If someone came to me and asked me to draw my family tree it's no mystery who would be in my closest branches- the cat and the dog. It may sound silly to some, but for the better part of the pet loving population pets ARE family and they most definitely get treated as such. For better and for worse, as Truffles reminds me every annual vet checkup.
But we, as humans, don't just care for our pets- animals of all shapes and sizes play a vital role in the happiness, and even well being, of their owners. You wouldn't be surprised to learn that those who have pets in their home often benefit from reduced stress, increased physical activity, and potentially longer (certainly happier) lives. So it's also no mystery why we spoil our pets- something Purina and PetSmart know all about.
Our local PetSmart also offers full service Banfield® Pet Hospital and Grooming departments, as well as obedient and agility training classes for dogs. I love that I can go in with Nora, get some shopping done, discover a few new treats and surprises, and pick her up fully groomed with a smile on her face! The staff truly is wonderful and welcoming, making the choice to shop for all our pet's needs there a 'no brainer'.
But wait! You can redeem this offer as many times as you want on qualifying Purina® at PetSmart purchases of $40 or more made throughout June. That means there's no limit to the number of gift cards you can receive! Even more exciting the landing page for the Codeword promotion will feature exclusive deals and savings on Purina products you buy and love already.
#1: Your pets go shopping with you.
This one's pretty self explanatory and if you have a dog at home and a PetSmart nearby it's almost guaranteed you've done this a time or two. If not, what's stopping you? There are many places we would love to bring our pets when we go out and about but let's face it, not all are pet friendly. PetSmart is a fun, judgement free, zone where you can bring your pup or leashed cat (or well behaved anything, really) and have some fun shopping together. It doesn't matter if your 6 year-old dog acts as though she has no training and is as excited as a puppy (*cough* Nora) every time she sees someone, of if your poodle is desperately in need of a good shave. There's always a smiling face and helping hand in the form of an eager associate waiting to help you.
I'm not talking about bringing your pet to the groomer for a nice touch up trim or Summer shave- I'm talking about all those extra services you add on for your pet you'd never dare pay for for yourself. It has been near half a year since my last professional pedicure and Nora had her nails painted by a 'pro' last month. In fact, I dare say we know our PetSmart groomer better than I know any of the family stylists. Whether you add in a Top Dog spa package, or just tack on the aromatherapy conditioner- your pet deserves a little extra pampering.
You may not dress your pet up day in and out but you definitely own a costume or two, a few bandanas, and some coordinating leashes (because hey, you like to match your pet from time to time and they DO have a favorite color.) Whether you've got a tiny dog who feels more comfortable (and warmer) in clothing than their own skin or an ever so patient cat with a collection or designer harnesses, your pet deserves to be just as fashionable, and unique, as you do.
And, I dare-say, if you do not have any human children your pets are the full center of attention and spoiling during any major festive holiday. Let's face it, when your chihuahua wore those antlers for the family photo they earned an entire stocking of apology gifts lat Christmas. In our household we like to justify our special pet holiday expressions by saying we are making the holidays safer for our pets by turning all of our decorations into actual treats and pet safe toys. It helps me sleep at night after I've tucked away all of the PetSmart receipts.
For years we lived in a small second story condo with a tiny concrete patio lined with metal rods gaped too far apart to be safe for Nora to play on. We'd attempt to take her out as much as possible but it still never quite eased my own personal guilt for not providing her a large backyard to lounge and roam in. I even had guilt about the cat we'd brought home from a chicken farm and committed to a (rather kushy) domestic life.
Naturally not all highly loved pets WANT to travel- Heaven knows I've wanted to plop Truffles in a bubble backpack and go for a hike on a few occasions but she's the sort of cat that panics stepping 2 feet outside her backyard door. I daresay it wouldn't be much fun for her.
But for those lucky, and enthusiastic, traveling pets the most highly loved ones travel in style. And the smallest ones have devised a brain-altering technique to convince their humans they must not walk at any expense. Usually this involves some sort of pawing at a human's ankles, or simply offering a 'Puss In Boots' face with a slight whimper. Yes, our highly loved dog is most often carried, rides in her own open-air backpack, or strolls in her own stroller. We pay extra for her to fly on planes, and stay in hotels. Can you say spoiled?
Barring a horribly 80's cinematic comedy, we certainly hope not pets are getting away with actual homicide- BUT there certainly have been a few plants, sofas, and other household 'accidents' our cat's planned through the years. She's even developed a sort of 'What are you going to do about it?" face that slightly unnerves me. But, at the end of the day we chalk it up to her raging catnip addiction and repair the damage as though the 'incident' never happened. That's the sort of brainwashing power highly loved pets have.
Which brings us to number 9. If you've ever had the bright idea to turn an otherwise human activity or tradition into a pet inclusive one then this one's for you. Whenever I know I will be going away for a few days, or simply unable to offer extra attention due to a busy schedule I always find one-on-one things for the pets and I to do. Honestly, I think it makes me feel better more than them- but we always have fun. Hey, we even made a work of art once!
The cat, more so than the dog because of her mobility, is pretty convinced every item which passes through our home requires a thorough inspection. Furthermore the vast majority of these things could only be present for her benefit, and her benefit only. The only exceptions being things which do not generate enough interest to pass her test- which much be destroyed or removed immediately. Either one- she'll help if needed.
We recently switched Nora to the new Purina® Bella Dry Small Dog Food and Truffles has NOT let a day pass without showing some very special attention to the 2nd bag. The first day I was sitting on the couch typing up a post when I heard some loud rustling behind me on the photo table. I didn't think much of it until it was still continuing, even escalating, 10 minutes later. As it turns out Truffles things Bella must be the best cat food ever. She has proceeded to roll all over the bag multiple times a day for nearly a week since. I don't have the heart to tell her that's the dog's food, or to put the bag away.
Make sure to spoil your pets a little extra this Summer and take advantage of the Purina® Codeword at PetSmart promotion by uploading your participating receipts to the Codeword website by July 7th, 2017! For more fun ideas on how to spoil your pet check our the Codeword Social Hub! Now, tell me, what are some of the things you do to spoil your pet?
