Tag Archives: family

May25

How To Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

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How To Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

Children are vulnerable to most dental infections. Even though dentistry services have advanced recently due to technology, parents still have to play active roles to improve their dental health and that of their little ones. Oral health is essential because untreated dental conditions have been associated with diabetes, stroke, and heart diseases in adults. Also referred to as dental caries, tooth decay affects kids and adults. Thankfully, these are largely preventable with good practices. Here are a few tips to promote your child’s dental health:

Start caring for dental health as soon as possible:

By the age of 6 months, you may want to stop your baby from taking breast milk or formula at night. It has been thought that late night breastfeeding increases the risk of tooth decay in kids due to the lactose content (milk sugar). By 1-year-old, your child needs to have access to dental care services and be examined by dentists every three to six months. Dental services for families may differ and may include consulting pediatric dentists. Parents who live in the Lehi, Utah area may find Dry Creek Pediatric Dentistry services very helpful for their infants and children.

Stick to a healthy diet:

Being mindful of your child’s diet is one way to ensure that they don’t eat foods that increase their risks of getting cavities. The rule of thumb is that any food or drink with high sugar content is potentially unhealthy for their dental health. When your child eats more carbs, they will have a higher tendency to develop cavities.

Let your children taste the natural sweetness of fruits instead – that is way healthier than giving them too much candy. Discourage your little ones from eating a lot of snacks and soda pop. These not only could expose them to obesity; the mixture of sugar and acid could break down their teeth. The same is valid for juice – it’s another form of soda pop with no carbonation.

Give kids fluoride:

Routine application of fluoride hardens the enamel, making it difficult for acid to penetrate the teeth. While some town water supply systems are fluoridated, others are not. If that is the case in your community, you can ask your dentist to recommend fluoride supplements for you and your family. The majority of toothpaste on the market contains fluoride, but that alone is not enough to protect your child’s teeth.

Having said that too, excessive amounts of fluoride can lead to tooth discoloration. Always consult your dentists before giving supplements to your kids. During your children’s annual dental exam, dentists may apply fluoride varnish to their teeth. This topical fluoride helps prevent and heal early cavities.

When your child starts to develop permanent teeth, your dentist may apply a thin wash of resin (sealant) to the back of their teeth where chewing occurs. This coating prevents tooth decay by stopping bacteria from settling in the crevices of the molars. Finally, understand that regular flossing and brushing are essential to good dental hygiene.

A good understanding of dental care that is taught early on in your child’s life is so important and will help them to be proactive in better protecting their teeth.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May20

Target Run

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Target Run

Hello! I have not been in a store just to browse since the beginning of the pandemic and you guys have no idea how much I have missed it. For a while, I was only going grocery shopping and I stopped doing that a few months ago, opting for curbside delivery instead. Now that I am fully vaccinated, I feel much more comfortable running errands so when my sister texted me last Saturday morning asking if I wanted to go on a Target Run, I couldn’t say no!

Kristen picked me up with my niece, Valerie, and I was so excited because Target is Val’s favorite store and I have never been there with her. Such good taste at just two years old! It seems so simple but that small outing that lasted a little over an hour was enough to make me insanely happy. It was, finally, a warm spring day in Ohio and driving in the car with Kristen and Val with the sun shining and music playing on the way to Target felt like the first semblance of normal I’ve had in a long time.

I am just as surprised as all of you that my first window shopping trip in over a year wasn’t to TJMaxx but Target is a close second and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. We even ran into Jared’s really quickly after our Target trip so I could check on the progress of my wedding band and it is looking amazing. Kristen and I are planning on doing another shopping excursion soon because we are both in need of new summer clothes and I can’t wait. Here’s to many more safe outings all summer! ❤

What have you missed the most during the pandemic? Which store is your happy place? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May16

Wedding Dress Delight

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Wedding Dress Delight

Hello! My nontraditional wedding dress was ordered online and I am in love! The best part about my wedding dress, however, was the time I got to spend with my mom in the process of getting it just right. Because Johnny and I are having such a small ceremony, there really wasn’t much planning involved that our loved ones could participate in. So, it was really important to me to have my mom and sister there for the things that didn’t require Johnny and I just sitting in our apartment talking lol.

My sister came with me for my makeup test run and it was wonderful to have her company and expertise. For my wedding dress, my mom came with me to every appointment at a local dry cleaner who also specializes in alterations. From getting my initial measurements taken to the actual alteration session and a final try on when picking it up, JANE was there for it all. This was incredibly special to me and it was really exciting for us both to see the end results of what we had been imagining for my dress all along.

The alteration aspect of my wedding dress is absolutely perfect in every way and I can’t wait to show all of you what it started from to how it turned out after Johnny and I are married, of course! However, there is still a fair amount of work to do because my dress is covered in completely heinous disk sequins that need removed. Had I realized that the sequins were a thing, I would have requested to not have them in my customization notes but they blended into the dress in the picture and were not visible. -_-

Lucky for me, the sequins can be removed easily but it is a very time consuming task! Over the weekends and on my days where I arrive home early from work, I plan on setting aside at least twenty minutes each evening until my dress is sequin free. In my first go at it, I was able to take off at least fifty sequins and the front bodice is already almost halfway done.

My mom will not see my dress in its sequin free glory until the actual wedding and I cannot wait to see her reaction to it because I know it’s going to be even better than she remembers! And I am always going to remember our time spent together to get my wedding dress prepared for my big day. ❤

What are some special memories from your wedding? What alterations did your wedding apparel need? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May13

5 Things They Don’t Tell New Dog Owners

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5 Things They Don’t Tell New Dog Owners

If you have your heart set on having a new canine companion in your life, no one will blame you. According to a recent survey, over 63 million people own at least one pet dog in the United States. Dogs are loyal, loving, and offer owners companionship and happiness.

You’re likely reading this because you’ve never owned a pet dog before, although you may have had a dog in the family when you were growing up, or perhaps you spend a lot of time with friends that have dogs themselves. There are some things that existing dog owners never tell people that are considering getting their first pet dog. It’s not necessarily that they’re deliberately withholding the information; it’s more they assume those people might already know this stuff:

1. Some Dogs Bark a Lot

It’s no secret that dogs have unique and individual personalities in addition to the traits of their breeds. With that in mind, it’s worth knowing that some dogs bark a lot whereas others seldom utter any noise! If you’re planning to get a smaller dog, it might be worth getting the best bark collar for small dogs to help keep noise levels down, especially if you need to leave your new canine friend alone at home sometimes.

2. Some Breeds Have Known Health Problems

You could be lucky and end up with a dog that seldom has any health issues during its time with you. Or, you might end up with a canine companion that spends much of their time at the vets. The fact is, some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to certain medical conditions. For example, greyhounds are well known for having dental problems, and others like dachshunds might have heart conditions. Keep this in mind when looking at purebred dogs.

3. Dog Toys Don’t Last Long

One thing you want to do is ensure that your dog is happy and has plenty of mental stimulation, so you’ll likely buy your new pet some toys to play with and chew. If you thought those toys would last a long time, think again! Dog toys aren’t indestructible, and if you end up with a pet that loves chewing everything all the time, you’ll need to buy new toys for them regularly.

4. Dogs Can Get Jealous and Protective

While some dog breeds are known for having a laid-back attitude, it’s typically the luck of the draw whether you end up with a chill dog or one that gets jealous and protective over you – especially if you are female. If jealousy and over-protectiveness become a big problem in your house, especially when you’ve got a family in tow, you could try engaging the services of a dog behaviorist to help you and your pet.

5. Dogs Can Be Fussy About Their Food

Lastly, don’t assume you can feed your dog any brand of dog food. Like humans, dogs have preferences over the food they consume, and if you give them something to eat they don’t like, they’ll end up being very hungry! Fortunately, it’s relatively straightforward to work out what your dog likes and dislikes at dinnertime.

Getting a pet dog is a huge commitment so do your research well and remember the above when making your choice!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May12

4 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Kids

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4 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Kids

While one breed of dog can never be considered the ‘best’ breed around, some are more suited to different situations than others. For example, if you wanted a security dog, you’d likely opt for an Alsatian over a Chihuahua! The same sort of logic applies to families that are looking for a pet dog. If you have children, you need dogs that respond well to these small humans. So, here are some of the top dog breeds for families with kids:

Labrador Retriever:

You can’t go wrong with a Labrador, and it is arguably the most popular family dog of all time. They’re playful, loving, and extremely loyal. Plus, they train really well and are extremely intelligent. The only thing to be wary of is that Labradors require a lot of exercise. So, keep that in mind if you’re welcoming one into your home. They grow to be large dogs, but not overly large to intimidate your kids. Honestly, they’re pretty much the perfect family dog.

Beagle:

Beagles have been in families for generations, and for a few good reasons. First, they’re a relatively small dog, so any intimidation is taken out of the equation right away. They’re also always up for some fun and love the outdoors, making them perfect for kids who like to go out and play all day long. Beagles are also one of the happiest and friendliest dogs around, getting along well with other breeds. Not only that, but they also get along with other pets, so they could be a great option if you have a cat in the home as well.

Too cute!

French Bulldog:

The French Bulldog is another small dog that’s suited to families with children. They’re one of the best around for families that live in the city and don’t have much backyard space. Frenchies are so easy to maintain and don’t require lots of daily walks at all. Plus, they’re one of the most accessorized dogs out there! You can find loads of Frenchie apparel online, letting you kit out your pup in many different safe items of clothing. Frenchies are also very playful and friendly, so they suit kids to a tee.

Pexels Image

Rough Collie:

A breed that was made famous by the movie Lassie, the Rough Collie is an excellent family dog. They are loyal to a fault and get on so well with kids. Honestly, in terms of dog-child relationships, the Rough Collie is probably the most kid-friendly dog out there. Again, they’re not too hard to handle, and their intelligence means they are one of the easiest dogs to train. A Rough Collie is typically seen as a medium-sized dog, so they won’t grow to be too hard to handle!

Smile!

Don’t worry if your favorite dog breed hasn’t made this list! There are loads of other breeds that can be suitable for families with children, these are just the top four to consider. If you don’t mind what type of dog you get, perhaps opting for one of these will make your life easier.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May11

Summertime Q & A

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Summertime Q & A

Hi! In Akron, Ohio it has been nonstop rain day after day and I am so over it! The grey, chilly days have left me yearning for summertime weather and fun – especially after my family enjoyed a beautiful preview of what could be when we all went to the zoo together two weekends ago. To put myself into a sunny state of mind as the rain pours down on my apartment skylight, I decided to do a little summertime Q & A so let’s get to it:

What is your ideal weather in the summer? Although I am really looking forward to summertime, I absolutely hate super hot weather. In Lil Red’s perfect world, it would be seventy or so degrees and sunny all season long with a couple of eighty degree days peppered in for swimming.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? My wedding, of course! And Johnny and I share June birthdays exactly one week apart from each other so it’s fun to have combined celebrations for our big days. While there are, obviously, major events that I am looking forward to, I also can’t wait to be more active in the community again now that Johnny and I are both fully vaccinated. His band will begin playing their first outdoor shows in well over a year, which is so exciting!

Where is your dream summer vacation destination? As mentioned before, really hot weather is not my bag at all so a location where it’s a bit cooler would be ideal for me. I would skip the sandy beaches and head for New England. I loved the mild temperatures and the scenic terrain when my family visited Vermont and New Hampshire in my youth.

You won a contest to select three headliners for a music festival. Who are you picking? Well, my whole family was supposed to see the Rolling Stones last year so they would definitely be on the list so Johnny could finally see them live. Then, I would pick Cardi B to keep the party going followed by AFI so we could all have a good cry afterwards.

Do you have a summertime wardrobe staple? Can we all just agree that shaving our legs constantly is such a hassle? Lol, that’s why I love maxi skirts and dresses during the warm weather! They are cute, cool, and cover up my legs when I am too lazy to shave. 😀

Favorite warm weather outdoor activities? Let’s see, I enjoy going for hikes. I like farmers markets and outdoor shopping centers. Zoos and swimming are also always fun. One of the things I love the best during the warm weather is playing outside with my niece with bubbles and sidewalk chalk. There are also a lot of wonderful parks in my area for her to explore too!

Favorite summer memory? One of the best family vacations that we ever took was, easily, Universal Studios in Florida and I often think back to that trip and how much fun we had. I would love to go back!!

How would you answer any of the above questions? Do you have any exciting plans this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May10

Smile!

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Smile!

Hi!! Johnny and I have a lot to smile about and I am so excited for all of our upcoming adventures. We recently got fully vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine and are looking forward to a much more active summer than last year! We also recently got engaged and have really been enjoying planning our nuptials. Our wedding will be short, sweet, and small so the ceremony didn’t need much thought but our outfits most definitely did! We have even begun making plans for our honeymoon, hopefully, next year. 😀

Getting vaccinated has lifted our cloud of constant anxiety significantly and while we will always err on the side of caution, it has felt so good to do things we never would have considered at the start of the pandemic. For example, when my brother and his family came to visit from Georgia, we all went to the zoo and ate at a restaurant. That was mine and Johnny’s first big outing since March nineteenth of last year and it was a blast. Spending time in public with my whole family is what I have been waiting for for so long and not experiencing crippling fear the whole time was the cherry on top!

Returning to some semblance of normal has felt like coming home after a long vacation. What never will be normal, however, is my fiance’s process when it comes to taking selfies with me! Lol, I swear getting a regular, smiling picture with Johnny can be like pulling teeth but it always makes me laugh until we snap just the right pic:

^^^ He loves me! 😀

Every day with Johnny is the best day and I feel so thankful for all of the wonderful things we have to smile about. ❤

What are you looking forward to this summer? What can always make you smile? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May7

The Best Day!

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The Best Day!

Hi! Although Johnny and I had a rough bout with side effects from the Moderna vaccine this past weekend, it was still a great one because my brother, sister in law, and their son traveled from Georgia for a visit. My family is fully vaccinated and it was such an amazing gift for all of us to be together for the first time since our family trip to Kentucky last summer. When my nausea subsided enough on Saturday, Johnny and I enjoyed a quick trip to the park with our nephew and it was so fun watching him run around and play. However, Sunday was the best day I have had in forever.

On Sunday, my entire family: Mom, dad, sister, brother, brother, brother in law, sister in law, niece, nephew, and fiance went to the Akron Zoo together. To visit the zoo according to their COVID standards, you purchase tickets for a time slot and a limited amount of people are allowed in the park. We got to view the Akron Zoo on a beautiful day and it wasn’t as crowded, which was really nice.

Of course, I love going to the zoo any time any day but it was the absolute best to be there with my whole family and see my little niece and nephew have fun. They both loved riding the carousal, seeing the Grizzly bears swim around in their exhibit, and each getting a stuffed bear from their TT at the gift shop. My only regret is how quickly our two hour time slot went by because I could have stayed there for hours with everyone if we could!

After our outing at the zoo, we had dinner on the patio of one of my family’s favorite Mexican restaurants, El Campesino. This was such a treat for me because Johnny and I haven’t been to a restaurant since the pandemic began. It was so special to share a big meal with every single one of us at the table and it was also so special to me to have my first Margarita in over a year lol! The food was delicious and just like our trip to the zoo, I was sad when it was over because I wish we could do family days like that all of the time.

Being surrounded by all of my loved ones on Sunday is a memory that I am going to cherish for forever. It was just awesome to see my brother, his wife, and my adorable nephew for the first time in so long and also a small miracle that we found a day that worked with everyone’s hectic schedule. I cannot wait for our next family event which can now happen more frequently since we are vaccinated and, until then, I’ll be replaying our joyous day on repeat in my head! ❤

What is your family’s favorite restaurant? What is your favorite family memory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr29

Pansy Party 2.0

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Pansy Party 2.0

Hi! A few weeks ago, I planted a pansy patch in the front yard of my parent’s house with my dad and it was a hoot. I felt so proud of our handy work after we completed our project and smile every time I see the pretty blooms. We are still waiting to begin planting vegetables but, in the meantime, my dad has begun decking out our garden space with his vast collection of solar lights and statues. This past week, he upgraded our pansy patch to a fairy garden and I love the results! Check out the 2.0 version:

Not only is the landscaping of my parent’s yard beautiful with its flowers, dogwood tree, and raised planters but it is also filled with outdoor decor that offers adorable surprises throughout. There are an abundance of strand solar lights wrapping around trees and bushes and in ground ones that display a nightly “light show” in the yard. Not to mention his insect hotels, bird baths and houses, pinwheels, wind chimes, and bird, hummingbird, and butterfly feeders that provide perfect bird watching opportunities and the music of nature.

I was so tickled when I saw the 2.0 upgrade of our pansy patch because almost all of the decorations he chose for it were gifted by me! The fairy garden motif also was special to me because my dad and I had recently enjoyed looking at the employee fairy garden contest together at one of his physical therapy appointments. Seeing the little colorful mushrooms poking out among the flowers, solar lights, and garden gnome Godzilla brought me back to the Christmases and Father’s Days that I gifted these decorations to him and it was so nice to see him still using them a few years later.

I can’t wait to garden more with my dad and am looking forward to seeing how he upgrades our next project! ❤

What is your favorite flower? What is your favorite kind of outdoor decor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr28

15 Cool Apps For Pet Owners

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15 Cool Apps For Pet Owners

Whether you’ve got dogs, cats, or reptiles, being a pet parent is a lot of fun. Of course, there’s plenty that you need to organize to keep your pet healthy and happy. Whether it’s games, health support, or training, these apps have got lots of handy features:

Apps for cat owners:

Cat Clicker Training:

Cat Clicker Training is a simple app that you can use to train your kitty. All you have to do is touch the paw on the screen, and you’ll hear your iPhone make the clicker noise. You can change the paw to different colors and adjust the background to white or black. Alternatively, you can prompt your cat to touch the screen of the iPad or iPhone using its own paw. The app provides instructions about training your cat, including photos to guide you.

Relax My Cat:

Relax My Cat is an app that offers relaxing music for cats! All of the music is composed using sound techniques that are calming for felines. Some cats have problems with sleeping or anxiety. If your cat experiences this, then Relax My Cat is the perfect app for you. Perhaps your cat gets scared by fireworks or construction work? If so, you can use this music to calm it down. The music can be used to comfort your cat when it’s unwell or to ease hyperactivity.

Fish For Cats:

Fish For Cats is a fun-filled game for your cat to play! It’s simple, all you have to do is choose a level and then you can watch your kitty start to chase the fishes. All you need is an iPad and a flat surface to place it on. There are four levels to explore and plenty of sound effects to keep your cat engaged! Every time your cat catches a fish on the screen, the score goes up. To ensure that your cat has a super fun playtime, try the Fish For Cats app.

11 Pets (Pet Care):

The 11 Pets Pet Care app is an excellent resource for families with pets. The app offers features to support you with all your pet care needs. A few of the best features include:

  • Reminders for deworming and vaccination
  • Access and store medical history for your pet
  • Share data with your pet sitter or your veterinarian
  • Set reminders for food and medications

Taking care of your pet isn’t just about vet trips, it’s about providing your pet with everything it needs. For more info about the best pet accessories check out at home for your pet.

Chewy:

Chewy is an app to make pet food shopping easier. Using this application, you can browse through thousands of pet supplies and food brands. The app helps you to research pet foods, find your favorites, and track orders. There are plenty of benefits to using the Chewy app, including.

  • Get free shipping when you spend over $49
  • 24/7 support from the customer service team
  • Choose from a huge variety of brands
  • Set up auto purchases so you don’t run out

Whatever kind of pet you own, Chewy can help you to find the perfect pet food. It’s important to provide your pet with a healthy and nutritious diet.

Apps for dog owners:

Doglog:

Doglog is a great application to monitor your dog’s health. Using the app you can track weight, temperature, and eating habits. You can also log exercise activities, medicine, and vet appointments. The app provides plenty of handy features including analytics, photos, and reminders. You can create a health schedule, plus access various other benefits including:

  • Get reminders about your training appointments or vet trips
  • Share info with your dog sitter and vet
  • Record activities linked to the health of your dog

With so many neat features to take advantage of it’s easy to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Bring Fido:

Bring Fido is an app that helps you to search for places that are dog friendly – it could be beaches, hotels, restaurants, or other attractions. You can book these places using the app. The search function allows you to specify distance, price, or rating. Using Bring Fido, you can plan the perfect day with your dog. If you have any questions, there’s a handy chat option where you can access expert advice.

Pet First Aid App:

The Pet First Aid application was made by the Red Cross Foundation. The app provides plenty of expert advice to support the health of your dog. You can access lots of content including videos, guides, and quizzes. There’s advice about emergencies, administering medication, and more. You can also get behavioral advice to help you with your dog training. Need to find a local vet or a pet-friendly hotel? The Pet First Aid app can help you with all this too.

GoodPup:

GoodPup is a dog training application where you can get training sessions via video call. There are a variety of dog training courses to choose from to suit your dog’s needs. It’s easy to set goals, track progress, and keep in touch with your trainer. When you train your dog at home, this can help them to feel at ease and relaxed. Positive reinforcement training can help your puppy to get into good habits and keep making progress. Choose from options such as basic commands, potty training, socialization, crate training, and behavioral training. It’s best to train your dog as early as possible to help them get into good habits.

Rover:

Rover is an app for dog walking and dog sitting. The app allows you to search for expert dog carers in your area, whether you need overnight care or an afternoon walk. The app allows you to track your dog’s walk, receive photo updates, and make secure bookings. All sitters on the Rover app are reviewed and pre-approved by the team. According to Rover, 95% of reviewed Rover bookings receive a perfect 5-star rating. It’s easy to message your dog sitters using the app, whether you’re at home or on the go.

General apps for pet owners:

Petcube

Petcube is a ‘pet home camera’ that includes a microphone, video, and laser point toy. All of these features allow you to watch your pet when you’re away from home. You can use the camera to play with your pet when you’re away or take fun photos. Petcube also allows you to interact with animals in pet shelters using your smartphone. It’s an interactive community where you make friends with fellow animal lovers and follow their social updates.

My Pet Reminders:

My Pet Reminders is an app to help you track your pet’s medication and vet appointments. First, you create a profile for your pet. The next step is to input your medical info, vet trips, and training appointments. It’s important to stay on top of your pet’s health schedule. No matter which animals you have, the My Pet Reminders app makes it easy to do so.

Kriddr Pet Parent:

The Kriddr Pet Parent app works by connecting pet owners with shelters and service providers. There’s also a fun feature called ‘bark recognition software’. The app records your dog barking and then suggests what your dog needs. The bark recognition feature is based on millions of dog barking samples. All the samples have been analyzed to look for patterns. You’ll have plenty of fun testing out the bark feature with your dog!

We Rescue App:

The We Rescue App can help you to find animals to adopt, whether you’re looking for cats, dogs, scaly animals, or unusual pets. There are 70+ search filters to choose from and it’s easy to search by breed. The app provides detailed information on every animal so it’s easier to make your choice. You can search using categories such as size, age, gender, breed, location, and more.

Lost Pet:

The Lost Pet app works as an announcement feed about pets that have gone missing. The app was designed to collect useful data to help owners find their pets. Lost Pet analyzes several different social networks and creates one feed for lost animals. Simply add a lost pet announcement and the app will post it to various social media groups. There are several helpful features that you can use including:

  • Read all the nearby lost pet announcements
  • Report a lost pet.
  • Read informative articles for support.
  • Create a lost pet leaflet to print.

All of the above apps can help you to keep your pets both happy and healthy. With the help of these tools, you’ll create the perfect lifestyle for your beloved pets.

Featured Image By: Pexels