Tag Archives: animals

Mar19

Spoil Your Pooch: Three Must-Haves For Your Dog

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Spoil Your Pooch: Three Must-Haves For Your Dog

You’d be hard pressed to find anyone around these days who doesn’t have a very spoiled and beloved doggy in their home. Dogs are just so good, you know? 

While we’re all dog lovers, our approaches to having an animal can be decidedly different. There are those of us who treat our puppers like family members, giving them every luxury, putting their needs and care above even our own, and sparing no expense for the best food, vet care, and more. Then of course, there are those who have a more hands off approach with their pets, loving them no less of course, but taking a more casual approach to pet ownership. 

No matter what your pet-parenting style is, these are three areas in which you should always “splurge”, to provide your pet (and yourself) with the best life possible:

Grooming:

This is especially true for dogs who have dense, heavy coats or special needs in terms of washing/cutting. Too many people neglect their dog’s coat, which can lead to health problems, bad hygiene, and more. A groomer is more than just a stylist for your pet. They also treat the dog’s skin, cut their nails, express glands, and so much more. 

And if you’re worried about cost, groomers are surprisingly inexpensive. You can find deals on sites like Groupon, subscribe to pet store services to get a discount, and even find independent contractors who will come to your home to groom your pet if you’re unable to get out or have an anxious dog. All of this is much more affordable than you think. 

Grooming your dog is the responsible, economical, and hygienic thing to do, especially in the summer. Prevent matted fur, fleas, and shedding all over your house by hiring an affordable groomer to pamper your pup. 

Obedience Training:

If you have a puppy or even an older dog that just can’t seem to behave, don’t snap. Dog owners who employ aggressive and/or violent discipline methods end up having anxious dogs who misbehave even more, or worse, violent dogs who end up being put down. By employing someone who will use aggressive dog training, you’ll ensure that your dog unlearns bad behaviors and learns good ones. Dog training courses are reasonably affordable and don’t take very long. Your dog will be home, behaving like a gentleman (or woman) in no time. 

Good Food:

We’re all guilty of grabbing a quick and cheap bag of that knock-off two-dollar-a-bag dog food once or twice when we’re pressed for time or are super broke. It happens. 

But generally speaking, spending the extra cash to buy your dog a healthy, nutritious brand of food will make a huge difference in their quality of life. Many dogs have dietary needs just like humans; whether they need something grain free, dairy free, non-allergenic, or need to avoid one or two specific ingredients. The stuff that you buy at the store is often full of corn, salt, and other fillers that can make your dog at the least, overweight and sluggish; at its worst, can seriously harm your dog. The same goes for dog treats. It’s a good idea to visit your vet to determine the dietary needs of your dog and what brands are recommended. For example, this Aussie company is great if your dog has allergies. Allergies can make your dog sick, lose weight, or even lose their appetite altogether, so if this is something your dog is struggling with, it might be time to check for allergies. Tailoring the food to your dog’s dietary needs is vital in ensuring your pup remains happy and healthy.

Purchasing high-quality dog food is worth the extra expense. Sites like Chewy and other great in-person pet stores have excellent, nutritious dog food for a wide variety of needs that won’t break the bank. Doesn’t your dog deserve it? 

Don’t make life “ruff” for your dog if you don’t have to. By spending a little extra on these three goods/services, your pup will be happy, healthy, and provide you with years of companionship. You and your best friend will be happier than ever. 

Featured Image By: Kat Jayne

Mar11

Don’t Be That Dog Owner

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Don’t Be That Dog Owner

If you pay attention to the news of animal-loving organizations such as The Dodo or your local animal shelter, you’re probably aware that some dogs have a hard time with terrible owners. Abandoned, malnourished, chained all day long in the garden, this is not what a dog’s life should be about. Thankfully, the world is full of caring people who go the extra length to bring joy and love into the lives of these dogs. 

As a dog lover, you know that you’ll never be the owner who neglects their pup. You love dogs, and that’s why yours gets plenty of food, a warm shelter, and regular walks. But, before you praise yourself for being the best dog owner in the country, you might want to check that you are, indeed, doing everything right. Sometimes, when we try to do the right thing, we end up doing our pets more harm than good. Don’t be the dog owner who unknowingly puts their pet at risk. 

Don’t let your dog be depressed:

You’ve got long days at work. So, to make sure your beloved Rex doesn’t feel bored or lonely, you’ve bought him a few toys. Here’s the thing, though. Your dog, just like you, needs to socialize to be happy. If you don’t take the time to play with your dog in the evening or to let him play with other dogs, you may be endangering Rex’s mental health. Did you know that dogs that don’t receive enough attention can get depressed? So, also consider how you could fulfill your dog’s social needs day after day. We get it: After a long and hectic day, all you want is to sit on the sofa and chill. But spending quality time with Rex can go a long way! 

Don’t leave your dog unprotected:

Rex doesn’t like fences. He can’t see what’s going on. 

You may not want to block your dog’s view, but you can’t leave Rex in an open garden. Your pup is likely to run away. If you don’t want to spend countless hours every day looking for your dog, you need to put fences up. Additionally, running into a foreign neighborhood could confuse or scare your pet. Cities are loud and filled with terrifying vehicles. A panicked dog could run amok, get injured, or even hurt someone. You don’t need your neighbor to complain about getting bitten by a dog, especially when it’s yours. Scared dogs can become aggressive because they believe they are under attack. 

It’s never just a little snack:

Sharing your snacks with your dog is the most natural thing. As a pet owner, you want to let your dog have something nice too. However, your sweet attention may be affecting your pet’s health. Treats should not become a symbol of your love. Too many dog owners are facilitating obesity when they only hope to be kind to their pups. Make sure to control portion sizes and to choose healthy snack options. 

Dog lovers are often guilty of putting their pets at risk without noticing it. Because you want the best for your pup, you can make the wrong decisions with dramatic consequences. The golden rule, when you are responsible for your pet’s health, is to ask yourself how your choices affect Rex’s mental and physical well being. 

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar9

Why Is Your Dog Sad?

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Why Is Your Dog Sad?

The thought that your dog could be feeling a little depressed is so upsetting that it almost makes you want to check yourself in for counseling. How could such an adorable being ever feel low? It is not right.

Dogs, however, just like people, can suffer tremendously from the blues. While their psychology might not be as complicated as ours, there’s no doubt that they can have a similar experience. Dogs that feel depressed find it hard to muster the energy to do the things that regular pooches love. They just sit there, looking at you with those big sad eyes.

Dogs can feel sad for many reasons. Here are some of the primary contributing factors:

They Don’t Have Enough Attention:

Just like their human owners, dogs need a minimum amount of daily attention to enjoy their lives. If they don’t get it, they can often wind up feeling low and sad – not what you want.

The reason for this comes down to their social nature. Dogs need to be in groups, whether with people or other hounds. If they’re by themselves, they feel worried, panicked, and anxious. They don’t know what to do with themselves and they can’t find an outlet for their natural energy. It is enough to make anyone feel depressed.

Not Enough Exercise:

Everyone knows that dogs need regular exercise to keep them in tip-top shape. If they don’t get it, then they slowly put on weight. Not only does this make them unhealthy, but it can affect their mental well being. They can’t get outside and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the open air. They feel chained to their dog bed.

The solution to this is easy: just buy a special weight loss formula food from the pet store and stop feeding them human food at dinner time. And, make sure you’re scheduling regular walks with your pup! It’s also very important to remember that certain breeds of dogs require a lot of exercise and play time to keep them happy. If you think your pup isn’t being stimulated enough, it’s a good idea to enter a search for “mini schnauzer temperament” (or whatever breed you have) and learn more about their needs for a healthy, fulfilling life.

They’re In Pain:

If your dog was lively last week, but looking miserable and depressed this week, then the most likely suspect is pain. Pain tends to take the wind out of doggy sails. They don’t know how to process it, and so many just lie down and stay still, hoping that it will pass.

The good news is that, as an owner, there’s a lot that you can do. As www.relievet.com, some dogs respond well to alternative pain medications. Plus, you can go to your vet and talk about possible anti-inflammatory drugs if the issue is arthritic.

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Angel!

A Family Member Has Died:

Dogs aren’t like most animals. They form strong bonds with particular individuals that they like. When those people pass away, it can make them feel depressed. While they don’t have a concept of death, the absence of a particular relationship can affect them profoundly.

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Pixabay Image

You’re Depressed:

Finally, dogs tend to mirror the feelings of their owners according to www.petmd.com. If you’re happy and excited, your dog will be too. If you’re feeling down in the dumps about life, then so will your dog. Remember, dogs can sense our feelings much better than anyone would think possible.

Use the tips above to help shake the blues from your sweet pup and get to enjoying the spring weather with a much needed walk for the both of you!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec27

Creating A Forever Home For A Rescue Dog

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Creating A Forever Home For A Rescue Dog

If you are considering getting a dog, you may want to look at getting one from a rehoming center. Dogs can bring joy to your home, and the right dog will feel like a part of your family. But, with so many dogs being given up for various sad reasons, there are plenty of sweet pups that need new loving forever homes, and you may be the people to give that to them. You can start with the following tips:

Looking For Your Rescue Dog:

Many rescue centers will list the dogs that they have on their website. With a brief description and photo, you can see if there are any that catch your eye. The best way to find the right dog, though, is to pay a visit to the rescue center and see all of the dogs that they have to see which appeals.

It may take several visits to find the right dog for you, but you do need to remember that you are keeping that dog for life, so make sure that they are the right dog before committing.

Things To Keep In Mind:

Sadly, some dogs will have had a rough time before going into the center. We may never know their histories or the circumstances that brought them there. You will need to keep this in mind, as a rescue dog may have some anxieties or be nervous around certain people or animals. They may have also developed separation anxiety which can become difficult to manage.

With the help of a behaviorist, however, it is possible to help many dogs with emotional problems and in many cases, after a few months of living with you, they will adapt and become less anxious.

Shopping For Your New Dog:

There are a lot of things that you’ll need to get for your new dog. A bed, lead, treats, and more. Finding the right food is going to be important. Check out Freshpet dogfood reviews to find healthy food that your dog will enjoy. Picking the right food is crucial, as many dog foods are like human food, and are packed with preservatives and fat. Keeping your dog’s diet healthy will help to reduce the chances of illness later in life.

Letting Your Dog Settle In:

It can take a few months for your rescue dog to fully settle into your home. During this time, they may challenge boundaries. It is important that you use positive reinforcement to train your dog so that they learn how to behave in your home and when you are out together. This means rewarding your dog when they do something that you want them to, rather than telling them off when they have done something wrong. Teaching your dog about the right way to behave ensures that they are happy and are able to listen to you. Consider enrolling your dog in some training classes to help you.

Adopting a rescue pup will give you and your pet a whole new lease on life – congrats on welcoming your new furry friend into your home!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec23

The Most Important Aspects Of Training Your Dog

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The Most Important Aspects Of Training Your Dog

Training your dog will not only help make your life significantly easier each day, but it’ll also provide your dog with the consistency he or she craves. Not everyone looks at it this way, but dogs benefit from good training far more than owners do, whether it’s done as a puppy or later in life.

If you’re about to embark on the journey of training your dog, it’s important to consider how to approach it and which factors will have the biggest impact on your pup. Find out more below:

Clear Rules:

Whether it’s for inside the home or when you’re out walking, it’s important that you have clear rules in place for how you want your dog to behave and that you communicate those rules as consistently as possible for the best outcomes. If the rules aren’t clear to your dog in some way, they’ll simply be ignored and that’s not what you want, either. Try to keep this in mind and consider the kinds of signals you’re sending to your dog.

Consistency:

Being consistent is another important factor as you go through the dog training process. If you’re not consistent and you don’t keep up the training methods, things won’t work out the way you want them to. You can’t expect your dog to learn from the whole training process if you’re not willing to put in the time and effort. The onus is on you to do this because you’re the one dictating the schedule, not your dog. Consistency will yield much better and much faster results for you and your pet.

Guidance from a Professional:

When you’re undertaking the training of your dog for the first time, it usually makes sense to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer. If you don’t know what you’re doing and you haven’t done any of this before, the guidance of someone who really does know about the process will make a big difference. They’ll be able to show you techniques that you would never have thought of and give you advice when things aren’t going completely smoothly.

Rewarding Good Behavior:

Training can sometimes be difficult for your dog and they won’t always do the right things the way you want them to. That’s simply the nature of dog training. And it’s why it’s so important to reward the good behavior of your dog. When they do something that’s right, you need to reinforce that positive behavior so that they know it’s good and that they know to do it again in the future. That’s essentially how the training process works.

Clicker training is always good for when you’re teaching your pup a new skill or trick. Don’t forget to be liberal with the treats too, especially if your pup stresses easily. Whether they are partial to Beggin’ Strips or the private label treats you can find here (https://cbdoilmanufacturer.com/private-label-cbd-pet-treats/), have some at the ready for a job well done.

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SO. CUTE.

If You’re Training a Puppy, Use Their Name Carefully:

Some owners forget that their dogs don’t instantly and instinctively know what their names are the way humans do. That’s why you have to use their names carefully. If you use it too much it might become meaningless or they’ll come to associate it with other things, which is not what you want. This is especially important when you’re training a puppy for the first time. Use it carefully and sparingly so they can learn what that word means much faster than they otherwise might.

Using the Right Treats:

If you’re trying to teach your dog something, it’s vital to reward them when they do what you want them to. This kind of positive reinforcement is a huge part of what makes dog training successful. If you don’t get it right, they won’t understand when they’re doing the right thing and when they’re doing the wrong thing. You can use Tempo&Tails CBD treats or whatever kinds of treats they like most and will respond best to.

End Each Training Session on a Positive Note:

When each training session with your dog comes to an end, you should try to finish things off on a positive note. That kind of positivity can make a difference because in order for the training process to be successful, you need your dog to really enjoy it. That way, they’ll want to go back to it and their learning will be better and more complete, which is what you need. If you just keep going until your dog is fed up, that won’t create the positive association in their mind.

Training your dog is always a big challenge. There will be ups and downs throughout the process, but if you persist and keep in mind the things that we’ve discussed above, you’ll eventually end up with a well-trained dog. And the sooner you start with the training, the sooner you’ll achieve those outcomes.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec13

Puppy Love

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Puppy Love

Hello everyone! This past week, we welcomed a brand new tiny, furry member to our family and he goes by the name of Archie! My mom and dad adopted a new baby brother for our little terrier, Ollie, from One Of A Kind Pets in Akron and he is the sweetest ball of Golden Retriever fluff you will ever see in your life. Take a look and prepare accordingly for your heart to melt:

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We Mushenheims are a lover of all dogs big and small but we have a special place in our heart for Golden Retrievers. Sadly, our sweet golden, Gem, passed several months ago and we still mourn the loss of her and all of our fallen angel pets. However, we have always been a two dog family and, once we felt the time was appropriate and we were ready, we began to look into different pet rescue sites for a new pup to adopt.

After a handful of failed meet and greets with some of the dogs we were interested in because little Ollie straight up didn’t like them, we were beginning to lose hope. And, then, tiny Archie rolled into One Of A Kind Pets, an amazing rescue organization, and we decided to give it one more try.

My parents brought Ollie into One Of A Kind to meet Archie and, thankfully, they got along swimmingly… Probably because they’re the exact same size for now! So, needless to say, the adoption was a go! We have never had a puppy before, as we’ve always opted for older pups and it is definitely a different change of pace. Archie is three months old and loves to chew on everything, sleep, and then continue to chew on everything. 😀

We are so in love with our new little baby and, although Ollie remains indifferent to everything, I think he likes him too. I can’t wait to watch Archie grow and play and I am obsessed with that uber soft puppy fur! He is already and irreplaceable part of our family and we are so thankful to One Of A Kind Pets for bringing him to us. ❤

Have you gotten a new pet recently? What animals do you have at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec10

3 Tips To Get Your Horse Show Ready

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3 Tips To Get Your Horse Show Ready

 

Showing your horse can be an extremely exciting and fulfilling act. Whether you have shown before or if this is your first time, there are a lot of preparations that you need to make. It is crucial that you don’t wait until the last minute. Here are some tips to ready you and your horse for the next show:

Exercise Your Horse:

Leading up to the show, you will have to practice and train with your horse. Not only does your horse need to be ready for the show, but so do you. Make sure that your animal can tackle all of the different horse show jumps before you arrive on the big day.

Groom Your Horse:

Grooming can serve as a preventative medicine for animals. It increases blood to the surface of the skin and massages the different muscle groups. In addition, when you groom your horse, you are solidifying your bond. It is a great way for you and your animal to be close, leading up to the horse show.

Gather Your Equipment:

You do not want to forget any of your necessary equipment before the show. You should start to prepare to leave two to three days in advance. The longer that you give yourself to prepare, the less likely you are to forget anything. To make sure that you forget nothing, you can also make a list in advance to ensure that you don’t forget your equipment at home.

If you show your horse, then you already know that it can be an exciting experience. If you are new or if you are looking for tips to create a better experience, then these can help prepare you for the next show.

Oct3

Items To Buy Before You Pick Up Your New Puppy

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Items To Buy Before You Pick Up Your New Puppy

Bringing home your puppy for the first time is an exciting time and, if you have children, it’s going to be even more of a special experience. It’s not something to be taken lightly, of course, and you need to think about how much time, effort, and money you have available for this new puppy. But, if you’ve already thought about it thoroughly and you have made the decision, then you can be sure that there are some things that you are going to need to purchase. Puppies need a lot of time spent on them primarily, but there is also such a vast world of puppy items too, including the pooper scooper, all of which you’ll have to consider carefully.

Food:

There is considerable debate over what constitutes as a proper diet for your dog. There are many articles out there are explaining why a particular dog food should never be given to your pet, and also lots of information regarding raw feeding. Raw feeding is simply a diet that consists of uncooked meat, there is a community of people that believe raw food is the ultimate option for any dog. But, you have to take many things into consideration, do your research and find the right thing for you and your pet. Make sure you stock up, as these little puppies eat and grow in vast quantities.

Bedding:

Having a safe spot to sleep and hide is an essential thing for a new puppy. They are going to need to feel safe, and the “cave” option for them is important. A puppy who is happy, content, and not scared is a puppy that will listen and make good choices. Mostly, if a puppy is destructive and not listening to the training, you will find that it’s because they don’t have everything they need, including good direction. Many people believe that crate training is important for a puppy’s development and potty training, and others believe that leaving the puppy to sleep on your bed with you is the ultimate. Whichever you choose, you will no doubt be looking for a puppy bed before you bring them home.

Training Books:

The most important thing you can do to keep your puppy happy and safe isn’t just about controlling the dog, it’s making sure they know what is expected of them and are challenged mentally. Training books such as easy peasy puppy squeezy, give great insight into puppies, why they do what they do, and how you can set them up for excellent training. Don’t miss this step and wait until they are ‘older’ as they are like sponges when they are little. They won’t remember everything all of the time but it’s recommended to get started straight away.

To help with your puppy’s enrichment and entertainment, which in turn stops them from being destructive, you will need to provide them with toys and training opportunities with high-value treats. It can be as simple as a toilet roll with treats wrapped inside (supervised) or a puppy Kong filled with dog-safe peanut butter. Good luck bringing your new pet home!

Featured Image By: Austin Kirk on Unsplash

Aug29

Accessory Story: Natasha Necklace Edition

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Accessory Story: Natasha Necklace Edition

Howdy! I have become increasingly fond of jewelry as of late from beaded Buddhas to rosary style necklaces and big hoop earrings, I love it all. But, if I had to narrow it down, I’d say that I am a huge fan of chunky gold jewelry. I always prefer gold to silver when it comes to my accessories and that extra weight to it just takes it over the edge for me. I have never been a fan of delicate anything – my style is very bold. And, chunky gold jewelry has that street style edge mixed with chicness from the lux coloring and I adore that combination. So, when I saw this Natasha chain necklace below, it was an easy decision to add it to my cart during my TJMaxx Fall Haul. Check it out:

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Yes, I am extra enough that when I saw this bejeweled cheetah on gold chain links that I instantly had to have it. I don’t know why, but I freaking LOVE this necklace. Of course, the emerald and amber jewels on the cheetah are gorgeous but what I like most of all is the length. This chain link number is the perfect length for tucking beneath collars and leaving the cheetah visible as what looks like a cool fascinater on button up tops.

I have wanted a gold chain link necklace for a long time and, although it’s definitely not a boring piece of jewelry, the ones that I have seen never spoke to me. So, I guess all that needed to happen was putting a giant cheetah head in the middle of one for me to be all in. Lol, but seriously – this will be such a cool piece to spruce up business casual or more urban looks and I am so into it.

While doing my seasonal shopping, I am not so much interested in buying a whole new wardrobe (As nice as that would be!) as I am revamping what I already have. New accessories like purses and jewelry are the perfect way to do that with. I can’t wait to sport my new Natasha necklace with chunky cardigans and over turtle neck sweaters and it gave me just the right pick me up for my old clothing to feel fresh and brand new.

Do you prefer silver or gold jewelry? What is your favorite accessory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul30

Groovy Movies: The Lion King Edition

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Groovy Movies: The Lion King Edition

Hey hey! This has truly been the summer of Disney movies with Aladdin, Toy Story 4, and The Lion King being released in theaters. One of my clients has a particular fondness for Disney movies, so taking her to see the new Lion King was an absolute must. Now, you all know that I am a scary movie girl through and through with some suspense, thriller, and comedy peppered in for good measure. So, of course, I didn’t enjoy this film as much as your average bear. But, it still had its moments so take a look at the trailer and let’s discuss:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to this video.

I can’t exactly say that I had a strong Disney childhood, because I honestly barely remember any of the movies. As the baby of the family, my older siblings weren’t interested in watching the classic Disney flicks by the time I was old enough to enjoy and comprehend them. So, although I know the basics about The Lion King, it is definitely not one that I can recall in detail.

I feel like this was an advantage for me to go into this movie not really knowing much about it, because I didn’t have any expectations based on the cartoon. Overall, I can’t say that I loved The Lion King, by any means. But, it was a pleasant enough flick to sit through.

The Lion King really did boast an all star cast including James Earl Jones, Donald Glover, and BEYONCE for crying out loud. And, they were alright. But Seth Rogan as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon took the cake. Rogan and Eichner were freaking hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud in all of their scenes. They had great chemistry with each other, the singing wasn’t bad, and they were the only characters in the live action movie that I could actually envision saying their lines.

And, that, brings me to my main qualms about The Lion King. Rogan and Eichner embodied their characters perfectly and somehow managed to sound like how a warthog and meercat might if they had human voices. But, all of the other characters felt so disjointed from their voices and the songs that they were singing. It almost made it feel like a documentary with Beyonce just happening to do the music for it.

I also was a bit disappointed with how the scenes with Scar and the hyenas played out. From what I do remember of the cartoon Lion King, Scar was a major A-HOLE. Like, he was this sneering, rotten villain who killed his own brother. In the live action version, Scar just appeared bored and the hyenas were really annoying. I didn’t get this sense of looming darkness that I remember Scar having and that made Mufasa’s death be kind of like an “oh” moment, instead of bringing me to tears – which I totally thought it would.

Was this movie worth seeing in theaters? For die hard Disney fans, yes. For anyone else, use your discretion. As your average person going in to this movie expecting nothing, I’ll give it an average rating of six out of ten stars. I think that it was a difficult task to create a live action version of singing animals and this one missed the mark for me.

How did you feel about the new Lion King? Which Disney movie are you hoping they remake next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Heroic Hollywood