic for the memory book. Then let sleeping dogs lie for the rest of the night.

When you research pet costumes online, you will undoubtedly run into people say that dressing up your pet for Halloween is cruel. They say your pets don’t understand why or what is going on. Other people love it because it can be in good fun and it’s a great time to make wonderful memories with the family.

Overall, it’s best to use your judgement and make sure to keep an eye on how they react to the costume. If your pet is accustomed to clothing, then dressing up in a costume could be a breeze for them. But, if the costume seems to cause them stress or is a bother to them, then maybe it’s best to leave the costume at home.

There are some great ideas for extremely easy and stress-free costumes for your pets, so make sure to check back and see what other ideas we’ve put together for you this Halloween! If you’re still not sure what your pet should dress up as, check out stores like PetSmart for their costume selections.

Should I Let My Kid Bring our Pet to Show and Tell?

September 8, 2017/in Fun Stuff, Pet Care/by Liana Waddy

One of the most exciting and fun days in school for younger students is Show and Tell Day. Children everywhere think about bringing their favorite things in life to show everyone. Who is more special in our kid’s lives than the family pet? That’s why every year tons of students ask if they can bring your pet to show and tell. And you may wonder, can they? Is it a good idea?

Well, that can depend on a few different factors. Here are a few things that you should consider.

Are there any classroom restrictions?

One of the biggest problems with bringing your pet to class is that some people may allergic. Just like peanut butter, depending on the pet and classroom, there could be allergies. Check with the teacher to make sure animals are allowed, if any.

How friendly is your pet?

Of course, you want to make sure that your pet is friendly. However, even if they are friendly at home, it doesn’t mean that they are friendly everywhere. Assess your pet’s threshold for strangers before you decided it is a good idea to bring them into the classroom. Make sure to consider how they interact with children especially. A dog may like adults, but some tend to get confused and more defensive around the small, loud, unpredictable humans.

Is transportation easy and stress-free?

Some pets are easy to transport than others. Even if you get the go ahead to bring your dog or cat that easily hop into cars and carriers, some of us don’t have conventional animals. For example, my son loves our Leopard Gecko, but taking her out of her terrarium and into a classroom just seems terrible. Not only do you have to either take a giant tank or a create a makeshift environment, it can be stressful for them.

When it comes down to it, check with your child’s teacher and school administrators. Then think about how easy it will be to transport your pet and how well they will adapt to the situation. If it doesn’t work out, make some other suggestions or print out pictures or make a craft. You can easily make collages, paper mache replicas, or just bring in photo albums of your beloved pets without all of the fuss and stress.

Have you ever let your kid take a pet to show and tell? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Tips to Train Your Puppy (so he can go to school!)

How to Keep Your Dog Busy When the Kids Go Back to School

September 1, 2017/in Dog Care, Fun Stuff, Pet Care/by Liana Waddy

It’s been a nice long summer of cuddles in the morning and playing in the afternoon. The home has been bustling with activity while the kids are out of school. And typically, most of our dogs love all of the extra attention they get during this time. That’s why it can be hard for them to adjust when it’s time for the kids to go back to school.

Get them a few new toys dog

Help your dog get over the school day slump with new activities to keep them occupied.

Puzzle toys are great at keeping dog’s entertained. Not only do they challenge their brains for a reward, they also stay busy for a while as well. After playing with it, they feel satisfied from play and getting a treat
Dog chews will help save your shoes and furniture if your dog is really feeling the back to school blues. Often our dogs find themselves chewing when they are stressed or bored. Giving them new chews can help them ease their anxiety and boredom.
Tug Poles are a fun way to interact with your dog. They look similar to the familiar cat fishing pole toy, but a little tougher and more durable. Take some time each to hop it around and play with your dog to put back some fun in their day.
Ball launchers are also a great way to keep your dog busy when the kids go back to school. Whether it’s automatic or the chuck-it launcher, dogs love playing ball.

Tire them out with exercise

You won’t have to worry about your dog being bored if they are too pooped to play. Wear them out a good walk or a vigorous play session before you leave or have to start your chores. They’ll happily nap for a little while, then you can get your daily tasks completed without them begging for attention.

Turn on TV or Radio

It can get too quiet during the day, especially being used to a busy household. Help your dog through the quiet times by having the TV or radio play on low when you’re not at home. If you’re going to be gone a lot of the day, set a time so it cuts on or off as needed. They may not like it on all day, but a little ambient noise can go a long way.

Hire a dog walker

Another great way to keep your dog busy during the quiet days of the school season is by hiring a dog walker. They’ll come check on your pet, give them some TLC and a good walk. This will give them much needed attention and exercise, helping them settled down for a little while until you and the kids return home.

Changes in our routines and missing loved ones that are usually there can be stressful for our dogs. That’s why it good to put a little extra effort into keeping them busy during the transition. And don’t forget to call us for dog walking and pet sitting services! We’d love to help keep your dog company when the kids go back to school.

Celebrate Grandparents Day – With Your Pets!

September 1, 2017/in Fun Stuff/by Liana Waddy

September 10th is National Grandparents Day. And even if you don’t have human kids you can still celebrate the day with your parents. You can celebrate the day by giving them presents from their grand-pets. As family dynamics change, it’s not that unusual to have families where pets are the children. They are every bit a part of the family as anyone else, so why not include them and your parents in this special day? Here are some great gift ideas for those special pet grandparents in your life.

Dog-Grandparent Mug

Worlds Greated Dog Grandma/Grandpa

I Love My Granddogs Throw Pillow

Paw Print Magnet

Grandkids Have Paws Plaque

All pet grandparents are sure to love these cute little tokens of appreciation from their grandkids with paws! Do you plan on celebrating Grandparents Day with your parents and pets? If so, let us know what you’re planning to do or have done in the past in the comments below.

Fun with Your Dog in Fort Collins this Labor Day Weekend

August 28, 2017/in Fun Stuff/by Liana Waddy

Looking for some Fort Collins fun with your dog this Labor Day Weekend? After all, it is the perfect time to spend an extra day off with our loved ones, furry friends included! Here are some of the great events we’ve found in and around Fort Collins you should check out this Labor Day Weekend.

Spring Canyon Community Park

Your entire family, dog included, can enjoy a fun filled day at the Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins. They have a playground, tennis courts, trails and one of the biggest and best dog parks around. Plus, if your dog loves to swim there is a pond inside the dog park for them to enjoy.

Take a Hike

Hit the trails and get some fresh air with your dog in one of Fort Collins’ many awesome trails. It’s never a bad idea to unplug and connect with nature. Check out the Wet Noses Pet Sitting Top Trails to find one perfect for you and your dog. And don’t forget to read up on these Important Item to Bring Hiking as well.

Grab a Bite to Eat

Go out for lunch, but pick a place where your dog can tag along. Fort Collins has a ton of pet-friendly patios where your dog is welcome. Don’t forget to check out our Top 5 Pet-Friendly Restaurants for some ideas. Just make sure to call ahead and see if the patio is open for dogs that day. If they are then usually they will bring your dog a water and sometimes even have treats on the menu for them.

Do you have Labor Day plans with your dog? Let us know what your plans are and don’t forget to book services in case you’re out of town!

The History of Cartoon Dogs

August 22, 2017/0 Comments/in Fun Stuff/by Liana Waddy

America loves dogs in films and on television. We also seem to love dogs in the pages of the Sunday funnies and in animation. We can’t list all of the cartoon dogs that have made some kind of impact on American pop culture. Because that could fill an entire book. Here, however, is a small who’s who list of cartoon dogs that have been popular in cartoons over the years.

1924 – Sandy

Fans of Harold Gray’s comic strip Little Orphan Annie fondly remember Annie’s dog Sandy. Although Sandy never had much to say except the occasional panel-ending “ARF!” she was loved nonetheless. And often she was able to help Annie out of tough scrapes when fighting Nazis or investigating haunted houses.

1950 – Snoopy

Easily the most recognizable cartoon dog in American history is Snoopy. The real star of Charles Schultz’s Peanuts is an American icon. Snoopy stole the show in every Peanuts strip he appeared in. He fought the Red Baron from the top of his dog house. And he was the proud owner of original paintings by both Vincent Van Gogh and an Andrew Wyeth (the Van Gogh was sadly destroyed by fire), never quite finished his novel but typed the opening line “it was a dark and stormy night” countless times, and had a twin brother named Spike who lived in the desert outside Needles, California. Not bad for a Beagle.

1980’s – Odie

It is nearly impossible not to love Odie, the relatively stupid, completely mute (he doesn’t even think in words), and incessantly slobbering canine companion of Garfield the cat in the Jim Davis strip Garfield. Odie was there simply to be abused by Garfield, no doubt about it, but there are plenty of times in the history of the comic that we get to see just how important the little dog is to the titular chubby cat.

1990 – Santa’s Little Helper

What better pet for the misfit Simpson family than Santa’s Little Helper, a weary greyhound that couldn’t win a race if his life depended on it? From the Christmas themed pilot episode of The Simpsons to the episodes airing today (as of this writing the show is in its 16th season), SLH has been a fixture in the constantly expanding Simpsons universe. Who can forget SLH destroying Homer’s prized giant cookie, learning to talk in an effort to distract the family’s attention away from their “new” dog Laddie, and being trained as an attack hound by Mr. Burns and the not quite in the closet Waylon Smithers? Santa’s Little Helper is everything the Simpson family dog should be and more. Watch for his Snoopy imitation at the end of one of the series’ famous Treehouse of Horror Halloween episodes.

How to Grow Catnip Indoors – Live with Liana!

August 11, 2017/in Cat Care, Fun Stuff, Popular Posts/by Liana Waddy

It’s amazing how easy it is to successfully grow catnip of your own, both indoors and out. Have you ever purchased dried catnip at the store? Then you excitedly open it for your cat only to have them sniff and it lick nonchalantly before walking away? Or maybe if you were lucky, they may have rolled in it a little bit and took a nap on it. And you’re sitting there like, “Wait, I thought catnip was so much more exciting than that for cats???”

And the truth is, it really is supposed to be more fun for them. While some cats never really take to it, most love it, especially when it is fresh. Make sure to watch the whole video for our funny story about how Liana’s cat first reacted to the fresh plant. Because that’s just it, the dried catnip at the store isn’t fresh. Plus, it’s super easy to maintain and can grow into a wonderful thick bush.

Here are some quick easy steps to get you and your cat in catnip heaven:

Purchase small live plants at your local pet store. Or if you have a green thumb you can try planting and growing them from seed.
Water, water water! These plants need a lot of water, so make sure to water them at least every other day.
Don’t forget to trim and clip them for optimal growth. Cut stems down near the center for a fuller plant. Also, you can clip a cut stem into two segments to stimulate two new branches for additional growth.

Ways to dry your plant:

Take two or three branches and tie the bottoms together
Find a cool dry place to hang them upside down for 2-3 weeks until dry
Or tear off the leaves whole and place into a dehydrator for 24 hours
Don’t crush the dried leaves until you are ready to give them to your kitty for maximum freshness

Do you have any funny catnip stories? We’d love to hear them! Let us know in the comments below or on our YouTube & Facebook pages!

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How to Safely Take Your Dog to Work

August 11, 2017/in Fun Stuff/by Liana Waddy

Did you know that June 26th is Pet Sitters International’s 17th annual Take Your Dog to Work DayⓇ? It’s a special day of the year where businesses around the world will let you bring your dog to work. You get to bring your special furry friend to work to celebrate the wonderful relationship humans have with dogs and to promote pet adoption.

After all, dogs do make some of the best companions and bringing them with you on a regular day on the job is tons of fun. However, there are a few things to check on to make sure the day is still productive, as well as peaceful.

Go over this checklist before packing up your dog for a day at the office.

1. Check with your office: Some offices don’t allow dogs no matter what the day is, so check with your boss beforehand.

2. Make sure your dog is fit for socializing: Make sure your dog’s shots are current and that they are feeling well. Even friendly dog’s can be aggressive if they’re sick.

3. Puppy-proof your work area: Remove poisonous plants, toxic chemical and hide electrical cords. Also, put away any office items that could get chewed up or swallowed.

4. Plan breaks and lunch according to your work schedule: Make sure to plan potty break and feeding in between any pressing matters such as phone conferences or meetings.

5. Pack them a lunch and goodie bag: Don’t forget to bring a doggie bag for Fido! Pack up food, treats, bowls, toys, leash and clean up items.

6. Don’t force interactions: Even if your dog is extremely friendly, don’t force him to interact with co-worker’s. Some people aren’t dog people (strange, but true!) and also the office can be an intimidating space for your dog.

7. Have a backup plan: Hope for the best and plan for the worst. Make sure you’d be able to leave to take them home if they start to get overly active or upset.

Take Your Dog to Work Day is a fun time to let your dog in on what goes on when you leave for the day. Instead of being like Max on Secret Life of Pets, waiting and wondering all day while his owner is gone, they’ll know where you go!

If you prefer to listen, we also recorded a Podcast on the subject!

Summer Activities With Your Dog

August 7, 2017/in Dog Care, Fun Stuff/by Liana Waddy

Guest writer Sidehill Pet Sitter Alyssa

With summer just around the corner, everyone is pulling at the leash to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. And fortunately for all you dog lovers, Fort Collins offers no shortage of activities to enjoy the dog days of summer with man’s best friend. So, here are some dog friendly summer activities to have a dog gone good time with your pet in Fort Collins this summer.

The Poudre Trail is a Fort Collins favorite.

This 21-mile paved nature trail is not just for cyclists, so get out there and take your dog for a walk along this scenic route. The peaceful sound of running water and the fresh smell of wildflowers and trees is sure to invigorate the senses of you and your pet. This trail meanders by some of the best breweries in Northern Colorado, so you can refresh yourself after your walk with a cold beverage. Enjoy the outdoor seating and the company of your pet.

Shops and restaurants

Breweries aren’t the only place where your dog can join you. Fort Collins is so dog-friendly, that some shops welcome both you and your furry friend. Enjoy a day of retail therapy with your dog! Stop by Wagz, an awesome pet supply and food store smack dab in the middle of historic Old Town, or eat at one of the many delicious restaurants that have an outdoor patio so your pet can join you. With so many scrumptious choices, you do not have to keep your appetite on a short leash.

Hiking

Arguably one of the best outdoor activities to do with your dog in Fort Collins is hiking. Horsetooth, Lori State Park, the Poudre Canyon, Devil’s Backbone… The possibilities are endless. Get in a lot of exercise, soak up some sun, and enjoy the great outdoors. At the end of the day, both you and your pet are sure to be dog-tired.

See other hiking trails in the Fort Collins and Loveland areas.

Horsetooth Reservoir

You can also spend the day at every Fort Collinsian’s favorite body of water: Horsetooth Reservoir. Lay out in the sun or dip your feet in the crisp waters, just don’t forget to take your dog, or you’ll be in the doghouse!

Dog parks

This summer, don’t make your dogs stay at home and play dead. Take them out to one of the many dog parks that Fort Collins offers. The ones on Lake Street, Horsetooth Road, or Fossil Creek are a few of my girl’s favorites. This is a great way to meet other dog fanatics. It also keeps your dogs occupied so they don’t get bored at home and start barking up the wrong tree.

Learn about the local dogs parks in Fort Collins and Loveland.

Fort Collins is the perfect town for people who love the outdoors and dogs. Be sure to take advantage of some great summer activities and enjoy the city, sun, and companionship of man’s best friend.

Top 5 Pet Friendly Restaurants in Fort Collins

July 11, 2017/2 Comments/in Dog Care, Fun Stuff, Pet Businessess, Popular Posts/by [email protected]

One of the best ways to spend sunny days is sitting on a patio watching the people. Appetizers on your plate, cool drink in your hand. And what is even better is enjoying the sunshine and people with your dog by your side. A lot of times restaurants and dogs don’t mix, but don’t fret! Luckily, there are some great places around Fort Collins where your pet is welcome.

It’s always fun to include our dogs in our daily life outside of the home. What are some of your favorite pet-friendly restaurants in Fort Collins? Let us know on social media or Contact Us so we can add them!

Read About Places to Take Your Dog in Fort Collins

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