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Paws for Reaction

My Meatless Month: Even the smallest changes make a difference

Photo of Byward Market in Ottawa, Ontario by Jamie McCaffrey
Beginning New Year’s Day, 2017, I have been eating a vegetarian diet, as a way to lower my carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment. I’ve been calling it my ‘Meatless Month.’ For more than a year now I have two vegetarian days a week, sometimes three. This is the first time I have gone vegetarian. 

Make a donation and you could WIN a $50 terra20 gift card



As many of you know I've been accepted to the Climate Reality Corps Leadership training program that takes place this March in Denver, Colorado. This course will teach me the scientific facts of climate change, and what I can do to help my community understand and prepare for what is to come. The training is free, but I have to pay for my travel. Since I'm travelling from Ontario, Canada it's a costly trip- but it will be worth it. That being said, I created a fundraiser on Go Fund Me to help cover the cost of travel.


How to shop eco-friendly, waste reducing and sustainable product

Ottawa takes a big step forward with terra20


Like a rising tide, Canadian citizens are becoming more concerned with conserving and protecting the environment. Floods of people around the world are marching in climate protests, acting as local water protectors and demanding change from world leaders. Our carbon footprint is too big and our protected lands are too small. But one trail blazing local company is leading the way to a more sustainable future.

Becoming a Climate Reality Leader: You can help me get there!

Hi Paws peeps! I have been accepted to the Climate Reality Corps Leadership Program and am excited to start my training as a Climate Reality Leader. Thank you to everyone who has donated to my fundraiser so far- I'm so grateful! I'm looking forward to teaching my community about how to live more sustainably. Over the past year I have been sharing eco-friendly tips and products with my readers, but becoming a Climate Reality Leader would give me the opportunity to learn about the incredible efforts being made all over the world to combat climate change. It would give me the network and platform to generate new ideas. I would have the tools I need to speak to and represent my community- the beautiful Ottawa Valley.

Becoming a Climate Reality Leader: Join me on my journey to a green, sustainable future
During Obama's Farewell Speech he said "if you see something that needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do something about it." It is in the spirit of those inspirational words that I am proudly sharing with all of you that I have been accepted to the Climate Reality Leadership Corps to train to become a Climate Leader in my community.



In March I will travel to Denver, Colorado to attend training hosted by former Vice President Al Gore and other climate scientists to learn about how I can help implement green initiatives and climate actions in my community, and to educate youth and meet with community leaders to spark change. It is a great honour I don't take lightly.




The training and conference is completely free and includes meals and all the training materials. To be a Climate Reality Leader means you are a volunteer, you serve your planet, and I am not allowed to get paid a fee or salary for any of the 10 climate actions that I will be committed to (a year) after I complete my training. So this is not for any monetary gain; I am volunteering to serve the environment and my community. What I need is sponsors to help fund my travel expenses: flights there and back, hotel room and travel costs to and from the conference centre/airports. The training conference is March 2-4, 2017. 



Climate Change is the single greatest challenge that my generation faces. I personally want to make up for my years of not appreciating nature in the same way that I do now- the same way I did as a kid when, I would collect frogs with my sister. I spent so many years with only concrete under my feet, I forgot what it was like to pull blades of grass through my toes. Every time I hike a trail with my dogs I am reminded about how fragile this all is right now. 97% of peer reviewed science states that climate change is real, and the studies and statistics can be so defeating. Becoming a climate reality leader will arm me with the knowledge of how to help in my community. To be able to hold my ground with community leaders, or share my knowledge with schools and businesses is the ultimate goal. I will also be able to create credible media campaigns and organize climate change events, as well as support local climate actions already taking place.

To be accepted to this program is an honour and a privilege, and it would mean so much to me to receive even the smallest donation to fund my dream to become a Climate Reality Corps Leader. Thank you so much for your donation, and for getting involved in a green, sustainable future!








Have a very Merry Christmas from my fur family to yours!



Etsy holiday gift guide: Perfect gifts for quirky pet owners
Etsy is a great place to do your Christmas shopping because you are supporting an amazing group of crafters and designers who are doing it on their own. Take a step back from large retailers and get something extra special this season. Shopping Etsy is a little bit like shopping local. Your purchase really makes a difference, and your gift will be completely unique. Etsy is a great place to find something quirky and unexpected- and personal. Check out this quirky holiday gift guide!

Photo via What a Novel Idea
Quirky and playful black cat double broach

I love this item from What a Novel Idea Etsy shop! This quirky but stylish double broach is a great gift idea for a cat lover! Who says you can’t take your cat with you everywhere? About this item: “They each measure about 2" long and 1 1/2" tall and are connected by a red and gold rosary bead chain measuring about 4". You can wear these pretty cats on your collar or wear them as a double pin on your top or sweater as seen in the pictures above. Each little feline has been covered with a protective gloss sealer but it's best that you keep them from getting wet.”
SHOP THIS ITEM!

Photo via Breakfast Jones
Custom hand-painted pet portrait on wood

This is a fantastic idea for a Christmas gift for a pet lover. These adorable pet portraits can be ordered from Breakfast Jones Etsy shop! I love the art by Breakfast Jones, there are many great options to choose from. About this item: “Custom pet portrait, hand painted pet portrait on 5 to 8" wood rounds, by Artist Kendyl Lauzon. Created from your photographs, I hand paint portraits of all different types of fur/feather/gill babies. The painting I create is an excellent way to immortalize your pet after they have passed on. A creative way to remember them and the love you shared.”
SHOP THIS ITEM!

Photo via Napping JoJo
Unique designer shoe pet bed


This pet bed is so adorable- it looks like a warm and fuzzy moccasin. Perfect for cold December nights. This bed is available, along with other shoe inspired beds, via the Napping JoJo Etsy shop! About this item: “Pet Bed for shoe lovers! Cats love shoes! Dogs love shoes! A shoe shaped pet bed is like a pet's dream come true! Medium size moccasin pet bed made in Brooklyn New York. It suits pets up to 18 lbs. Most cats, small breed dogs, puppies and alike should be all able to curl up comfortably in this soft bed.”
SHOP THIS ITEM!

Photo via Very Vintage
Sushi dog collar

Very Vintage
Etsy shop has fun and quirky dog collars of all kinds- even Christmas themed collars! But this sushi collar has to be the quirkiest of the bunch, and a great gift idea for the dog lover you are buying for. About this item: “I love this fun Sushi fabric! This collar is adorned with a pretty light ice blue cotton adorned with fun sushi! Yum! We've also gone ahead and adorned it with a matching red buckle. As always, this vintage style fabric covers our unique organic cotton webbing!”
SHOP THIS ITEM!

Photo via Dazzle Doggie
Doggie Rudolph neck tie


Your dog can be just as dressed up as you this holiday season! Dazzle Doggie Etsy shop has great canine accessories for Christmas- including this sweet Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer neck tie. About this item: “Rudolph the red nosed reindeers nose shiny on this pet neck tie. Our neck ties slide easily over your dog collar. They come in 3 sizes. The Large neck tie slides over a 1 inch wide collar and hangs below the collar approximately 5 1/2 inches. Medium slides over a 3/4-inch-wide collar and hangs below the collar approximately 4 1/2 inches. The small neck tie slides over a 1/2-inch-wide collar and hangs below the collar approximately 3 1/2 inches.”
SHOP THIS ITEM!

Photo via VaivanIndre
Felt cat bed cave


If you are looking for a cat bed that is also a conversation piece, then look no further. VaivaIndre Etsy shop is full of wondrous felt creations like this gaping mouth cat cave. About this item: “We made cat cave from soft merino wool. Felting pet house we used only soap and water. In this cat house your pet will feel safe and cat cave has a tail which will serve as pet toy.”


SHOP THIS ITEM!

Photo via Fanti Arts & Crafts
Catnip pizza


Looking for that perfect gift for your cat, or maybe someone who loves cats? Look no further! This Fanti Arts and Crafts pizza is a slice your cat will love! You can even order it in a full pie or slices! About this item: “Who order Pizza?? Awww My cat did!!! Why not enjoy Pizza Time with our little Kitties?? This little Cute Pizza is Fill with Organic Catnip from Ontario. Made with 100% cotton fabric and cotton batting.”

SHOP THIS ITEM!

Photo via FOTOS2ART
Star Trek pet portrait

What you are seeing is real. Your pet can be part of Star Fleet this Christmas. This is the perfect gift for the pet lover who is also a Trekkie. The FOTOS2ART Etsy shop features this and many more quirky, fun and artistic ways to immortalize your furry family member! About this item: “This is my unique take on a custom pet portrait! These characters are dressed in Star Trek uniforms - TNG - The Next Generation costumes. You can choose any color you would like for the uniforms and add any saying below your pet's portrait to create a really unique Star Trek print.”
SHOP THIS ITEM!

Check out the Etsy Editor's Picks!


Modern Flower Child: Natural handmade works of art
















What I love the most about Modern Flower Child jewelry is that each piece takes you on a journey. Modern Flower Child resin jewelry perfectly preserves flowers and other organic material. The bracelets are so whimsical. I purchased this once because it reminds me of walking through a garden. The jewelry is a breath of fresh are, and so natural. Each piece is handmade, from designing using delicate flowers and foliage, to pouring, curing and shaping. Read more about Modern Flower Child on the website!




GIVEAWAY! Enter to WIN a free Modern Flower Child resin bracelet

GIVEAWAY! Enter to WIN a free Modern Flower Child resin bracelet, made with real flowers! To enter the giveaway “Like” the  Paws For Reaction Facebook page, “Like” this post and “Share” it on your Facebook timeline! Contest closes November 28, 2016. Must live in Canada or the USA. A draw will be held on December 1st and the winner will be announced on the Paws For Reaction Facebook page and contacted though direct message. CLICK HERE to visit the Paws For Reaction Facebook page.






Check out Paws For Reaction pet and lifestyle blog- CLICK HERE!


Shop Modern Flower Child jewelry and see other styles- CLICK HERE!







#Giveaway



URGENT! Kittens in Ottawa Valley area need forever homes

Three feral kittens are in desperate need of forever homes in Golden Lake, Ontario. I am reaching out to my readers in the Ottawa Valley to share this story so we can get these little fur babies a home. All three kittens- two female and one male- are living inside now and eating wet and dry cat food.

Golden Lake resident Gillian is looking for homes for the feral cats that her father was feeding before he passed away this week. You can reach out to Gillian by emailing gfletcher815@gmail.com

Paws peeps I need your help! If you are able to rescue one of these cats please email Gillian right away. If you are not in a position to bring a new pet home, please share this story!


Photos: Dogs in Halloween costumes 

It's that time of year again! Time to look at adorable photos of dogs in Halloween costumes! As cute and hilarious as this can be, it is important to make sure that your pet's costume is comfortable and not constricting. Halloween hazards are all around you and although holidays are fun they can present dangers. I hope you enjoy these costumed canines, and have a safe and happy Halloween!



Photo Hannah Bluedawn

GIVEAWAY! Enter to WIN a free Modern Flower Child resin bracelet

GIVEAWAY! Enter to WIN a free Modern Flower Child resin bracelet, made with real flowers! To enter the giveaway “Like” the  Paws For Reaction Facebook page, “Like” this post and “Share” it on your Facebook timeline! Contest closes November 28, 2016. Must live in Canada or the USA. A draw will be held on December 1st and the winner will be announced on the Paws For Reaction Facebook page and contacted though direct message. CLICK HERE to visit the Paws For Reaction Facebook page.





Check out Paws For Reaction pet and lifestyle blog- CLICK HERE!


Shop Modern Flower Child jewelry and see other styles- CLICK HERE!






#Giveaway




Photo by Ted Murphy

I put a spell on you: Spellcasting dogs dressed as witches for Halloween

I love witches! I also love dogs, which is why I'm sharing these photos of adorably spooky canine witches. These dogs dressed as witches are celebrating Halloween by casting spells and brewing potions.


Horror movie night: Halloween night collection

We danced on devils night but the true terror is just beginning! Halloween night is when the sky is darkest and the dead come out to play. On this All Hallow of Eve's we dress up to disguise ourselves so we can move among the monsters. While horror movies are horrific, not all beg to be watched on Halloween night. This is a list of horror films that have a Halloween theme or have haunting events that take place on the scariest of holidays. Turn your cauldron up to boil and check out this movie list- the good films and the bad- and bring your nightmares back from the dead this Halloween!

VIEW THE LIST!


Have a safe and Happy Halloween!





Hot dog: Dogs dress up as hot dogs for a tasty Halloween photo story
Photo by Ben Murray


Is there a funnier, more adorable dog Halloween costume than a hot dog? Check out these adorable hot dogs strut their stuff for the spookiest holiday of the year!


What is your dog dressing up as for Halloween this year? Tweet me @PawsForReaction


Photo by Hello Chaos



Photo by Kevin O'Mara
Halloween horror TV: Supernatural TV shows and horror anthology series to give you a scare this Halloween

Looking for something spooky to watch this Halloween? Why not binge watch one of these horrific TV shows! This is a list of supernatural and horror themed TV shows, mini-series and anthology series. This Halloween I will be re-watching the new and totally awesome Stranger Things series on Netflix. I think I might re-visit the Murder House in the first season of American Horror Story. What TV show will you be watching this Halloween?


VIEW THE LIST!


October 2 is National Cat Day!






To see more black cat facts visit Petco!

#NationalCatDay

Photo by Professor Bop

Readers beware: 13 spooky children's books to read this Halloween

Fall is my favourite time of year! I absolutely love changing leaves, warm sweaters and most of all Halloween! Halloween is my favourite holiday- mostly because I love scaring people! Growing up I liked to scare people, it was a lot of fun, especially scaring my little sister. I would hide in her closet and jump out when she least expected it. To this day she is still afraid that I might be in there, lurking and waiting for my next scare. What I love even more than scaring people is scary movies, TV shows, and above all scary books. To get in the spirit for this frightful holiday I am sharing this list of 13 scary kids' books to read on Halloween- with quick links to purchase for a great price at Target! Some of them may be too scary for younger children, but most kids will really enjoy these spooky picture books. Read them to your kids right before bed to turn their sweet dreams into nightmares... MUHAHAHAHAHA!

This post contains affiliate links to cool stuff!

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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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