State Of The Woof: And Grocery Outlet Pettacular Event

Please Note: Momma Told Me does not endorse over-indulging, or un-safe feeding of pets. Any photos shown below are taken in complete human supervision and portioning is as advised by product packaging and/or personal vets. Always supervise your pets when treating and consult labels for portion control. In addition, we recommend you monitor your dog's online activity, as internet safety should be a top concern for connected canines.

With 2018 in full swing, it seems like just yesterday we were bringing out newest family member home, as opposed to an astonishing 6 months! I still remember dropping off our monthly donation at the shelter and spotting Gidget's new intake photo thinking to myself we'd never have a chance at such a tony, adorable, puppy.

Of course you all know the story by now- we went through some pretty strict vetting and brought Nora for supervised play dates, before the foster mother picked us over 20+ other potential homes. I wasn't quite prepared to bring a puppy home, since we hadn't been looking for a puppy- but she found us, and the rest is history, as they say!

The vet estimates Gidget at approximately 1 year of age, tipping the scales with an adult weight of 2.16lbs. Its hard to believe she's the younger of the 2 when her and Nora get together. Gidget is always quite elegant and lady-like, while Nora can't focus on anything for more than 30 seconds. It certainly makes photo-taking a challenge!

Since Nora is (one hyper, yet still an) "old lady" she prefers to chill on the couch solo most of the day, while Gidget is so tiny she prefers to be against human skin (or at least have a heartbeat to listen to). You could say she's been raised by the glow of a computer screen, and it shows! Just the other day she pointed out something of particular interest in my inbox- the Grocery Outlet weekly ad.

As it turns out, this week only, Grocery Outlet is having a massive Pettacular Event on the back of a 1 Million Dollar + pet food buy. Grocery Outlet used to be very regional, and some place we could only shop at when we visited Momma in Oregon, but has since opened 2 stores in our Southern California community in the past few months. Grocery Outlet is a family owned business that often buys large overstocks and more, then passes the savings on name brand items down to the consumer. These might be items with a graphical packaging error, flavors that just didn't sell as well in mainstream stores, over-production, items nearing best by dates, or more. Shopping Grocery Outlet really is an amazing treasure hunt; so much so we stop by at least twice a week!

I didn't need any convincing- we were low on puppy pads (essential during poor weather), so we packed Gidget up in her sling and took a trip the Grocery Outlet around the corner. I was happy to find Animal Planet pet beds, a giant bundle of Hartz puppy pads, Gorrrrilla chew toys, Greenies brand treats, and of course plenty of great food brands for all of our furry family members. We really scored some amazing deals- and even broke the New Year's diet with some 'turkey' Beggin' Strips from Purina.

Once Gidget was satisfied that we'd shopped 'her' aisle enough I let loose in the fresh product department, planned several meals for the upcoming week, and scored an incredible deal on Larabars in the NOSH (organic) section. We spent $83 in total and saved over $123, no coupons necessary!

I try to raise my dogs to be strong independent people, so I require them to partake in the unloading and unpacking of their goodies before allowing them to indulge. Gidget wanted to point out that she could turn the shopping bag into a home, and that the treats weighed more than her. Excuses.

Of course the begging is real, ya'll.

Like really, really, real.

One thing I've learned about having a tiny dog is that every emotion is amplified by their tiny features. When Gidget gets excited she rumbles. Her whole body vibrates as if she will imminently explode and she makes the silliest chirping noises. It's a complete 360 from Nora, who spins in rapid circles and runs back and forth like a bull in a China shop.

Of course I'm a pushover and begging almost always wins at home, in public, not so much- but I can be a softy when nobody's watching.

Where as Gidget has no shame demanding her new treats from the Grocery Outlet Pettacular shopping trip, Nora much prefers to help herself.

I can offer Nora a treat multiple times and have her turn her nose up, where as she will happily wander on over to the bag when I'm not looking and take one for herself.


Maybe I just don't know which treats in the bag are the tastiest?

Don't think that just because we have a new dog that Truffles, the cat, has been neglected-

If anything, she's still the easiest of our pets to care for, and I appreciate that.

Cats are great, independent, lovers who shower their humans with attention when appropriate and otherwise carry on with their own activities in the mean time. Every night when the 'girls' (Gidget and Nora) are tucked into their beds Truffles is sure to climb up into bed with me and cuddle.

Naturally we picked out some delicious cat treats at Grocery Outlet Pettacular event for her, as well.

So, tell me, how do your pets like to get involved with the household activities?