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Paws for Reaction
Top Five Friday: Five reasons why I love my veterinarian 

Top Five Friday: Five reasons why I love my veterinarian #FridayFive

It's no secret- my dog has spent a LOT of time at the vet. I've spent more money on Hazel's health care than I'd like to admit, or would even like to know. She's had her share of health problems, emergencies, and accomplishments with weight loss- that I'm super jealous of. Can someone measure my food in a  cup and only feed me twice a day, please?

Vinyl Dayz are here to stay: Shop owner of my favourite record store shares about his dream job


August 12 is National Vinyl Record Day: Q & A with a record store owner

Leaning back on my leather sofa with a cup of green tea steaming from an owl mug, a fake fireplace on my TV, and Frank Sinatra's smooth voice crooning over the faint crackle of the record as it spins on my Crosley turntable. That's paradise. Over the years, I've cultivated my love of vinyl and my record collection has taken on a life of its own, growing in size and eccentricity. I enjoy shopping for records just as much as I enjoy listening to them. Searching through stacks of albums is an amazing experience- if you can find a really cool record shop with a really cool shop owner. I've been fortunate to find a few of these hidden gems; places where shopping comes with a side of interesting conversation and you leave with a stack of records and a slew of stories.

An industry under attack: Before you start harassing a veterinary hospital, you should read this
  
An industry under attack: Before you start harassing a veterinary hospital, you should read this

When I start writing posts like this I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers. I get it, it will probably sound harsh to those who aren't empathetic to both sides. This needs to be discussed in the open. While those in the veterinary industry know this, most people are unaware. They may attempt to destroy the reputation of a clinic just doing their job. With the increased number of deaths by suicide in the veterinary industry, this behavior is unacceptable. 

National Book Lovers Day: 10 favourite books I've read in the past 10 years

August 9 is National Book Lovers Day: Top 10 books of the last decade
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This holiday has got me LITerary! Today is National Book Lovers Day, and that is exactly how I describe myself. A book lover! When I think about books, I touch my shelf. I decided to challenge myself and take on the difficult task of narrowing down the top 10 books I've read in the past decade. These are books that tickle my spine. They are gripping, entertaining, and well worth the Plum rewards. 

Ask a vet: Which vaccines should my pet get? What is my pet's vaccine schedule?


Ask a vet: What vaccines should my dog and cat get?
Dr. Carlie Paquette and her dog Bea

As a result of the global pandemic, there is one thing on everyone's mind: vaccines. COVID-19 has affected our lives in so many ways, including putting the importance of vaccines back in the news. Vaccines can be lifesaving- for you and your pet. There's a lot of misinformation online and on social media about vaccinations, including false side-effects and inefficacy of vaccines. The fact is, there's a lot more scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of vaccines then there is against it. Most arguments against vaccines are not fact-checked and purely antidotal. 

Let sleeping dogs lie: Sit and stay at this pet-friendly AirnBn-Beagle

Dog Bark Park Inn: Sit & Stay in this pet-friendly AirnBn-Beagle


People will be itching to travel once the COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted, and dog owners can scratch that itch by visiting an Airbnb that takes pet-friendly to a higher level. Surrounded by grain prairies and mountain views, this doghouse is located at the edge of Cottonwood in rural Idaho. And by doghouse, I mean it is a literal bed and breakfast shaped like a Beagle! This Beagle Airbnb can accommodate four guests in its two-bedroom (three beds) and one-bath tail-wagger of a space.

Ottawa Event: Robbie Craig's Northern Projects Art Show August 8-9


Ottawa Event: Robbie Craig's Northern Projects Art Show August 8-9


Canadian artist Robbie Craig is visiting the nation's capital to showcase his creations.  Robbie Craig's Northern Projects will host an art show on Saturday, August 8th, and Sunday, August 9th at the Ottawa East Holiday Inn. As most of you know, I'm a huge fan of Robbie Craig's art. His aesthetic brings to life the natural beauty and whimsy that makes Canada so special. His artwork celebrates nature and wildlife, and his personal touch makes each piece unique.

National Colouring Book Day: My three favourite adult colouring books


National Colouring Book Day: My three favourite adult colouring books
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When I'm bored or stressed, I like to pull out a colouring book, some pencil crayons, and pretend I'm a kid again. Colouring can reduce anxiety and is a great distraction from adulting. August 2nd is National Colouring Book Day! In the spirit of this fun holiday, I'm sharing my three favourite adult colouring books! 

Before & After: Meet this month's Paws For Reaction featured pets!


Before & After: Meet this month's Paws For Reaction featured pets!


It's transformation time! This month I asked my Paws peeps to send in Before & After photos of their pets! Grooming, growth, weight loss- no transformation was off-limits. You didn't disappoint! Check out these adorable Before & After photos! Thank you for your submissions and stay tuned for next month's feature!


Wild Wednesday: Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre is so much more than just a rehabilitation Centre


Wild Wednesday: Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre is so much more than just a rehabilitation centre


The Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre was founded over 30 years ago by husband and wife Gary and Donna DuBreuil after they found an orphaned baby squirrel. They discovered that there was little information or help available to care for it. They teamed up with a small group of dedicated volunteers and started to care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife in the Ottawa and surrounding area.


Book Review: One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus

Book Review: One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus Paws For Reaction Summer Reading List
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Karen M. McManus followed her book One of Us is Lying by taking us back to Bayview in the sequel One of Us is Next. In a lot of ways, I enjoyed this book more than the first one. The mystery in the first book was better, but the sequel was a faster-paced and more enjoyable read. The author dumped all of the teen-beat stereotypes from the first novel and created more realistic and dynamic characters. I had part of the mystery figured out early enough, but in the last chapter, the book flipped the story on its head and twisted in the most unexpected way. Pure entertainment.

Top Five Friday: Five fun pet water fountains for cats
  

Top Five Friday: Five fun pet water fountains for cats #FridayFive
This post contains affiliate links to cool stuff. Cool- get it! LOL! 
I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.


It's National Pet Hydration Awareness Month and I'm giving cats some love on Top Five Friday. Pet water fountains are fantastic for encouraging drinking, especially in picky cats. Cats prefer fresh, flowing water over standing water. Most cats don't drink enough, but water is so important to their overall health. Drinking the proper amount of cater can help support your cat's urinary health, and can even help prevent kidney disease. All of these cat water fountains are great options, but I've listed them in order from least likely to entice a sip to most likely to wet your whistle.

July featured pets: Send a 'Before & After' photo of your pet to be featured on Paws For Reaction
  

July featured pets: Send a 'Before & After' photo of your pet to be featured on Paws For Reaction


Did you get your pet as a puppy or kitten? Are they all grown up now? Did your pet have a significant weight loss? A major change in life? I want to see it!


Wild Wednesday: Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a leader in wildlife rehabilitation for over 40 years


Wild Wednesday: Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a leader in wildlife rehabilitation for over 40 years

If you're looking for a place that cares for all creatures, big and small, there's no other place like this! Located in Rosseau, Ontario, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary was founded in the early 1970s and has been a leader in wildlife rehabilitation ever since. The sanctuary is located on 460 acres of natural habitat, making it one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation locations in Ontario. 


July featured pets: Send a 'Before & After' photo of your pet to be featured on Paws For Reaction
  

July featured pets: Send a 'Before & After' photo of your pet to be featured on Paws For Reaction



Did you get your pet as a puppy or kitten? Are they all grown up now? Did your pet have a significant weight loss? A major change in life? I want to see it!


Big dog, bigger discrimination: Large dogs are commonly discriminated against for no good reason


Big dog, bigger discrimination: Large dogs are commonly discriminated against for no good reason

Discrimination is not exclusive to the human world. People project their biases and discrimination onto the dog world in two big ways: breedism and sizeism. While we are familiar with discussing breed-specific legislation and breeds like Pitbulls that are commonly banned in municipalities, we don't often talk about the harassment and discrimination large dog owners face on a daily basis.

Top Five Friday: My five favourite Ontario Parks I visited with Keira



This week's Friday Five is a special memorial edition. I'd like to pay a tribute to my beloved Keira who I lost earlier this week. Writing about her and reminiscing about our life together is helping me work through this devastating loss. Keira and I went on many adventures in our eight years together. She had an adventurous spirit and loved nature. She was a remarkable creature. One of our favourite things to do was hike the many provincial parks in the Ottawa Valley. These are the top five Ontario Parks that hold the most precious memories of my girl Keira. They were her favourite places to be, and I hope you will visit with your dogs.


Ontario needs your help: Species at risk in the Greater Golden Horseshoe set to lose their homes




There is a struggle between green and gold taking place in our province that you may not be aware of. Southern Ontario is home to the Greater Golden Horseshoe, one of the fastest-growing regions in North America. It's home to 9 million people- more than 55% of Ontarians. The most recognizable cities located in the Greater Golden Horseshoe included Brantford, Guelph, Peterborough, and Barrie. The area attracts one in three new immigrants to Canada and its population is forecast to surge to 13.5 million by 2041. As a result, developers and industrialists are chomping at the bit, trying to dig their hooves into this promising region.


Wild Wednesday: Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre is the only rehabilitation Centre in the area dedicated exclusively to wild birds


Wild Wednesday: Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre is the only rehabilitation centre exclusively dedicated to wild birds


If you've found an injured or orphaned bird in the Ottawa region, this is the place that will take that bird under its wing. Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre in Ottawa, Ontario was founded in 1981 by the late Kathy Nihei when she successfully rehabilitated and released an injured Ruby-throated Hummingbird, who she named Pip. The Centre is a registered charitable organization funded primarily by public donations. It is the only rehabilitation Centre in the Ottawa Valley area exclusively dedicated to wild birds, with thousands of birds admitted every year. The next closest rehab Centre in Ontario is in Napanee.  

Tribute: In loving memory of Keira 2008-2020




Yesterday I lost my best friend, Hazel lost her big sister and the world lost a gentle soul. I had to make the difficult and sad decision to say goodbye to Keira. Keira was so much more than the dog I used for photos and testing products on Paws For Reaction. She was the first dog I ever owned and a huge member of our family. She was the love of my life. She had a long and happy life, and I was so fortunate that she spent most of it in perfect health. Sadly, she became very ill, very fast, and she didn't deserve to be in pain. 

Pet Hydration Awareness Month: Does my pet have a drinking problem? Why is my pet drinking so much?


Pet Hydration Awareness Month: Does my pet have a drinking problem? Why is my pet drinking so much?

Ontario has been hit by a heatwave and it's not going away any time soon. We are in for a sweltering summer, and this means we are all going to be thirsty- our fur-family included. It's normal for your pet to drink more during the summer months, but how much is too much? If you notice your pet drinking more, there could be an underline health concern causing hyper-hydration. 


Barking for the bylaw: Six best facemasks for dog lovers


Ottawa mandatory facemask bylaw: Best facemasks for dog lovers on Etsy
This post contains affiliate links

This week Ottawa Public Health passed a bylaw mandating the use of facemasks by people visiting indoor public spaces. This means we are going to start seeing a lot fewer mouths and a lot more facemasks in public. I support this decision 100% as I feel it will keep my friends and family who are not as healthy as I am safer from contracting COVID-19. While masking can be uncomfortable, I've been having some fun with it. I have masks with pet-themed prints, and masks to match my outfits. You can still showcase your style and personality from behind the mask.
Top Five Friday: My five favourite documentaries about climate change


Top Five Friday: My five favourite climate change documentary films #FridayFive
This post contains affiliate links


Happy Friday! Since July is Wild About Wildlife Month, I'm going to steal Top Five Friday away from my dogs and give it back to the environment. Biodiversity is so important when it comes to maintaining a healthy and thriving wildlife population. Unfortunately, climate change is having a devastating effect on biodiversity. As a result, there has been an increase in endangered species. That's why I'm sharing my top five documentaries about climate change and the environment. It was really hard to put these in order and I'm still very conflicted. But one thing I know for sure is that they are all worth a watch- and a share!


Pet Hydration Awareness Month: Is my pet dehydrated? What do I do if my pet is dehydrated?

Pet Hydration Awareness Month: Is my pet dehydrated? What do I do if my pet is dehydrated?
This post contains affiliate links to cool stuff. Cool- get it! LOL 
I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

It's been a sweltering summer here in Ontario! Our pets can't tap us on the shoulder and say "Hey, boss! I'm really thirsty!" like a human can. In a way, I wish my dog could talk, but I also think that if Hazel could talk she'd tell me all sorts of outlandish and unnecessary things. Maybe it's best that she can't speak English. But if she's dehydrated, it would be nice if she could let me know. 


Wild Wednesday: Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary saves lives of orphaned animals


Wild Wednesday: Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary saves lives of orphaned animals #WildWednesday


Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in North Gower does amazing things for local wildlife and I absolutely adore this amazing team of caring animal lovers. I've donated to them and receive their newsletter, detailing important information about Canadian wildlife and how they are making a difference. This is a really impressive wildlife sanctuary, located right here in Ontario.

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PAWS FOR REACTION is celebrating 13 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.

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