STUDY: 70% of Women View Their Pets…..

puppy

This is one of my dogs after a surgery. She was always cold and her bladder leaked for about 2 weeks. My poor baby girl.

 

Did you know? 

STUDY: 70% of Millennial Women View Their Pets as Children

According to Rover.com, many women view themselves as “dog moms” rather than owners. A study conducted by Veterinarians.org found that 70% of millennial women who chose not to have kids view their pets as children and treat them as such.

I can tell you, as a mom of biological, foster, adopted, and step kids- I also consider myself a fur mom. I never say “I own my dogs” or that I am an owner. I absolutely refer to them as my fur babies or 4 legged kids. I adore my dogs, as many of you know, and we do foster care and rehab for dogs of all ages and sizes. We love going to dog events, my dogs that get cold have sweaters, my small one has a backpack and a stroller we use for long days out that she can’t handle, and we have all manner of treats, toys, dog lotions for sore paws and hot spots and whatnot.

They are absolutely up to date on shots, get their heartworm pills, flea and tick treatments, and anything else in between. I love them and want them to be happy and comfortable- just like I would for my kids.  Are they as loved or as important to me as my children? No, of course not. But they don’t give me any crapola, either! Ha.

So. What did the professionals find?

Key Findings:

  • 69% of respondents say that having a pet is easier than having a child.
  • 52% say it’s easier to find care for their pet if they need to leave their home for an extended period of time.
  • 53% made a home purchase/renting decision based on whether there was enough outdoor space for their pet.
  • 33% of Millennial home-buying decisions were chiefly driven by the buyer’s dog (outranking marriage and kids as incentives).
  • 48% say the costs of caring for a pet are lower compared to children.
  • 42% of respondents say pets are less stressful.
  • 39% say that having a pet instead is less time-consuming.

pet parent

Birth Rates in US Survey Highlights

  • 42% of Millennial women who don’t plan to have children say the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their decision.
  • 41% say they don’t want to raise a child in the world’s current conditions.
  • 42% don’t feel there are enough programs and resources available (such as affordable healthcare and childcare) to help parents raise a child.
  • 49% believe people with children are more stressed than people without children.
  • Among Millennial women who don’t want children, 70% of those with pets view their dog/cat as their child.
  • Among these pet owners, 69% say having a pet is easier than having a child.
  • 48% of those with pets also say the costs of caring for a pet are lower than those for caring for a child.

While many believed the COVID-19 pandemic would fuel a ‘baby boom’ as couples found themselves spending more time together under lockdown, the opposite turned out to be true. In fact, according to data published by the CDC, birth rates in the U.S. reached a record low in 2020, showing a 4% decline in the number of U.S. births from the year prior. This figure is not only double the average yearly decline since 2014, but represents the lowest number of births since 1979.

However, this downward trend in births was noticeable even before the pandemic. Women, especially Millennial women, have been increasingly delaying motherhood to pursue careers and continuing education. Others have married later in life, or have put motherhood aside temporarily in the face of economic uncertainty.

There are also Millennial women who have opted out of motherhood altogether. We surveyed 400 of these women to explore their views on motherhood, children, and how domestic pets like dogs and cats may be the new ‘stand-in’ for children for millions of Millennial women around the U.S.

This study also discusses other reasons Millennial Women have decided to opt-out of motherhood.  See the whole article here- there is a lot of food for thought. See it here- https://www.veterinarians.org/birth-rates-in-us/

Wordless Wednesday – Dog Training Duo #WW #WordlessWednesday

therapy dogs

STUDY: Women Sleep Better Next to Their Dog Than Their Partner

Women and dogs are a match made in heaven and this was even supported by Honest Paws newly released study about dog and human relationships, where it listed down 95 benefits of having a dog.  Having both dogs and a husband, I can concur- the dogs are WAY easier to sleep with, LOL.

women sleep study

Dog provides women:

  • dog’s gaze (think of those puppy eyes!) induces a release of oxytocin, “the love hormone,” which is linked to a strengthened emotional bond between mothers and babies
  • Women are more intuitive to dogs’ emotions than men because they have a higher emotional sensitivity
  • Dogs who interact with women are 220% more likely to be treated like people versus dogs who don’t interact with women
  • Single women place more value on how a potential partner interacts with their dog than single men do
  • Women are more likely to view dogs as members of their family
  • Young women who own dogs take fewer days off sick from work
  • Women sleep better next to dogs than they do other people

Most of the time, my dogs are super easy to sleep with. The bigger dogs can be a little harder to move, but not always. None of them hog the bed or the blankets anywhere near the amount that my husband does, haha.

Sleep in whatever way works for you- which for me, most of the time, is with at least one dog, and my bed-hog husband. Goodnight!

Dogs That Make The Best Roadtrip Companions

dog on roadtrip

There is nothing better than packing up your car or truck and heading out on a Road Trip for a couple of days on the open road. And there is no better way to spend that time than with your best furry friend. 

Dogs are amazing companions and are man’s best friend, and they will provide you with constant friendship as well as entertainment during your trip. 

But which breeds of dog make the best road trip buddies? There are so many dog breeds out there to choose from, but we have rounded up which ones we think are the best to bring along with you on the open road this year. 

Labrador Retrievers 

The top choice and absolutely the best companion to bring with you on a road trip has to be a Labrador. Labrador retrievers are the most stunning and friendly dog breed around, and they are the ideal companion on the road. Their patience as well as their goofiness makes them ideal for long car rides because they will likely either fall asleep or pop their head out of the window and enjoy the breeze! If you have a Labrador, now is the time to find a Sierra for sale and head out on the open road for a good time. 

Springer Spaniels 

English springer spaniels are one of the most entertaining dog breeds of all. Their incessant tail wagging and hopping through long grass is enough to make anyone laugh, and they are also full of energy that will carry on long after you have given up for the day. As a Road Trip buddy, springer spaniels will keep you motivated and when you do go for walks and hikes, they will pull you along even when your legs get tired. These friendly and sociable dogs will keep you feeling motivated and alert even when all of your energy has drained. 

Huskies 

It is no surprise that huskies are on this list, since they are built to be sled dogs and made for the great outdoors. A husky can be your motivation as well as your best friend on an adventure, and as well as this they will provide some unique music for you in the car journey! 

French Bulldogs 

If you want a dog who will be the ideal companion for a laid back road trip, a french bulldog is a great choice. This tiny little sacks of dynamite are always happy and peppy, and they will provide you with the perfect cuddly companion on the road. Frenchies love to stick their head out of the car window and they are also patient meaning the long car journeys won’t bother them at all. 

Collies 

Collies, particularly Border Collies, are one of the smartest dog breeds of all and this makes them ideal for joining you on an adventure. Collies love to work and love to be in new situations, and this means every new place you visit will be like a new playground for your collie. Plus, they are incredibly obedient meaning letting them off the lead will not be a problem no matter how far from home you travel. 

 

Love Dogs? You’ll LOVE Molly.

Do you love dogs as much as we do? If you are anything like us, you love your 4 legged friend more than pretty much anything. As well, you hate misinformation being spread! So many lies about pitbulls, who are as gentle a dog as you can find. Good with adults, kids, cats, other dogs of all sizes- it’s not about the breed, it’s about how they are trained. If you abuse a dog and train it to bite, that’s what happens. Blame the trash humans, not the abused animal. But Pit Bulls actually have a much lower bite rate then many other dogs, like Chihuahuas or Jack Russel Terriers, as well as a more gentle demeanor. Just like your kindergarten teacher said- don’t judge a book by it’s cover. And don’t believe everything you read- the media did the same thing to the German Shepherds, to the Rottweilers, and on and on. Just can’t blame the actual problem- humans doing awful things. Give these beauties a 2nd chance- they are by and large lovers, not fighters.

Molly A Love Story

Molly: A Love Story

by Dana Brackob is a true story about a cute little Pit Bull, lost and alone in the world until one day she was rescued and given a home. Molly’s story teaches children about the unconditional love that a dog can bring into the lives of a family. As a cancer survivor, Molly overcame adversity, and her story shows that despite every hardship, true love is everlasting. Children and dog lovers of all ages will be touched by Molly’s story and that of her adopted brother Logan, a Siberian Husky who became her best friend.  See more here: histriabooks.com/product/molly-a-love-story

A portion of the sale of each copy of Molly will go to support animal shelters in the Las Vegas area.
Dana Brackob lives and works in Las Vegas. She was Molly’s real-life mom and wanted to share her story. Pit Bulls are often maligned, but Molly proved that they are one of the most loving types of dogs. The illustrator, Evgeniya Kozhevnikova, is a talented Russian artist living in Tomsk, Siberia.

Love Your Pup? Try SquarePet #DogFood

Got a dog you love? Us too. In addition to our own pack, we constantly rotating pups as we are involved in rescue and fostercare. You can definitely call us “dog people”. Our pets and our foster pups are a huge part of our lives, even traveling with us at times. If you are followers on Instagram or Twitter, you’ll know that we are always out and about with them, and the dogs are always into something interesting, haha. (Not to mention, I think both Shayna and Cooper have a nicer wardrobe then I do!)

We recently got to try out this new dog food, and they really liked it. We were send the low fat variety, and while none of our fur babies are hefty, they still really enjoyed the food. I tend to cook for the dogs since that horrible dog food scare a few years ago, but I always keep a bag of dry food on hand for the days that I run out. Which I do, not irregularly. But I won’t give them just any dog food- it has to be good quality, and I won’t give them anything I can’t pronounce or know what it is. Some people make fun and say they are “just dogs”, but really- your dog is family. Mine are. And I think they should be treated as such.

They really loved the food, and I think your pups will as well. If you are looking for something to try out, or to upgrade your current dog food, I would definitely give SquarePet a try. Your pups will thank you.

cute puppy

More About SquarePet Veterinarian Formulated Low-Fat Solution Dog Food 

  • VFS Low Fat Formula contains two key protein sources from Pacific cod and ocean whitefish meal which are certified by the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) to be sustainable and wild caught.  These lean and high-quality fish are combined with highly digestible sources of carbohydrates including USA grown non-GMO rice, and vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced feeding to help support gastrointestinal health.
  • Providing precisely balanced nutrition that has been developed by a veterinarian and a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, SquarePet VFS Low Fat Formula leverages the inherent nutrition found within natural high-quality ingredients to create veterinary inspired solutions-based diets.
  • Its proprietary soluble and insoluble fiber blend supports a healthy gut microbiome and is fortified with antioxidant vitamins and minerals to help defend against free radicals.  In addition, the diet is packed with crucial Omega-3 essential fatty acids, including DHA and EPA which support the immune system and cognitive health
  • VFS Low Fat Formula from SquarePet is free of artificial flavors, artificial colors, and preservatives.
  • It is proudly made in the USA with no ingredients from China.
  • SquarePet’s VFS Low Fat Formula dog food can be purchased online and at local pet specialty retailers nationwide.
  • Available online and at independent pet retailers throughout North America.
  • MSRP of $71.99 for a 22-pound bag

Our New Additions To The Family #DontShopAdopt #RescueMe

So, as any followers on Instagram my have noticed, we have added to the family. We recently added two adorable pups to the pack. We went for one, but ended up with two. You know how that goes. We just couldn’t stop thinking about that adorable little face, so we had to go back.

Welcome home, Shayna and Kofi!

rescue puppy

And tiny Shayna, my first “little dog” ever (foster or personal pet).

 

rescue chiweenie

We are so excited to have new bundles of love around here. They have made the pandemic more adventurous, that’s for sure!

I post a lot of photos on Twitter and Instagram, so if you aren’t following and like to see puppy photos, link up 🙂

Happy Monday, all.

5 Best Dog Friendly Cities in Europe

Europe is a dream travel destination for many people. While the same sentiment is expressed by people who love traveling with their dogs, they have to be a little more discerning when it comes to choosing specific countries in Europe that will be more welcoming of their pet. Here, we reveal five of the best cities in Europe where you and your dog will surely have the best time together.

Prepping for Your Trip

Before anything else, you have to plan very well for traveling with your pet. Wherever you’re coming from, it is likely that the best way to travel with a large dog or a small dog is by taking a plane. Research on the procedures and requirements of taking your pooch with you and you will have resolved a big chunk of the whole “travelling with a dog” challenge!

Dog-Friendly Cities to Visit

In no particular order, here are five European cities that are known for being very dog friendly:

  1. Berlin. A popular travel destination for art and culture, this German city is also one that is very friendly towards dogs. One of the best ways to get around with your dog is by joining a walking tour of the city’s top historical sites. Alternatively, a steamer cruise ship is a more relaxing way to get around – and one that welcomes dogs as well. The highlight of Berlin as a dog-friendly European country is the pet-friendly nature of its public transportation system. For as long as you get the right ticket, you’ll have no problem exploring around with your pet. The city also has many cafes and apartments that welcome dogs and go the extra mile to make them feel right at home.
  2. Amsterdam. You’ll immediately know that Amsterdam is pet-friendly once you realize that the city is practically teeming with dogs! The reason for this is probably because Amsterdam has so many beautiful parks that are perfect for sightseeing with a dog or two. Except for galleries and museums, dogs are pretty much allowed all over the city. Places that have no choice but to decline dogs as visitors have a sign that says ‘no dogs allowed’ for your information. They are also allowed to travel for free on public transportations, with the exception of trains that have a dog surcharge of 3 euros.
  3. Prague. The capital city of the Czech Republic has made a lot of effort to become a more dog-friendly city, which likely contributes to its increase in tourists. Most restaurants welcome dogs, and many proprietors even offer small meals for your hungry, four-footed co-traveler. Prague also has a lot of parks which you can explore with your dogs, and pet-friendly beer gardens are aplenty as well. As for getting around with your dog, the basic rule is that they need to be muzzled before they hop aboard. While the city still needs to work on increasing pet-friendly accommodations, a bit of research will yield several that are very accommodating to pooches such as Pod Vezi. In Prague, make sure to catch a flick at The Aero – the continent’s lone dog-friendly cinema! An annual dog film festival, Aero Pes Fest, is also a must-attend event for all dog lovers.
  4. Barcelona. Barcelona locals truly love their dogs, which is why they warmly welcome yours as well. In fact, the locals are very showy of their affection towards pets compared to other European cities. If you’re looking forward to the tapas experience, you’ll be happy to know that many notable places are also dog-friendly and even offer water should your pooch be parched.
  5. Paris. Dogs are an omnipresent feature of Paris, and you’ll instantly see how much the locals love their leashed pooches. They accompany them to the hottest restaurants, the most luxurious boutiques, inside taxicabs – everywhere! While there are some established rules about where dogs can and cannot go, Parisians basically ignore these or try to circumvent them. Dog friendly hotels are also plentiful, and some are even known to provide a welcome basket for both the tourist and his trusty, four-legged side kick!

Excited for your great European adventure with your dog? These tips will surely make it a lot more enjoyable – for both you and your pet!