Rehoming Pets after a Life Change

Moving? Will you Find Your Pet a New Home?

If you're planning a move (we are) what to do with your pets after a life change may be an issue. It's a tough decision. Having recently moved, it was important to find a good home for all of our pets. And, when I say 'all' I mean we needed to find a home for a wide variety of animals, both indoors and outdoors. Now, we're about to do it again. This time, I'm considering rehoming some of our outdoor pets. It's a difficult decision.

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(*Nakturnal Partner)

Over the years, we have adopted many pets from friends and family. No matter, where you get your pet, it's always a labor of love. The best pets come from loving homes. Take Buddie, for example, she has seizures. We can't pinpoint the cause. It's been suggested we put her down, but she's otherwise a happy, little kitty. She has many triggers and as long as we keep the triggers in check we can reduce the amount of seizures she has each week. Often, the seizures are daily! This is due to food, fleas, flea sprays, and other things that seem to be allergens. Right now, Buddy is doing great! I found a cat food that seems to work. It's a little pricey for my liking, but far better than the alternatives. I also found a pet safe candle that helps remove any pet odors. You know, we've got those! Cleaning up after Buddie is a full time job.

Then, there's Tigger! What a character. He's about twelve. We found him on Craigslist. I don't recommend finding a pet to adopt that way, but we also got ducks and chickens from Craigslist. Tigger often stars in our blog and social media posts. I've shared some links so you can learn more about him!

• Tigger in a Chef Hat
• Tigger's Dinner Time
• Cats at a Sleepover

At nineteen, my Cockatiel, Nebu, is my oldest pet friend! I got him from a pet store when he was just an egg! Of course, I didn't take the egg home. The pet store hatched him out and raised him for the first 9 weeks then I brought him home! He can get noisy, but for the most part, he's a pet that can move anywhere and, boy oh boy, have the two of us lived in lots of different places! Where I go, he goes. Sometimes, even on vacations!

Also, there's a turtle. Several years ago, I was mowing the lawn and ran over her shell. I brought her in the house for rehabilitation. They tell me, she can't be released into the wild. She'd never survive and probably spread disease. Not to mention the fact that, turtles are homing devices. She might spend years trying to work her way back to her original home. I'd like to find a permanent home for her, like a sanctuary or zoo or something. Rehoming her with a friend (someone I trust) would be a great option.

But wait, there's more. We have chickens and a duck too. In the past, we had more turtles, more cats, more ducks, and way more chickens! A move wouldn't have been possible. But now, we're down to two chickens and a duck. I've shared some links about our journey below.

• Chickens
• Ducks
• Cats

Our new neighbor loves animals. I'm considering leaving them with him. It's a tough decision though. But, we are embarking on a new path in life.The kids want to try public school next year! I ask every year, this year they both said yes!! Ugh. Difficult decision for me. We just bought a house. But we've decided to move back to my hometown where we'll be surrounded by friends and family. The kids will go to school with their cousins. We want to make the transition as easy as possible for all. Since money is a factor, finding trusted new homes for some of our beloved pets seems like the best option.

Have you ever rehomed a pet? Let's be clear, the pound is not an option. I never understand how anyone can do that to a family member. Sure, if they're lucky someone else will adopt them, but the odds aren't good. Even a no kill shelter isn't great. They'll have abandonment issues. I feel like we're family for life, but sometimes, you have to make tough decisions. Any advice?

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Personalized Gifts for Kids and Pets: Hoodies!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NYFifth.com for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

The holidays are upon us. It is time to purchase holiday gifts for everyone your list- including your pets and grandpets! We found a great website with amazing prices on personalized gifts that include shirts, hoodies, caps, and more. The best part is they also do personalized pet clothes! We're sharing our favorite picks for kids and pets. Enjoy!

At NYFifth Apparel, each item can be customized to include a name, logo, monogram, or a small personal message, so think of something fun that your pet or child would like to shout out to the world.

If you are looking for personalized dog clothes, you'll want to check out this adorable dog frill tee It is perfect for a puppy princess. It comes in fuchsia too!

3 Things You Need To Know About Service Dogs for Kids

Service Dogs for Kids

While a service dog requires a bit of upkeep, it can also help kids with disabilities to manage their health, development, and happiness. If you believe that your child could benefit from a service animal, do your research.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

You’ll want to answer the following questions: 

• What conditions merit the use of a service dog? 
• How do you care for these pets? 
• What is training like? How do they help? 

We’ve compiled the top 3 things you’ll want to know about owning a guide or hearing dog for your child. Use our list to help you decide whether obtaining a service dog is right for your family. 

There Isn’t Just One Type of Service Animal

Contrary to what you might see on TV or in movies, there are dozens of different types of training a pet can go through to become ready for service. These can help guide, care for, and watch over kids with different kinds of disabilities.

Types of trained pets include:

• Hearing
• Walker or Balance
• Social pets
• Guide pets
• Seizure Alert
• Dogs for Psychiatric Disabilities

These animals help kids with different types of difficulties in day to day life that can be fulfilled by the pet. 

For example, seizure alert dogs are trained to alert people when a seizure is about to occur. Social dogs, on the other hand, are great at helping kids with developmental disabilities interact and engage with other people. 

Trained pets help people of all ages, independence levels, and backgrounds. You can find more information about training and assistance for service dog owners on the SDRA website.

Service Animals Don’t Need a Certificate to Work

A common misconception when contemplating a guide or a seizure alert animal is that it may be difficult to get around with it. The opposite is true. There are policies in place to protect your rights so that you aren’t given a hard time with the pet in public.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that service animals are allowed to work with or without certification. This means that businesses and organizations are not allowed to prevent you from traveling with your pet. Many businesses have made it a policy to not ask whether a dog is medically necessary or not.

Working Dogs Are Still Dogs

While you may be getting a service dog to simplify your life and aid your child, the dog is not only a helper. The animal is trained and registered officially to provide assistance for owners, but it is still a dog. It requires all of its needs met as well. Just like any normal dog, it needs exercise, food, water, and plenty of love.

Taking care of a dog can be fun, but it is also expensive. Be sure that you are ready to take on the financial and time investment that a dog requires. You need to afford veterinary appointments and food, have the time to give the dog baths, and take it for walks. Be sure that you are ready before taking on this responsibility.

The Bottom Line

A service dog can do great things for your child’s health and development. It can help them to navigate the world around them more freely. It can help with their confidence and happiness. It can even preempt and assist with health issues like seizures. 

Be sure that you think about what it means to own a guide animal before you make the purchase. Use these tips to help you figure out whether you would like to bring a service dog into your child’s life.

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Dealing with Death of a Pet

10 Things to Do After You Lose Your Dog

As soon as you bring your dog home, it becomes part of the family. All the shared moments, including the annoying ones - like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes - make your beloved pet more than just a dog. Our pets are full fledged members of our families. So, losing a pet is not easy for most pet owners. After being with your pet for so long, dealing with the death of a pet is difficult. Here are 10 things to do after you lose your dog or other beloved pet.

This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon.

Pet Hacks: Dealing with Death of a Pet.

10 Tips on Dealing with Pet Death

Given that dogs are among the most loving and affectionate animals, their death can take a toll on their owners. When it comes to dealing with the loss of a dog, it's certainly no easier than the loss of a close relative. If you're just going through such a situation, here are 10 things you can do to cope with the loss of your favorite pet:

1. Hold a ceremony

Rituals help a lot with grieving the loss of a loved one and the loss of a pet is no different. Holding a ceremony allows you to celebrate the time you had with your beloved pet dog. It also creates an opportunity for other people who loved the dog to be part of his final journey. Besides, organizing the whole ritual will give you a sense of control over what is happening, and a certain peace of mind that you have accorded your dog utmost respect. It can keep your mind busy in the toughest days, right after the death of your pet.

2. Write down your feelings

Writing can be very therapeutic when dealing with death. Most times, it helps people to express the emotions that are too hard to verbalize. You can even turn your writing into a letter to your dog in heaven. This will allow you to invite better thoughts in your mind and help you to move forward in the grieving process.

3. Allow yourself to be sad

Hiding your sadness won't do you any good. Feel sad, and cry if you must. Know that the deepest pain won't last forever.

4. Reach out to others who have lost pets

You never have to do any of it alone. Other people have lost dogs before too, and they can help you cope. They'll understand and won't give you a hard time by saying, "it's just a dog." Pet people get it.

5. Get a new dog

The absence of a dog can leave you feeling lonely. Getting a new dog may not replace the old one. However, it's one way to to deal with the loneliness of the loss of a pet. As you consider the top 5 smartest dogs in the world which one should I buy for family, look for a dog that needs as much love as you do. It helps to get a rescue dog. This way, both of you can find love, companionship, and comfort together.

However, do take your time. Don't rush into getting a new pet, lest it feels like a replacement of your old one. If you aren't ready for a new dog, give it time dealing with the loss of a pet is like any other grieving process, it takes time.

6. Take your time to grieve

Like with any other loss, grieving the death of a pet is part of the process. You can't overlook the absence of a longtime companion dog. Instead of putting yourself through the pressure of forgetting it happened, take time to grieve. Don't expect all the ache to go away in just a few days. Give yourself time to go through the rough patch of losing your pet.

7. Recreate a memory

It helps to invite good thoughts your way. Recreating a memory you shared with your pet can help bring some laughter back into your life. It's also a nice way to get over the pain of not having your dog with you anymore. Go to the bark park and visit with other dogs. Saying hello to your pet's old friends may bring a tear to your eye, but it can also make you happy. Dog parks are fun for everyone!

8. Create a legacy

Your pet has impacted more than one life. Create a legacy for his life. Gather up pictures of your pet to form a photo album or even create a special scrapbook dedicated to your pet. This will help you preserve the memories of your dog and give you something to reminisce through with family members and friends.

9. Talk to a professional

There is no shame in seeking help. Asking a professional to help you cope with the loss of your pet can be the best and quickest way to your emotional healing.

10. Volunteer at an animal shelter

If getting another dog isn't an option for you, volunteering at an animal shelter is a good way to continue expressing your love for dogs.

Dealing with the loss of a pet is a journey that all pet owners must take. The more you face it upfront, the easier it becomes. For more posts about Pets follow our Pet Board, Amanda's Animal Party, on Pinterest.

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Pin it so you don't forget it!

Password Quotes: Lora's Law #4 for Facebook

Facebook Quotes about Life: Lora's Law #4, Password Pets

We love our pets. We want to remember them. Do you ever make a password to honor a pet that has passed away? Maybe you use your current pet. Lora's Law #4 is all about forgetting which pet is your current favorite and your current password. If you are guilty, please share this meme on Facebook. Enjoy!

Lora's Law #4: Forgetting favorite pet passwords.

Lora's Law Number Four:

"If you make a password your favorite pet's name, chances are, you'll forget which pet you picked as your favorite."

All the time. This is a common password security question. I always have to think. I start in order from my first favorite pet to whichever is my current favorite pet or my favorite pet of all time. Sigh. I have had more pets than most! I need a new password technique.

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Gift Ideas for Pet Parents

Looking for Gifts for Pet Owners?

Do you have an adult child who considers their pets their kids? Are you said child? Maybe you or someone you know is retired and your pet is your whole world. What gifts are good for pet lovers? Well... if you are a one-day-to-be-crazy-cat-lady like me, (I'm not there yet because I have young children and a significant other) you've likely been on the receiving end of countless kitty knickknacks. Those kitty sculptures and bobble-heads can pile up pretty quickly. Before you know it, you're not just a crazy cat lady- now your'e a crazy hoarder too. You've got to stop that before it snowballs into cat hoarding. No one wants that. Instead, check out these gift ideas for pet parents. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*

Jealous Quote: People Aren't Jealous of Hard Work

Don't Hide Accomplishments: People Aren't Jealous of Hard Work Quote

Here at Kids Creative Chaos, I've had some sort of blog since about 2006. If you count those old 'homepages' on Microsoft, well then, I'm a dinosaur! In 2011, I started thinking of blogging as an opportunity. By 2012, I had enough experience to have two posts go viral. Back then, I said it just happened- I had no idea how. But, that's not true. It was just easier to let people think that. So, I wanted to share this quote about jealousy. "You'll always find people who are jealous of your accomplishments. Know what people aren't jealous of? Hard work!"

How To Take Care Of Your Entire Family This Winter

Flu and Cold Season is on the Way

The beginning of the school year, can signal the beginning of colds and flu in your home. When the weather becomes cooler and the days grow shorter, health may become a significant concern. Coughs, colds, and even the flu, as well as more severe diseases, can suddenly become considerably more common. It's essential to understand some of the ways you can help your whole family stay healthy during winter so you can enjoy the time you spend together while everyone is safe and sound. The following tip will help you take care of your family during winter months of cold and flu season.

Tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season

Eat Healthily 

Our bodies are amazing machines that convert what we put into them in the form of food and drink into energy and hormones that do everything for us. We are happier and healthier when we eat the proper meals. A bad diet means our immune systems don't work as well as they should, and sometimes shut down altogether, so eating correctly to get enough vitamins and minerals to keep our bodies strong and ready to fight off the numerous illnesses that attack us, particularly during the winter months, is crucial. Try this recipe for baked salmon.

Adopt Healthy Lifestyle as a Family

Fruits and vegetables are the simplest methods to get these nutrients, so getting your five a day is critical. If it's a challenge to include more fruits and vegetables into your diet, try preparing a nutritious morning smoothie for everyone.  Here's a fun way to get kids to eat potassium rich bananas.

Keep Clean 

The simple act of washing your hands can help to keep everyone in the home healthy, and not just the individual who did the hand-washing. The initial point of contact between you and a virus or illness is usually your hands. Giving a loved one a hug, shaking hands, holding hands, and so on can spread diseases from one person to the next. By ensuring that everyone washes their hands frequently (particularly after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and wiping your or a child's nose), you can minimize the chance of unpleasant diseases spreading. If washing your hands causes dry skin (as it may during the winter months), then invest in some excellent hand lotion as well to keep the momentum going. 

This "how to wash your hands" interactive printable lesson is great for the classroom or homeschool, it explains the importance of hand washing in detail and makes it fun.

Check The Animals 

If you have pets, you might discover that they are prone to sickness during the winter months as well. They, too, have immune systems, and although they don't function exactly like ours, that doesn't mean they can't become sick. It is important to take your pet to a great vet, such as exceptionalpets.com, if you suspect they are ill. In this way, you can keep your pet healthy, and everyone else in the family since some animal illnesses can spread to humans.  Our pets can even catch Covid19, so if you're sick, watch them for symptoms. Our bird, a Cockatiel, was very sick when we had Covid, luckily he recovered with some TLC.

Exercise

Getting adequate exercise is another brilliant way to strengthen the immune system. This could be as easy as taking your dog for a walk or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Park a bit further away from the supermarket's entrance, so you'll have to walk a little longer. Spend some time cleaning up the leaves in the garden. It doesn't have to be an exercise class or an hour at the gym, and the more people that participate, the better.  We've got some fun PE Activities to get you moving,check them out!

Need Cat Food Portion Control?

How do you Control Cat Food Portions?

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MeowMixatMeijer #CollectiveBias

If you have a cat (or several like we do) you probably have a  time controlling portions. We have one fat cat who likes to hog all of the cat food. What is the right serving per cat? Do you base it on age, weight, or both? How do you control the mess? Meow Mix® Simple Servings™ at Meijer has solved your problem! It comes in a simple portion control package, so that part is easy.

How do you keep your fat cat from nudging the other cats out and stealing their portion? Keep reading to find out how we keep every cat eating their own cat food portion. Turns out, the bully isn't who we thought it was.

Tigger chilling after his meal of Simple Servings.

 

Tigger and Buddi love Meow Mix® Simple Servings™ cat food. Their favorite cat food flavor is chicken and turkey. When you shop at Meijer you can use their mPerks offer  and get 30% off from 10/08/17 - 11/04/17. Awesome!

First things first, when we walk into the kitchen fat cat follows. He's always looking for an opportunity to eat. There's always dry food in the dish in case he gets hungry between meals, but he's too finicky for that. If the food has been out for more than an hour, he starts slapping the bowl to to get our attention. When we ignore him, he tips the bowl over and spills the 'stale' food out onto the floor. Grr. We sweep the cat food off the floor several times every day. So, of course, he is first to arrive for Simple Servings. The plastic cups are ideal for portion control.

Now, Buddi smells the cat food, hears the the purring, and comes running. Next comes a paw duel and some growling. Then, one of the cats bows down to the other. To our surprise, the bigger cat stood back. She's that blur running in for the food.

With Simple Servings we can fix this mess! Each cat gets their own serving. You can serve it on a plate or leave it in the cup. So no bullying, right? Wrong.

Aww... What a gentleman. He steps back and lets the lady eat. How sweet. We tried to give him his own plate of Simple Servings, but she kept running back and forth to each plate and crowding him out of the way.

So, what's a poor gentleman kitty to do? With the mess-free, new Meow Mix Simple Servings cat food from your local Meijer store, you can serve him on the counter or at the table... Well, if you're a cat person. If you don't like the idea of your cat on the counter just stick a cup on a chair.

Tigger enjoying Simple Servings on the kitchen counter- no mess!

Meow Mix® Simple Servings™ is a new, single serving of delicious wet cat food in a convenient, mess-free cup. It comes in single-serve portions so there are no leftovers, you can serve right from the cup and pop it in the trash when your cats are finished eating. The cup is easy-to-open and easy-to-serve without forks or spoons.

Tigger loves the pieces of real seafood or poultry in a savory sauce or gravy. His favorite flavor is Chicken And Turkey, but there are plenty of flavors for your picky eaters.

Tuna and Salmon
Seafood Variety
Seafood Variety
Whitefish
Chicken and Turkey
Tuna and Whitefish

Each Simple Servings cup is a single serving so you can feed your cat the wet food they crave, without the hassle of worrying about portioning or what to do with the leftovers. All you have to do is open and serve—it’s that simple.

Yum! Licking his lips and yawning after filling his belly with his fair share.

Join the fun and follow Meow Mix on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. #MeowMixatMeijer #CollectiveBias

Problem solved, bellies full, a peaceful ending to the cat food bully situation.

You can find these in the Wet Cat Food aisle at Meijer.

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5 Unusual Behaviors of Your Teens

If there’s a teenager in your family, life can be very tumultuous, for the teenager and for everyone around them. When your child reaches the age of 12 or 13, a sudden change comes about, and they find themselves going through a series of emotional and physical changes. All of a sudden they start behaving in very unusual ways, some of which can be very worrying. It can be difficult for the inexperienced parent to know whether the behaviors of their teen are normal, or if it’s an indication there might be something seriously wrong. So, what are some unusual behaviors of your teens that may be of concern?

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Here are 5 Unusual TEEN Behaviors that should Concern Parents

1. Shunning Social Interaction

There are times when your teen wants nothing to do with you. It’s only natural for them to want some independence. It’s also perfectly normal for them to feel you and older generations don’t understand them. This type of behavior becomes abnormal when they start to shun all forms of social activity, even with their peers. If they won’t come out of their room, even when their friends come calling, this could be an indication of an underlying problem.  

2. Extreme Sadness or Anxiety

It’s perfectly normal to feel sad or depressed from time to time. Even if these feelings last for a couple of days, you shouldn’t worry. If your teen's sadness lasts for more than a few weeks, it could be a sign of mental illness. Similarly, if their sadness seems to be getting progressively worse, they could be developing depression or social anxiety disorder. In which case they’ll need to be treated by a professional who knows what is the treatment for anxiety.   

3. Risky Behavior

Teens are curious; they just can’t help it. It’s an age when they want to experiment with certain things, such as alcohol, drugs, and sex. If their experimentation becomes extreme, this is a time to worry. Professional help is available if your teen is struggling with an addiction. Research how to help your teenager who may have become depressed and developed and addiction.

4. Physical Changes

A teenagers body goes through a number of different changes as it grows and develops. There are also some very powerful hormone surges taking place. One thing that happens is that teens need a lot of sleep. There is, however, a fine line between normal and excessive sleeping. If they seem to be doing nothing but sleeping, there might be a problem. Changes in eating habits are also a common result of all the changes that teens are going through, but you should seek professional advice if your teen's appetite is reduced, they’re not eating at all, or they're experiencing extreme fluctuations in weight.

5. Harming Themselves

If your teen is feeling particularly angry or depressed, they could start self-harming. It might not just be themselves that they’re harming either. If your teen is suffering from a mental illness, it might lead to them harming others. This could be their pets, parents, or peers. Be aware of any usual anger or new cuts on their arms.

Nobody has ever said raising kids is easy. There are times, particularly during kids' teenage years, that you’ll think they’re from another planet and you can’t believe they’re the same adorable toddler you once knew. Your child’s teen years can be very traumatic for everyone concerned, but don't worry, they don’t last very long, and you can all come out happy together on the other side if you are mindful of these five unusual teen behaviors.

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