A Party For Our Furry Friends

At AVC, we’re suckers for cute animals. Nothing tugs at our heartstrings quite like puppies and kitties. Maybe it’s the way their little tails wag or their soft meows and purrs make us melt. Or maybe it’s the fact they’re innocent and full of wonder, exploring the world with wide-eyed curiosity. Whatever it is, we can’t get enough of these adorable creatures. In honor of the two pet holidays we celebrate today – National Puppy Day and Cuddly Kitten Day – we figured we’d put them in the spotlight! 

The Magic of Puppies and Kittens 

If you’ve ever been a pet owner, you know the special bond you share with pet. This same bond and the combination of all the special experiences you’ve had with your pet also bonds you with all of the other pet owners out there. Simply put, there is a magic that puppies and kitties can exude that brings us all together.  

Puppies and kitties have a special mixture of supernatural abilities – to lift our mood and reduce our stress. To lower our blood pressure and reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Research even shows when we see cute animals, our brain releases dopamine (the ‘pleasure’ chemical in our brains), which makes us feel happy and motivated.  

Celebrating National Puppy Day 

There seems to be a holiday for every occasion these days, but when the opportunity arises to celebrate the cuteness of faces like this, who can resist!? Here are a few fun ways you can celebrate the day with your favorite crazy canine: 

Go for a walk but explore a different route. This is a great way to bond with your dog (while also getting some exercise). Leash training progress is always a plus too! 

Try baking some homemade dog treats. Here’s another activity that can be enjoyed together. It’s also a way to ensure your dog is getting some healthy, homemade treats!  

Simply? Just spend time. The first number of months with a puppy is an impressionable time. Knowing who you are and your expectations of them are very important. Training your puppy early on is important for preventing bad behavior and establishing a strong bond. Keeping your puppy healthy involves regular vet visits, exercise, and a healthy diet. 

Not a puppy owner? Head to the local shelter and hang out with a few! There are so many doggos in need in the DFW-area. Whether you are truly interested in adopting, or perhaps fostering, volunteering your time can make as much of an impact too. Dog walkers, kennel cleaners, and treat givers are always in high demand! 

Celebrating Cuddly Kitten Day 

For those ‘feline’ a bit friskier, your kitty says, “Ditch the pup and check MEOW’t!”  

Not to be outdone by their canine counterparts, those crazy cats in your life need some celebrating too. Here are a few more ways to continue the celebration! 

Bring out the toys! The ball of yarn is a classic, though there are many different variations on the same. The great thing is your curious kitty won’t care! Whether it’s yarn, string, or another more traditional cat toy, you’ll see your kitty’s eyes light up just the same.  

Cozy it up on the couch. This might sound like an anticlimactic celebration but remember cats sleep up to 20 hours a day! Snuggling with your kitty puts you right in the middle of something they like to do best, and it’s a great way to bond and show affection. 

Create a cat-friendly space. If you’re new to cat ownership, creating a space that’s just for them is an important step. This space might include scratching posts, plenty of toys, or cozy beds. This space also creates the ability for your kitten to socialize with the rest of your household.  

Not a kitten owner? Just like you non-puppy owners out there, there are still cat-related options available at your local shelter! Adoption and fostering are always welcome options to consider, but other volunteering possibilities help the pet population, the staff, and you! Playtime, feeding, and cleaning are all necessary tasks that can make you feel that kitten magic.  

In a world that can feel overwhelming and chaotic, our furry friends offer us a much-needed source of comfort and happiness. Whether you’re a dog person, a cat person, or both, we hope you feel inspired to celebrate National Puppy Day and Cuddly Kitten Day in your own special way. Raise a paw (or a claw) to these amazing creatures and thank them for all the love they give us each and every day. 

Be sure to check out our other blogs for more tips, tricks, and education when it comes to you and your pet!