Food Collection

We are sponsoring a non-perishable food collection at our office for the month of December. All donations will be forwarded to our local food banks. Any client who brings in at least three (3) non-perishable food items will be rewarded with a $2 coupon voucher to be used toward their next purchase at our office! Thank you for participating and God Bless You during this amazing holiday season!

Cats & Car Engines

Have you heard about the danger of car engines for outdoor cats? Our car engines often stay warm for hours after our cars have been shut off, making the perfect warm place for an outdoor cat to sleep. If a car is started while a cat is lying on the engine, the cat could be injured or killed! Always knock on the hood of your car before you start it…you could save a life!

Antifreeze Dangers

Did you know that antifreeze is poisonous for cats and dogs? Pets may be attracted to the chemical because of its sweet taste and smell, so it’s important to keep it stored out of their reach and wipe up any spills on your driveway or garage floor!

HOWL-O-WEEN TRICKING TREATS RECIPE

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Howl-o-ween

Tricking treats

What you will need:

• 2 ½ cups water
• ½ cup canned pumpkin (real pumpkin, not pie filling)                              
• 1/8 teaspoon real vanilla
• 1 egg
• 4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup of oats

Directions:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)                 <!--[endif]-->Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)                 <!--[endif]-->In a bowl, mix water, pumpkin, vanilla, and egg thoroughly.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)                 <!--[endif]-->Combine flour, pecans, baking powder, nutmeg and cinnamon in a separate bowl, stirring well.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)                 <!--[endif]-->Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well, making sure no dry mixture is left.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)                 <!--[endif]-->Spoon batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup completely.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)                 <!--[endif]-->Sprinkle the top of each muffin with oats and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)                 <!--[endif]-->Cool completely and store in a sealed container for up to one week.

*Makes 14 treats. 

Remember: No chocolate for your pooch! Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs, resulting in anything from a basic allergic reaction to full blown cardiac arrest. Same goes for candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is extremely harmful to pets. 

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day: a day set aside to educate pet owners about the danger of obesity in pets, and a day for pet owners to look at their options when it comes to their pet’s health. We encourage all pet owners to contact us if they’re concerned about their overweight pets. If you have questions, we can help determine a diet and exercise plan that will improve your pet’s health and increase their life-expectancy. Just ask!

Pets & Truck Beds

Did you know that letting your pet ride in the bed of your truck can be extremely dangerous, even if you’re traveling at low speeds? Dogs are known to jump and run after things or animals that appeal to them, and jumping from a moving vehicle can cause serious injury. We ask that you NEVER let your pet ride in the back of a truck, but always inside where they are safely secured.

Mobilize the Earth for Earth Day 2012

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life to speak out against the deterioration of the environment and demand change. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed,and the modern environmental movement was born.

Today, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year, in the face of global inaction on pressing environmental problems, we must harness that power.

Earth Day Network is calling upon individuals, organizations, businesses and governments to Mobilize the Earth™ and demand that environmental issues become a top priority.

Pets & Easter Eggs

Easter egg hunts are so much fun for kids, and sometimes even for adults! Finding that brightly colored egg stuffed with a surprise is exciting! But don't forget the dangers of failing to find an egg that's been stuffed with candy. Your dog leads with their nose, and if you don't find it, your pet might! Consider stuffing your eggs with something safe for pets this year. If Fido finds them, he'll be less likely to break them open and eat what's inside.

 

Tomorrow is 'If Pets Had Thumbs Day'

March is Poison Prevention Month

March is Poison Prevention Month! Did you know that some regular household substances can be poisonous to your pet? It’s important to keep an eye on the things that your pet consumes, and that includes things out in the yard! We suggest keeping your poisonous substances, such as fertilizers, pesticides, paints, and cleaning products on high shelves inside the shed or garage. And be sure to thoroughly clean any spills on the driveway or garage floor. You never know what your pet might get into!

 

Pet Apps

These curious creatures love playing with Pet Apps on iPhones and iPads. If you have an iPad or iPhone, do you have any Pet Apps installed on them? If so, which do you recommend for pet owners and their furry family members?

Cat Steals Dog Bed

2011 Most Popular Pet Names

Most popular feline names for females
1. Bella
2. Chloe
3. Lucy
4. Sophie
5. Lily
6. Molly
7. Gracie
8. Princess
9. Sasha
10. Cleo
Most popular feline names for males
1. Max
2. Oliver
3.Tiger
4. Charlie
5. Simba
6. Buddy
7. Smokey
8. Tigger
9. Jack
10. Sammy
Most popular canine names for females
1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Molly
4. Daisy
5. Maggie
6. Sophie
7. Chloe
8. Sadie
9. Lola
10. Bailey
Most Popular canine names for males
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Charlie
4. Rocky
5. Bailey
6. Jake
7. Cooper
8. Jack
9. Toby
10. Cody
VPI's compete list of popular pet names for 2011 will be released in early January, 2012.