Calling All Creative Kids: Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest! #PetsAddLife

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poetry contest for kids

Got a creative kid (of the human variety) or know someone who does? Check out this cool new contest especially for the kiddos! Teachers and parents are invited to enter their 3rd-8th grade kids in the 5th Annual Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest!

And why do I think this is so cool? Because your child gets to write a poem about their pet and the joys that come with having a pet in their life! I love sharing opportunities like this one that help kids express their love of pets AND their creativity at the same time!

Six U.S. students (1 per grade level) will each WIN:
  • A $1,000 scholarship for each winning student’s classroom
  • A $250 gift certificate for pet products
  • A “by·line” in a nationally circulated magazine!
Ways to Enter (by January 31, 2013 5pm EST):
    • Enter the poetry contest using this Online EntryForm OR
    • Mail this form with your entry to: Pets Add Life (PAL) 661 Sierra Rose Dr. Reno, NV 89511
    • Teachers: Go HERE for instructions on how to enter your whole classroom

PAL pledge to help homeless pets

In addition to the Poetry Contest, Pets Add Life also has a great Pet Pledge Drive going on right now. Be sure to stop by their Facebook Page and take the pledge to do what you can to help a pet find a forever home. With 3 ways to pledge, it’s a fantastic idea for a New Year’s Resolution!

Make a Special A New Year’s Resolution to Help a Homeless Pet:
  • Pledge to adopt your next pet
  • Pledge to volunteer at a shelter
  • Pledge to share a photo of a homeless pet

Visit PAL’s Pet Pledge on Facebook to make your pet pledge today!

This post is sponsored by the Pets Add Life campaign and the American Pet Products Association. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the benefits and joys of pet ownership.

Truman the Bulldog Gives Much-Needed Hugs to Grieving Newtown Community Members

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bulldog hugs

As pet parents, many of us have made it through some of our toughest days thanks to the unconditional love of a dog. I saw this story (reported and photographed by Miranda Leitsinger / NBC News) about a man and his dog doing their small part to help comfort and ease the suffering of grieving Newton community members, and it touched my heart  so I wanted to share it with you.

Michael Cragin is a long-time resident of Newton, a retired special ed teacher, and volunteer firefighter. He’s also the owner of Truman, a 15 month old English Bulldog. Although nothing can undo the horrific tragedy and loss that took place in Newton, CT on Friday, Cragin wanted to do something to help ease the pain the whole community is feeling…even if just for a few moments. His idea: make his adorable pup Truman available for free hugs to anyone who needs one! Read the full story…

{Holiday Gift Guide} Guardians of Being: Spiritual Teachings from our Dogs and Cats

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holiday gift guide for pet lovers

Gifts don’t have to be big, extravagant or expensive to be special and memorable. Here’s a sweet and simple gift idea that will be appreciated by any pet lover on your list! Perfect for the dog walker, pet sitter, vet, groomer or anyone in your life who helps care for critters.

Guardians of Being book from Eckhart Tolle

We’re especially fond of the writings of Eckhart Tolle and are in love with Guardians of Being: Spiritual Teachings from our Dogs and Cats, written by Tolle with art by Patrick McDonnell. It’s one of those books that you can pick up over and over again and find little gems to lift your spirits and put a smile on your face any time.

Filled with words of wisdom, zen-like advice and adorable illustrations, this book reminds us all of just how much our pets live in the NOW and how much we can learn from them if we take the time to stop, look and listen. If you’re planning on giving this book as a gift, I suggest you get 2 copies because once you peek inside, you’re going to want to keep it for yourself! Available at Amazon.com for $10.17 ($14.95 list price).

Stocking Stuffer Sale from Adidas: 20% OFF + Free Shipping

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stocking stuffers

Need some great stocking stuffers or gifts for friends or neighbors? Maybe something to thank the dog walker or sitter! Now thru 12/4 adidas.com is offering 20% off stocking stuffers and accessories + free ground shipping!

Stock up on adidas hats, bags, socks, watches and more for men, women and kids. Orders will be delivered in time for Christmas! Visit the adidas stocking stuffer sale to get started.

Holiday Gift Ideas: 5 Great Gift Books for Dog Lovers!

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holiday gift guide

If you’re looking for fun gift ideas for the dog lovers on your list, I’ve got 5 of them. I’ve listed the current Amazon prices which are almost always lower than the list price, but you can also find them at a bookstore near you!

dog lover gift books

Celebrating Dogs commemorates the unconditional love between pets and their parents. With interesting facts and thoughtful quotes about the special relationships with our beloved furry friends, this book is for those dedicated to dogs. $9.99 Hardcover; $3.99 Kindle Edition.

BONK! A Mutts Treasure:  Sweet and funny Earl the dog and Mooch the cat are back with another installment of the MUTTS comic strip! Highlighting the humor and joy that caring for our four-legged family members brings. $12.50 Paperback.

A Shtinky Little Christmas: In this Special Christmas edition, MUTTS’s comic strip stars Earl and Mooch take in and care for a stray kitty, “Shtinky Puddin’” and unknowingly remind us that friendship and kindness are the true reasons for the holiday season. $9.99 Hardcover.

Dog Is My Copilot: Rescue Tales of Flying Dogs, Second Chances, and the Hero Who Might Live Next Door. The wonderful true story of volunteer pilots who fly rescue dogs from death row, to safe shelters and foster homes where they can find a new forever family. $11.55 Hardcover; $7.99 Kindle Edition.

Feed Your Best Friend Better: An accessible everyday nutrition guide for your dog, including information on foods you can feed your dog straight from the cutting board, as well as 85 recipes for meals, treats, snacks, and supplements that you can prep in just minutes for the stove top or oven. $11.20 Paperback; $7.99 Kindle Edition.