Ask Felix: Mystery road trip takes us to Madawaska Valley to see local art
Last summer while Robert and I were garage sale hunting we came across an old Felix the Cat toy from the 1990s'. You "Ask Felix" a question and spin the cat around, and he tells you your fortune- similar to a magic eight ball. I fell in love with this toy cat, and we started taking him on road trips, spinning Felix and allowing him to decide our route- and often our fate. Felix took us to the fair in Renfrew where we rode a Ferris Wheel and drank fresh lemonade. He took us to a man's home in Jacksonville who was a picker; he had one arm and the largest comic book collection I have ever seen. He took us to Stitsville to the Barbie museum and the best-used bookstore. EVER! He took us to a chip truck called Pong's Poutine where we ate the BEST poutine! Those who follow me on Instagram may remember my Felix adventures. If you want to see how the Felix toy works head to my Instagram and watch the video.
Today we dusted off Felix and he took us on yet another road trip. This time we started at the Cobden fair and ended up all the way in the Madawaska Valley. We explored and acted like tourists. We asked Felix and he directed us on our way to a day filled with adventure and shenanigans. This is Ask Felix: Travel to the Madawaska Valley, our day in photos.
Happy National Dog Day: Ways to celebrate
Hazel and Keira are both super excited for National Dog Day today, August 26. This annual doggy holiday celebrates all dogs, and hopes to raise awareness about the number of dogs looking for homes. There are so many dogs in shelters and rescues across the country looking for a forever home. The folks at the National Dog Day website have a great list of 20 Ways to Celebrate!
One of those ways to celebrate is to hire a photographer to do a shoot with your dog, and since Hazel and Keira live with a professional photographer the rates were really affordable! Here are the highlights from their play time photoshoot! How are you going to celebrate with your dog? Don't forget to tag #NationalDogDay in the photos you post!!
Bad breath blues: Keira tries easy dog dental care with #bluestempets products
This post is sponsored by bluestem™ and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to increase awareness of and share my experiences with the bluestem™ oral care products, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bluestem™ is not responsible for the content of this article.
I love it when my dog Keira the Saint Bernese smiles and gives me kisses! Unfortunately, Keira’s doggy breath is pretty stinky and she is ageing, so I am more concerned about her oral health than ever. Bad doggy breath is not normal; it is a sign that your pet has periodontal disease. According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council® (VOHC) bad breath is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dental disease and a sign that there is a bigger problem. So while I fight with her once a week to brush her teeth, I need something for those in-between times to keep her smiling and smelling great! I need something quick and easy, something that doesn’t require a fight.
Barking up the family tree: Discover secrets in your dog's DNA with Royal Canin Genetic Health Analysis (GHA)
Photo by Elizabeth Tersigni
July 31 is National Mutt Day and I am a proud owner of two
mixed breed dogs. I love my mutts, and specifically wanted mixed breeds because
they are on average healthier. Many mutt owners have no idea what breeds are in
the mix, but knowing this can provide some insight into your pet’s health and
behaviour. That’s why Royal Canin is encouraging mixed breed owners to discover
the secrets in their dog’s DNA through The ROYAL CANIN® Genetic Health Analysis (GHA).
The American Humane Association reported that mixed breed
dogs are the most popular type of dog in the United States, comprising 53
percent of the nation's canine population. Having insight into your dog’s DNA can
provide you with insider information. GHA can be used to tailor your dog’s
wellness plan to include nutrition, predict a puppy's full grown size, and
provide information about possible inherited diseases. Mutts can be predisposed
to health issues and have unique behaviours just like purebred dogs, but
knowing their genetic makeup can solve some of those mysteries.
Saint Bernese puppies make the best nurses She has a lot of issues, but loving isn't one of them...
Hazel has been such a great nurse since I had my wisdom teeth removed on Tuesday. Both her and Keira have just overwhelmed me with love and affection. I have so many exciting upcoming projects that I have had to put on hold this week for my recovery, but Paws For Reaction will be up and running again soon! Thanks for caring Paws peeps!!
Canada Day: Fireworks and pets don't mix
Happy Canada Day from Paws For Reaction!
Pet owners love #epetsure: Comparing pet insurance plans made easy!
Are you ready to discover my secret to easy pet insurance shopping...
My first real experience working with a pet insurance provider was at the animal hospital where I work now. We try to set clients up on free trials of pet insurance as often as we can, especially for those with new puppies or kittens. But it can take a long time for clients to make a decision- because it’s an important decision- and often times pet parents leave with some brochures and make the decision on their own at home. They search the web endlessly to find the best plan. Is this you? It can be a lot to absorb, I know.
Pet insurance is so important and can be very affordable. I know many pet owners have an "it won't happen to me" mentality about accidents and illnesses when it comes to their pets, but let me tell you- from experience- unexpected accidents CAN happen to you. It happened to me. Pet insurance will just ensure that you are more financially prepared for what may come.
Pet parents always have many questions about pet insurance plans, but I am most commonly asked these two questions:
1. Which pet insurance plan is the best for me?
2. How do I compare pet insurance companies?
Early disease detection: #IDEXX knows that knowing makes all the difference
Hi Paws peeps! Please share this video!
Life hack: What I did when Hazel became too strong for me to play tug
My sweet baby girl Hazel is a Saint Bernese, and although I still see her as my little girl I have to accept the fact that she is 97 pounds of pure muscle. You would think that her bad leg would affect the way she plays, but it doesn't. Her favorite thing to do is to play tug. Unfortunately ropes don't work- she just eats them. So I was really excited when I found this Top Paw™ Tuff Tire Dog Toy at PetSmart that she can chew on and play tug with. Of course the rope was destroyed in the first week, but the tire is tough and she loves it.
#WorldOceansDay: Take the #BetterBagChallenge to help save the #oceans
Do you live near the ocean? If so, then I am SO jealous of you right now! Even though I don't live by the sea, I understand how impactful the ocean is on the entire planets ecosystem. It keeps the world in balance, so if the oceans aren't healthy then the planet can't be either. I couldn't imagine a world without the beautiful marine life that the oceans sustain. That is why June 8 is such an important day- its World Oceans Day!
To help our oceans and its animals, I am taking the Better Bag Challenge. I promise to stop using disposable plastic bags completely. Will you join me? I already use reusable shopping bags almost everyday I shop, but by taking the Better Bag Challenge I am going to try to use these eco friendly bags every time! I've started by folding a fabric shopping bag and keeping it in my purse so I always have one available. 80% of the trash found in the world's oceans comes from land, so even though I don't live beside the ocean, I can still make a huge difference here on dry land!
I know it may not seem like a huge change, but even the smallest change can make a difference. The World Oceans Day theme this year is "Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet" which emphasizes how connected the oceans are to the eco system. According to WorldOceansDay.org:
"The ocean is the heart of our planet. Like your heart pumping blood to every part of your body, the ocean connects people across the Earth, no matter where we live. The ocean regulates the climate, feeds millions of people every year, produces most of the oxygen we breathe, is the home to an incredible array of wildlife, provides us with important medicines, and so much more! In order to ensure the health and safety of our communities and future generations, it’s imperative that we take the responsibility to care for the ocean as it cares for us."
"Everyone’s health depends on a clean, productive ocean. During our celebration this year, we encourage our partners and friends to once again think about what actions each of us can take to safeguard vulnerable ocean communities. Please focus on whatever issues you think are most important for a healthy ocean future. On this site, you will find many resources about plastic pollution in particular. The ocean and its wildlife is choking on plastic, and we need to not only clean it up, but also stop this pollution."
This creepy, thrilling, and at times, a seductive tale told from the point of view of a stalker, You by Caroline Kepnes will leave you chilled to the bone. Nothing like spending the day inside the mind of a psychopath. Some people will not like this book, but it is as interesting and captivating as it is F---ed up! Why does it feel like somebody's watching me!? Did you read it? What do you think? Let me know in the comments! Check out the Sequel to You, titled Hidden Bodies!
World Environment Day: What is your Eco Friendly Routine
The environment is something that is very important to me and my fur family, and it is something that I try to promote on Paws For Reaction. Today is World Environment Day and what I love about this day is that everyone across the globe is sharing their love for the environment and what they do to preserve this beautiful green planet of ours. Today on Twitter I will be tweeting #MyEcoFriendlyRoutine on my personal twitter account @GonzoTheFacey with some of the things I do to recycle, promote a sustainable environment and battle climate change.
What are some of the things you do as part of your eco friendly routine? Please tweet me @GonzoTheFacey or @PawsForReaction and let me know! I can't wait to retweet all of your tips!!
Summer Reading List:Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry
This post contains affiliate links
I was inspired to pick up Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry because I read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, and I was desperately craving something with that circus and carnival theme. Something magical and creepy. This book is very different, but just as engrossing. Plus it made it on the Lit Thursday list on Lenny Letter. Did you read it? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!
Product Review: Crofters Organic Jam is Ontario Made, NonGMO & is Saving Bees! It's time for a change...
Pool side Victoria Day with Hazel the Saint Bernese
Wishing you a Happy Victoria Day from Hazel!
Photo by www.ilmicrofono.it via Foter.com CC BY
Insider tips: How to get your dog or cat to take their medication You just got home from a visit with your veterinarian and in front of you are two things: Fluffy and a vial full of pills. Your vet has told you that if Fluffy is going to get healthy, she needs to take her medication. I know what you are thinking "She wont take that! I can't pill my pet!" You may be right- your pet may not want to willingly take a tablet. You may need to try a few times, or get creative. Not everyone nails it on the first try. Most pet owners will visit their veterinarian at least once a year, and occasionally have to give a dog or cat pill form medication. I have learned a trick or two from fellow pet owners and veterinary professionals. Here are some of my tips for a pet owner trying to give a dog or cat a pill.
Greta's Organic Gardens seeds
Shout out: Greta's Organic Gardens Hey Paws peeps, I want to give a shout out to Greta's Organic Gardens. I purchased my seed exclusively from Greta this year at the Ottawa Valley Seedy Sunday event. Greta's seeds are organic and non-GMO.
Every year we plant an eight foot vegetable garden and it grows very well here in Ontario, Canada. A lot of Greta's seed is heirloom seed, harvested locally by organic farmers and passed down from generation to generation. Our garden now belongs to that historical network of farmers who are trying to preserve our organic agriculture. For me, planting a garden is not just a way to save money at harvest time, it is also great for the environment and fights against large agribusiness farms and their unethical practices. Even a small garden in your backyard can make a positive impact the environment. Over the next few months as my garden sprouts and grows, I will be sharing with my readers some of the organic and non-GMO products I love, as well as some local food from farmers in our area. How does this relate to pets? Bettering our environment positively affects every aspect of our lives- including our pets!
Hazel helps out in the garden
Hazel on the way home, her leg extended straight out
Puppy pain management: 7 tips to help a dog in chronic pain
The poster and the politician: Alan Tobin "delighted" about breed specific restrictions at the dog park, Ireland
Pet parents are outraged. Councillor Alan Tobin is receiving serious backlash after posting his views on the new posters for the dog park that list restricted breeds. The County Councillor of Meath, Ashbourne in Ireland stated in his Facebook post that he is "delighted" to get the signs that he had asked for, and that is amazes him that "some people think these are ideal family pets."
Dogs on the list include American Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Staffordshier Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Japanese Akita, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, English Bull Terrier and Japanese Tosa. Most Facebook users are outraged, and the post has over 140, 000 shares and over 240, 000 comments. While most people are in opposition to Tobin's poster there are comments from people who agree with him. Breeds that bite has been a great debate among pet owners, most veterinary and canine research organizations take a similar stance on the breed bite: the main focus should be on responsible pet ownership, not breed.
Photos: Hiking trip with our Chihuahua friend Yoshi
Photo: May the Fourth be with you dog
Photo by Chris Pirillo Foter CC BY-NC-ND
#MayTheFourthBeWithYou #StarWars
#Adoptable #pets: Meet #cats Riley & Mango, looking for a forever home Mango and Riley need your help! These cats were rescued in Pembroke, Ontario where they are located right now in foster care. Once strays, these adorable boys want nothing more than to find a forever family! Mango and Riley are brothers and have had a hard time finding a new home because they need to be adopted together.
PAWS FOR REACTION is celebrating 13 years! Ottawa-based pet care and nutrition, environmental, and lifestyle blog- always searching for the best in pet care, eco-friendly products and fun local events! Come explore with Hazel, the Saint Bernese, as she lives her best, food-driven, outdoor-loving, asymmetrical, #DogLife
ABOUT ME: I have nine years of experience working in veterinary medicine. I'm a Climate Reality Project Leader and have spent years volunteering with organizations including OSPCA, Farley Foundation, Ontario Nature, Future Ground Network, and Girl Guides of Canada.
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