Go Outside and Play (Guest Blog by Marty)

RUFF, RUFF!

My name is Marty and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to go outside! I wag my tail and I spin around in circles really fast, and bark happy barks when it's time to go outside! Why do I LOVE to go outside so much? 

It's because I can use my body and keen senses to experience the world... I feel so alive!!I use my great sense of smell to scope out my environment and to find out if other dogs have been around. I can use my ears to listen for all sorts of interesting sounds! I can walk and run-- It feels so good to use my legs and get some exercise! 

My mom goes outside with me, and she has fun too.

Mom loves smelling the flowers and feeling the earth beneath her feet. It makes her feel happy. 

How about YOU? What do you like about going outside? 

What do you like to do? Let me know in the comments! I can't wait to hear about it!

 

Mimi the Cat- Being Silly...and Safe (Guest Post)

 

Hey, I’m Mimi!

Guess what I like to do!

Pounce.

I pounce on my laser toy. 

Pounce.

Pounce.

Pounce.

When you  aren’t looking, I really love sniffing people’s  shoes.

Mmmmm. So smelly….

Don’t think I’m all crazy though:

My family thinks I am a protector, because I keep myself safe and my friends too! 

Here’s how you can keep yourself safe online:

1. Don’t give your information or passwords to anyone.

2. Use different passwords for different accounts.

3. Keep your information private, and don’t tell people online where you live.

4. Choose a username that is not your real name.

5. Log out when you are done online, especially if you are on a shared computer.

6. Don’t answer online quizzes or questions. 

Be like me. Stay safe.
You don't have to sniff shoes though.

Staying Calm...When Life is NOT- Guest Post by Elvis the Cat

 

People say I'm a cool cat, but I wasn't always so calm, cool, and collected.

Meow!! My name is Elvis....named after the king of rock 'n roll.

I'm 16 years old, which is about 80 in people years, so I have learned a thing or two.

I used to be a scaredy cat! That cool cat you see now, wasn't always that way!

I ran and hid when strangers came close, or if people made loud noises or fast movements. 

But I've learned a thing or two, and I know how to deal with life's drama and enjoy myself!

Here are some tips to help you be cool in (and out) of your comfort zone!

Meeting New People

New people are pretty fun. I get a little scared when I meet them, but I learned how to make new friends. You can too!

1. Watch. Look to see if the new person is nice, fun, and safe.

2. If you like them, say, "Hi," and see if they want to be friends Share good vibes with friends who treat you nicely. It's good to meet new people!

Drama

Well, there's still plenty to be found around here, but I've learned to cope with it. Sometimes I stay and watch, or I walk to a quiet and calm place to get away. I don't stress, or run away like I did before.

I've realized that I have some control over things in my life by going somewhere I feel safe, and I can go calmly to find my inner peace when I need it.

It's good to know we can learn new things.

We can change how we react to situations to make life more calm and enjoyable.

Take it from me, Elvis the cat! 

When life is ruff:

Do you ever get tired? 

So tired that all you want to do is keep the couch warm all day?

Being a good pup really poops me out. 

So I give myself a little love,

a little walk, 

a little water, 

a little time 

to just be quiet 

and sniff the world 

around me. 

How do you handle when life is RUFF? 

It's okay to slow down a minute. 

Breathe.

Rest.

Love

Let yourself heal, so you can get back up when you are ready.

You'll be back to pulling your owner on the leash in no time.

 

Be a Buddy (Not a Bully) - Guest Post by Budson Burner

 

Hi! My name is Budson Burner,

I'm going to talk about how to be a buddy, not a bully. 

First, it all comes with your perception of the world.

As you can see, I am a small guy. 

Though I am small, I have a big heart. 

I've been bullied by the other pups before, and it is not a fun place to be in life. 

So, I am always there to offer a friend a helping paw. 

If you are one of the pups being bullied, here are some things you can do:

Turn away and wag your tail. 

By doing this, it will show that you're not bothered by them, and you are unbreakable.

Second, Don't be afraid to use your best bark and stand up for yourself, or if you need help, tell an adult. 

Now, I bet you are wondering how a good boy like me gets so many treats. 

Well, let me tell you, it's all in the eyes. 

Good puppy dog eyes show that you are a good pup and are deserving of a treat. 

Another thing that helps, is following your owner around nonstop, especially in the kitchen.

 And don't forget to use those eyes to show you are interested in whatever they are holding, 

unless it doesn't smell good.

By following these tips and lending a friend a helping paw,

You too, can be a buddy, not a bully.