Dollywood is For the Birds (Among Other Things)

While Murphy enjoyed Doggywood during our recent Smoky Mountain Getaway, Wayne and I enjoyed Dollywood. And we truly enjoyed it. Especially me, because at every turn I discovered this was no ordinary amusement park. In addition to the exciting rides, craftsman exhibits, and great food, there was also an emphasis on animal conservation. Eagle Mountain Sanctuary As far as birds go, Dolly is definitely for them. In particular the bald eagle. I’m not sure exactly how many eagles call the 30,000 square foot aviary known as Eagle Mountain Sanctuary home, but what a nice one they have! (And apparently it’s … Continue reading

Mother’s Day Gifts for Pet Moms

I don’t have children –human ones, that is—but I do have my dog and two cats and I do consider myself their mom. So does my husband. Most Mother’s Days he spoils me with cards from both the pets and himself expressing their appreciation for all I do for them. It’s a dearly treasured gesture. (A lot of times it’s even accompanied with breakfast in bed or the question, “Where would you like me to take you for breakfast today?” Since I’m a big breakfast lover, this is one of the best gifts I can get!) The other day while … Continue reading

Feline Hunting Games

Cats are hunters by nature. Where dogs chase and overcome prey, cats wait, stalk, and pounce. Cats rarely miss their prey; they wait for the right moment to strike, when victory is almost assured. There are many ways to stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts through play. A cat has several different stances or body positions for hunting and play hunting. Mousing: a low to the ground stalk, followed by a pounce or a one-paw scoop Birding: an upward scooping motion, with toes spread and claws out Fishing: a downward scooping motion, with the paw bent like a hook and claws … Continue reading

Shopping the Sales: Cool Christmas Clearance for Pet Lovers

While I was bargain hunting for the dogs, cats, and other family pets, I stumbled across some neat sales items their humans might like too. For Dog Lovers: In the Company of Dogs has some of my favorite things. Their Canine Coat of Arms door mat is now a whopping 57% off, making it $12.99. The design is great, but what I like most about this item is the Latin on it, which translated says: “Always loyal, forever faithful” and “Love me, love my dog.” (I can’t get it, though, because the cat would feel slighted!) I’m a proud owner … Continue reading

Shopping the Sales: Cool Christmas Clearance for Other Pets

I only have a cat and a dog, but I know other Families.com members consider species other than canine and feline family too. Since I presented cool Christmas clearance for dogs and cats, and don’t want to leave anyone out, I went bargain hunting for small pets, fish, and reptiles too. I picked the following deals based on how they appealed to the consumer in me. (Meaning, if I thought it was a novel or functional item for a fair price that would appeal to me if I had such a pet, I included it.) Small Pets: If I was … Continue reading

Shopping the Sales: Cool Christmas Clearance for Cats

I told you about some cool Christmas clearance for dogs, so naturally I have to include feline finds next. Ready to start shopping? Good, because here we go: Bedding: This bed is just too cute. Doctors Foster and Smith have a Kitty Royale Bed in the shape of a jester’s hat. Bells on the tips of the points might distract Kitty from sleeping, though, as the bed can serve double duty as a toy. They’ve got it on sale at 40% off. Regularly $29.99, now $17.99. (They had a crown bed, too, but it’s sold out. I’m not surprised. These … Continue reading