It's 2021: Time to stop calling women hysterical
I was moderating comments on my blog and discovered a comment left on my article Real talk: Does a veterinary hospital have to see your pet?. It said the article was very "crass" and should have "a rant warning." To be fair, in the first paragraph of the article I state I'm aware I'm going to ruffle some feathers and the article may sound harsh. The male commenter then said the article was "obviously written by a hysterical woman. Yikes." After some consideration, I deleted it.
Your funny Valentine: February pets featured in a Valentine from their pet parents
You know why you love your pet, but why not put it in writing? That's what some of my Paws peeps did for Valentine's Day! I asked my readers to submit a photo of their pet and one sentence explaining why they love their pet. Thank you for submitting your pet to be selected as one of my February Featured Pets. I created custom Valentine's for them from you- the person who loves them most! Just right-click or press and hold on the photo and save it! Then you can share it with your friends and family!
Ask a vet: Why is chocolate poisonous to dogs? What do I do if my dog eats chocolate?
Chocolate is almost as sweet as my dog Hazel. That's right, I said almost. But every now and then I get a chocolate craving I can't ignore. I've always been extra careful not to let my dog have even a crumb of cocoa goodness. But why? We know not to give our dogs chocolate, but what is it about the sweet substance that is so dangerous for dogs? I asked Dr. Carlie Paquette, a veterinarian at Pembroke Animal Hospital, to give me the facts about chocolate toxicity and dogs.
Black History Month: 12 books about diversity and inclusivity for children
February is Black History Month. Canada's theme for Black History Month 2021 is The Future is Now. Educating the future generation about the achievements of Black Canadians and the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our community is a fundamental part of a child's learning experience. Setting a good example for the youth and teaching them when they are young is the best way to ensure children are more tolerant in the future. Literature can help shape future generations and is a useful tool in achieving this. Check out these 12 inspiring children's books about diversity and inclusivity. If you are interested in purchasing one of these books for your children, just click the links in the post!
The regular person’s guide to becoming a climate activist
I’ve always felt a deep connection to nature. Growing up I was passionate about aquatic life and had an interest in wildlife extinction. I used to drag my little sister to the stream behind our housing development and collect samples to analyze. We would catch frogs and collect algae. Mostly we would get covered in mud despite my mother’s strict instructions to ‘not get dirty.’ I decided I was going to be a marine biologist when I grew up, long before my dreams of being a writer surfaced. The problem was I didn’t excel in science and math and I knew my grades would never reflect my passion. I had to set my scientist dreams aside. It was clear to me that my talents were limited to pen and paper. But my connection to nature never went away, and as I grew, that connection grew with me. I became aware of climate change and the harm humanity is inflicting on the planet and that the list of extinct animals is getting longer. I couldn’t sit back and watch without doing something. But what could I do? I’m just a regular person.
Looking for February featured pets: Submit your pet to be featured in a custom Valentine
My furry Valentine! That's Hazel! The reason's I love Hazel are endless, but one thing I love the most about her is that Hazel 'feels the sad' as I call it. When I'm feeling sad or stressed, even if I'm not in the same room as her, Hazel can sense it and gives me love. She comes over and snuggles me and I instantly feel a weight lifting. Hazel, like all of our pets, gives me the most precious and rare gift: unconditional love.
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!
Hanging with Hazel: The ups and downs of working from home
You all know me- I'm Hazel. I'm having the best time being a big city dog. Mum is disappointed that the rona is still pretty bad. I pretend that it bothers me too, but I have a secret. The rona is the best thing that has ever happened to a big city dog like me. Before the rona mum used to leave me all day. She would go somewhere called 'work' and come back with all kinds of weird smells I didn't recognize. And I'm pretty sure she was eating food without sharing it with me! Since the rona got bad she is with me every day working from home! Now I'm not just a big city dog- I'm a big career dog! Mum and I work from home together, which is mostly great because mum doesn't eat any food without my strict oversight. But it does have its challenges.
Frosted festivities: How to celebrate National Cupcake Day during the pandemic?
How sweet it is to save animals! Heather Jobe, the Community Development Coordinator at the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre, wants you to "sprinkle the love for animals in need by participating in National Cupcake Day!" This year's frosted fundraiser culminates on February 22, 2021. Like everything else in the world, the celebration has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. But that's alright- Heather has some advice about how you can think outside the muffin tin to celebrate the sweetest day of the year.
The pet food industry's dirty secret: Ingredient splitting, "real" meat, all-natural, and a ban on by-products
Do you think the concept of fake news is a recent thing? The retail pet food industry has been serving up its own brand of fake news for more than a decade. Today's pet owners are savvy and have a hunger for knowledge; much of the knowledge they seek is available at their fingertips. The tip of their paws, if you will. But like an all-caps tweet typed by Donald Trump on the toilet at 2:00 AM, most information dished by retail pet food companies will be found false once it's fact-checked. Much of the information is based on human diet trends that are influencing the industry. While conceptual and anecdotal information is pleasing to hear and easy to digest- and science is confusing and questioning- it's important to remember the fundamental rule of retail: you are being marketed to.
Happy 6th birthday to Hazel! Here are some highlights from Hazel's birthday celebration!