INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY

International Cat Day is observed annually on August 8.  This is a day to celebrate one of the world’s favorite pets.

Cats provide companionship and comfort to many.  Studies show having a cat can help to lower stress, anxiety and even depression.  Having a cat in your home can also help reduce the risk of heart disease in high-risk individuals.  It can even help fight mental illness.  Cats can be entertaining as well as beneficial to your health.

INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY HISTORY

International Cat Day was created by International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2002. In 2023 International Cat Care became the custodians of International Cat Day (effective August 3, 2020), please discover more information at:
https://icatcare.org/international-cat-day/

Around our home caring for cats has become quite the love affair. We have 6 inside cats and care for a large number of outside cats that started off as feral. There is no more rewarding feeling than getting a feral cat to trust you enough to pet and protect them. After enduring countless years of wandering and nothing dependable, it can only be done by building trust and a ton of patience.

We work with local animal groups and shelters to TNR. We have found homes for any that are born before that can happen. As we live outside of a major urban area we often aquire new visitors who were dumped by owners. Please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel. We use the proceeds to continue caring for these cats.  Sadly we were forced to say Goodbye to Charlie on July 17th, 2024.  After 12 years of love and companionship, Charlie crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  He will live forever in our hearts.

You may have left this world, but your memory will live on forever. Thank you for the love, joy, and companionship you brought into my life. Rest in peace, my dear cat.” “Goodbye, my sweet kitty.“

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HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY

Give your cats some extra time and cuddles today.  You might even want to give them an extra treat.  Post photos on social media using #InternationalCatDay

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ROMANCE AWARENESS MONTH

February isn’t the only romantic month on the calendar.  Check your relationship’s pulse during Romance Awareness in August. If it needs a jump start, there are lots of ways to put some spark back into the relationship. 

Add excitement by planning the unexpected. Surprise your significant other with a date night with only a few clues as to the destination. None of it needs to be expensive or elaborate, but making an effort to make the evening fun, spontaneous and memorable will be worthwhile. Maybe it’s a note clipped to a single flower saying you’ll pick her up at 7 PM and to wear sandals. It ends up with a picnic on the beach; or it could be a text to him that you’re in the mood for takeout, be ready in an hour – a three-hour road trip later and you’re at the nearest drive-in theater eating hot wings under the stars.

The simple things mean so much more than elaborate gifts. A wrapped mint slipped into a pocket with an encouraging message on the day of big presentation sends waves of support and love when it’s needed most. Sharing our successes with those we love is another way of enhancing the romance. Toast each other’s success and bask in the glow.  

Spend quiet time with each other. Read books, do chores, sleep. Just be. Sometimes, just being together in the same room generates energy that may have been missing. 

Cultivate activities as a couple you enjoy doing together. Whether you enjoy games, biking, sports, antiquing, travel, music or haven’t discovered your interest yet, get out there and explore.  

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HISTORY

Celebrate Romance founder, Eileen Buchheim, created Romance Awareness Month to encourage couples to improve their relationships through romance all year long.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Being aware of and adding more romance into your relationship will be a win-win for both you and your significant other. Passion has always been an essential part of relationships. Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference, such as; holding hands, a shoulder rub, a flower, making dinner together, playing your favorite song, leaving a personal note, or watching a movie together.

Romance Awareness Month is also a great time to catch up on some reading with the wide selection of romance novels that are available. 

If posting on social media use #RomanceAwarenessMonth.

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NATIONAL DOG MONTH

All during the month of August, National Dog Month celebrates our loveable canine pals smack in the middle of the dog days of summer. Dogs are the #1 most commonly owned pets on the planet, and with good reason. Did you know that scientific studies prove our pawsome companions make us happier, less stressed, and more optimistic? The list of benefits to spending time with a dog goes on and on, but it all proves one thing––that a month-long celebration of our furry best friends has been a long time coming.

Rosie is a rescue as is tiny Peanut. They are the best of friends.

Whether your dog burrows under the blankets with you at night, plays in the sprinkler, or alerts you to a health need, we know they are constantly improving our lives and making them more fun. Not only that, but the companionship and affection we share with them make their lives better, too. Dog lovers know
a life without dogs is a life missing something special, and that’s a fact worth celebrating.

NATIONAL DOG MONTH HISTORY

Milk-Bone brand (The J.M. Smucker Company) founded National Dog Month in 2020 to recognize all the ways dogs make our lives better.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDogMonth

This is the easy part. Celebrate with your best pal. Take an extra-long walk. Play fetch or spare an extra Milk-Bone treat. Get your dog the toy he’s been wanting or visit the dog park. Speaking of visits, make your next veterinarian appointment to ensure your pet stays healthy and strong. Donate to your local shelter or to a larger dog nonprofit. You can also volunteer your services. Not only will the dogs appreciate the support, but so will their future human companions. However you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalDogMonth to post on social media.

Milk Bone
Milk Bone

NATIONAL MUTT DAY

National Mutt Day encourages us to embrace, save and celebrate mixed breed dogs twice a year on July 31st and December 2nd.

Desperately longing for a new home, millions of loving and healthy mixed breed dogs in shelters wait for someone to come and adopt them. National Mutt Day provides an excellent opportunity to find the perfect canine companion. Despite the name, a mutt learns, obeys and trains much like purebred animals. While their lineage cannot be traced and their features a bit murky, their companionship will be faithful.  

According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year. When these abandoned and often abused animals find their way to a shelter, each one needs a forever home. Whether you know it or not, their potential is limitless. Some of the benefits of adoption are often hidden. Human and canine both enjoy increased physical activity.  Another boost is social interaction through daily walks. While humans develop patience, their four-legged companion learns to trust and new limits. For example, as dogs explore the many scents of the human lifestyle,  they usually discover shoes are off-limits. 

No matter the breed, size or demeanor of the human, er, canine, the shelter will take the time to find the right home for their animals. They schedule visits and have procedures in place to promote healthy adoptions for families and individuals. While some dogs experience injury or illness, the shelters work with veterinarians to heal the animals before making them available for adoption.

Of course, shelters always welcome donations and volunteers. Dogs love walking, playing and being loved even if they haven’t found their forever home. Every moment they spend socializing increases their opportunity for adoption.

NATIONAL MUTT DAY HISTORY

Celebrity Pet Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate, Colleen Paige, founded National Mutt Day in 2005.  Celebrate the day on both December 2 and July 31 of each year. Learn more at http://www.nationalmuttday.com.

Love Animals…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMuttDay

Visit a shelter; if you are unable to adopt a dog, you can always volunteer. Post on social media using #NationalMuttDay and encourage others to join in.

Customer Favorites: Pets
Customer Favorites: Pets

NATIONAL KITTEN DAY

National Kitten Day on July 10th purrfectly celebrates the cuddly warmth of a kitty. The miniature furballs of energy snuggle their way into our hearts with no effort all. Within a flick of their tiny ears, we’re in love.

The day aims to remind us that while kittens are well equipped to find their way into our hearts, many don’t find homes. They’re abandoned at shelters, on the side of the road or wild and feral. Spaying and neutering our pets, including our cats, is vital to their health and keeping the stray population down. The featured image are rescues who have become permanent members of our family.

Another goal of awareness campaigns like this one is to encourage adoptions. Instead of purchasing a kitten from a pet store, adopt from a shelter. Many kittens are born in shelters. While their ages may vary, all kittens do become cats.

Follow the shelter’s guidelines. Keep these tips in mind when adopting:

  1. There’s an application process. Read through it and understand it. The guidelines are for the safety of the animals, the employees, and you.
  2. Ask questions. It’s important there’s an understanding between you and the shelter. Most shelters have volunteers and paid employees. However, they work on a very tight budget. Please don’t expect any special accommodations.
  3. A good shelter will place the interests of the animal first. They want the cat to have a successful placement. Some animals have anxiety while others get along with anyone and every type of animal.
  4. Consider the size of your home and where you live – an apartment or house.
  5. Who lives with you? That includes people and pets – does everyone get along and does anyone have allergies?
  6. How much time do you have for a pet?
  7. So you’ve spotted the kitten for you. Be sure to make several visits to the shelter. Play with the kitten. Spend time grooming them. See how the kitten reacts to other cats. Learn the kitten’s behavior.

Maybe Fuzzy Bear has health issues or doesn’t get along with children. Perhaps another kitten gets along better with dogs. All these factors will be considered on your application.

Peanut and Wylie are the most bonded pair I’ve ever seen.

NATIONAL KITTEN DAY HISTORY

Colleen Paige, Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Author, and Animal Advocate, founded National Kitten Day to encourage adoption and celebrate the joy kittens bring to our lives.

More Animals to love…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalKittenDay

Play with your kitten or bring her a new toy. Share a selfie with your kitten. Visit a shelter and volunteer your time. If you are considering getting a kitten, adopt instead of purchasing one. Use #NationalKittenDay to share your story.