Fall Enrichment Fun ... with Your Pet!

Crisp fall temperatures have arrived and you may be looking for some indoor fun with your four-legged friends. Here are some enrichment activities that are just what you need to keep your pets stimulated (both physically and mentally!) once the cool weather arrives.

Rabbit Enrichment Toys

Wheat Grass Containers
Grow wheat grass in a small plastic container – apple sauce or dressing cups work very well. Your rabbit will enjoy grazing on a healthy snack in a fun new way!

Cardboard Ball
Cut a paper towel tube into rings. Insert one ring into another to make an X. Continue to add rings to create a round ball. Add hay to the center and allow your rabbit to have fun tossing and tearing.

 

Bubbles for Cats

Everyone loves bubbles, and your cat is no exception! Bubbles can provide something new for your feline friend to look at and the fun, unpredictable movement stimulates her mind. And, the adventurous kitties will love the excitement of popping them! You can even find several different brands of bubbles that land without popping, can be easily wiped up and are safe for your pet to eat.

 

Egg Carton Puzzles

Dogs enjoy playing games to find hidden treats. A quick and easy way to give your dog a fun activity is to hide treats in a cardboard egg carton or cereal box and let him get to work! This activity will allow your dog to use his mind and his nose. And, tearing the cardboard helps to channel your dog’s energy and gives him an appropriate alternative to chewing on the sofa!

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween is just around the corner! While you’re putting together your costume, stocking up on candy and transforming your yard into a spooky graveyard, remember that holidays like Halloween can be stressful times for your pets. Animals don’t understand why their best two-legged friends are wearing scary disguises or why the doorbell keeps ringing all night long.

To keep Halloween fun and safe for everyone in the family, consider the following pet safety tips ...

Sniff Test

If you or your children are going to dress up for Halloween, allow your pet to smell the costume before putting it on.

Beat the Sweets

Keep candy – especially chocolate and gum – away from your pets. Certain candies, wrappers and ingredients can be poisonous and even fatal for pets if ingested.

Leave Fido at Home

Don’t bring your dog (or other pets) trick or treating! The costumes, noise, music, bright lights and decorations could be overwhelming for them. Try finding a quiet room where your pets can curl up with their favorite scary movie instead.

Don’t Over-Decorate

Be careful when decorating your home. Festive items like corncobs, cornstalks, cobwebs, glow sticks and small plastic decorations can cause a choking hazard. Also, don’t forget to cover or hide all electrical cords.

Trick or Treat

If you’re expecting trick or treaters, you’ll want to keep your pets clear of the front door. An open door can be very inviting and the constant ringing of the doorbell by the little ghosts and ghouls could scare your pets and cause them to run.

Dress for Success

Costumes for your pets can be fun (and adorable!) but they should fit well enough to allow them to breathe normally. And, be cautious of any loose or hanging parts like fringe, stuffing or buttons that could pose a choking hazard.

Halloween should be a fun time for everyone, including your pets. And, by following these tips, you can make sure that it’s safe too!

Sadie's Story

With her face out the window and nose to the wind, it’s clear this 10-year old Labrador Retriever mix is relishing every minute of the car ride with one of her favorite volunteers. This is Sadie. And, seeing her enjoy her time away from her kennel, walking carefree with a stuffed bear in her mouth you’d never guess the past she so narrowly escaped.

Sweet Sadie was found tied up outside during a snowstorm in January without protection from the frigid elements. Once she was rescued, she was taken to a local shelter and transferred to Animal Friends. As Sadie was getting settled into her second chance, our Medical team soon discovered that she was in need of some specialized care. Sadie was diabetic and needed medication to help manage her condition. So, we jumped into action and created a plan for her. Our compassionate staff and volunteers kept a close eye on her around the clock. But sadly, Sadie’s diabetes had gone untreated for so long that it’s causing her to slowly go blind.

But, we’re determined to give Sadie the life we know she deserves. Sadie hasn’t let her diabetes or diminishing eyesight slow her down one bit. She now has a special halo harness that helps her navigate her surroundings without the risk of bumping into obstacles. While she needs a little help getting around, she is always happy to spend time cuddling with friends and is even eager to learn new commands like “sit” and “give paw” – proving that old dogs can learn new tricks! Whether it takes days, weeks, months or even years, we’ll be right here for Sadie every step of the way – for as long as she needs.

But, there are still other pets – just like Sadie – who still need your help.

To Purchase Candy

Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about Animal Friends and ask for their support through the purchase of these sweet treats. Direct them to SarrisCandiesFundraising.com and simply ask them to use Group ID#10375 and designate Animal Friends as the organization they support when placing their order. Orders can be placed online through Dec. 14.

Deadlines

To receive your chocolate in time for Christmas, please place your order by Friday, November 16 – candy will be delivered on Friday, Dec. 14 and can be picked up at Animal Friends during our regular business hours (M-F 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and S-S 10 a.m.-5 p.m.).