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Happy Fourth of July everyone!! Being one of our most fun and interactive holidays, it is very important to recognize pet safety this Independence Day. Not everyone realizes how much our little animal friends are affected by the festivity's noisy parties and most of all the big fireworks shows. Many animals find fireworks scary. Unfortunately, these loud fireworks often send animals into a full panic to the point where they accidentally injure themselves. The loud, unexpected whizzes, pops and bangs are often louder than military jets taking off. If you have a pet that's sensitive to thunder, smoke alarms and vacuum cleaners, then your little furry friends are most likely not going to enjoy the fireworks show. Because pets panic it is important to be prepared and educate yourself on how to keep pets calm during fireworks. Sadly when animals get scared their first instinct is to bolt away and escape and often wind up lost, injured and unfortunately even killed. But don't fret... There are precautions and ways you can prepare: -Walk them during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off. -Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks. -Put on some music or TV to mask the fireworks sound. -Create a quiet space where your dog or cat can feel in control. -Create some hiding places around your home. -Microchip your pets in case they get startled and escape outside. -Consider crating them and partly cover the cages with blankets so an area is sound proofed and hidden but allow another area for the animals to look out. -Consider bringing your pets indoors. The best thing you can do for your animals is to be ready for the holiday and to not ignore the possible issues that loud fireworks can create. By preparing in advance before fireworks start, your pets will be able to cope with the noises. So take precautions, keep your animals safe and happy and have a spectacular Fourth of July!!!

If you're a local Jupiter resident reading this, you're no stranger to hurricanes. If you're not local to Jupiter, your state has its own Act of God in which these same rules can apply. It's easy for us Floridians to brush off a looming hurricane because we are desensitized to the media chaos until the very last minute. But if you are in fact in the path of the hurricane the last thing you want to do is not be prepared for it and go viral on Facebook as the adult fighting the kid at Walmart for a last pack of canned baked beans. If you have pets, they don't understand the local news anchor standing on the beach in the middle of high-speed winds. You need to have a plan in place for them- read our 10 tips below to prepare for a hurricane with your pets. 1. Make sure your pet has ID. - Head to your local pet store for a very affordable engraved pet tag with your details in case your pet panics and escapes during a storm 2. Crates - For both cats and dogs. This is to keep them safe and easy to transport if need be. 3. Vet Records - If you have to evacuate to a hurricane shelter they will ask for your pet(s) vet records and require updated vaccinations. You don't want to be turned away in this situation if there is a mandatory evacuation. 4. Food, Water, Meds - Two-week supply of food, water and prescription medications in case of power outages and store shut downs. 5. Know Your Local Evacuation Center - Do your research on pet-friendly shelters and hotels. BringFido.com is a great resource to check your area. 6. Micro-chip - Animals can panic and flee in these situations and if someone finds them after the dust settles, almost every pet store and vets office will have a micro-chip scanner. If they end up in a shelter you will have to prove ownership. In addition to the microchip, some pictures of your pet will go along way- preferably with you in the pictures. 7. Emergency Rescue Alert Sticker - If something happens to you or your home, an emergency rescue alert sticker by the front door can alert officials or neighbors that there are pets in the home that need to be checked on. 8. Community Cats - If you are the community cat feeder and are concerned for their safety during the storm there are a couple things you can do if they are feral and untrappable. Take in any items that aren't secured to the ground, i.e., chairs, plants, bricks, etc. Bring cat food to a higher ground in case it floods. Tie shelter for cats on a patio (or shed) to a sturdy structure with the opening of the hole facing the house. Cover the shelter with tarps to block out the wind and use Mylar blankets inside for extra warmth. 9. Leash dogs BUT DO NOT LEAVE THEM LEASHED OUTSIDE - This is cruel. Few things irk an animal lover more than hearing about a pet tied up during a severe storm. Aside from karma coming after you- there is a proposed bill in Florida that will make it illegal for pet owners to leave behind their dogs during a hurricane or other severe weather event. Punishment could include a year in prison or a fine up to $5000 - or both. If your dog has a habit of bolting when scared it is best to leash your dog while inside. If the weather gets really bad and you lose a window- a scared pet may run. 10. Pet Trust - Legally naming a caregiver to take care of your pets in the event something happens to you is a great plan whether there's a storm or not. Unpredictable accidents happen and your pet who has served you loyally doesn't deserve to go to a shelter if something were to happen to you. If you would like more information on creating a pet trust please reach out to The Pet Cottage, we can help! 561-818-5025

We felt the love last night at Perk Coffee House in the adorable neighborhood of Tequesta, FL. After these events we always leave feeling full of love and support from our community. It's amazing to hear how people have found out about The Pet Cottage and the answers continue to humble us and give us energy to wake up the next day to keep working at our unique mission. There was live music, puppacinos, awesome raffle items, corn hole plus lots and lots of puppy love! Here's a recap of the night and if you couldn't make this event we hope to see you at the next one! We are looking to increase these events to two/month so if you or someone you know owns a local business in the Palm Beach County area and would like to host us, send us a shout!

Happy Mother’s Day to all our pack member Moms. The Pet Cottage Pack is made up of amazing fur-Moms. Our foster network is composed primarily of senior women who open their hearts and homes to the pets who come to us through death, disability or deployment. Some of our fosters are Mom and daughter teams. Here I am highlighting two of them: Dena and Roz foster Anthony and Doris for The Pet Cottage. Roz is in her 90’s and her daughter Dena cares for her. Long time cat lovers their cat passed away and Dena noticed a decline in her Mom. Her Mom was grieving and very sad. Dena decided having a cat back in their home would be a positive thing. Dena discovered us through a flyer posted in her mail room in Abacoa. She had been considering just one cat, but when she saw the flyer and Anthony and Doris were the cat’s names, she wanted to meet them. Long time family friends share the names, Anthony and Doris, Dena felt it was a sign. Then Dena called and spoke to me. When she learned my name is Wendy, she realized it was meant to be. You see her very best friend’s name is Wendy too. Fostering the cats for Roz and Dena is the right arrangement. We provide hands on support and make it easy to have a pet even when your life is full of caretaking. Anthony and Doris, entertain, love on, and light up these senior ladies’ lives. Valerie and Ruthie foster Ace, a chihuahua mix. Ace’s person passed away and he was left at Furry Friends. He was very unhappy there. A senior himself who had only ever been loved on, he was miserable. Dr. Vinoski alerted us. Ace fit our mission, so we were ready to help. Valerie and Ruthie had been waiting for quite some time to foster a dog through us. Ruthie is in her 90’s and requires dialysis every day. Valerie wanted to add a pet to share their lives and re-direct their daily focus. Ruthie uses a walker and has thin skin, the dog had to be a good fit. The dog who would be the best match had not shown up yet. When I met Ace, I thought he could be it. Ace came overnight to The Pet Cottage and I quickly realized what a special little guy he is. Ace fit right in with our pack and had a very calm and endearing personality. The next day I packed Ace up and off we went to meet Valerie and Ruthie. Valerie met us in the parking lot and Ace seemed to like her right away. We took Ace into their home and got ready to meet Ruthie. Ruthie was excited and wanted to make a good impression. She put on her favorite hat and had applied beautiful red lipstick. When she came walking out of the bedroom with her walker, Ace ran over to her and declared “I am home!” He clearly was used to a walker and decided right then and there that Ruthie was his new Grandma. Since that day Ace has become the star in their lives. He accompanies them everywhere. Doctors appointments, shopping and even to their favorite pub where he has his own barstool. The support The Pet Cottage provides is how Valerie and Ruthie can have a dog. It is a win, win, win. A senior guy with two lovely senior ladies. He has changed their lives and they his!

The role of 'Mom' comes in many different forms. Some women give birth, while some may choose to take the route of "Fur Mom" and take in strays, foster fail, rescue... Whichever category you fall under, if you are one of those ladies who has 'Proud Dog Mom' sticker on the back of your car or gush about your fur baby to anyone who will listen- then this holiday is all about you! National Dog Mom's Day falls the day before Mother's Day, this year it's Saturday, May 11th. The holiday was created by Dig, the dating app for single dog-lovers... So that you can find someone who will never give you the ultimatum, "It's me or the dog." The holiday was founded "to thank dog moms, foster dog moms, and future dog moms for all of the love they give to pups." How many of you have celebrated your dogs birthday? Got them a birthday cake? Made a social media post on their rescue anniversary, birthday or big milestone? These days dogs are considered family and they get treated as such so it's only appropriate that us dog moms have a day to be celebrated as well. TREAT YO SELF! (and of course your dog won't let you forget to treat them too). This holiday really hits home for us here at The Pet Cottage because we couldn't do what we do everyday without the help of some seriously AMAZING dog moms in our foster network! HAPPY DOG MOM DAY FROM TPC!

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in April, members of The Pet Cottage pack gathered to share a meal, meet each other and share stories. Fosters, volunteers, board members, friends and staff were each introduced by Wendy our founder. Sharing a history of how our pack has evolved because of each person involved was enlightening and fun. We played a game of reporter interviewing each other, exploring the ways we are alike. Finally, we each shared a favorite Pet Cottage story. There were tears and laughter and delight. Everyone left the luncheon feeling connected to each other and to The Pet Cottage. It was a lovely time. We will definitely be hosting these on a regular basis. Make sure to join us next time!

1. Jupiter Dog Beach - Beach marker #25 - #59 Jupiter's dog-friendly beach areas have been defined as a 2.5 mile stretch of beach from beach marker #25 at Marcinski Road going north to beach marker #59 on the south end of Carlin Park. This is a popular off-leash dog beach so make sure to keep an eye on your furry friend, bring plenty of fresh water and shade! 2. F.I.N.D. Park - 211 River Park Drive, Jupiter, FL 33477 Great off-leash dog park with separate fenced areas for large and small breeds. There is an additional area with direct access to the intracoastal for those whose dogs like to swim. Or whose dog is like mine and is afraid of the water so he just barks from the beach. There's something for every kind of dog. 3. Jupiter Outdoor Center - 9060 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, FL You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from JOC for you and your pup to venture out on the water or as a part of one of their group paddles. Just don't forget your doggy life vest! 4. Surfur Dogs - Jupiter Beach Access #53 Offers dog surf lessons for $30 for 30 minute sessions. Call or text Sam Chiet 561-427-8660 to book your lesson at Jupiter beach access #53. They'll provide the surf board and the life jacket. 5. Peanut Island - Peanut Island is a dog-friendly island accessible by $10 ferry, kayak or boat. You can camp over night or kayak over at low tide so your dog can run around in the water. Don't forget sunscreen if you have a light-fur or short haired dog. 6. City Paws - 1302 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Howard Park City Paws Dog Park in West Palm Beach also has a playground and picnic tables making this a great neighborhood park for the entire family. 7. Cinquez Park - 2183 West Indiantown Road, Jupiter, FL 33458 Jupiter's newest dog park offering big and small dog runs, paved paths throughout the 13-acre property, shaded areas and a dog washing station. 8. Salty Dog Paddle - Check out their website for locations of events This is the largest water sports charity in the U.S. where all proceeds go to animals and rescue organizations. This is right in our back yard! Whether your dog is the adventurous kind and wants to sit on the board while you paddle or not this is a great charity to support! 9. West Palm Beach Greenmarket - Downtown West Palm Waterfront Commons This is a great way to spend a Sunday morning before it gets too hot in the day for your furry friend! There are treats for humans and for your dogs! Not all greenmarkets allow dogs, so make sure you visit this one! And when they close for the season you can make a trip to the Downtown Stuart greenmarket via car or boat! 10. Grandview Public Market - Between Clare Ave. and Elizabeth Ave. in WPB This is a one stop shop for all of your trendy needs! Constructed in The Warehouse District of West Palm Beach are restaurant vendors for all tastebuds, local art, event space for yoga and live music, and they allow dogs!

You know when you're leaving the house because you feel the need to socialize with humans instead of spending all of your time talking to your dog(s)? Yeah, us either. The next time you go out to eat and your dog gives you those heart-wrenching puppy eyes that cut right through your core, refer to this list and get that tail wagging because Fido doesn't have to stay home! 1. Little Moir's Leftover's Cafe - Jupiter, FL (Abacoa district) Sister restaurant to local favorite Little Moir's Food Shack, Leftovers offers the same fresh food you love but unlike Food Shack, it has a pet-friendly outside dining area. Written up as #1 seafood restaurant in Palm Beach County, this is your go-to restaurant for the freshest seafood but they have a funky, diverse menu for those who aren't seafood fans. 2. Jumby Bay Island Grill - Jupiter, FL In the heart of Abacoa is Jumby Bay Island Grill with their tiki decor, affordable happy hour and large, covered dog-friendly patio. Couples, family and large groups can eat, drink and shop along this strip without having to leave their dogs at home! 3. Dive Bar - Jupiter, FL A beautiful restaurant for the sushi lover. The large, circular bar faces a large saltwater fish tank and opens up to the back patio where you can dine with your dog while looking over the Jupiter Yacht Club Marina. The patio faces west so it's a perfect place to go for sunset. 4. Civil Society Brewing - Jupiter and West Palm Beach, FL This local brewery now offering two locations has a French Bulldog in their logo, so what's not to love from the start? They have great beer with a heavy focus on the New England IPA, wine and they allow dogs! 5. Thirsty Turtle Seagrill - Juno Beach, FL A local watering hole with dog-friendly outdoor seating, big TVs, great drink prices, and large food portions! 6. Aaron's Table & Wine Bar - Jupiter, FL We recently had a happy hour event at Aaron's Table and it was huge success with a great turnout! The owner is a good-hearted, animal lover serving dishes with vegetables and meats from local farmers. This is a great date night place with a wrap around outdoor patio. 7. Square Grouper - Jupiter, FL Square Grouper has a great view of the lighthouse, tree coverage for shade, and boat access. This is a go-to stop for those who spent the day at the sandbar and need to refuel your body and your boat gas! Ask for a dog-friendly table! 8. Frigate's Waterfront Bar & Grille - North Palm Beach, FL There's something here for everyone at this waterfront sports bar. Tropical drinks, diverse menu, dog-friendly outdoor seating and 22 big screen TVs for sporting events! 9. Papi Chulo - Tequesta, FL The area's newest restaurant addition has more outside seating than inside seating. Making this place the #1 spot for tacos, tequila, corn hole, ping pong and DOGS! 10. Perk Coffee House - Tequesta, FL Perk has all of the necessities- coffee, wine, beer and puppacinos! This local, philanthropic coffee house is hosting a Yappy Hour event for us on Friday April 26th. Follow us on Facebook to stay tuned for event details. Mark your calendars!

Fospicing a pet provides end-of-life comfort to pets in terminally ill situations and old age. It's providing them love and attention that they wouldn't otherwise receive in a shelter setting. While this type of fostering may be more demanding, it teaches us valuable life lessons of compassion and expands our capacity for love. Since fospice programs have grown and awareness has been brought to senior dogs and cats, there is more assistance provided from shelters/rescues. And with places like The Pet Cottage, we offer constant support with purchasing medications, rides to vet appointments, and taking care of the burial when that time comes. Millions of dogs and cats are euthanized each year due to over-crowding in shelters. Fostering helps to socialize these animals and make them more attractive to adopt. It's a no-brainer that animals don't thrive or show their personality in shelter settings. Then think about a sick or senior animal... Wouldn't have much will to live, right? I've heard people argue for why they can't foster, "It'll break my heart when they pass", and, "But I'll get attached". But those aren't reasons not to foster or fospice. Foster and Fospice parents offer an invaluable service to terminally ill and elderly pets. Without them, many pets would live out their remaining days in a shelter. While they may only have a few weeks or months to live, being surrounded by love, in those final days, makes all the difference. And sometimes we just don't know how long they have. It could turn into years, and that would make each extra day that much sweeter. We have a very special fospice parent, Nancy, who took Noah in knowing he didn't have much longer to live. She wrote this letter on his final day with us on earth and we all ugly-cried. May we all have someone to care for us like this during our final days and send us over the rainbow bridge to reunite with our loved ones. If interested in becoming a fospice or foster parent, fill out the application form and we will give you a call to talk about options and find you the perfect match! Apply to foster!

Winter is slowly retreating and wildflowers are starting to bloom, you're thinking about Feng Shui-ing your home and cleaning out the garage. Before you break out those cavity-causing candy Peeps and Marie Kondo-ing your space, let's talk about those looming Springtime pet hazards. Easter Treats & Decorations See cavity-causing candy Peeps above... and chocolate bunnies or Cadbury Eggs. Save them for yourself! Make sure your pet doesn't mistake the bowls of candy for a buffet, keep them out of reach. That also goes for any plastic tinsel you're using for Easter baskets and purchase non-toxic egg dye, for both dogs and kids. Fresh Air But first check the screens. I know you're excited to turn off the heat, open the windows and let that spring breeze blow through the house. Make sure to reinforce any screens on the doors and windows. If you have a cat you know they'll find the loose one, like a moth to a flame. Home Projects As you gear up for spring cleaning and yard work make sure all of your cleaning products, pesticides and fertilizers out of your pets' way. Paints, solvents and physical objects like staples and power tools should be used with caution and it'd be best to put your pet in a confined area while using them. Bug Protection Pollination and shedding cocoons are necessary and magical and all, but springtime is not all honey bees and butterflies. As the earth starts to defrost, so do all the bugs. Heart worm, flea and tick prevention should be practiced year-round but especially after winter and into the summer. Spring Breeding Millions of unwanted dogs & cats are euthanized each year. Even if your pets are kept indoors they can mistakenly get outside. Research animal clinics in your area that offer affordable spay and neuters to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Some clinics and rescues will even host free spay and neuter events. Sun & Heat Exposure Even if you don't live in a tropical climate dogs can get sunburnt and skin cancer from overexposure to UV rays. Ones with a thin coat, short hair, pink/light-nosed or light-colored fur are most at risk. Make sure there is shade and plenty of water available for your furry friend. You can consult your veterinarian for a pet safe sunscreen without zinc oxide as it is toxic to pets. Wild Animals They're as excited as you are to come out of hibernation and enjoy the warm breeze. Even in our suburban Jupiter neighborhood we see hawks circling overhead to catch prey. Also, many Coyotes are spotted in gated neighborhoods and golf courses. Small dogs and cats should not be left outside unmonitored.

One of our foster pack member's passed today, Noah a 16-year old cat who we placed with a senior woman that passed away about a month ago. He brought her so much happiness at the end of her life and she loved him dearly. Then we placed him with Nancy, knowing that he didn't have much longer to live and she made his last days so meaningful. Below are the kindest words from Nancy on his last day on Earth with us: "Noah, my cat of seventeen days, died this morning. Last night he loved being brushed, receiving his massage and even curled up for a nap next to me as usual but It was clear he was nearing the end. He had stopped eating and movement was slow. I knew he needed me to give love and attention as needed. When I woke up this morning the house was very quiet. Too quiet. I thought I'd go into his room and find him already gone. Finished caring for the dogs and then I heard Noah calling to me. Put the dogs away (I had kept them separate) and went into his room. He was on the floor and not moving. I grabbed a dog bed to sit on and joined him on the floor. He knew I was there. I gently stroked him, long and slow movement across his thin long body. A pause to let him take that in and then again. Talked to him about crossing over. That is was OK to die and join all the beings on the other side that loved him. That I loved with him too but that he did not have to hang on for me. I thought about what a life this cat had lived. Feral at one point, then welcomed into homes where he was treated with value. He came to me with a boatload of toys. Thought about how he would take his last breaths in his own way with a friend by his side. No fear. A rich life. When he seemed full I simply held his paw. His body would occasionally jerk and his eyes began to stare long before he took his last breath. And then he went gently into the good day. I placed Noah onto a clean plastic tray and set him in the sun. I liked the thought of him having this time in nature. Here's the thing...when Wendy of the Pet Cottage called and asked me to take him in she was honest and said he had serious health issues. No clue what his life expectancy would be. It did not matter to me. When I called her today to let her know Noah had died Wendy was profoundly grateful that I had cared for him. I am grateful too. Not just for the time I had with this sweet boy but that I was entrusted with the honor. On the days that I may be tempted to beat the hell out of myself may I remember that Noah, the coolest of cool cats, and Wendy trusted me to help him. My house is clean now. All of Noah's things and Noah's body have been picked up by the Pet Cottage. They were quick about that and I am glad. I have a set of Tibetian chimes that I have been ringing in each room in my home since his departure. In his room the sound was different. I kept chiming and sending blessings till the room felt clear. A cleansing of the space and a heralding to the angels that this sweet boy is on his way. May we all go so gently forward. Thank you for reading this. <3"

Is it possible for your tree and your sanity to make it through Christmas? I can't address the sanity- except for wine, lots of wine. But I can help with that tree your cat believes is a giant scratching post. 1. Leave the tree bare when you first bring it home. It will give them a chance to get used to it and the appeal will wear off. You can also use this time to figure out how to tether it to a wall in the case that your cat is undeterred by your first subtle attempt and wants to bring it crashing down to the ground. 2. Don't use toxic material i.e.; tinsel, tree fertilizer, poinsettias, fake snow, etc. You may want to re-think glass ornaments as well. These all look like dangling cat toys to them. And if your cat is one of those who likes to test the 9 lives theory, unplug your lights at night and when you leave the house. 3. If this doesn't work: distract, distract distract. You probably have a plethora of boxes from Amazon Prime when you ordered gifts last minute. If you own a cat you know that boxes win over any toy you've ever bought them! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOOD LUCK! If you have any funny stories or clever suggestions about your cat vs. your Christmas tree send them to us! thepetcottage@hotmail.com