For many families, a pet is an extension of the family. Typically, the pet was the “first child”. I know that was the case with our cat. As a kid, my family only had dogs as pets. When it comes to your canine companions, you can trust the reliability of home-based dog boarding with WoofConnect for a safe and comfortable haven tailored to meet your dogs’ needs.
However, I grew a liking to cats after meeting my husband’s (then boyfriend) family cat. She was so snugly and calm. Shortly after I moved out of my parents house, I decided to get my own cat. I was lucky to find Kitty, what we lovingly call our cat, at a local pet store where someone from the neighborhood brought in their litter for “sale” (aka FREE as you only had to pay for immunization).
Kitty has been with me for over 10 years now and when my kids talk about our family, they always include “Kitty” as part of the conversation. Advantage flea treatments are available for both dogs and cats, allowing for coordinated treatment in multi-pet households. Amazingly, Kitty has been very patient with my boys as they all go through their over-hugging-squeezing-crushing-pulling phase with her. Other than a few meow’s, she just runs away from the boys.
Besides being really relaxed around our kids, Kitty is also super easy to take care of since she’s an outdoor cat. Truly, she just takes care of herself! She comes in when she’s hungry or tired and excuses herself outside the rest of the time to be petted by neighbors and strangers who walk up and down our street. Many of our neighbors know us as “the owners of Kitty”.
While Kitty may be easy going and mostly out of sight, it’s still important for us to ensure that she’s well taken care of year round, but especially during the cold winter months. She may meow at 5 AM in the morning for us to let her outside, but we always bring her indoors overnight in the winter. She’s an extension of our family after all!
Kitty ONLY drinks from a running tap
Here are some great tips from PetSafe on how to keep your pet safe and warm during the cold weather .
- Bundle Up. Not all dogs have lush fur coats to ward off the chill. Consider purchasing a doggie sweater to keep your pooch warm during those brisk, fall walks. If you have a dog, you can count on dog boarding in Melbourne as a dependable solution for their care and comfort when you’re away.
- Wipe their paws. When coming in from snowy outdoors, wipe your pet dry. Snow and ice can become impacted in paws making them painful or even bleed.
- Don’t leave your animal in the car. Just like during hotter months, it’s dangerous to keep your pet in a cold car. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
- Hide the antifreeze. Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
- Don’t stay cooped up. It may be cold out, but it’s important that your take your dog out for fresh air and exercise. Just be sure to take precautions and don’t keep them out too long. Soulmutts is also the best option if you’re going on a vacation without your pet. They offer full-service dog boarding in Toronto.
For more pet tips and ideas, I also suggest you to browse the householdpets.co.uk online page!
GIVEAWAY
PetSafe knows it’s important to keep pets healthy and active during the cold months. Enter to win a prize pack ($160 value) to help keep your fury friends engaged while stuck inside. Prize pack includes 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder, Busy Buddy Squeak ‘n Treat Ooga, FroliCat DART DUO and an assortment of treats. Contest is open to all residents of Canada. Enter the giveaway via Rafflecopter (please give it a few seconds to load). Contest ends Wednesday November 11, 2015.
I don’t have any pets. But I two nieces who are cat lovers and between them they have 5. They would delighted if I won this for them.
I always wanted a pig lol , never did get one but we have 2 beautiful cats … and one eats like a pig lol
We always had pets when I was growing up. However my husband was allergic to cats and we lived in an apartment so we didn’t have pets. Now that I’m single, my daughter and I have two cats.
I have always had cats but dreamed of having a dog! Seriously, every birthday I’d blow out the candles and wish for a puppy. Each Christmas I asked Santa for one. One month ago my dream came true (at age 41, LOL). We all love our “Yuki Puppy” – he’s the cutest little cocker spaniel mix. Smart and friendly and great with our kids. It’s so nice to have a walking buddy! Thanks for the great post and contest. All of this is new to me and the more tips I get the better. 🙂 <3 @Jennpup
have always had pets , have 4 cats right now, haven’t had a dog for years would love to have a samoyd or a shitzu ..maybe one day!
I always wanted to help with rescued anaimal and now i am by raising money and awareness
i had always wanted a pug, i got one when i moved out, and we just had to put him down last month, he was 7, we are goign to get another pug soon. We do have a family cat!
My dream has come true, I wanted a tiny toy poodle and we have been the proud owners of one for 4 years now. Plus we have a miniature poodle and 2 cats – so lots of furkids to look after.
I’ve always dreamed of having a grey fluffy cat. While taking my son to the pet store one day to look around, I seen this little grey ball of fur that was in a cage and look petrified while her brothers and sisters played around her and tried to get our attention. I had to get her. She has been with us now for 5 years.
I’ve always wanted a big dog, but it hasn’t happened yet. Hoping in the next 5 years!
I’ve always wanted a little lap dog, yes, I got him 11 years ago .. he’s like another child now.
I always wanted a Great Dane and yes I did get one. He was so gentle and such a baby and I always said he did not realize he was a Dane and thought he was a poodle.
I have always dreamed of owning a Rottweiler even when I was young, I’m not much of a dog person but there was something about that breed that just fascinated me, and 8 years ago my dream came true, she is a big suck and lap dog and lets the grandkids do anything to her, but she is also a great guard dog and no one she doesn’t know is going to be hurting her family, when the time comes that she needs to leave us I will get another one in my opinion they are the best!!!!
Always had cats since I was 5. I always wanted furry kids, they make a house a home.
I grew up with a Boxer who was the most wonderful dog and I’ve wanted one as an adult but haven’t yet had the opportunity. Our two cats have to do for now lol
I had a cat growing up, and wish I could still have one…but I developed an allergy. :(. I still snuggle my friends cats when I can, just suffer the consequences. 🙂
I always wanted an Irish Wolfhound – we have an Irish Wolfhound cross : )
I’ve always dreamed about having a horse but unfortunately it hasn’t come true…yet!
Jonnie
I always dreamed of having the BEST pet. YES our dreams came true a few months ago. We adopted a cat named charlie!
I’ve always dreamed of having a husky and now I do! She’s a husky/mastiff mix. the sweetest dog I could ever ask for
I dreamed for years about having my own puppy as an adult and it DID happen. I have experienced it twice…lol…I love my dogs beyond.
I dreamed of having a cat when I was young we always had farm cats but never an inside cat so when I was about 20 I finally got one, but he has long since passed away and currently I do not have one but would like to get one
I always wanted a little Morkie and I have a sweet little one now.
I have always wanted a golden retriever but I do not have one. I am happy with the two cats I have though.
I’ve always just wanted cats, and we currently have two.
I have always wanted a miniature horse. I adore horses but don’t have to ride them to be happy..I am more of a horse hugger than a tree hugger = less splinters, more joy! That dream has not come true . My four pawed ones and the budgie boy help soften the blow.
I have always dreamed of having a small dog, and 5 years ago we adopter a chihuahua! She is adorable.
I always wanted a cat when I was young but never got one. As an adult I have had cats in my life ever since
I’ve had many dogs throughout my life but I never had a puppy. I adopted my current dog when she was a puppy and wow was it ever soooo much harder than I thought it would be. Unfortunately she is only 5 and her knees are completely shot and she has to have surgery to be able to walk. Wish us luck!!
I always dreamed of having my own place and that dream did come true!
i have dreamed of having a maine coon cat but we really have the best cat right now
I never really wanted a pet badly or dreamed of having one..but I got a cat 3 years ago,and he has been my “baby” ever since 🙂
I always dreamt of having a Newfoundland dog but never happened…hubby said its too big lol
i wanted a parot as a kid nope did not happen my son want a red snapping turtle or a boa constrictor no we are sticking to cats and dogs
My dream pet is a cat, and I’ve had one my whole life. Not the same one the entire time of course! 😉 Right now I would also really like to have a couple of fish.
My brother had bad pet allergies so we could only have fish as pets growing up. As soon as I was out on my own, I adopted a cat, who was my baby for 12 years.
I’ve always wanted a Boston terrier , haven’t had one yet! 🙁
Wanted a Huskie as a pet!
When I was a kid I wanted a bear…Not really a pet though 😉
As a teenager and young adult, my dream pet was a golden retriever.
When I was young I always wanted a sheep lol it did not happen and wont
I always wanted a giraffe but that would be hard. I have a dog
My dream was a dog and yes I have 2!
I always dreamed of having a dog and a cat. Yes! My dreams came true. 🙂
Have always wanted a chocolate lap , never got one but love the dog I have.
I have 2 cats…and love them dearly.. Thanks for all the winter tips to help keep them safe and warm.
I’ve had a cat, hamster, rat, turtles and dogs. The fact that I had 5 dogs at one time was probably the highlight of my pet owning career but not sustainable. I’ve also done 3 dogs two times, however, two dogs seems to work best for us.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
I’ve always been around pets since my parents had a hobby farm. Always loved dogs the best though and have 2 at home right now working hard at sleeping
My family wants a dog so badly… we are waiting to find just the right one to adopt. Wish us luck! 🙂
a golden retriever and we just got one!
I wanted a horse when I was young – but we now have a dog and cat
I’ve always wanted a westie …they are super adorable! I have 2 now. =)
I fell in love with the cocker spaniel breed and now have a one and a half year pup named Sam.
i have always thought maybe a panda would be nice, but as i grew up, lol, about 6 years ago this little lapom pomeranium lhasa apso mix who was 9 came into our lives, it was instant love. i couldn’t imagine not having my master monster . he turned 15 today. he is my dream pet
I always wanted to have a lassie, I found them so pretty! My parents got a sheltie, which is very similar, and she is the best dog! She’s not mine but when I visit my parents, I always give her lots of loving 🙂
All pets are my dream pets..and right now we have two dogs, three cats, two chinchillas and a fish. =)
My orange tabby passed away suddenly in Sept past. I miss him terribly and I really wanted another orange kitty but they are hard to come by. But my daughter found one for me and I am getting Gizmo this week! He is 8 weeks old. He wouldn’t be replacement love but new love and he will help mend my broken heart.
my hubs and DD have asthma and allergies.. but ive always had animal/pets at home.Pets with hubs was not likely, but we found that siamese are less allergenic. I love siamese
I grew up with a dog and have had them since so I’ve always lived my pet dream.
I’ve always dreamed of having a cat that bosses me around. My dream is now a reality! lol!
when i was a child, i wanted a horse – i grew out of that phase i guess. Now we have 2 sweet dogs. We would like to get another cat – they are all great company – i love having pets!
I wanted a goat, I still want a goat.
I always dreamed of having a horse but sadly I’ve never been able to make that dream come true. 🙁
I have always wanted a Chihuahua and I got one finally last month, adding to our pack of three Jack Russells.
Yes, I always wanted a cat but as a child we couldn’t have one because of my mother’s allergies. Now I have 3 of them.
I have always wanted a little fluffy or puffy dog, lots of fur, but very little, like under a foot tall.
I always wanted a horse
i always wanted cats growing up, but my parents always said ‘no’. when i moved out and was financially stable i got a cat. love them!
Always wanted to have German Shepard, but he is just too big for our family.
My husband and I both would love to adopt a shelter cat – Which will be happening soon! 🙂
Yes, I always wanted a yorkie and my dream came true.
I always wanted a chow chow , now i have 5 of them !
ive always wanted to have a Panda or Lion as a pet when I was little. It never happened lol.
I always dreamed of owning a Norwegian Elkhound and I now have one who is almost 3 years old.
I wanted a bunny, but never got one.
We have always wanted a Chihuahua and we finally got one in August <3
A serval cat, but way to crazy, so i got a bengal
I did always dream of owning a German Shepherd dog and my wish has come true! Love him so much!
Growing up I always wanted a bunny. We finally got a bunny with the name Stewpot. My mom had a sic sense of humour! LOL!!
I would love to have a french pitbull and it hasn’t happened yet 🙁
I always dreamed of having a Persian cat. No. I fell in love and married a man who is extremely allergic to cats.
I’ve always loved cats and dogs and have had both. Right now we have a really sweet little Cockapoo dog.
I’ve always wanted a sphinx cat . I haven’t fulfilled this dream yet.
My dream pet was always a horse, but sadly still don’t have one although i love my kitty and puppy
I always dreamed of having a cat of my own, so far I have had to share
When I was a kid my mother was very anti-pet but I wanted a dog SO badly. Fast forward a few years and a small kitten showed up on my door step during some pretty cold weather. Still no dog, but I do have the kitty 🙂
A puppy – hopefully soon
I love most dogs and I have 3 grandpuppies who are wonderful!
I have always dreamed of having a cat. Now I have 2.