Tag Archives: forever home

Nov12

Where Should Your Dog Sleep At Night?

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Where Should Your Dog Sleep At Night?

It’s important that your dog gets a good night’s sleep, but just where should they hit the hay? Are certain sleep options healthier than others? This guide explains it all:

Should I get a dog bed?

A dog bed can provide a cozy place for your pooch to curl up. If you’ve got hard floors, it is essential to set up a dog bed. This could be an improvised bed made of pillows and blankets. Alternatively, you could buy specially engineered dog beds from a company like Pawpedics to provide ultimate comfort. It’s important that any dog bed is large enough for your dog. Dog beds should be regularly washed to keep them nice and clean.

When looking for a new dog bed, make sure you find one appropriate for the size of your dog. A large dog bed, for example, would be great for a Golden Retriever. Or, of course, a tiny dog diva who wants lots of space to lounge on. Hey, we all need our beauty sleep! Other than the size of the bed, you should consider if your pup needs extra support when lounging on it for therapeutic needs. To find the right dog bed for your pet, simply enter a search for “dog bed singapore” (or your local area). From there, you can read recommendations from other pet owners, explore your options, and look at sizing charts too,

Should I get a dog crate?

Dog crates are often used for training puppies to stay in bed at night so that they don’t wander about and cause mischief (or hurt themselves) while you’re asleep. Crates can also provide a sense of security for older more anxious dogs, providing them a private place to escape to.

As with a bed, a crate needs to be the right size. Make sure that they can stand up and lie in it comfortably. Be wary of buying a small crate for a large breed puppy as they may quickly outgrow it. You shouldn’t be locking your dog up in a crate for hours on end during the day. Crates should be used only for helping dogs to sleep – not as a method of keeping your dog contained while you go out for work (you’re better off hiring a dog-sitter).

Can the dog sleep in my bed?

Some people allow their dog to sleep in their bed. There’s nothing wrong with it, just understand that once you start allowing this, it will be very hard to train the behavior out of them if you change your mind. Allowing a dog to sleep in your bed can strengthen your bond, plus they can provide great cuddles. However, you’ll need to get used to your bed being covered in dog hair. Larger dogs may also take up a lot of space, which could lead to a disrupted sleep.

While the correct answer to where a dog should sleep is always in your bed or on the couch, there are other alternatives too for a good night’s sleep for your pup.

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Oct27

3 Reasons Why You Should Consider A Dog For Your Family

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3 Reasons Why You Should Consider A Dog For Your Family

Anyone who has ever had a dog will know how affectionate they are, what good company they make, and how it can be a huge bonus to simply have one in your home. If you have never had a dog and you’re considering getting one for your family, there are some excellent reasons why that is a wonderful idea. Children (and adults) can benefit enormously from a dog. So if your children have asked you whether they can have one and you’re wavering on your decision, take a look at these reasons, and you might find yourself convinced:

Good Friend:

Children can easily fall out with their human friends. They can have arguments. They can be upset. Maybe they’re sick and can’t play. With a dog as a companion, however, none of that will happen.

A dog will never stop enjoying your child’s company, and will prevent them from feeling depressed and lonely. A dog can easily and quickly become your child’s best friend, and you can rest assured that there will be no bullying or disagreements that lead to a miserable, crying child who needs comforting. Your child might even find that they can confide in their dog when they have no one else to talk to, which reduces worry. Plus, a dog is great entertainment that can make your child feel better when they are angry, nervous, sad, or stressed.

Good For Health:

Having a dog as a pet is connected to having good health. Dogs love to be outside playing, running, chasing a ball, playing fetch, and learning tricks. Of course, they also need to be walked at least once a day. Therefore, if your child is the one taking care of their dog, they will also be outside more, be more active, and generally feel better and healthier all around. Walking their dog means that your kid is not sitting in front of a TV or computer screen, and it helps to maintain a healthy weight (along with a balanced diet). Breathing fresh air is a wonderful thing.

For younger children, parental supervision will be required on these walks away from home, so it’s good for the entire family. On top of all of this, studies have shown that having a dog gives your child a strengthened immune system, so they are less likely to get sick and will be less prone to allergies.

Good Life Skills:

A child will spend a lot of time playing with and caring for their dog, and in doing so, they will constantly be developing valuable skills for later on in life. Taking care of their dog will show your child what it’s like to look after another living being, which will add to their ability to parent if and when they choose to do so. This will include ensuring that their dog is well, feeding them, giving them healthy treats like CBD for dogs, and making sure that they are exercised.

Grooming a dog can boost motor skills, which is another important skill. Kids can even improve their reading by reading aloud to their pet; a dog won’t interrupt or criticize, so the child will have more confidence to attempt even harder words. Dogs are also great when it comes to learning how to socialize. Going out to the dog park and mingling with other dog owners will increase your child’s confidence in social situations.

Welcoming a dog into your home is special for the entire family. And, as always, adopt don’t shop when you are giving a pup a furever home!

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Aug5

4 Things You Will Need For Your Puppy

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4 Things You Will Need For Your Puppy

It can be a bit overwhelming for first-time pet owners to know what they need to get for their new puppy. You have to buy so many different things and most of them will cost quite a lot of money. You might not even know where to start! Don’t worry, though; this blog post is here to help with four essential items that every first-time pet owner needs for their new pup:

Collar and ID Tags:

Collar and ID tags are a must-have for any pet owner, but they’re especially important when adopting your first puppy that you’ll need to keep track of at all times! It’s also wise to get two of them in case one gets lost or chewed up by the pup. Include the dog’s name, your address, and phone number so that your puppy can be returned safely. A great store to buy the collars, tags, and other accessories would be Dog Friendly Co.

Complete and Balanced Puppy Food:

Complete and balanced puppy food is essential for your new pet’s health. Puppy chow contains all of the nutrients that a pup needs, such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and more in just the right amounts. All you need to do is determine with your vet what type of dog food your new pet will be eating.

There are several different types of pet food: kibble or dry, canned wet foods, natural balanced raw diet, freeze-dried foods, or fresh frozen diet. Whichever one you choose, it should always have an AAFCO nutritional statement on its label so you know it meets the minimum standards outlined by AAFCO.

Food and Water Bowls:

Now you need to get the necessities for your puppy. Get a water dish that is heavy and deep enough so they can’t knock it over as well as food bowls large enough to accommodate your pup’s needs. Consider using stainless steel dishes because plastic ones are porous and will retain bacteria if not properly cleaned every day. Pet stores sell all of these items together in an all-in-one kit which includes other valuable things like food storage bags, chew toys, collars with tags, etc. Remember to double-check measurements before purchasing anything if you’re buying supplies from a pet store or online.

Grooming Supplies:

For first-time pet owners, another essential thing you will need are supplies for grooming your pet. You’ll want to have a brush on hand so that your pup doesn’t get matted hair and you can brush it out when necessary. It’s also good to have brushes for furniture (fabric or leather) and walls if they happen to shed some of their fur in those areas.

A dog toothbrush is helpful, too, as it will help keep teeth clean, which helps prevent plaque build-up and gum disease down the road. Finally, if your pup has sensitive skin, there are shampoos explicitly made with them in mind that can help get rid of dog fleas quickly and ease the washing process.

As you can see, puppies require lots of basic supplies to be happy and healthy. Planning ensures your puppy has everything they need from the start so you don’t have to worry about it later.

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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

Dec9

Tips For Taking The Best Care Of Your Dog

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Tips For Taking The Best Care Of Your Dog

Welcoming an extra furry member to your family can be such a rewarding experience, as a dog can provide you with comfort and entertainment to no end. Learning how to provide the best care for your pup should always be a priority whenever you invest in a new pet, as the responsibility is on you to look after them to the best of your ability. Luckily it needn’t be difficult to ensure they can lead a happy, healthy life, as there are a few key areas in which you can focus your efforts to make them feel comfortable and content for as long as possible. Like the following:

Eating Well:

One of the most important parts of your dog’s day is dinner time, and it’s vital that you make an effort to keep them on a healthy, balanced diet. Unfortunately, it’s so easy to just grab the cheapest canned food option from the supermarket shelf, but it’s more than likely that this choice will be made up of the lowest quality ingredients that provide little benefit whatsoever. Taking your dog’s diet seriously will mean that they have a much better chance of leading a long and comfortable life, as avoiding artificial foods can reduce the risk of illnesses like cancer occurring. There are so many fresh pet food options on the market today, even those which are kept inside the fridge, so take some time to research each choice and make an informed decision on which one is most suited to your pup.

If you want to take it one step further, you may wish to consider making your own dog food from scratch at home. There are hundreds of recipes online that you can utilize, most of which are based around grains, meat, fruit, and vegetables. Making your own dog food at home will be really beneficial for your pup if they have any allergies or sensitivities, as you can track the ingredients to make sure every dish is gentle on their tummy. Providing your dog with a healthy dinner each and every day will give them the energy they need to thrive, as well as all of the vitamins and minerals that their mind and body needs to function at optimum levels.

Regular Exercise & Play:

Making sure that your pup gets regular exercise is key to maintaining proper health, as they need a chance to stretch their legs, move their muscles, and work their heart harder. Aim to take them on a walk at least once a day, more if you can, as this will provide them with the exercise they need to stay fit. Taking them on a walk will also give them the opportunity to meet with other dogs, allowing them to stay social and improve their interaction skills at the same time. Regular play is a key feature of a calm and happy temperament, as a dog that’s bored is often much more unruly.

The duration of your pups daily exercise session should depend on their breed and age, as smaller or older dogs will want to walk far less than larger or younger dogs. Make your walks interesting by taking them on a route that includes a little nature such as a field or a forest, as they will get the chance to be a real animal and use their senses as they were destined to in the ‘wild’. You may also wish to take a few play items with you on your walk, such as a tennis ball or rope so you can play games like fetch to get them moving.

Keep Them Clean:

It’s absolutely essential that you keep your dog as clean as possible, otherwise they will experience discomfort, distress, and potentially even disease. Depending on the breed of your dog, you should aim to wash them at least once a month, possibly more, to keep them clean and fresh. If you aren’t able to wash your dog yourself, don’t simply skip over your responsibilities – take them to a groomer! If you do wish to clean your dog by yourself, then start off by finding a quality shampoo that suits their fur type. You can find shed control blends, sensitive products for dry skin, and so much more. It’s a good idea to read up on reviews left by previous customers to get a better view of the quality of the product you wish to buy before you invest, as there’s nothing worse than finding yourself in the bathroom with your dog covered in water and a shampoo that simply won’t lather.

Always remember to rinse their fur well and follow up with a conditioner for a touch of luxury. Make sure they are as dry as possible once you’ve finished bathing them, as wet dogs often smell quite foul. In addition to bathing, you should also perform other hygiene related tasks such as clipping their nails and you can even find dog teeth cleaning centers which can help to maintain their pearly whites. Making sure that your pup is clean will aid them in feeling comfortable and calm, and they’ll surely repay you with endless affection for the effort that you put in. Keeping your dog clean will also help you to keep your house clean, so it’s a win win situation!

Learning how to take great care of your dog has never been so simple with the tips above! Start off by sourcing the best quality food for your pup to devour and make sure you allow them to take part in regular exercise and play to stay physically and socially active. And also, please pet them for me! 🙂

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Nov27

Picking The Perfect Pet For Your Family

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Picking The Perfect Pet For Your Family

Animals are an amazing addition to your life. They offer companionship and give you a reason to be more active. There are many different pets you can add to your family like a cat, dog, fish, hamster, bird, or guinea pig. The important thing is to make an informed decision, so you end up with a good fit for your family:

Narrow it down:

Before you start looking at pets, you need to ask yourself some questions to try to narrow down your search for the perfect pet. You need to think about your lifestyle and how a pet will fit into it. If you are not at home very often, then you shouldn’t get a dog that will need a lot of attention and walks every day.

You should also consider your personality. If you are extroverted, then a dog may be a good fit because they tend to be extroverted, as well. Quieter personalities may prefer the companionship of a cat, hamster, or reptile. You should also consider if you have any allergies that pet dander will make worse. If you do have pet allergies, then you may want to welcome a reptile or amphibian into your home. You can go here for more information.

Always keep in mind where you live and the level of care that you are capable of providing. If you live in an apartment, then you will want an animal that can thrive without a lot of space. If you are not able to take a dog on regular walks or change a cage often, then you need to consider that in your decision.

Dogs:

If you think a dog will be a good fit for your family, then you need to think about the breed that would be best. Some dogs are much higher energy than others so it is important to find a dog that is the best fit for your expectations. If you have small children, you want to make sure that the kind of dog you get will coexist happily with them.

According to Devin Harris Joplin, MO, Great Danes are the perfect family pet because they have a gentle nature, love children, and don’t need much exercise. They can be calm inside while still having enough energy to play in the yard or go for a walk when you want them to. Consider other breeds as well, like retrievers, schnauzers, and bulldogs, that also make great family pets.

Cats:

Cats are great low-maintenance pets once they are fully grown. If you want a cat that is a little more affectionate, then you need to consider the breeds when you are searching for the right fit. Long hair cats may also be a little higher maintenance to keep groomed and clean up after.

Birds:

Some types of birds are better suited for human companionship than others, so be sure to do your research before finding a bird to have as a pet. Different kinds of birds will all prove to be extremely different for handling, teaching to talk, or performing tricks.

Fish:

Fish have the lowest care needs of any of the pets, so they are ideal for people who want minimal effort. They do not provide any affection or tricks, but they do provide some companionship and beautify any space. Be sure that you understand the needs of the kind of fish you get to make sure it is comfortable and safe in the tank.

Pets will make a wonderful addition to any home but they are a huge responsibility. Consider the care you are able to best provide before making any decisions!

Featured Image By: Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash

Nov24

Keeping Your Dog Happy, Always

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Keeping Your Dog Happy, Always

If you are a dog owner, you are probably always going to be concerned with ensuring that your pooch is as happy as possible. After all, that is the main aim of looking after them, and it’s something that you should spend your time and energy on if you are going to have a dog at all. But there are a lot of things to consider here, and you need to make sure that you are going to focus on them all if you really want to keep your dog happy. In this article, we are going to discuss just a few of the things to bear in mind, so that you can make sure your dog is the happiest in town:

Show them lots of love:

The most important thing for a dog is that they know you love them. Anyone who has ever had a dog will know that they are very needy when it comes to your love, and you need to make sure that you are showing and expressing this to them as much as possible. If they start to feel that you don’t really care, then that is the biggest way you can possibly upset them, and it can actually lead to some pretty negative consequences on the whole. So do whatever you can to show you love them – cuddle them, kiss them, play with them – and you will be keeping them so much happier for longer.

Give them some freedom:

Dogs still need to feel free to a certain degree and there are a lot of ways to do this. One is to ensure that you take them for their daily walk without fail – which obviously has a range of other benefits for their health, as well. Another is to install a dog door into your sliding glass door so that they are able to come and go into the garden whenever they want to. If you give them freedom in this way, you are going to find that they are much more likely to feel happy with their life, and you will see this in their behavior soon enough.

Keep them healthy:

On top of all of this, you also need to make sure that you are keeping your dog as healthy as possible too. If they are not healthy, then they are not going to feel happy, and you will find that they are much less likely to look as though they are fully enjoying life. This is something that you can always improve, so if you are not feeding them the best food or you know you could walk them more, you should make sure to do that as soon as possible. These changes are likely to make things so much better in the long run, and you will find that you are going to feel like a better pet owner too.

Give your four leggeds the best life possible with the tips above and give them lots of pets for me! 😀

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May16

Top 5 Dogs For Small Spaces

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Top 5 Dogs For Small Spaces

Getting a dog is a big step that requires commitment and dedication you have to be ready for. Some of the factors on the dog’s side you should consider include age, size, nutrition, and training requirements while sorting out financial status and space on your end. The fantastic news is that even if you have a small space, some specific breeds will fit you perfectly. But size is not what only matters here; how loud, friendly, and energetic is the dog? Take a look at these five breeds that can thrive in small spaces. Also, note that they are all super cute, so choosing one might be hard:

1. Bichon Frise:

This dog breed does not usually grow taller than a foot even and weigh about fifteen pounds. This means that they won’t take up much space on the couch and in the apartment. Even though they require daily exercise, they also love to play, and so are very energetic. These hypoallergenic cuties learn very fast and are very friendly, making them well behaved with company.

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Angel!

2. Boston Terrier:

This is one of the short-haired breeds which go well in apartments. They usually do not grow taller than a foot and a half and are also very lively and energetic. They are called the ‘American Gentlemen’ for a good reason; they are gentle and generally wonderful to be around. Once they’re well-fed and exercised, they’re content.

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Another angel!

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

If you love the silky dog breeds, then you’ll enjoy this one. They love going on walks and lounging on your lap when you’re ready to relax. They weigh thirteen to eighteen pounds so space is not a problem at all. In fact, their preference to stay attached to their owners even makes small spaces good for them. The only issue is that they are quite hard to train, but a lot of outdoor time and positive reinforcement can solve that problem fast.

4. French Bulldog:

These dogs are compact and engage in very minimal activity, two reasons why they’re perfect for small spaces. They also very rarely bark, which is a good thing if you have neighbors. This is also beneficial because they will only bark when there is a reason to which is a characteristic good watchdogs have. Daily brisk walks are enough to keep them in shape, and so it’s not a problem if you spend most of the time inside.

5. Havanese:

This 10-pound dog is another favorite among apartment dwellers because not only is it cute, but it also loves to stay indoors. They are clingy and love to play with their owners, and so it is easy to keep an eye on them.

Knowing the type of dog you can have for your space will save you a great deal of trouble. You will have to take care of them like any other pet, paying attention to their inner and outward health. You can protect them from parasites with https://it.nexgardspectra.com/ and visit your vet for regular check ups.

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!

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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