Is Today National Puppy Day? 10 Fun Ways To Celebrate

March 23, 2020March 23, 2020Home LifeLeave a comment

Is it National Puppy Day? Yes! Today, March 23, 2020 is National Puppy Day.

This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn commission when you click on the links at no additional cost you. However, opinions are my own.

Dogs are awesome. They just are. They bring unconditional love and affection into our lives in a way that no one else can. And puppies are the cutest, fuzziest, make-us-smile creatures God ever created. Every year we take time to stop and celebrate National Puppy Day, but if you have a dog every day is puppy day, right? The actual holiday was started in 2006 by author Colleen Paige, and it has now spread across the globe. Her intention was to focus attention on puppy adoption and on the abuses in puppy mills. But she also just wanted us to celebrate these loving little fur balls we call puppies. According to the Center for Disease Control, owning a pet decreases blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness. People who own at least one pet also have increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities and more opportunities for socialization. All the more reason to celebrate National Puppy Day!

Here Are 10 Fun Ideas To Help You Celebrate Puppies on National Puppy Day or Any Day

1. Buy Your Puppy Some New Toys

Buy some new toys for your puppy. As their new teeth come in puppies love to chew everything, so give them plenty of safe chew toys. Our puppy Layla loves to pull the stuffing out of all the toys and “conquer” the squeaker inside. So we quickly learned to give her sturdier toys made especially for teething puppies and to supervise her play. I think I enjoy seeing how happy toys make her as much as she does playing with them! We have found that filling a Kong Toy with healthy food then freezing it keeps Layla occupied for hours.

Sometimes Layla likes to sleep with her dog toy.

2. Throw a Virtual National Puppy Day Party!

Since we are currently social distancing, use Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or some other program to connect with other dog owners and celebrate together. You can eat, drink, dress your dogs in costumes, dress yourselves in costumes, have balloons, whatever you find festive and have a perfectly posh puppy party!

What could be more festive than a National Puppy Day puppy party?

3. Have a Puppy Photo Shoot

And you want to make sure you take pictures at that party, right? You don’t have to hire a professional photographer for this. You can just use your phone and set up several backgrounds or situations to show off your pup in all his cuteness. You could send your digital photos off to a service like Shutterfly and have a calendar made and have your own personalized Cute Puppies Calendar on the wall with a different version of cuteness each month!

4. Teach Your Pup a New Trick

Puppies learn quickly and are eager to please. Use small treats to teach your puppy to sit, stay, and come. And maybe try some other fun tricks like shake or roll over. Layla learned “sit” quite easily, and now whenever she sees me near the treat jar she just automatically sits and looks at me expectantly. Use positive reinforcement. Never yell at or hit your puppy. They will not understand and will learn to be afraid of people. You might also want to consider hiring a professional to help you train your puppy.

5. Walk Your Puppy

Puppies are high energy and thrive on exercise. And the bonus is that when your puppy is tired she will just take a nap instead of chewing your furniture! And let’s face it – walking outdoors is good for us humans too! Because of coronavirus some people are avoiding dog parks temporarily, but you can easily and safely walk alone or with a partner outside. In fact, when you adopt a puppy you will never have to walk alone again! My dogs get so excited when they see me grab the leash and put my shoes on.

Walking dogs — Walking your dog is good for them and us. I wonder if Layla can read?

6. Keep Your Puppy Safe

Make sure to get your puppy a microchip and I.D. tag in case your puppy ever gets out. The AKC website explains how. It is also a good idea to check your yard and fence for any place that your puppy might be able to get out and secure it for safety. Try to eliminate chemical cleaners and buy non-toxic ones instead. Try to keep toxic plants out of your garden or fence that part off to keep your puppy out. Never chain your puppy to a tree, fence, or doghouse. Your puppy is a member of your family!

Layla likes to be right where the flowers are.

7. Donate to a Local Shelter

If social distancing makes it difficult to volunteer right now, you can always donate money or things to a local adoption shelter. You can even make a donation in your pet’s name. Shelters can use items such as blankets, toys, and cleaning supplies. You can also make a donation to organizations such as ASPCA. Here’s an idea: Share pictures of adoptable dogs and puppies from the local shelter or rescue group to help them find forever homes. Both of my dogs are rescue dogs, and I think rescue dogs are the best!

Local animal rescue shelters and organizations always need donations.

8. Make Them Homemade Treats

There are lots of simple recipes out there for delicious and healthy homemade dog treats. See what you have in your pantry at home and let your creativity take over! Feed your puppy only all natural food and treats. Make sure your brand of puppy food is healthy. And if you haven’t already, try Chewy‘s automatic delivery service so you don’t have to get out to go buy more dog food when it runs out. For now you can get 30% off your first Autoship. No coupon needed!

The right food for your pup is important.

9. Arrange a Play Date With a Friend’s Puppy

Socialization is important for puppies. Dogs are pack animals and do not like to be left alone. Once the vet says your puppy is old enough to meet new dogs, arrange a play date where your puppy can meet a neighbor dog or offer to pet sit a friend’s puppy to give them a short break. Puppies can be quite a handful! Make sure to adhere to CDC guidelines though to keep yourself safe and healthy.

Banjo and Layla like to just chill with their human and look out the window.

10. Shower Your Puppy With Extra TLC

It’s a given that you would want to give your puppy extra love and special attention on National Puppy Day, but I have to say it anyway. Young puppies especially may miss their mother and siblings from the litter. Make sure to help them feel safe and loved by giving them lots of affection.

How will you celebrate National Puppy Day?

Let’s see how many comments I can collect below. And remember, you can comment any day – even if you read this post past the actual National Puppy Day. Happy National Puppy Day America!

8 Ways To Love Your Dog This Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2020February 17, 2020Home Life, UncategorizedLeave a comment

When I was single I sometimes wondered if Valentine’s Day was a greeting card company conspiracy, because we often think of Valentine’s Day as a time for romance with a significant other. But this year, let’s think about chew toys, fetch, tug of war, and long winter walks because we are going to show some mad love to our dogs!

Banjo and Layla are spoiled all year long.

There are so many ways we can show our dogs how much we love them. They show us so much unconditional love all year long, so it just makes sense to want to spoil them on this special day! Here are a few ideas of ways you can show your love for your fur babies.

This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

#1: MAKE THEM A SPECIAL DINNER OR TREAT

All dogs drool over the thought of “people food,” but there are many things we eat that they should not have. No chocolates for them this holiday! In fact chocolates are very dangerous for dogs. However, there are some foods that in the right amount our dogs can enjoy right along with us! If your dog really loves a certain meat or vegetable, try making them a small amount for the special occasion. Just remember to boil the meat so your dog doesn’t consume large amounts of fat that might lead to digestive problems! It is probably best to just add a small amount of wet food on top of their regular dog food. Completely changing their diet may cause stomach upset. If they prefer their regular dog treats, then you can always make them a homemade treat. I prefer to feed my pups treats only made in the U.S.A. I have a jar on the kitchen counter filled with one of Banjo and Layla’s favorites: #2: TAKE YOUR DOG OUT FOR A HAPPY WALK

My dogs, Banjo and Layla, love to chase squirrels up trees and sniff around in the leaves on the ground. If you have a dog who loves to skip through the snow during walks or wants to stop and sniff every…. single…. blade of grass, take them out and let them do whatever makes them happy! If they want to take their time at each mailbox post to check their “pee mail,” let them! Enjoy the chance to be outside with your best friend instead of just rushing through the daily walk. Layla likes to pull hard on her leash, so we bought her a harness that works wonders. This pic is before we discovered this

#3: GIVE THEIR BED AND BLANKETS A GOOD CLEANING

Dogs seem to like to smell stinky sometimes, but they also like a clean place to sleep. What better way to show our dogs some love than to make their bed smell clean and fresh? It’s not like they can just go put it in the washing machine themselves. Keeping your dog’s bed, blankets, and toys clean helps to reduce the allergens and bacteria that may settle there, making it a healthier environment for both you and your pup. I even throw the toys in the washing machine periodically.

#4: GET A NEW TOY

Has your dog been tearing up things in your house or chewing things because he is bored? Does he try to steal tennis balls or shoes? Satisfy his need for play with a new toy, and play along with him! I suggest

#5: MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS UP TO DATE ON ALL HIS OR HER MEDICAL NEEDS

Even if it isn’t his favorite place to go, your dog needs regular check ups and vaccines. February is a great time to ensure your dog is up to date before things really get busy in the spring.

#6: HAVE A SPA DAY

After your dog has had a good exercise session with his new toy, it’s time for a relaxing spa day! A Valentine’s Day grooming session to include a warm bath and #7: CLEAN THEIR TEETH

My mom brushes her dog’s teeth every night. It is expensive and sometimes risky to have dogs’ teeth cleaned at the vet, because it usually involves putting the dog to sleep. But if you are like me and don’t have this daily routine try once a week to start. Your dog’s oral health is important. My dogs absolutely love and even beg for #8: DO A DOGGIE PHOTO SHOOT

There are probably lots of local photographers in your area who would love to work with you and your pup to take some great photos at a reasonable price. Pictures of your dog are precious and are a wonderful way to capture so many of the fun times you have together. And your dog will be looking mighty fine too for those photos after his doggie spa day! And what about dressing up your dog with a cute red bandana or

It’s Fall Festival Time!

September 30, 2019October 18, 2019Travel & Adventure, UncategorizedLeave a comment

It’s Fall. Leaves changing, cooler weather, football, pumpkins, and lots of Fall festivals in towns all across the U.S. In The Memphis area where I live there is a festival in almost every town. I do love the Italian Festival in June, and there is always the famous Music Fest and Memphis in May. But since Fall is one of my favorite seasons I enjoy Fall festivals the best. Two of the biggest are the Cooper-Young Festival and the Germantown Festival. The Germantown Festival is one of the longest continuously run festivals in the area. My husband and I recently attended the 48th annual one this month, and I wanted to share some pictures with you.

The Germantown Festival is a free family fun weekend. with over 400 local and regional artists and craftsmen selling their unique treasures such as pottery, artwork, jewelry, metal, woodwork, hand-stitched clothing, paintings, and photography.

There is lots of food – everything from fair food like corn dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cakes to brats, barbecue, and even lobster. There is a Kids Zone with rides and activities for children, an auto show with new and classic cars, and live musical entertainment on a stage.

But being the dog lover that I am my favorite part is the Weenie Dog Race called “The Running of the Weenies.”

It is the cutest thing. There are lots of people with weenie dogs everywhere, and they have a Best Dressed Contest before the race when people embarrass their dogs by dressing them in creative costumes then parading them before the judges. And then the race. Owners line up holding their wiggly pups, while another person the dog loves is at the finish line cheering them on and encouraging them to run to them. It is hilarious. Half the dogs get sidetracked, and some even turn around and run back to the start! So cute.

So I want to hear from you. Comment below and tell me about your favorite festival where you live.

New Puppy Checklist

June 27, 2019June 25, 2020Home Life

We just adopted a new puppy from a local rescue group, and we love her to pieces. We were very sad to lose our beloved 15 year old chow mix, Lucy, last summer. But Banjo was also grieving. We got Banjo when he was a puppy (he is 10 now), and all he has ever known is life with Lucy. He used to follow her everywhere and do whatever she did. When he was alone he was just lost. He didn’t want to play anymore and just slept all day. So we decided to get him a new friend. And now they both have a website named after them! Are you thinking about getting a new puppy? Well, here is a list from the American Kennel Club of things you will need.

This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

Food designed especially for puppies. We feed Layla Hill’s Science Diet.
Treats for training such as Milkbone treats. I always try to buy food or treats made in the U.S.A.
Food and water dishes – I like to use the aluminum ones. Some have rubber on the bottom, and this keeps your puppy from pushing the bowl across the floor when eating.

Crate (may be replaced by a bigger one as she grows) – A sturdy metal one is best.

Bedding (at least two sets) – We have the bed in this link in Layla’s crate. I like it because it is super soft and is also machine washable. It also comes in several different sizes.
Dog Gate(s) – There are lots of different kinds (even a baby gate might work), but we like the one in this link because it looks better in the house and covers a wide area.

Soft, adjustable collar (may need a new one as she grows)

At least one 4 – 6 foot leash

At least 5 or 6 safe chew toys – the more the better Layla loved this toy especially.
A soft-bristle brush
Gentle puppy shampoo
Good quality nail trimmer

Do you have anything else that should be added to this list?

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Tag Archives: dogs