Father’s Day Activities to do with Your Dog

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More than gifts, Father’s Day is about having fun with dear old dad. After all, he works hard, day in and day out for the family. Taking time to play around with his favorite four-legged pal is sure to bring a smile to his face.

Help dad relax this Father’s Day with these fun activities he can do with Fido. Father's Day

Play in the park – Grab a Frisbee and hit the park for some fun in the sun.

Take them out to brunch – Check out one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Fort Collins and take Dad out to lunch with his best bud.

Go for a hike – Pack up a picnic lunch, hit the trails, and spend a little quality time in nature. Fort Collins and Loveland have some great dog trails.

Teach your dog new games – Too hot or rainy? Check out these 7 games Dad can teach Fido to keep them both entertained.

Cook them both a delicious dinner – Fix up the best bud meal of meatloaf for them to enjoy together. Make Dad’s regular favorite recipe and a marvelous Mutt Loaf for your dog!

Give Dad a new DIY doggy bed project – Some dads love to have a project to keep them busy. Pick up the supplies and let dad spend the day working on his newest undertaking.

Take a road trip – Road trips are a great way of spending a sunny Sunday. Check out one of these 22-day trips from Fort Collins and hit the road!

 

You don’t have to spend a ton on Dad to make him feel special. Sometimes it’s best to just spend some quality time together!

 

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Top 7 Father’s Day Presents

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Father’s Day is almost here and why not include all the members of the family in on this special celebration? Whether the guy in your life has fur-kids, non-fur-kids, or both it’s always fun to give your loved ones an extra token of appreciation. So here are our top 7 Father’s Day presents you can get for Dad from the dog!

Dad will be super comfy showing off his dog-dad life to the world!

 

There is no reason both Fido and Dad wouldn’t love this killer Komando Tennis Ball Launching Gun

Give your Geek-Guy a nod to Star Wars with this Dog-Vader Father’s Day Shirt

 

Father's Day

Dad is sure to remember how much he’s loved all summer long with this nice pint glasses.

 

Father's Day

Frame their friendship in this adorable picture frame.

 

Father's Day

Nothing says Father’s Day like a coffee mug for dad!

Father's Day

Hours of fun in the yard or in the park with the classic Chuckit! launcher. Learn all about the ChuckIt! toys from our manager Gabby

Dad is sure to love any of these paw-some presents. Have Fido bring him the paper with breakfast in bed and little something extra just for them. After all, the dog is man’s best friend, right?

See some Father’s Day Activities to do with your dog!

What is your favorite gift to give to a loved one from a pet? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page!

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Review: Chuckit! Toys – Durable for Your Dog

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If you have a dog who loves to play then you have probably seen the Chuckit! brand dog toys. Today we have a review of three of the common Chuckit! toys so you can either watch the video below or read on for details!

ChuckItChuckit! Launcher

The Chuckit! Launcher is the ball launcher you see out at all the dog parks. It comes in 4 different sizes and it can range anywhere from $8-20 depending on what size you get. You can use any tennis ball but Chuckit! has their down regular and rubber balls. The rubber ball is super durable and much harder to puncture. The felt ball is pretty good for indoor or dry conditions outside, but if it is muddy then it is better to go with the rubber ball since you can rinse it off right after. No matter which ball you use, the Launchers will save your arm and help burn off that extra dog energy!

 

chuckitChuckit! Zipflight

This is the Zipflight frisbee. It comes in regular and glow-in-the-dark versions for night play. The Zipflight ranges from $10-15 depending on if you get the small or the large size. It is super durable because it is  a rubber and canvas material. And, the best part about this one is it goes super high, super far, and my dog hasn’t been able to destroy it so far!

 

ChuckItChuckit! Kick Fetch

The other toy I have is the Chuckit! Kick Fetch ball. It comes in two sizes, small or large, and my dog is a pretty big shepherd mix so I have the large one for him. This one is really cool if you want to play basically kickball or soccer with your dog. My dog loves soccer but he destroys every soccer ball that he ever touches so he just likes to play too rough, but this thing is super durable.

The little blue parts are rubber and the orange is canvas material. It basically  the size of a soccer ball and you can kick it around outside or in the house and hopefully your dog doesn’t destroy it right away. This is really cool, just kick it with your feet, you don’t have to touch it, just like the other Chuckit! toys. Plus, the Kick Fetch ball is about $25-30 depending on if you get the small or the large one.

 

What’s great about the Launcher and Kick Fetch ball is that you never have to touch a slimy, dirty ball. All you have to do is  just pick it right up with the Launcher and throw it or kick it around. If you haven’t tried any of these balls or toys, even the frisbee, I recommend you give them a shot.

They may be a little bit pricier, but they are super durable and they will last a long time. It is well worth the extra money. If you have a super rowdy dog and you want to try out a couple different toys, I would recommend going for the Chuckit! brand toys, whether is it the Kick Fetch, the Zipflight frisbee or the Chuckit! Launcher.

Have fun playing with your dog!

If you live in Fort Collins or Loveland, Colorado, you can go to Poudre Pet & Feed Supply or Hank’s Pet Food Market to get your toys!

6 Places to Go With Your Dog in Fort Collins

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Fort Collins is a very dog friendly town and there are plenty of places to explore with your pooch. Keep in mind that Fort Collins recently changed its health code rule. That means, often times pet dogs are not allowed inside outdoor patios any longer, but can be right outside the fence.

Sierra Trading Post

Who doesn’t love Sierra Trading Post, the discount outdoor wares store? Now fido can love it with you too. Sierra Trading Post is extremely dog friendly and loves to see pups in their store. You and your dog can check out their awesome pet section and maybe even pick out a new harness.

Bath Garden Center

Does your doggy love picking out new plants (or better yet, picking out new things to pee on)? Then head on over to Bath Garden Center. This store is very dog friendly inside and out and even has their own store foster dog. Just be sure to keep an eye on your dog, you don’t want him peeing on a plant that isn’t yours yet!

Home Depot

This large warehouse store is friendly to dogs. Many dogs love perusing the isles and getting to greet the friendly people who work there.

Jax

This outdoor recreation store is extremely dog friendly. Your dog will love getting to say “Hi!” to the friendly employees and plan for your next adventure with you.

Walrus Ice Cream

While this beloved ice cream shop does not allow dogs inside, they do have a special treat for canine companions. Every Sunday is dog day! Where Fido can get a bit of doggy ice cream to enjoy with you. Busy on Sunday? That’s okay, you can ask for a doggy scoop of vanilla ice cream to share with your dog.

Gryphon Games and Comics and the Purple Cup Cafe

Even though dogs are not allowed inside the coffee area, they are welcome to go into the store and hang out in the game area. Dogs love to go shopping with their folks and enjoy the sunshine!

General Guidelines for Taking Your Pet With You:

  • Always keep your dog leashed, on a hand held (non-retractable) leash
  • Always be under your control
  • Should be potty trained
  • Have all his shots and be healthy (for his and other dogs protection)
  • And be friendly to other dogs and strangers

It’s always fun to bring your pet with you with you’re out an about. Just make sure your pet is comfortable and follow the above guidelines for a good time. Also, brush up on the newest leash laws too.

Do you have a favorite place to take your pet? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page!

Find the best Fort collins dog trails!
Contact Us to Schedule Your Dog Walks

Bulldogs are Beautiful Day

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We know that we don’t really need a special day to appreciate the beauty of bulldogs, but why not take the to celebrate them anyway, right?!  With their short little legs and adorable smushed faces and sturdy physique, they are truly a breed of their own.

 

Early history:

Early Bulldogs have a bit of an interesting and brutal history. Butchers used to use dogs to control control livestock. This can be traced back to the 5th century in England and a breed called the Alaunt. Around the 15th century, bulldogs were used for around farms for catching horses, cattle, and boars. Unfortunately, bulldogs were also used in the barbaric “sport” called bull-baiting, in which trained dogs would latch onto a tethered bull’s nose and not let go until the dog had pulled the bull to the ground or the bull had killed the dog (source). And, thankfully this was finally banned in 1835.

The newer breed:

Well, after the brutality was finally banned Bulldogs found their place in the world. They were still used for herding in the US and Germany and were being bred with smaller dogs, like pugs in England. They slowly made a huge comeback becoming a wildly popular companion and mascot for Universities like Georgia State University and Gonzaga University.

 

Temperament & Training:

Don’t let their grumpy face and stout build fool you. Bulldog are generally they are an easy going breed that gets along with people, other pets and even children. They aren’t big on barking and love to sleep. The AKC Standard says the disposition of the English Bulldog is usually “calm, courageous, and friendly; dignified but amusing.” They are also ranked at the 4th most popular breed according to the AKC.

Even though bulldogs may have a reputation for being stubborn, but that doesn’t mean that they are untrainable. With patience and consistency they can easily be trained just like any other dog. The sooner you can bond with and start to train your bulldog the better.

 

Cute Famous Bulldogs:

My personal favorite is Meatball, Adam Sandler’s bulldog. I may be a little biased because I am a huge fan. Plus, he sent me an autograph picture after I sent him a Valentine’s Day card back in 1996. But here he is, Meatball, the adorable bulldog!

bulldogs

Photo from Adam Sandler

And of course, Ice T and Coco’s beloved Bulldogs Spartacus (RIP) and Maximus. They are so cute with baby Chanel!

bulldogs

Photo from ET

Tillman, who is a skateboarding English Bulldog that happens to hold the Guinness World Record for the fastest 100-meter on a skateboard by a dog. And when Tillman appeared on the show, Greatest American Dog, and he rode the Natural Balance float in the Rose Parade in 2009. And well, that is pretty amazing!

Bulldogs

Photo from Bulldogs World

And no Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day post would be complete without a hilarious YouTube video of them playing around and being silly…enjoy!

Do you have a bulldog? If so, make sure to share your pictures with us! Post on our Facebook page and Twitter, let us know your loves!

Events You Don’t Want to Miss in Fort Collins this Easter

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The weather is warmer and Easter is almost here. It’s time to plan your Easter events and egg hunts! Here’s a list of all the events in the Fort Collins area that you’ll want to put on your calendar this month. Some of these events are great for the whole family, but some are may not welcome pets. Please make sure to double-check with the event host before bringing Fido to the fun.

*** These were events from 2019. All events are closed in 2020 due to Coronavirus. Check back next year! ***

 

Sat|March 31st, from 10am-3pm at Gulley Greenhouse: Free

Join us for a fun filled day for the whole family at our annual FREE Easter Eggstravaganza! Presenting the Bunny for a Photo Op, Baby Bunnies to hold and pet, Scavenger Hunt, Guess the Jelly Beans, Face Painting for only a $1.00, Centerpiece raffle, and Egg Decorating. We will have an Ice Cream Truck too!

Daily|March 17-31, times vary by day at the Foothills Mall | Cost: Varies

Visit the Easter Bunny and get pictures taken with your kids! Prices vary based on size and number of photos.

Fri|March 30th, from 6:30pm-9pm at the Old Town Library | Cost: Free

Come with your friends to the library after hours and hunt for glow-in-the-dark eggs in Library Park! But, that’s not all! There will also be video gaming, anime watching, snacking, crafting, music making, karaoke, dancing, and more! Prize baskets will be awarded! This awesome event is for teens in grades 6-12. Don’t miss out on the fun – sign up today! (The hunt will be moved inside the library if there is snowy weather.)

Sat|March 31st, from 11am – 1:00 pm at City Park | Cost: Free

Hosted by the Antioch Community Church, this free event offers an Easter Egg Hunt, bounce houses, carnival games and more!

Sun|April 1st, 10am – 2pm starting at The Hop Grenade Taproom | Cost: Varies by meal

Easter Brunch the way you’ve always wanted! We’re opening early and serving breakfast burritos, breakfast pizzas, mimosas and beer-mosas. And an Easter Egg Hunt to satisfy kids and the kids in all of us!

Sun|April 1st, 10am – 9pm starting at Fort Fun | Cost: Varies by activity

Join us for a day full of fun! We will be offering an Eggs’tra special deal! $4.00 rounds of Mini-Golf all day! At 1pm and 5pm we will be celebrating Egg-splat, our version of an Easter Egg Hunt, there’s no yolk about it! Guessing Jars will scattered throughout Fort Fun!

So much fun all in one day! And don’t forget to schedule for Wet Noses Pet Sitting services if you’re going to be gone Easter weekend.

Have an event you’re looking forward to this April? Let us know on our social media!

Find pet friendly restaurants in Fort Collins

Homemade Valentine’s Day Cat Treats

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Is your cat that lucky Valentine this year?  After all they are our special friends and constant companions. So celebrate the day with these delicious Valentine’s day cat treats!  And show your precious little fur baby some extra love.

Baked Tuna Valentine’s Day Cat Treats 

 

These treats add a little oomph to plain canned tuna.

Ingredients:

  • Canned tuna
  • Cat friendly garnish (like catnip or wheat grass)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place parchment paper on a baking sheet
  2. Mix one can of tuna and one tablespoon of garnish in a medium bowl
  3. Use a teaspoon to scoop the tuna mix onto the baking sheet
  4. Form tuna mix piles into a heart shape on the baking sheet
  5. Bake these treats for about 5 minutes or until they are warm

Feed this Valentine’s day cat treat in moderation, too many treats can give your cat a stomach ache.

Spinach and Chicken Valentine’s Day Cat Treats

Many cats crave some roughage (like spinach) in their diets, it’s the reason many cats try to eat house plants. These treats are a great way to add some variety to your cat’s diet, all in the form of a tasty treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 pound of steamed boneless, skinless chicken thigh
  • 1 cup of spinach leaves
  • 1/4 cup of flour
  • 1 cup of quick cooking oats
  • 1 egg

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and place parchment paper on a baking sheet
  2. Place the cooled chicken, spinach, oats and egg into a food processor or blender and blend until the mixture is smooth with some chunks
  3. Pour the chicken mixture into a bowl and add the flour, mixing with your hands
  4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut with a small heart cookie cutter OR make thumbnail sized balls and flatten them
  5. Place the shaped dough on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick can be cleanly removed

Be sure to completely cook the chicken before adding it to the treat mixture. Feed these treats in moderation and break larger treats into cat sized pieces .

Cooked Salmon 

Cooked salmon is great as a special Valentine’s day cat treat. Many cats love this tasty fish. Be sure to cook all salmon thoroughly (by steaming or grilling) to make it safe for your cat. For this special treat, dice a small amount of cooked salmon and feed it to your kitty in a dish.

 

Valentine’s day can be filled with dangerous food for your cat. However, these Valentine’s day cat treats are sure to safely woo that special feline in your life.

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Cat Lovers

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Does your Valentine love cats? Because cat lovers are a very passionate bunch. And that means they usually love to get gifts from them or about them. So, here are some Valentine’s Day gifts for cat lovers sure to make that special Valentine in your life happy.

Cat Valentine’s Day Cards

There are many amazing Valentine’s Day cards with cats on them or cat-themed. Check out Etsy and Pinterest for some cute handmade cards to send to that special Valentine.

Fancy Cat Supplies 

While your cat may not need those fancy,new ceramic bowls, they sure would look good in your house. Many cat lovers would enjoy some nice looking cat accessories. For nice bowls and beds check out TJ Maxx or your local pet store.

Cat Clothing

No, I don’t mean clothing for cat (although that could be a good gift)! Cat clothing is anything with cats on it. For some cool T-shirts check out the Fort Collins Cat Rescue, or other rescue organizations. For other cool cat items, check out Etsy or Amazon. They carry everything from cat gloves to cat necklaces.

Self-Defense Cat Key Chain 

This is a really great Valentine’s Day gift for cat lovers. It combines two awesome things, cats and self-defense. This key chain is shaped like a cat, you put your fingers in the eyes and can use the ears to poke your attacker. This gift is sold all over and can also be found on Amazon.

Sponsor or Adopt a Cat

Most rescue organizations have a sponsorship program for their cats. In these types of programs, a donor pays for the cats adoption fee and sponsors some of its care. This makes it easier for shelters to take care of the cat and helps the cat find a home. You can sponsor a cat or donate in someone else’s name as a gift.  This can make a great Valentine’s Day gift for cat lovers.

Whether you are looking for gifts to give a cat lover on your behalf, or on the cats, these gifts are sure to please. I hope your Valentine enjoys these Valentine’s Day gifts for cat lovers.

Dog Treats for Valentine’s Day

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When we think of Valentine’s day, we think of a day of love that is filled with chocolate and flowers. And there is no reason not to include your canine companion with these dog treats for Valentine’s Day. After all, they have a piece of your heart too.

Remember to always keep your dogs away from candy, but making them there own special dog-friendly treats is a great way to include them.  Check out these easy to make recipes for your dog this year!

 

Heart Shapped Pup-cakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup of peanut butter (xylitol free)
  • 1 cup of shredded carrots or chopped broccoli
  • 2 1/2  tablespoons of honey
  • 1/2 cup of buttermilk
  • Cream cheese as frosting
  • Strawberry (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit  and grease your cupcake pan with butter or vegetable oil
  2. Mix the flour and baking powder in a small bowl
  3. Add the oil, peanut butter, and honey to the flour mixture
  4. Add the buttermilk in a small amount at a time and mix
  5. Add in the carrots or broccoli
  6. Place the mixture into the cupcake pan and bake until a toothpick can be cleanly removed from the cupcake
  7. Let the cupcakes cool for 20 minutes and remove them from the pan
  8. After the cupcakes are cooled mix up your frosting

For frosting:

  1. Apply softened cream cheese to ice the cupcake
  2. Optional: cut up strawberries and mix them into the cream cheese
  3. Spread the strawberry cream cheese on the cupcakes

No- Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt (make sure there are no dog toxic ingredients like artificial sweeteners)
  • 1 cup of peanut butter (dog safe)
  • 3 cups of rolled oats

Directions:

  1. Mix the yogurt and peanut butter to make a paste
  2. Add oats 1/4 a cup at a time and fully mix all the oats with the wet ingredients
  3. Scoop out tablespoon sized portions of the mixture and roll it into balls
  4. Place the balls on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and cool in the fridge for one hour

These treats can be stored for 7-9 days if kept in the refrigerator.

It’s true that many Valentine’s Day presents are chocolaty hazards to your dog. But, these delicious homemade treats are the perfect way to share the sweetness with your dog.

 

 

 

7 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Mom from the Family Pet

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Valentine’s day is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to lavish gifts on your loved ones.  And who best to spoil than the one person who is often the glue that holds every  day together, Mom, of course!  Here are some cute ideas for your family pet to give to Mom that are sure to make her smile.

 

1. Animal Lover Paw Print Hoodie

Mom will love cozying up on a chilly day with this adorable animal lover hoodie!

 

2. The Classic Lock Matching Pet Charm

This precious token of love is perfect for a pet mom and her fur baby.  The charm is great on a leash or collar and then get a matching one for Mom to wear as jewelry,  hang on a tote or key chain.

Image from LazyBonezz.com

 

3. Texts from The Dog Calendar

Make mom laugh each day will this adorable calendar with jokes from a witty tech savvy pup!

Image from Amazon

 

4. Custom Pet Portrait

Having your pet immortalized in a painting is sure to warm any pet lovers heart.

Image from Amazon

5. Sterling Silver Heart and Paw Ring

What better way to show appreciation on Valentine’s Day than by giving the gal you love a nice ring?

Image from Amazon

6. Sorry I Pooped in Your Shoe (And Other Heartwarming Letters from Doggie)

Hilarious and heartwarming letters from the dog will definitely make mom smile time and time again.

 

Image from Amazon

 

7. Dog Mom Mug

Who doesn’t love a good mug from a loved one? This cute Dog Mom mug is a great reminder of how special pet Mom’s are.

Image from Amazon

 

All of these are sure to make the “Mom” in your life smile.  Even if you’ve already got your gift ready, why not include one for the family pet?  They surely appreciate all that Mom does just as much as you do.  Plus it’s sure to make Mom feel extra special!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY PET LOVERS!