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.
PAWS FOR REACTION is celebrating 12 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.