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A Family’s Tragic Loss

Most of us are familiar with the Biblical warning: “Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour.” But, how many of us really take the directive to heart? For parents, life often moves at warp speed and the chaos that underscores daily survival can be overwhelming at times. So much so that most of us tend to lose sight of the big picture. I am guilty as charged. However, yesterday’s horrific accident in which seven members from a single family–spanning three generations–died when their SUV plummeted off a highway and landed in the Bronx Zoo, provided a … Continue reading →

Speed Dating, Animal Lovers Style

I know people who aren’t comfortable with adopting pets from shelters. They have good reasons, such as being uncertain about the animal’s background. Some of them even had specific negative experiences, encountering severe behavioral problems that sometimes come with shelter pets. After all, animals sometimes end up in shelters after leaving neglectful or abusive homes, and that leaves a mental mark. I try to reassure my friends in these situations, tell them that honestly as long as they don’t buy from pet stores or puppy mills, that reputable breeders are always a positive source for pets. But I try to … Continue reading →

When to Extend the Animal Family

I need a canine friend My husband and I want another dog. Whenever we go to the dog park, we always come away wishing that we had another dog for Chihiro to play with. Cole has his companion, so it would be nice if she had one too. Also, having two dogs and two cats just seems like the right amount of pets for me. Jonathan and I did seriously talk about whether or not we wanted another dog. As I’ve mentioned before, we ultimately decided that it would be better to wait a while. We still take frequent overnight … Continue reading →

Family Fun in the Sun

Where are you planning to spend the upcoming Memorial Day weekend? For many families, the holiday allows them the chance to get a jumpstart on their summer tan while spending quality time with grandma, grandpa, cousins and other members of the extended clan. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel too far to have fun in the summer sun. The following popular vacation destinations offer family-friendly activities that don’t require draining your bank account to visit: Florida: If you decide not to do Disney this season, then opt to entertain the kids in Tampa. The city is home to affordable attractions … Continue reading →

Be Kind to Animals Week

This week is the Humane Society’s Be Kind to Animals Week, so for the next few articles I’m going to share details and tips on responsible pet ownership. Or in today’s case, acknowledge some great animal rights workers. When I first started writing the pet blog, my husband joked that I could create a monthly column entitled “Reasons Why Angela Isn’t Allowed to Watch Animal Planet.” He said that because, on occasion, I get worked up watching the channel. In particular, the show I should really never let myself watch is Animal Cops. There’s a smattering of these series now, … Continue reading →

Family-Friendly Holiday Travel Destinations

There’s no time like the holidays to travel with your extended family. However, you don’t have to break the bank jetting off to a tropical island or a high-end ski resort to bond with grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins. Instead, consider checking out these affordable holiday-themed events and attractions that are ideal for family members of all ages: CANADA The Zoolights event at the Calgary Zoo is a real crowd pleaser. In addition to viewing the animals, you can take in an interactive light show that features more than 1.5 million twinklers. The zoo is also home to an … Continue reading →

Family Fun in the Snow

It’s Thanksgiving and we already have snow on the ground. I suppose that should come as no surprise considering we live in Wisconsin. Still, I was kind of hoping that Mother Nature would wait until at least December 1st before pelting us with the white stuff. Of course, the thousands of snow lovers who eagerly await the first flake of the season do not share my opinion. They are the ones the Appalachian Mountain Club is welcoming with open arms this season. In fact, this year the club is extending its new family weekend series through the winter with programs … Continue reading →

Costumes and Clothes – Extending the Life of a Child’s Wardrobe

Don’t pack up or give away those Halloween costumes, infant onesies or adorable overalls just yet. These articles of clothing from a prior holiday or previous year can be recycled in numerous creative and fun ways. This idea will also help out the pocketbook and wallet! When it comes to those old Halloween costumes, consider keeping them in the drawer or closet to be used during future dress-up playtime. Many young kids, especially girls it seems, love to play dress up with their friends and/or dollies. All the old witch, ballerina and princess outfits should be put to work post-October … Continue reading →

The Temptations of the Gift Shop

Yesterday, the extended family went out to a lavish theater production. The sets were amazing, complete with a huge animatronic whale, a “zillion” stars in the theater ceiling and plenty of live animals. Of course, there was the inevitable souvenir shops built into the theater lobby. This place was better than most. There were a few nice quality selections in different price ranges, and nothing was really overpriced. Still, we knew that our budget didn’t account for any additional spending at the gift shop. Sometimes those gift shops can be a real temptation. They are filled with colorful objects that … Continue reading →

New Disney Animation Resort Opens

It’s finally here: this Thursday the first phase of the Walt Disney World Art of Animation Resort opens. That means that starting in two days you can only stay in rooms in the “Finding Nemo” wing. But have no fear: by the fall the themed rooms for all of the movies will be open. The “Cars” family suites will be unveiled on June 18, August 10 sees the opening of suites from “The Lion King,” and on September 15 “The Little Mermaid” standard rooms will open for business. You can book reservations for all of these rooms right now. The … Continue reading →