The end is coming: A New Year's message of overcoming 2020
The world is letting out a collective sigh of relief as 2020 comes to a close. We have some small glimmers of hope lighting up the horizon. Several vaccines have been created- thank you, scientists! There are fewer unknowns about the virus and how it spreads. We are better prepared to deal with lockdowns, second waves, and changes to protocols. There is awareness being raised about being kind, shopping local, and supporting the needy. The pandemic that separated and isolated us could end up bringing us closer than ever. The end of the year doesn't flip a switch but it may bring forth enough change to get the lights back on.
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Guest blog by Imani Hamilton. So excited to welcome her to the Paws For Reaction extended family! This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. |
Guest blog: Sustainable dog products for the New Year and beyond
Entering the New Year, climate action and environmental protection are more important than ever, as we collectively seek to reduce our carbon emissions by 65% and protect our precious ecosystems in time to prevent irreversible climate change. And yes, our furry companions have an environmental footprint that's worth reducing. The good news is, there are a few choices we can make in our suite of doggo basics that do make an environmental difference.
Bark the halls: Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Hazel
This holiday season we were gifted with further Covid-19 lockdowns in Ontario. I know for folks in assisted living facilities, small business owners, non-essential workers, and single people who live alone, this news is a tough turkey to swallow. For the next 28 days, some of us will be separated from the people we love the most. It will be difficult, but we will get through this together.
Feeding Ottawa's fur-families: Ottawa Paw Pantry is dedicated to supporting community pets in need
Food banks have been a lifeline for people struggling to make ends meet. I'm not immune to struggle- I have used the services of the Food Bank. That's why donating to and supporting local food banks has been a passion of mine. But what about our pets? They're family and we are responsible for feeding them, but sometimes we need help. In Ottawa there is a non-profit that has been dedicated to supporting fur-families in need.
Guest blog: Living with my one-eyed, three-legged cat
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Guest blog by Kathy M. Finley. So excited to welcome her to the Paws For Reaction extended family! |
While in the midst of a bitter divorce and a stressful job, I received an unusual birthday gift- a gray and white kitten. That gift, whom I named Clio, was a blessing, and besides having a slight heart murmur, she was a healthy cat. I had no idea that seven years later, I would be caring for a disabled pet.
Paw it forward: OSPCA Howliday campaigns helping pets and people in the Renfrew County community
There are many creatures stirring this holiday season, and some of those creatures need your help. Do you remember the amazing holiday campaigns the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre launched that I featured on Paws For Reaction? I reconnected with Heather Jobe, the Community Development Coordinator, to get an update on how their holiday season is going.
The 12 ways of Christmas: 12 ways you can support animals, wildlife, and children in need
On the first day of Christmas, my community gave to me a helping hand and a second chance. I've decided to kick the 12 days of Christmas to the curb and replace it with the 12 ways of Christmas. Don't worry, I still included some birds! This year has been a struggle and the community needs your support and generosity. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ontario Government has supported people's financial struggles. But what about support for those who rarely voice their needs: pets, wildlife, nature, and children? Paws For Reaction is a voice for the voiceless, and that's what the 12 ways of Christmas are all about.
Toxic food, dangerous decorations, and problematic parties: How to keep your pet safe from dangerous holiday hazards
I enjoy holiday food and festivities! As much as I know Hazel loves her advent calendar and opening her stocking on Christmas morning, I'm well aware that including her in some holiday traditions has me barking up the wrong Christmas tree. The holidays can be loud and scary for a pet. It can be sensory overload, and at times they can feel threatened. Your pet is a valued member of the family, and ensuring they are safe and comfortable during this festive season is important. The holidays pose many risks for your pet- health risks as well as a risk of heightened anxiety. Christmas dangers are everywhere, so it's important to keep your pet safe. I've put together a comprehensive list of holiday hazards and tips about how to keep your pet safe during the Christmas season.
Under your wing: How you can help wild birds survive the winter
Season's Tweetings! Birds fly into your life providing majestic beauty and songs to brighten your day. During the winter months, birds need extra help finding food, shelter, and help when they are hurt. The Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre (OVWBCC) works tirelessly through the winter- and the rest of the year- to take birds under their wing. The OVWBCC team knows that one small act of kindness can help save a bird's life. Patty McLaughlin, Education and Public Engagement Coordinator at OVWBCC, and her team are working hard to raise awareness about the help birds need throughout the winter and I was fortunate enough to get expert tips about how to support the wild bird community this holiday season. I had many questions for Patty. How can you help wild birds survive the harsh winter weather? What do birds need in the winter to help them find food, shelter, and medical care? What can I do at home?
Guest blog: What it's really like to be a professional dog walker
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Guest blog by Louise St-Pierre. So excited to welcome her to the Paws For Reaction extended family!
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I have learned a lot from my experiences with dogs. I currently own two beautiful dogs and have been a dog owner for 25 years. I truly love dogs and being outside all day, in all types of weather. After working in the fitness and service industry for 20 years I wanted a change; a job that would incorporate the many things I love. Fast forward to now. I have been a professional dog walker for 11 years. I never imagined that I could make a living doing something I loved so much. What I love most about being a dog walker is that I work for myself and my clients. I'm my own boss, which is amazing.
National Senior Pet Month: Everything you need to know about senior pets and pet insurance
I love the grey fur that appears around a senior dog's eyes as they age, the mark that they've experienced life. The mark that they've given a lifetime of love. To leave our mark on them we need to prepare to support them during their golden years. I'm going to talk about one of my favourite topics- pet insurance. When we think about pet insurance we often think of puppies and kittens, but senior pets are eligible for insurance coverage too.
Since November is National Senior Pet Month, I connected with Karolyne Trottier, Regional Manager at Pets Plus Us pet insurance for a Q&A about pet insurance for senior pets. Can a senior pet get pet insurance? What about their pre-existing conditions? I asked Karolyne everything I could think of about senior pets and pet insurance, and these are her answers!
Paws to Support Local: How you can give back to local businesses and animals in need at the same time
Are you able to lend a helping paw to a pet in need? Or give a local small business a bone? Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre, located in Pembroke, Ontario, has found a way to give back to animals in need and local businesses this holiday season. Paws to Support Local is the purrr-fect way to get in the spirit of giving.
iAdopt for the Holidays: 'Tis the season to find a forever home
It's that time of year again- the season of giving, and I have an excellent way to give. It's a win-win! iAdopt for the Holidays is sponsored by Petplan pet insurance. This holiday adoption campaign runs now until December 31, 2020, at participating SPCAs, humane societies, and rescue groups across Canada. Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre, located in Pembroke, Ontario, services the Renfrew County community where my family is from. Their goal for this holiday campaign is to find loving forever homes for as many animals as possible.
Do you have a story to tell? Share your story on Paws For Reaction
This year more than ever, I've been providing an outlet for people in the community to share their stories. I've teamed up with some wonderful and interesting guest bloggers, interviewed experts in their fields, and supported different organizations. I want to keep expanding upon that. That being said, Paws For Reaction is looking for new guest bloggers!
October featured pets: Happy Halloween from these haunted howlers!
Happy Halloween spooky pet owners! This month we asked you to send in photos of your pets wearing their Halloween costumes and you did not disappoint! Here are the October featured pets. Happy haunting!
Happy Halloween: My favourite past Halloween DIY projects
Happy Halloween everyone! This is my favorite holiday and usually go all out decorating and celebrating. This year will be a little different due to Covid-19, and due to the fact that I don't live in a house anymore, so I can't do my haunted walkway. I'll admit I'm a little sad about that. BUT I will still be watching Hocus Pocus and Trick R' Treat! Since the celebration this year won't be as spooky, here are some ghostly DIY Halloween projects, decor, and crafts I've done in the past. I hope I inspire you! Have a safe and happy Halloween!
October featured pets: We want to feature your pet's Halloween costume
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I'm not talking about Christmas- it's spooky season! Halloween is my ABSOLUTE favourite holiday! I love scaring people- and being scared. I love everything about it- the candy, the horror movies, the scary decor, the witches spells, the city draped in my favourite colour- orange!
Ask a Vet: Top 5 Halloween dangers to your pets PLUS 3 vet-approved tips to keep your pets safe
The fall breeze that's giving you goosebumps is ushering in the spookiest holiday of the year- Halloween! It can be an exciting time for the family, but not so much for your pets. The constant visitors at the door, people in costume, and scary sounds can cause stress and anxiety. How we celebrate Halloween can bring about potential hazards to your pet- some of them can be life-threatening. Dr. Carlie Paquette, veterinarian and co-owner of Pembroke Animal Hospital put down her stethoscope and put on her scariest costume to give Paw For Reaction all the ghostly details about potential dangers to your pets on Halloween. Check out what she had to say!
October featured pets: Does your pet have a Halloween costume? Send us a photo!
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I'm not talking about Christmas- it's spooky season! Halloween is my ABSOLUTE favourite holiday! I love scaring people- and being scared. I love everything about it- the candy, the horror movies, the scary decor, the witches spells, the city draped in my favourite colour- orange!