February is the month of love. Enjoy it. Celebrate it. Who cares if it’s cheesy. The cheesier the better 😉
Download your February calendar here
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by 
February Love.
categories: Calendar
by by by Zara gets spayed.
categories: Zara
Today is the day that my baby girl gets spayed. She is six months old and ready for the procedure. This is the first time we have dropped Zara off and left her. The howls and cries were heartbreaking, to the point where I asked Dr Sally if I could please stay with her for the day. Obviously this is not in Zara’s best interests and it was better if Oscar and I go home and wait patiently while time passes slower than every before. I am a little lost without my bounding puppy. I am missing the chaos she brings into our home. I know that she is in extremely capable hands and everything will go just fine.
Oscar’s story
Oscar’s procedure wasn’t as easy as we had hoped it would be. He was five years old when we had him neutered. He began behaving badly when we went out for walks and he would mark his territory all over the house. We took him to a divine behaviourist who suggested neutering him along with some positive reinforcement training sessions. The day I dropped my boy off at the vet for his procedure was just as awful as dropping Zara off! Instead of howling, Oscar gave me his intense sad eyes and pushed his ears right back. With a lump in my throat I had to walk out and fetch him later that afternoon. I was reassured that everything will be fine.
Oscar is a very sensitive boy and he takes everything to heart. He was not a very happy boy when I fetched him later that afternoon. I took him straight home where I had made an extra comfy spot for him to doze off and sleep away his anaesthetic. During the night Oscar licked his stitches to the point where I had to rush him back to the vet first thing in the morning because he had developed an infection. He was put on a course of antibiotics and now he had to wear a cone! Of course I chose a cute one with yellow paws all over it but Oscar was NOT impressed!
Because my boy has such slobbery cheeks and constantly drools, his chin and neck skin was constantly damp, and we all know what loves warm damp environments… Mould!! Oscar’s fur turned lime green and began falling out. He had developed a skin infection. So it was back to the vet for another course of antibiotics and a topical cream and it was good bye cone! I had to watch him like a hawk to make sure he didn’t lick his stitches again and create another problem. Thankfully my efforts paid off and he recovered wonderfully.
Reasons to spay or neuter your pooch
Spaying and neutering your pets is so important. Not only does it prevent unwanted puppies, it also helps prevent a number of diseases and cancers including uterine infections, breast tumours, testicular cancer and prostate problems just to name a few.
It will also help with behavioural problems, although it is not the quick fix solution. You will still need to positively train your pup as we did with Oscar.
Neutering will also help your pup stay close to you and not wonder off to find himself a girlfriend! Oscar was a serious ladies man-and still is I might add. But with him being neutered I know that he will always come running home to me.
The myths
It is believed that spaying or neutering your furry love will cause them to put on weight… This is not true. A lack of exercise and too much food will cause your pup to gain weight. Be sure to keep your furry love active and healthy to avoid any weight problems.
As I have said already, neutering your pup is not a quick fix to his behaviour issues but It certainly helps with the training process. To change your pups behaviour requires time, patience and love. It took months of constant training for Oscar to realise that he isn’t the biggest dog in the park nor does he have to be the meanest, we still have to remind him at times!
Post op
Try to keep your pooch as calm and quiet as possible because you do not want her to rupture her stitches. It is also important that she doesn’t lick her stitches, she may need a cone. You will need to provide a comfy, quiet spot for her to rest and recover in. Your pup doesn’t need to bath while she is recovering, rather spot clean any messes with a warm damp cloth. And never wet her stitches or wound area, this needs to stay as dry as possible to avoid infections. Keep a close watch on her stitches and wound to make sure the healing process is on track.
Post op, Zara will need a lot of TLC! It is going to be a challenge keeping her calm because she is such a happy and excitable puppy who loves nothing more than playing fetch, bringing us various presents from sticks and leaves to her cute cuddly teddies. I have rearranged things so she has comfy spots all over the house and she can decide which one is the best for her to recover. All her bedding has been freshly washed to help prevent infections too. No doubt she will be starving when she arrives home so I have her food ready and waiting along with fresh water and of course some homemade treats are on the menu!
Spaying or neutering your furry love may be daunting but it is the responsible thing to do for both you and your pup!
Thank you for reading.
by Product Review: FriendshipCollar
categories: Product Reviews
Oscar and Zara are my best friends, and to match my bestties is the most comforting feeling in the world. Whenever I wear my half of our FriendshipCollar, someone will ask what it is and I get to explain the concept that my fur babies and I match, because after all Best Friends Should Match!
The idea is that your pup wears a stylish collar and you wear a matching bracelet. These matching collars and bracelets symbolise an unbreakable bond between you and your furry love. Oscar and Zara give me so much love and happiness on a daily basis so wearing my half of our FriendshipCollar allows me to show them how much I adore them and how unbreakable our bond is. Zara will sit on my lap and lick my bracelet-almost to tell me she understands exactly what this is and what it means!
The collars and bracelets are made from 100% vegan leather and are the worlds first PETA approved dog collar. The quality is unbelievable. It is softer than real leather and super durable. If it can survive being around Zara’s neck it can survive anything 😉
There is a stunning range that is currently available in South Africa and you can shop online at the Stylish Paws online store (click here). All the sizes are clearly stated and there is a size for EVERYONE! Each style has a short description so you can decide which one matches you and your bestie the best. I chose Top Dog for us because “Playful, boisterous and cute as can be, When playtime is over, It’s cuddles next to me” describes both Oscar and Zara perfectly!
Go on, spoil your pets with a gorgeous FriendshipCollar!
Thank you for reading.
by January 2017
categories: Calendar
Happy New Year everyone! We hope you all enjoyed the festive season and welcomed 2017 with open arms. We are very excited to see what this year has planned for us and we hope it is a fabulous year for you too.
We hope you enjoy this months calendar featuring Oscar and Zara with their favourite emoji pillow 🙂
Click here to download your January calendar
Thank you for reading
by Santa Paws is coming to town.
categories: Holiday fun
Most of us would agree that when it comes to our pets they are our four legged children. And just like any other member of the family, Santa comes to visit them too.
There is so much excitement in our house around Christmas time. This year will be slightly different because we now have an extra stocking to hang up-Zara’s. Oscar knows the drill, I put the Christmas tree and decorations up, bring out the dress up goodies and take a million super cute photo’s of him looking like Santa’s little helper. While putting the Christmas tree up last weekend, there was so much curiosity from Zara. She really did think it was Christmas when she saw this giant tree going up inside as something to chew on and pull all over the house! This year it is strategically placed next to the couch with a coffee table in front of it-yes I am learning how she operates! Santa won’t be able to make his delivery until late on Christmas Eve when Zara’s inquisitiveness has been put to sleep and she is too tired to investigate.
On Christmas morning Oscar is like a proper excited child! He wakes up knowing he has tons of gifts to open and he runs straight to the pile that Santa delivered. Somehow he just knows exactly which ones are for him, and they are not all treats for him to sniff out! He just knows! I love watching him tear open the wrapping paper and his pure excitement with whatever it is he has discovered. He loves new things be it homemade treats, a new teddy to chew the eyes off or a new collar. He loves anything that is just for him. I cannot wait to see the excitement and chaos that Zara will bring to Christmas morning. Of course I will be there with my camera in hand ready to capture the fun and excitement. She is so much fun to be around and she brings so much joy to all of us.
Of course Valentine and Duchess are included in our Christmas celebrations and they get gifts too. They, like Oscar love getting new toys, treats and boxes. And this year will be no different.
Here are some gorgeous goodies that are on Oscar, Zara, Valentine and Duchess’ wish list this year, we hope you find something special for your furry love too…
This is a stunning gift for you to share with your furry love! The concept of these collars is beautiful and we are in love with them. Your pup gets a stylish collar and you receive a matching bracelet. The quality of these collars goes far beyond our expectations, they are made from vegan approved leather and super soft. There is a variety of colours and designs to choose from, making sure there is a set to suit everyone. They don’t know it yet but Oscar and Zara have got the Top Dog collection, because after all they are my Top Dogs! Spoil yourself and your pooch, because best friends should match! Click here to shop
What pup doesn’t love sticks? We often find ourselves unsure on what type of wood a particular stick is which Zara has brought home with her, many of which are toxic! With the PetStages Dog Wood Toys, you don’t have to worry. This toy is so durable, made from innovative material that combines real wood with durable synthetic material to create a stronger, safer stick. The natural wood smell attracts and keeps Zara’s interest for hours. Zara loves her Dog Wood so much that she has asked Santa for another one 😉 Click here to shop
Four Paws and Me offers a wonderful box filled with surprises for you and your pooch. The limited edition Christmas boxes are filled with wonderful goodies that won’t disappoint! There is a box for everyone with three different options to choose from. When Oscar and Zara received their November box, there was so much excitement and I got to share a gift with my fur babies-what could be better than that? Have some fun opening a gift with your pup too. When placing your order use the code STYLISHPAWS and R10 from each sale will go to Woodrock Animal Rescue. Click here to shop
These Egg Shaped Pet Pods from Cosmic Pets are absolutely gorgeous and are on Valentine and Duchess’ Christmas list. Of course they can be used for cats and small breed dogs too. It comes with a soft inner velvet cushion and a fleece blanket to keep your furry love happy and comfy. Make sure your furry love sleeps in style, they deserve it. Click here to shop
No Christmas stocking is complete unless it has treats in it-Oscar knows this all too well! Spoil your pets with some yummy Pupcorn they will want all year round. Choose from two yummy flavours for your pup to tuck into while you enjoy your Christmas treats. The food we eat is often far too rich for Oscar and Zara so instead they can have fun with their Pupcorn without feeling sick later. Click here to shop
Make your pup feel extra special this Christmas in a one of a kind Christmas Bandana from Swanky Mongrel. Sizes available fit Yorkies to Rottweilers, so everyone is included. Each bandana is made with tons of love. Go on, spoil Santa’s little helper, he has been a good boy! Click here to shop
Cats love to show off so why not make your kitty feel extra special with a new stylish Gummi collar for him to show off to all his friends. These collars are durable and come with a removable bell and have a safety strip too. There is a variety of colours to choose from, and when held under a uv light they glow in the dark-how awesome!! Click here to shop
What cat doesn’t love cat nip? Let your kitty go a little wild with this Cool Cat cat nip spray. Simply spray it on your cats toys, bedding and scratch posts and watch them have fun. Click here to shop
Fill your cats stocking with these super cute Feather Buddy’s from PetStages. Feather Buddy will become your kitty’s new best friend. With bunches of colourful feathers, this cute creature offers hours of play. So spoil your kitty this Christmas. Click here to shop
Cat tree’s are awesome and your cat thinks so too! Valentine and Duchess have also asked for a cat tree for Christmas, are they bunnies or are they cats-haha? Cat tree’s provide so much entertainment for your kitty and it will keep him from scratching things he shouldn’t… You can also hide some feather buddy’s in the tunnels and spray come cat nip spray on it too. Make this Christmas amazing for your kitty. Click here to shop
Christmas time at Little Critters is not always a happy and festive time. Families want to go away on holiday and it is the Little Critters who suffer, being abandoned without a second thought. If you can, any donation would be greatly appreciated. No pet deserves to be abandoned and left unwanted around a time that is supposed to be all about families coming together. Please email lauren.namer@iburst.co.za if you would like to donate. Click here to visit their Facebook page
We hope we have given you some wonderful ways to spoil your furry loves this Christmas! This year will be chaos in our house and I cannot wait!! We wish you a wonderful festive season. Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
Thank you for reading
by December
categories: Calendar
It’s December, the most wonderful time of the year.
We would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
Download your December calendar here
Thank you for reading.
by Little Critters Rescue Club.
categories: Valentine and Duchess
My mom and I were fortunate enough to visit the Little Critters Rescue Club at the beginning of November. We took some much needed supplies and we wanted to spend some time and get to know each Little Critter. We fell in love with all the critters, including the permanent residents! It is such a special place and one that is close to my heart, especially since Valentine and Duchess came into my life. When Lauren opened the door we were greeted by the cutest pack of wagging tails. Marmite, Peanut, Misty, Molly and Barney to be exact. Isabel who is one of Lauren’s rescue cats quite proudly showed us where the Critters were and then demanded some tummy tickles as a reward for her efforts.
Lauren started Little Critters Rescue Club out of pure love and adoration for smaller pets such as rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice and chinchillas. The club is a rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing center, but of course some of the critters that come in become permanent residents, mostly because they are special needs critters.
We met Gladys who was an abused little guinea pig girl who now has scars across her back. Her fur is long enough to cover them up and when you look at her you would never know just how hurt she was before she came to Little Critters. She was so friendly to my mom and I, we even got little piggy cuddles. She melted our hearts!
Lady is another piggy permanent resident who was so over bred that her bottom eyelids suffered such trauma from inbreeding that they now protrude outwards. She also has ovarian cysts and has had many ovarian issues as a result from all the breeding and she needs constant care. We also got piggy cuddles from her and she was such a sweet heart.
And then there is Odette, who is very special to Lauren! She has kidney failure and needs three supplemented feeds a day to make sure she gets all the vitamins, proteins and fluids she needs!
Then we met Sooty and Sweep, two cute baby bunny sisters! Lauren hand fed these babies and taught them everything they know. Luckily at the same time they came in, another guinea pig family came in and the three amigo baby guinea pigs and Sooty and Sweep became inseparable. Luigi, Herbie and Peanut are such curious little boys. My mom and I could have sat for hours listening to them chat amongst themselves, feed from their mom, explore their surroundings and play with Sooty and Sweep.
The Critters live a life of luxury while at the club. They have access to a massive mansion that has ramps, pillows, hideouts and lookouts. When they are not relaxing in their mansion they have access to the most awesome herb garden where they can run free and just be Little Critters! There is also a playground for everyone to enjoy with things to jump over, hide under and gnaw on.
Visiting Little Critters has inspired me and given me new ideas on how I can improve Valentine and Duchess’ play room, hutch and outdoor area.
Before any adoptions, strict home checks and interviews take place. It is very important that anyone wanting to adopt is doing so for the right reasons. Lauren will also educate the adoptive family on proper care, food requirements and how to keep your Little Critter truly happy.
These critters were abused, abandoned and not cared for, yet they still have enough love and trust in them to allow us to show them what its like to be loved, it honestly is heart warming.
This Christmas I ask you to please think of these Little Critters.
Before Valentine and Duchess came into my life I had no idea just how much effort goes onto making sure they are kept happy and healthy! Meal times are a lot more than a lettuce leaf and a carrot. Despite their size, their food bill and toy bill is costly. I can’t imagine having more than two Critters to feed and look after. If you can, please donate any amount to the Little Critters Rescue Club. They always need Burgees Pellets, Timothy Hay, blankets to snuggle in, and interactive toys. You can contact Lauren on lauren.namer@iburst.co.za and please be sure to follow them on Facebook (click here) and Instagram (click here), every share is one step closer to finding these Little Critters their perfect forever home!
Thank you for reading
by Four Paws & Me Subscription Boxes
categories: Product Reviews
Who doesn’t love presents? And presents you can share with your best friend are even better right? Well, this is exactly what Four Paws & Me offers. A monthly box sent to you filled with awesome human goodies as well as treats and toys for your furry friend.
When ours was delivered there was so much excitement, Zara was bouncing around like a hooligan wanting to know what it was she could devour in less than thirty seconds! Oscar on the other hand sat patiently waiting his turn to investigate this weird and wonderful box that has just arrived. I of course was so excited and couldn’t wait to open it up and see what this month’s theme and contents were… To my surprise the November box has an Owl theme and is filled with hootiful treats for Oscar, Zara and myself to enjoy.
About the boxes:
Four Paws and Me subscription boxes are a selection of the best treats on the market, for both you and your furry love.
In the box you will receive an innovative toy, that will entertain your pooch for hours. There will be a surprise gift for you, from mugs, to t-shirts to home décor–all depending on the month’s theme. With the November box being Owl themed Zara received the cutest owl teddy to throw around, Oscar received a vintage squeaky shoe and some treats for them both to enjoy. I received super cute owl earrings, the November issue of AnimalTalk magazine, some yummy snacks to enjoy while I read my magazine and a photography voucher. Zara of course just wanted everything to be hers and I had to teach her how to share! The treats went down a treat 😉 and the two of them are enjoying their new toys.
Box options:
There are three options of boxes you can choose from and you can order each box as a once off, three month, six month or twelve month delivery.
The Pawsome box- is the standard box, one per month with various surprises for both you and your pooch.
The I Ruff You box- is the grand box, plus an extra box in the birthday months of both you and your pooch.
The Muttastic box- is the donation box, contents of purchased box will be donated to a dog at the shelter of the month, any remaining monies will be donated to the shelter (no profits are made on these boxes)
There is a box for everyone, not only are they wonderful gifts for ourselves but they make wonderful gifts to give too. Any animal lover would love these boxes.
We absolutely LOVE Four Paws & Me Subscription boxes and we know you will too! We have partnered up with them so you can head on over to our online store and place your order-What are you waiting for… Click here to order your Four Paws & Me Subscription Box
Thank you for reading.
by Happy November!
categories: Calendar
Happy November! Wishing you a wonderful month.
Download your November Calendar here
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by Cancer in dogs.
categories: Oscar
Cancer is a devastating disease, and most of us have been affected by it in some way or another. Either ourselves, a family member or a friend. Our pets can get cancer too, and like any disease, early detection is the key to recovery!
Did you know that our furry loves can get the same types of cancer that we can, namely; Lung Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Brain Tumour, Lymphoma, Skin Cancer, Bone Cancer and Mammary Carcinoma, just to name a few!
I personally have not experienced cancer in any of my pets, but I like to be informed and clued up on what exactly I should look for. I am constantly giving Oscar doggy massages (click to read how to give the perfect doggy massage), and so I am always feeling for lumps, bumps and sore spots. Now that we have baby Zara I check her out too, but what exactly am I looking for…?
October is Cancer awareness month so I thought it fitting to explore this topic and provide tips on reading the signs…
Lumps, bumps and sores: It is very important that you take note of any new lumps or bumps that form under your dogs skin. It is always a good idea to get the new lump checked out by your vet as soon as possible, don’t wait to see if it grows, disappears or changes in any way. Sores that do not heal are also a cause for concern. Take note of when your first noticed it so you can provide your vet with accurate information.
Bleeding or discharge: If you notice any sort of bleeding or discharge coming from any part of your pups body, it is a sign that treatment of some kind is needed. Your vet will be able to identify the cause of the problem and advise the proper treatment needed.
Lethargy: Sometimes this may be a difficult one to identify especially when it is mid summer and temperatures reach well into the 30’s. A good way to test this is offer your pooch his favourite treat, if he does not get up and show willingness to receive his treat then take him for a check up your vet.
Difficulty breathing or going to the bathroom: Some dog breeds naturally have difficulty breathing and so you need to be extra vigilant with them. If you notice your pooch suddenly can’t exercise for any length of time like they used to, or experience severe difficulty breathing they need to be seen by a vet. Of course if you notice your fur baby struggling in any kind of way going to the bathroom, or notice blood you need to get advise from your vet.
Unexplained weight-loss No one knows their dogs eating habits better than you do… For me this one would be a difficult sign to take note of with Oscar. He honestly will only eat when and if he feels like it. He has been like this his entire life and has never had a regular feeding schedule. Zara on the other hand gulps her breakfast and dinner down within minutes. If your pups eating habits change, visit your vet!
Difficulty eating: If you notice your dog is suddenly struggling to eat or swallow his food, this could be a lump putting pressure on his oesophagus. Take your furry love to the vet immediately. Vomiting as well as a sudden increase in water intake should be a sign for concern too.
Bad breath: We all love puppy kisses but sometimes things can get a bit smelly. Only you know how your pooch usually smells. If suddenly things change, consult your vet.
The most important thing to remember is, take note of any changes in your dog, both physically and emotionally. You know your pooch best, if his behaviour changes in the slightest way, consult your vet. Early detection is key!
Thank you for reading.
Sources: csuanimalcancercenter.org ; iheartdogs.com ; caninecancer.com
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