Monday, June 23, 2014

Healthy Pets, Healthy People



Go hug a puppy. it's good for your health!
Photo courtesy nick chapman, via Creative Commons
So are pets good for your health?

Those of us who choose to have four-footed companions know this to be the case. Procter & Gamble knows it, as well - and they're promoting it, too.

I'd never seen the P&Geveryday page before a few days ago, but it's got an entire section dedicated to pets. And that's always enough to make me want to sit up and investigate!

The articles there discuss how they enrich our lives, provide advice on how to introduce a new pet to the family, and you might even find a recipe or two to help your pet stay cool during the hot summer days: pup pops.

And in case any of you have seen the Facebook tale that's been making the rounds about ice being a dangerous way to cool down overheated dogs, that's been completely debunked, so go ahead and download the P&G recipe. Really. It's okay.

(Here's how the story went: "Dog dies from bloating from eating ice!" Um, no. Actually, it's not ice that did the poor pup in. It's the amount ingested that causes bloating, not its temperature. Doesn't matter if it's liquid or frozen. Myth:busted. You're welcome.)

I have to say, I saw some pretty sweet DIY tips over there as well. I am especially fond of the cat bed made from an old TV console. (Now to get my husband to decide it's his idea to make it, and we're golden...!)

But I have to say I kind of fell a little bit in love with the site when I ran into this article that talked about how clay litter is not such a good idea for you, your pet, or the environment.

If you have followed A Tonk's Tale for any length of time, you might have caught on that I'm not a fan of clay litter, for a variety of reasons (although it does make a great packing material for nuclear waste...)  So we give P&G Four paws WAY up for highlighting that!

Kind of digressing a bit, so back to the first question in today's post: are pets good for our health? I'll let you hop on over and read their take on it for yourself. The article's nice and brief, but it hits on more than just physical health, which I like. Especially because it highlights how pets can positively influence children's attitudes and behaviors.

Photo courtesy Jan Giesen, via Creative Commons

I'm partial to that line of thought, in no small part because of the amazing program designed by our shelter, Wayside Waifs. Our "No More Bullies!" is taught to grade-school age kids and it uses shelter dogs to teach the core character traits of Responsibility, Compassion, Self-Control and Integrity.

So, go hug a puppy or snuggle a kitty. What are you waiting for? An invitation?
Snuggles, cheap! (You can pay me in Bonito flakes. Just don't tell Mommy.)


P.S. While you're over on the P&G site, you might even find a recipe or two for human treats. Rumor has it our human might have swooned a tiny bit when she saw the words "chocolate lava cake recipe" on their Facebook page. Sadly, we cannot confirm or deny that at this time....

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.


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Sunday, June 22, 2014

Tomorrow: National PINK Day



Guess you saw that coming.  :-)

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Goats' Milk Soap Giveaway
  
We have a WINNER!

Congratulations to Nicole M., who has won THREE bars of Happy Goats' artisanal soap - your design choice!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Shelter Sweetheart: Formerly Feral Edition

Today you get a twofer!

"Hi! We're two very handsome tabby and white kittens - frisky and frolicky and full of love. And looking for our forever family.

My name's Ray, and I came here with my sister Cookie. She and I live together in a playroom and we're finally starting to learn just how great life is!"



"You see, Cookie and I were left off here by someone who thought we were wild. Well, we were a little bit wild at first I guess, but that's just because we'd never really had anyone to love us before.

But once we got here, some of the volunteers started working with us. And you know what we found out? That Cookie and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE people!

Now, don't get me wrong. We can both be a little on the shy side, especially at first. But that's just because we don't have a whole lot of experience yet. So, we're a little careful to start off. But once we know you're the friendly type, we warm up real quick.

I've even been known to push another kitty gently out of the way to get some petting. For somebody who started out shy like me, that's a pretty big step forward! Cookie and I both just love to be petted! And to play!

And every day we're learning about this wonderful world we live in. What we both really need now is someone of our very own to love! And someone who will help us catch up with all the affection and fun experiences we missed out on before we got here. What do you say?

Would you be willing to give one or both of us a second chance in exchange for a life time of unconditional love? Please come down and meet us today! We're anxious to start making up for the time we lost before we came here and found out how great it is to be a kitty who is loved by humans!

Hoping to see you soon!
Ray"
http://www.greatplainsspca.org/adopt/adoptable-cats/

Both Ray and Cookie are available for adoption today at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA.

Ray's Video:



And Cookie's video:





Saturday, June 21, 2014

Kitty Selfies Gone Wrong.


Faraday: Whatchoo looking at, Mommy?
Maxwell "Wait, I think I have something in my teeth."
"Did I get it?"
Um, just in case you were wondering, today's PhotoHunt word is...selfie.

(Bonus post for today, because, well, we just couldn't help ourselves!  ;-)

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Photohunt: Selfie



How'd I do?

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Friday, June 20, 2014

Fangs on Friday


Say "Cheeeeese!"


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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Cats in boxes?

Rumor has it that today is International Box Day.
What self-respecting cat passes this up, we ask you?
Here, Maxwell demonstrates the art of sitting on a flimsy box.

Maxwell: Take my paw if it collapses, and I'll pull you to safety.
Faraday
: You sure about that?
Allie: I ...I...can't look...

Allie and Faraday are brave, indeed, wouldn't you say? Although, Allie does look as if she's a bit...concerned....

Allie: If you fall on me, Maxie, be prepared to PAY.

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Goats' Milk Soap Giveaway! 
  
Happy Goats' Soap is giving away THREE bars of their artisanal soap - your design choice!

Giveaway open through tomorrow, to U.S. residents.


CLICK HERE TO ENTER






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