5 Things to Tell a Spouse who Hates Your Pet

Meet Khan.

Khan is a mature Himalayan mix located at the Ames Animal Shelter in Iowa.  He's got beautiful eyes, a laid-back personality, and a heart condition that requires a very special home. 

Khan is also a ginormous ball of fur!  I don't think I've ever seen so much cat!  But it's mostly fluff :)  Who wouldn't want this giant hunk of man-cat love in their life?!

Well...the people who surrendered him to the shelter.  That's who.

Khan was dearly loved by a woman at one time...but unfortunately for him, the woman's husband hated Khan.  Hated.  But he tolerated him, at least until a new baby came along.  Then it was off to the shelter for Khan.  Husband's orders.

So this leads me to today's lesson:  5 Things to Tell a Spouse who Hates Your Pet.

1.  So long!
2.  Farewell!
3.  Auf wiedersehen!
4.  Goodbye!
5.  ...See ya! (I ran out of Sound of Music lyrics.)

Yes, this is tongue-in-cheek, and I am not actually suggesting that you file for divorce.  But if I was still single and dating, my motto would definitely be "Love me, love my pet."  :)  What's your opinion?

If you're interested in adopting Khan, please click the link at the top of the page to contact the Ames Animal Shelter.

So You Want to Work With Animals, Part 2: Oh, My Achin' Bones!

Way back in March, I started this series with a post about POOP!  (By the way, what is it about poop posts that makes them so fun to write?!  Is it just me?  Anyone?)  This one won't be quite as interesting, but it's still a need-to-know if you're looking to get started working with animals on a daily basis.  It's another thing people don't consider when they think about working around a bunch of snuggly puppies and purring kittens.

You will go home in pain.

Like, a lot of pain.

As in, so much pain your doctor might think you have arthritis.  (Yes, that really happened.)

We all know that there is emotional pain involved when you are in rescue...and lots of it.  But that's a post in itself - that is not the pain I'm referring to today.  What I'm referring to is bruises.  Scratches up and down your arms.  A swollen lip from an over-exuberant Lab puppy.  Aching joints.  You get it.  Turns out, working with animals is hard work!

Who needs the gym?  Kenneling dogs at a shelter was the best exercise I ever got, bar none.  (Was that the right phrase?  I've never actually used that before in real life.)  I had no idea that it could take so much muscle to scrape poop off of a cement floor.  Or carry a full bag of dirty kitty litter to the dumpster.  Or a bag full of frozen poop-sicles!  Those things are heavy!  I had sweat pouring down my face more often than not.  And I probably had feces on my shirt.  Maybe a little on my face too.  It wasn't glamorous, and I went home every day not believing the pain I was in.  It was the good kind of pain, though - the kind that lets you know you've worked hard :)

It's not arthritis - I just grip the leash too hard.  This is an actual phrase I uttered to an actual doctor.  After having a couple of days off from work, I realized I was wincing in pain every time I gripped my steering wheel or a doorknob.  My wrist and finger joints ached constantly.  What the hell? I thought.  This isn't normal.  So I went to the doctor, and he worried aloud that I might have arthritis.  I went to work the next day, slipped a lead around the most energetic dog's neck to take him outside, and felt a familiar pain as he yanked on the leash.  Oh my Lord...I realized, not arthritis after all.  Just the result of overuse of fingers and the strength of big dogs!

No, I am not a self-harmer or the victim of domestic violence...I just work with animals.  Kenneling cats would often leave me with scratches up and down my arms, whether as a result of a fearful feral or a rambunctious kitten.  One evening I was sitting down to dinner with my parents after a day at work, and I noticed my mom looking over at my clawed-up wrists.  "Are you...okay?" she questioned with concern.  "Mom.  These are from cats."  "Just making sure!  I didn't know!"  And kenneling large dogs would often leave me with bruises all over various limbs.  I bruise very easily, and if a Lab playfully mouthed my arm or a pibble tail whacked my shin too hard, I would be black and blue the next day.  Let's just say Jared got a few nasty looks when a cashier rang us up and spotted the bruises on my upper arms!

Sometimes dogs bite, y'all.  Who knew?  Usually it's a nip through your jeans.  Or maybe a snap at your fingers.  But sometimes it can be worse.  Sometimes it's a dog who you never expected would bite.  Who you thought was your buddy.  Who used to give you kisses and let you rub his belly!

:(

This was my fault.  I leaned over to give him a kiss when a strange (and potentially dangerous) man was holding his leash.  He was probably worked up, and I was stupid.  My point is, you never know.  At the shelter I worked at, bites were rare...but they did happen.  This is something you need to be aware of if you want to work with animals.

You've also gotta know...IT'S ALL SO WORTH IT!  You will be grinning all the way through the blood, sweat, and tears - trust me!  :)  No pain, no gain, baby!

Cyber Sunday: Links I Love

We have really been having an awesome few weeks!  After purchasing our first home, Jared and I have been having fun making plans for each room.  My job as a library director is incredibly fulfilling, and my little pet sitting side business is picking up like crazy!  (You can like my Facebook page here - I share lots of cute dog photos!  :)  Jen DeHaan of Dogthusiast designed my cover photo, isn't she awesome?!)

And for your Black & White Sunday viewing pleasure, here is a sneak peek of the transport we did today!  I will be posting more about it later this week :)

And these are the links I loved most in July:

Kol's Notes always has delicious-looking recipes for your pup, and this cheese ice cream recipe is no exception!  Looks pretty simple too, and such a great idea for the summer months.

I LOVE this blog, and this post brought me to tears.  Jake has had a bit of a rough time adjusting after the death of his big brother Melvin, but this post is all about why his mama will never give up on him <3

It's always nice to read posts about shelter animals that are uplifting rather than depressing.  Talent Hounds recently shared this wonderful roundup of shelter dogs who make a difference.  Click on over and smile!

This craft kit for kids is a very cute take on paper dolls - paper dogs and clothes to dress them up in!  I have a feeling my niece would love this :)

This dog bed is not in my budget, but I am so in love!  It's covered in words - one of my favorite quotes from the Velveteen Rabbit:  "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily or have sharp edges or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."   Beautiful!  Jared is loving this baseball mitt dog bed from the Martha Stewart line at PetSmart.  I have to agree - it's pretty darn adorable!  We saw it in the store today but can't find it on the site. :(

Buzzfeed posted an awesome roundup of books about animals...they missed my personal favorite (Cowboy & Wills by Monica Holloway), but there's TONS of great reads on the list.

HeARTs Speak is an organization of artists doing good for shelter animals; they just put out a guide to photographing shelter dogs that looks super helpful!  I'm not very good at photography, but it's definitely something I would like to work on - I'd love to photograph adoptable pets!

Is this hilarious or what?!  Dogster recently featured the work of illustrator Josh Lynch; my personal favorite was this Pug/Spiderman!  So funny :)

How to Human, According to Riley

Do you know how to Human?  Well, I do, and I can teach you!  It is very important that us dogs can Human, because one day we will take over.  (It's going to happen for sure.  Have you seen how they go Potty?  They collect it.  In a giant porcelain water bowl - what's up with that?!)  There are many ways for us to Human - sitting upright on the couch (best to save that for when They aren't home), getting to know the neighbors, giving Them meaningful looks when we want something...the list goes on.  But today I'm going to teach you the art of Human Sleep.

Step 1:  Wait until your Mom or Dad gets up to go to the bathroom.  This might take some patience.
Step 2:  When you hear the bathroom door shut, make your move!  Creep up to take the empty place they left behind.  Be careful to move slowly, or you'll wake up whoever else is in the bed!
Step 3:  Carefully place your head onto the pillow.  They will have left behind a warm spot, which can be quite nice.  But I myself prefer a cooler spot just to the side of where they were laying.
Step 4:  Fidget and kick until the blankets cover you to your liking.
Step 5:  When you hear Them coming back, quickly close your eyes and make a satisfied, sleepy sound.  I tend to go with the, "snort, Snort, SNORT, sigggghhhhhhh..."  It's an old favorite, and it never fails to win Mom and Dad over.
Step 6:  Enjoy your Human Sleep!  If you've followed the steps correctly, They won't want to disturb you from such a comfy position.  You might even get some scritches behind the ears if you're being extra cute and convincing!

Remember, this is only one part of learning how to Human - there's lots more to learn, but practice makes perfect!  So go ahead - steal Their pillows!  (Let's face it, they're basically just rectangle-shaped dog beds anyway.)

Does your dog know how to Human?

xoxo Love Riley

Spring Has Sprung...And Mud Has Been Flung

It is starting to feel - dare I say it? - like spring outside in Iowa!  (But shh, don't acknowledge it or we might scare it away.)  The snow has finally melted, leaving only a few slushy patches in our backyard.  And poop...there's always more poop than I expect there to be buried under all that snow.  It's like the moisture causes it to multiply or something.

I'm thankful for the warmer temperatures, but I've gotta say, guys...I don't understand how spring could be anyone's favorite season.  I'm not sure what spring is like outside of the Midwest, but here, everything is dirty, moist, and brown.  (Rereading that last phrase made me gag a little bit, but I'm leaving it.)  Mud is everywhere.  And, like many mischievous dogs, Riley is loving it.

We do our best to keep him from going near muddy patches in the backyard, but here is Riley's regular routine when he goes outside:

1.  Sniff

2.  Pee on one very specific leaf

3.  Sniff the urine-soaked leaf

4.  Perk his ears at a passing car/person/bicycle/squirrel

5.  Snuffle and sniff some more

6.  Circle

7.  Circle...

8.  Circle again 

9.  Poop

10.  If he considers the passing cars/people/bicycles/squirrels to be worthy, he might try to intimidate them by scuffing dirt over his turds.  Lately he's been doing it with just pee as well.  He stares directly at whatever his target may be, then, with a smug look on his face (can a dog look smug?), digs his back legs into the ground and flings grass absolutely everywhere.  It's super awkward when his target is our next-door neighbors.  I don't think they're all that impressed with his poop-covering skills.

Riley may not succeed in intimidating anyone, but he sure does succeed in making a mess.  The ground has been disgusting and mucky, so he regularly comes inside half-covered in mud.  The pristine-looking little raincoat in the photo above has been through the wash 3 times just this past weekend!  At least it's not poop he's flinging...I don't think.  Spring makes it so hard for me to tell what's poop and what's mud!

So You Want to Work With Animals, Part 1: There Will Be Poop

If you read this blog, you'll know that I have had several jobs that involve animals; with the exception of working in a vet's office, I have loved each of them. (Apparently I've got a weaker stomach than I thought - click the link to read about that experience!)  I've always bought into the theory that a job doesn't really feel like work if you love it, and who wouldn't love getting paid to spend time with animals?!

While working in a boarding facility, as well as being a substitute in a school district, I have encountered lots of children who would like to work with animals one day.  Of course, I do what I can to encourage this.  But there are some things I leave out when talking about careers involving animals - one thing I never mention is the sheer amount of poop.  

Best. Photobomb. Ever. (from here)

If you are easily grossed out by the sight and smell of feces...a job with animals is probably not for you.  Because there will be a lot of it.  And you will have to pick it up...or hose it down...or scrape it (cringe!) off of metal bars.  Here are some other things you should know about scoopin' poop before signing up to make it part of your job description:

The canine guests at boarding facilities often keep cleaner kennels than their shelter-bound brothers.  In general, the dogs being boarded are neater and make fewer messes.  Most are fully trained and housebroken, simply because they belong to a family.  Shelter dogs do not have that luxury - some are used to living on the street, so they don't know that they shouldn't potty in their kennel.  (This is, however, hard to determine; a shelter is a very scary environment for a dog, so they often act completely different than they would in a home - the messiest, poop-flinging dogs in the shelter could very well never have an accident in their new forever home.)

Puppy poop is in a category unto itself.  If you mention puppies to shelter employees, you might get a tired, defeated sigh in return.  Puppies are messy!  They walk in their poop, play with their poop, roll their puppy brothers and sisters into the poop.  You will have to hose those creative paintings off of the walls of the kennel, and often off of the puppies themselves.

(from here)

You won't notice the smell after a few minutes.  Very few shelters are able to afford the luxury of someone caring for the animals overnight.  Most are run by dedicated volunteers or staff members who are lucky to get a few minutes to eat lunch - these shelters generally close in the early evening, and the animals are left alone until morning.  In these hours, as you can imagine, there is poop!  My first early morning cleaning kennels, I worried that I should have brought some Vick's VapoRub to smear into my nostrils...but after a few minutes had passed and I got cleaning, I didn't even notice it.  "Smell?  What smell?"  (It was always pretty disconcerting when I neared my lunch break, though, to have my stomach rumble in hunger at the same time as I cleaned up a fresh pile.  Yuck.)

You will long for winter.  As the flies buzz around the bucket full of scooped poop and follow you to the dumpster where you hope the overstuffed trash bag won't (gag!) bump into your leg...you'll be praying for cold temperatures and snow.  Until, that is, you have to chip each turd individually from its casing of ice in order to pick it up...then you'll be wishing for summer again.

If you notice poop in a kennel, go to grab the scooper, and return to find the pile missing?  Yeah, the dog ate it.  This will happen a lot.  Just make sure you avoid any licks from that dog for the rest of the day :)

Don't worry, buddy, you're not the only one! (from here)

Sometimes, you might be impressed in spite of yourself.  Great Dane poops are big, people.  Like, really big.  (Like, take-a-picture-and-send-to-your-husband big.)  I also recall one pair of black Labs whose kennels were next to each other...overnight, they would apparently take a dump, then fling it exuberantly anywhere they could.  Into neighboring kennels, and even onto the ceiling.  I couldn't help but be amazed by their flinging skills.

If you're not too put off by the above, yay!  You just might be cut out for an animal-related career!  And listen:  the poop-scooping and all that comes with it...is totally worth it.  For every one complaint I have about working with animals, I have ten more positive things to say about it - it really is one of the most rewarding things you can do!

Share your own stories below - let's face it, everyone loves a good poop story! ;)

My Furry Valentine

It's Valentine's Day tomorrow, and who better to pamper than your beloved pet?  Of course we spoil them rotten on every other day - as it should be!  But I think it's fun to bring your dog or cat a little special treat, since you'll probably be getting something for your significant other anyway.  And let's face it...our pets make the best Valentines ever!

Toys

What dog doesn't love the long loofah dog toy?!  This Valentine's Day edition is especially cute.  Riley tends to destroy these within a few days, but he sure has fun doing it!

The Kong brand just keeps pumping out new and awesome toys for pets, and this owl treat dispenser toy is no exception!  Keeps dogs busy and occupied, while at the same time massages their gums and cleans their teeth.

Treats

Riley loves Beneful Baked Delights, and how cute is this heart-shaped package made to look like a box of (forbidden to pets, of course!) chocolates?  If Riley is taking medication, I like to smush the pill into the filling on top of each treat - works surprisingly well!

Blue Bones mini dog bones are one of Riley's favorite snacks to keep him occupied while we get ready for bed at night.   They last quite a long time and leave his breath smelling fresh.

Bowls

This luxe Henri Bendel dog bowl is, yes, a bit over the top...but I can't get over those gorgeous gold accents!  Any dog who eats from this bowl is one pampered pooch indeed!


Is your dog a food-gulper?  Gift him with this bright green slow feeder, and fix that problem once and for all.

Comfy Stuff


You all know that PrideBites is an amazing company, and their customized blankets are super soft and comfy.  Who wouldn't want a fleece blanket with their pets' face/name on it?!


I love the Snuggle Sack Pet Bed!  It can be used for dogs and cats, and its unique design allows for four different types of beds.  Whether your pet is a nester, a snuggler, or just likes to sprawl out, this bed has you covered.

For Cats


I have never seen a cat tree in such a unique pod shape!   Not only is it pleasing to the eye, it's also made from comfy fleece and all-natural materials.

Just for Fun

I admit that the reviews on this product are a little meh, but it seems like such a neat idea!  This is a water fountain for dogs designed to release fresh water only when the easy-to-push pad is pressed.  It looks to be pretty durable and sturdy, and it would definitely be fun for a dog on hot summer days!

This Etsy shop has all sorts of fun bowtie designs made from laser-cut wood.   Sure to turn your dog or cat into a dapper gentleman!

I can't resist an adorable pet teepee!  Designed for both dogs and cats, the canvas tent is easy to assemble and comes with a pillow.  So cute!!

What did Riley get??




















The Martha Stewart line at PetSmart is chock full of springy stuff for dogs.  It was tough for us not to walk away with a full cart, but we ended up with this super handsome gingham shirt for Riley.  It comes with a Velcro front and chambray bowtie, and it fits our guy perfectly!

Kol's Notes alerted me to the fact that Pound Puppies are back and are now dog toys!  I had a ton of these as a kid, so when I saw them at PetSmart, I knew Riley needed one.  We chose the Poodle, which looks the most like him.  Riley adores his new toy (you can tell by the shade of dirty beige it's already turning!) - he has started hiding it in Jared's closet at night...so his enemies can't get to it?  Who knows...dogs are wonderfully weird :)

Click this link to read more wonderful pet blogs!!

Valentine's Day Gifts for Animal Lovers

My husband likes to joke that while he used to buy me clothes/jewelry/shoes as gifts, now everything seems to be centered around animals.  And it's true:  Every single gift I received for my birthday last year somehow involved pets!  I am more than happy with this, as there seem to be more and more adorable doggie products and clothing items every day.  Here's what's on my list of things I love lately:

(Left to right, from upper left corner)

1.  Itty bitty paw earrings - just $7.99 from Shopko!

2.  Sneaky Cat Keds - $55, designed by Taylor Swift

3.  Cuddle Clone - custom stuffed animal made to look just like your pet...I've been wanting to order one for ages!!

4.  "Got One Friend in my Pocket" bag - $39.99 from ModCloth; this adorable messenger bag also comes in Sloth, Fox, and Cat!!  

5.  Dog-print scarf - $14.99 from Peace.Love.Paws and comes in all sorts of fun colors

6.  "Cockapoo at the Beach" print - $12.50 from DJ Rogers' Etsy shop; I ADORE artist DJ Rogers, who paints all sorts of beautiful things featuring many different breeds.  I would be delighted to receive any of his prints, but this happy Cockapoo reminds me of Riley :)

7.  "Love Paw" necklace - $39.00 and so cute!

8.  A stay at the pet-friendly (and luxurious) California Rosewood Cordevalle - Dogs receive their own beds, food, and treats upon arrival, and dog sitting and walking services are offered!  Many outdoor dining opportunities are offered, and for an extra fee, you can purchase a pet package including special surprises for you and your pup (pictured above in bottom right corner).

Is your special someone getting you a pet-centric Valentine this year??  (Tune in tomorrow for Valentine's day gifts for your pets!)

I'm Taking the 5th Annual Pet Blogger Challenge!

It's January 10th, and most of you will know what that means - it's time for the annual pet blogger challenge!  This fun community event gives us all an opportunity to get to know our fellow bloggers a bit better, as well as to to inspire others by sharing some background info about our blogs and how far we've come.  Please feel free to click the links below to read more wonderful animal-related blogs, and join in if you'd like!

1.  How long have you been blogging?  (And for first-timers, what is your blog about?)
I have been writing Second Chances since last spring.  It hasn't quite been a year yet, but we're getting close!  I started the blog primarily to share information and news about animals in need, but it's expanded somewhat to include funny stories and photos - mostly of my dog, Riley!

2.  Tell us one thing that you accomplished during 2014 that made you proud.
This isn't exactly blog-related, but getting published in the October issue of Dog Fancy magazine was definitely a big deal for me!  It was a short article on the very last page of the issue, but we were super pumped to see my name (and Riley's!) in print.

3.  What lessons have you learned this year that could help us all with our own blogs?

Make connections and be friendly.  The Internet can be a not-so-friendly place sometimes, and it's nice to have found a little niche where everyone is incredibly kind and encouraging.  I have also learned that the best way to get people to come to your blog is by going to read their blog.  If you enjoyed an article...tell them!  Better yet, shoot them an email and tell them why it stood out to you - it can really make a difference and even help begin a new friendship!

4.  What have you found to be the most successful way to bring traffic to your blog?

As I mentioned above, visiting other blogs, commenting on posts, and sharing great articles are easy ways to bring traffic to your own site.  I also like to tweet my fellow bloggers or share things with them on Google+.  Guest posts can also be incredibly helpful.  If you're doing a product review, tagging the company on Facebook or Twitter when sharing your post can also bring new readers to your blog.

We got lots of new readers when we reviewed Travels with Casey!

5.  What was your most popular blog post this year?  Did it surprise you?  

My most popular blog post was a Tuesday's Tails post that featured two elderly adoptables:  Beau and Chachi.  I was in love with these two and shared their story multiple times.  The fact that this was the most popular isn't too surprising to me - I was very close to their situation and so was able to share some personal details that made the post more intimate.  What's more, I am so glad that it ended up being my most popular post, because Beau and Chachi finally found their forever home - perhaps, in part, due to your shares, who knows?!  A close second was my post titled "The Angels Who Save Animals".  I wrote it as a tribute to shelter employees who change lives - canine, feline, and human!

6.  What was your favorite blog post to write this year?

I don't know that I have one specific favorite, but one of them was definitely my letter to Riley's former mama - it was fun to write and, surprisingly, brought up a lot of emotions for me!  I also loved writing the posts that give people tips on how to give back to local animal shelters and rescues; two that come to mind are my list of great gifts that give back and a list of ways to show some love to animals in need.  Plus, I always enjoy writing the Tuesday's Tails features!

7.  Has your policy on product reviews and/or giveaways changed this year?

No; I don't do many product reviews, and I have yet to do a giveaway.  Though a giveaway is definitely in the works for the next month or two, I will continue to do only a couple of product reviews a year.  There are lots of products that I just don't feel would be all that relevant to people wanting to read about animal rescue, and I never want my readers to feel that I am just shilling things I don't really believe in.

8.  What's your best piece of advice for other bloggers?

Believe in what you are writing.  Enjoy what you're writing.  If you don't, it comes through in your writing and will be quite obvious to your audience.  So far, I have loved blogging...and if, for whatever reason, I wasn't enjoying myself anymore, I would stop - or at least take a break.  Having passion for what you are writing about is key to becoming a great blogger.

If you don't love what you do...why do it?  (Print from here; quote by Sylvia Plath)

9.  What goals do you have for your blog in 2015?

Honestly, I just want to continue making a difference.  I want people to read my blog and be inspired to adopt, volunteer, or donate.  I also want to make people smile by sharing funny Riley stories or cute photos of my shelter/doggie hotel dogs.  Basically, I'd love to just continue what I've been doing - only bigger and better!!

10.  If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you're having with your blog, what would it be?

Hmm.  I don't have anything particular in mind, but of course, all advice is very much appreciated!  I just really enjoy connecting with other bloggers and like-minded people in the rescue community, and I'd love to continue doing that - any tips on meeting more people?  I can't wait for BlogPaws for this very reason! :)

As always, thank you to my amazing readers. <3  

Is Your Pet Affected by a Full Moon?

Surely you've heard the superstition.  During a particularly crazy day at the vet, one of the assistants might mutter, "Is there a full moon?  These dogs are acting nuts!"  Or maybe you've even said it yourself, after your cat knocked over the goldfish bowl.  What do you think about this myth?  Is there really a correlation between a full moon and animal behavior?

For centuries, people have blamed strange or odd behavior - human and animal - on the moon.  It was said that cats yowled more, dogs howled, and humans acted in peculiar ways.  The term "lunatic" even comes from the Latin "luna", meaning "moon".

There aren't too many studies out there that research a possible correlation between lunar cycles and animal behavior.  However, one did mention that emergency vet visits were about 25% higher during a full moon.  More animal bites happened, more pets having seizures, more accidents.  It could be argued that there is simply more light outside to see animals in need.  But what do you think?

Riley, mid-transformation! ;)

Last week was a full moon, and while I've always kind of rolled my eyes at the superstition, I did notice...something...in the dogs' behavior at our boarding facility.  An older dog who had stayed with us plenty of times before with no issues tore up two of his dog beds and howled through the night.  And a sweet pittie mix - who had been totally well-behaved during her week-long stay - ripped her bed into mere piles of fluff on her very last night - which, incidentally, happened to be the exact night of the full moon.  The energy just seemed a bit...off...in the building for several days.

Now, this could easily be explained away:  perhaps a new dog was staying at our facility whose scent got the other dogs all riled up?  But on that same night, Riley got into some mischief of his own.  I woke up the next morning to find an empty baggie on the floor of our bedroom, right next to a pile of fluff from Riley's brand new toy.  Every year, my grandma makes her own AMAZING beef jerky that she gives to each of us in our Christmas stocking - we always look forward to it; it is good.  In the night, Riley must have decided he wanted a midnight snack, climbed up to the dining room table, and snatched that delicious-smelling baggie of jerky.  Not only that, but he had torn up his toy!

What do you think?  Is there something to the full moon myth?  How do your pets react to a full moon?

(Information from here and here)

Riley's New Year's Resolutions

Happy 2015, fellow pet bloggers!  I am not a big believer in making resolutions for the new year - mostly because I am terrible at following through! - but it turns out Riley is quite motivated to make some changes this year.  I'll let him take over and share his resolutions with you. ;)  (If you're interested in reading a silly post about my hilarious New Years gone by, click over here to my old blog!)

My New Year's Resolutions

by Riley the Peekapoo

Use my extreme cuteness to get Mom & Dad to give me more walks

More naps - preferably on Mom's favorite fleece blankie

Perfect the art of sitting like a human - harder than it looks!

Try to make less mess when eating treats

Receive at least 10 belly rubs a day - AT LEAST!

Get more treats in the mail to review - yum!

Convince Mom & Dad to take me with them to BlogPaws Nashville

Spend more quality time with my Daddy

...Get groomed more regularly (don't judge me).