It's a Dog's Life

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” (Roger Caras)

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. As we have in the past, Laurel Mountain Basket Company's Studio will be a collection station for donations. In addition to dog (and cat) food, gently used toys, bedding, collars, leashes, and towels, area shelters are in need of office supplies and cleaning supplies such as laundry detergent, bleach and paper towels.

According to the ASPCA, 29 % of dogs are left at shelters because of family living situations and 40% are left because of incompatibility with the family lifestyle or the dog did not meet the family's expectations.

I am amazed at the amount of money people are paying for dogs these day. A friend told me they were looking to purchase a particular breed of dog and they were prepared to spend $2000. A "for sale" posting on a local bulletin board offered mixed breed puppies for $300 each and yet many of these dogs end up at shelters because the owners were not prepared to take on the responsibilities associated with owning a dog.

I can't imaging living without a dog. I've had at least one dog as a companion for the last 50 years, so I know what a huge responsibility they are.

Owning a dog is a long term commitment since a dog may life 15 years and they need daily care.

Owning a dog is expensive. In addition to the bare essentials of food and medical care, dogs need training and in most areas, they need to be licensed. Other costs can include grooming, day care, dog walking, kenneling or in home care when the owner will be away for an extended period of time.

If you are considering adding a dog to your household, please consider adopting from a shelter and please give a little thought to the type of dog (large, small, short hair, low energy) and choose one that will best suit your family structure.

P.S. At Laurel Mountain Basket Company we donate a portion from the sale of all of our pet gifts and gift baskets to area shelters. Looking for a special gift for a special dog, how about a personalized pet treat tin!

Thanks

Marie

Fun for the Young & Young at Heart

A friend and her husband recently took their daughter and a friend to see the latest "must see" tween age girl movie. She said the amount of money that they spent, for parking, tickets, popcorn and a drink, would have paid for a nice dinner for two at an upscale restaurant.
Spending time doing something that is fun with the kids doesn't have to break the bank.
A Home Movie Night can be lots of fun. Rent a video (or borrow one from your local library) and snuggle on the sofa with a huge bowl of popcorn. I still remember how much fun it was watching Wizard of Oz on TV with my folks and kid sisters and that was 30/40 years ago! Creating cherished memories for your kids (and for yourself) is really very easy.
Create a Game Night: My favorite is board game is Monopoly. Got beaten badly by my nephew the last time we played, but it was really fun! Choose a couple of age appropriate games and settle down for an evening of heavy competition! Have an ample supply of cookies and coca or chips and dips on hand and you are ready for hours of fun. You may be pleasantly surprised when your child whoops you good at "Chutes and Ladders" or "Crazy Eights"
Night at the Movies Gift Basket (shown) designed by Laurel Mountain Basket Company Easthampton, Ma.