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My Top 5 Pet Themed Holiday Movies

Many of us will be busy with the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, working extra hours, driving amongst angry drivers, and dealing with the holiday blues.  Before Scrooge gets you in his sights pop one of these movies in for an instant feel good, and a friendly reminder of what the holidays are really about.   I hope you enjoy the list, and if you have any to add feel free to leave your recommendation in the comment box below.  Happy Holidays!

 

5)Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

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I know what you’re thinking, Thanksgiving over Christmas?  As cute as Charlie Brown’s Christmas is, I’m partial to the bond of man and man’s best friend in this adorable Thanksgiving movie.  Snoopy even tries to save the day when Peppermint Patty invites herself as well as two others over for a Thanksgiving feast.  For those who have seen it, their dinner is the sweetest, funniest, and cutest concoction that Snoopy can come up with in a pinch.  At the end of the day, it’s dear Marcie that helps to put the true meaning of the holiday into perspective.

“We should just be thankful for just being together.  I think that’s what Thanksgiving is all about.”

 

4) Addam’s Family Values(1993)

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Perhaps this isn’t your typical holiday movie and Thing probably isn’t what you would consider a”pet,” but I think we can all appreciate the similarities between Thing and some of our four-legged friends.  The Addams Family is by far what you would find in a Sears catalog, but it’s their loyalty and ability to stay calm and collective while making personal sacrifices for their loved ones that really gets you in the feels. The Thanksgiving feast is beyond comical in this film, and I would say personally favored over the first television to film adaptation The Addams Family  in 1991.  While Raul Julia is sadly no longer with us, his depiction of Gomez Addams was genius and wise.  It’s literally the Addams Family values that draws you into this movie, and leaves you longing to be an Addams too.

 

3) The Muppet Christmas Carol(1992)

There muppetare so many adaptations of Charles Dickens Christmas classic, but the Muppet Christmas Carol is my second to 1988’s Scrooged.  I realize these aren’t “real” animals, but you can’t get more pet/animal friendly than the muppets.  Kermit plays poor mistreated Bob Cratchit while Sir Michael Caine leads with a grumpy brute force as Scrooge.  This timeless classic story pulls on your heartstrings no matter how many times you may have seen it (regardless of version), or read it.  It’s simply not Christmas without it.   What makes Muppet Christmas Carol standout over other renditions are the beautifully written songs in true Jim Henson style.

 

 

2) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

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Due to strong language, I wouldn’t recommend watching this movie with children that are easily influenced.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a nonstop laugh riot.  What adds to this families nonstop disastrous holiday are a rottweiler named Snot (for very obvious reasons), a cat who was accidentally wrapped as a present by a delusional Great Aunt, and a squirrel that makes it into the house under some very hilarious circumstances.   At the end of the movie you have an almost broken and defeated Clark Griswold about to swear off Christmas for good, when he finally realizes the importance of his family and what they mean to him as well as what he means to them.

 

1)Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas (1977)

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Christmas can’t officially begin in the Ries household if Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas isn’t playing.  A holiday tradition since I can remember, this Jim Henson classic features a plethora of woodland critters singing, dancing, and even playing in a rock and roll band.  What makes this movie stand out to me, is the fact that I’ve seen it at the bare minimum 35 times and it still melts my heart to this day.  Christmas isn’t always about what you receive, it’s way more than that.  The holidays are about coming together, committing personal sacrifices just to see your loved one happy, and enjoying some beautiful music.  It’s an amazing movie that should be enjoyed by everyone.

5 Pet Themed Movies to Help You Beat the Winter Blues

Now that the holidays are in the rear view mirror, many of us are begrudgingly entering the cold doldrums of winter.  The idea of being stuck indoors for the next several months may leave us suffering from the “winter time blues.”  But there are ways you can have fun, spend some quality time with your family and beat those winter blues.  Here at That Pet Blog, we have selected a few pet themed movies that should hold you over til the thaw!

 

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“Does he dribble? No but he might drool a little!”

 

With the NBA season kicking into high gear, a basketball movie is perfect for the winter.  But this isn’t your normal basketball movie!

It features a young boy named Josh and his pet dog — a Golden Retriever named Buddy — who just happens to be great at shooting hoops!

If your kids love this movie there is good news — it spawned a franchise — where Buddy has fun playing many other sports!

 

 

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A pig that thinks it’s a dog!

 

Babe is a fun film featuring a barnyard full of talking animals! The main character is a young pig named Babe, who draws the favor of the farmer, saving him from the butcher’s block.

While learning how to grow up on a farm and interact with all the animals, Babe takes on the unlikely roll of a sheep dog and even enters a local herding competition!

This movie was so well received that it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1995!

 

 

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For thousands of years, animals have been trying to tell us something!

 

Haven’t you ever wanted to know exactly what your pet was thinking?  In this movie, Eddie Murphy stars at the eponymous Dr. Dootlittle and he realizes the ability to do just that!

Kids and pet lovers of all ages will enjoy the fun — and hijinks — that come with hearing your favorite animals speak.

This film features a star-studded cast that includes Ellen Degeneres, Jenna Elfman, Albert Brooks and Chris Rock lending their voices to various wacky animals!

 

 

101 Dalmatians

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Puppies everywhere!

 

Walt Disney’s animated classic is a fantastic family film that you can watch one, twice or 101 times!

The cartoon movie follows the adventures the Radcliffe family experiences when their litter of dalmatian puppies starts to grow exponentially!  But with such a bounty of beautiful babes, it’s not long before infamous Disney villan Cruella de Ville enters the picture and tries to pry the puppies away!

If you like this classic version of the dalmatian tale, check out the 1996 live action version starring Glenn Close, it’s also great.

 

 

 

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The Incredible Journey

 

In this 1993 Disney remake of the 1963 original, three pets — an American Bulldog named Chance, a Golden Retriever named Shadow and a Himalayan cat named Sassy try to find their way to their owners.

Follow the three as they journey across amazing landscapes and the beautiful wilderness to see if they make it home safe and sound!  (Okay it’s a Disney movie, so they might just make it, but humor us!)

Talking pet movies always feature famous stars playing the voices and this film has ’em too:  Michael J. Fox, Don Ameche and Sally Field play Chance, Shadow and Sassy respectively.

 

 

Those are our choices!  Did any of these make your list?  Do you have others in mind we should check out?  Let us know in the comments section below!  Enjoy and stay warm!

 

 

Feathered Sanctuary Bird Rescue – The Birdman Cometh


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If you have been to That Fish Place – That Pet Place within the last year, you may have noticed all of the different rescues that we have had come into showcase their organization. When we think of rescues, we typically think of cats and dogs, but we often forget about the other animals that are in need of loving homes as well. Like clockwork, our favorite bird man Alan Sipe has brought his own birds in on Saturday’s from 10am-2pm to help represent the Feathered Sanctuary out of Kirkwood. His own expertise, and the hands on experience that some folks have been lucky enough to experience help to establish what it takes to adopt a rescued bird. January is Adopt a Rescued Bird Month, and what better way to celebrate than to interview the birdman himself.

 

What does Feathered Sanctuary cover for adopting or fostering?
A certificate is given to adopters good for a free wellness check with Dr. Hall at VCA Bridgeport.  Typically a cage comes with the bird. If one is not available, the adoption fee would be a lesser dollar amount.  Range is from $5.00 to $600.00 and anywhere in between.  Since we have a facility, we do not typically foster birds. On rare occasions we do foster special needs birds and food is provided by the rescue.

Is there a foster period? If there is difficulty getting a newly adopted bird settled into a new home we will work with that person.

How can I meet some of the adoptable birds? Stop in at our facility located at 1674 Kirkwood Pike in Kirkwood, PAQ, located just south of Quarryville.

Do you offer educational resources and/or classes? From time to time we do offer Birdie 101 11156416_919226121434121_4985431829583447590_nintroduction classes. Also, the knowledgeable staff at the rescue will answer questions.

What is a bird’s average life span? Canaries about 10-15 years, Cockatiels 15-30 years, Amazons 50-70 years and Macaws 50-80 years.

Can birds be left alone if I work or go to school? Yes….they do not require 24/7 attention. A few hours of interaction daily is plenty.

What does a bird cost on average a year? Food and toys could run anywhere between $150 a year for a small bird to $500 a year for a large Macaw!

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What are some of the things that the rescue does daily? Volunteers clean cages & grates, vacuum floors, feed & water birds as well as get birds out to socialize.

How would I go about volunteering for Feathered Sanctuary?  Stop by the rescue and fill out an application form for volunteering. Must be 16 or older to volunteer alone, but if younger you may volunteer accompanied by a responsible adult!

Are there any other ways that someone can help the Feathered Sanctuary?  Monetary donations are always accepted, supplies such as large garbage bags, vacuum bags, paper towels, printer paper, printer ink and much more.

Where do these rescue birds come from? Birds may outlive their owners, life changes: divorce, newborn, residency move, career change, as well as neglect and/or abuse.

What is one of your happiest memories from volunteering at the rescue? An Umbrella Cockatoo named Angel came in to our rescue with a kicked in cage door and the owners saying the bird was aggressive and noisy. I discovered through interaction with the bird that it was docile and lovable. The poor scared baby was just misunderstood!

 

Thank you Alan for taking the time to answer all of our questions. If you would like to know more, feel free to reach out, and don’t forget to visit Alan at our store!

20 Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day

August 26th is National Dog Day—a day to remember and recognize all that these wonderful creatures do for us without question. Dogs save lives, keep us healthy, guide our blind and disabled, protect our neighborhoods, and bring joy to our families. Dogs do so much good for the world, yet so many of them end up neglected, abandoned, and abused.dreamstime_14698925

Here are 20 great ways to celebrate with your dogs:

  • Adopt a dog from a shelter or local rescue organization.
  • Buy your dog a fun new toy.
  • Teach your dog a new trick.
  • Take your dog on a hike.
  • Have a National Dog Day party and invite all your 4 legged friends.
  • Snap a few pictures of your dog and share them with friends online or enter them in a contest.
  • Have a caricature or portrait drawn of your dog.
  • Give your dog a bath or have him groomed.
  • Visit your local dog park.
  • Take a trip to the closest dog friendly beach.
  • Buy a fashionable new leash and collar.
  • Try a new DIY treat recipe.
  • Plan a play date with your dog’s favorite doggy friend.
  • Learn dog first aid and CPR.
  • If your workplace allows it, take your dog along for the day.
  • Give your dog some extra belly rubs.

Don’t have a dog? You can still celebrate:

  • Donate supplies, money or your time to a local shelter.
  • Walk a neighbor’s dog.
  • Watch a movie starring a dog.
  • Look into becoming a foster home for dogs in need.

Whatever you do, remember to celebrate all the wonderful things that dogs do for us each and every day!

Source: www.nationaldogday.com

Pet Friendly Hotels in Lancaster, PA

If you read our past blog Pet Friendly Destinations in Lancaster, PA you may be wondering where you and your pets can stay while visiting these awesome attractions. Here are some hotels, motels and campgrounds that will gladly accommodate you and your pets!

Sources:
http://www.bringfido.com/
http://www.gopetfriendly.com/
Image © Flicker | Tony Faiola

 

12 Pet Friendly Vacation Spots in the Mid-Atlantic

Summer is in full swing and many of our readers may be looking for dog-friendly vacation spots. Read on for a list (which is by no means is comprehensive) of pet friendly stops near Central PA. Whether you’re looking to spend a few days hiking the trails with your furry friend or just a day trip in the summer sun your family is bound to enjoy these fun summer destinations.

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  • The Amish Farm & House
    This site exists to provide the public with a quality educational experience reflecting both the historical and contemporary Amish culture in Lancaster County. You will see the farmhouse, built in 1805, the 15-acre picturesque farm with many of the historic buildings remaining, and a 1775 operational bake oven. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome on the grounds and most of the buildings.
  • Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park
    The newly renovated dog park, which Lancaster, PA resident Angela Bauman’s 2012 winning entry helped inspire, features an array of amusement park-themed elements, including: a 40-foot-long roller coaster bridge; custom-designed splash pads for large and small dogs that feature fun spray nozzles; an expansive deck for relaxing; a tennis ball tree, among many other exciting features. In honor of Bauman’s four-legged playmate Beau, the City of Lancaster renamed the dog park Beau’s Dream Dog Park.
  • Cape Henlopen State Park
    Located on the Delaware seashore you can take Fluffy for a dip on non-lifeguarded beaches as long she is kept on a leash 6 ft or shorter. No dogs are permitted on the lifeguarded beaches, sailboarding beaches or shorebird nesting areas during peak season (May 1- September 30).
  • Deep Creek
    Deep Creek Lake is the perfect vacation destination for people looking to travel with their dogs. We consider our pets part of the family, so why leave them behind? Booking a dog-friendly rental home is the ideal solution – don’t leave your furry friend back home at boarding facility, let him/her experience the fun activities at Deep Creek Lake along with you! With quiet streets, pet-friendly businesses, a wide open lake and miles of hiking trails, Deep Creek, Maryland is a dog’s heaven on earth.
  • Elm’s Beach Park
    Located on the Chesapeake Bay there are 476 acres of pet-friendly fun. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
  • Flag Ponds Nature Park
    Another park located on the Chesapeake Bay, you can enjoy both short and long hikes through freshwater ponds areas, forested heights, and sandy beaches with your dog. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  • John H. Downs Memorial Park & Dog Beach
    also situated on the Bay, Downs offers paved and natural trails and a dog beach. On the dog beach you can even let your dog off leash if you’d like.
  • Kitchen Kettle Village
    You’ll enjoy this quaint shopping village which has all the hand-made items you would expect in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. You’ll find quilts, leather goods, home decor, meats and cheeses, baked goods, a jam and relish kitchen, homemade ice cream, and kettle corn. There is also a petting zoo and carriage rides. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join you on the grounds and and on the carriage rides.
  • Knoebels Amusement Resort
    With no admission fee, this pay-as-you-ride amusement park is popular with the dogs, too! Dogs are permitted inside the park but must be kept on a leash and you pick up after your pooch.
  • Lake Erie: Presque State Park
    A bit of a distance from Central PA, but the pristine beaches may be worth the drive. Pooches are allowed on all non-lifeguarded beaches with a 6 ft or shorter leash.
  • The Landing Restaurant (New Hope, PA)
    A rare occurrence in our area: a restaurant where you can dine with your furry best friends. Dine on The Landing’s riverside terrace where your pet is treated like a guest, not a pest. Be sure to say hello to Fred, the Burmese Mountain Dog who mingles with guests on the terrace.
  • Long Beach Island, NJ Dog Parks
    Long Beach Island has two dog parks. Barnegat Light’s dog park, on the north end of the island, has a double gated entrance for safety. Long Beach Township’s Dog Park has installed dune fencing so that the dogs can go from the beach to the water in relative safely. All licensed and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Be sure to take plenty of water, treats, toys, and don’t forget bags to clean up after the dogs! Plan ahead if you think you would like to spend the night. There are many hotel chains that are becoming pet friendly, but some have restrictions of the type or number of animals you may have with you while others charge an additional pet fee.

If you have a favorite dog friendly destination spot, be sure to leave it in the comments, we’d love to try out some new doggie vacation spots!

 Sources:
http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/dog_beaches  
http://www.whenandwhere.com
http://www.bringfido.com/
http://www.gopetfriendly.com/

Dogs in Politics Day – Fun Facts About First Dogs

Besides Presidents, their First Ladies and children, dogs have resided at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as well.  It is no wonder that dog ownership is so high amongst the Presidential club.  Unlike their political foes and “allies”, dogs provide loyal companionship that isn’t dependent upon the latest Gallup Poll or focus group.

 

Presidential dogs have often endeared themselves to the electorate.  In honor of Dogs in Politics Day, here are the top five facts about first dogs:

 

5. George Washington’s Foxhounds

The first President had 36 dogs.  George Washington’s favorite breeds were hounds and he used them extensively on fox hunts.  The Father of Our Country, Washington can also be considered the Father of the American Foxhound.  Washington bred his hounds with the French variety, creating a new breed that survives today.

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4. James Buchanan’s Newfy

Besides being the only bachelor to have become President, James Buchanan had the heaviest dog to ever occupy the Whitehouse.  Lara, a Newfoundland, was 170 lbs.  Perhaps that was the reason he remained a bachelor.

3. FDR’s Scotty

The only dog to have a statue in a national monument is Fala, FDR’s Scottish Terrier. The statue of Fala is a fixture in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

2. George W Bush’s Internet Sensations!

Barney and Miss Beazley, First dogs of George W Bush, were the first presidential dogs to have their own website.

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1. Abe’s First Fido

The name Fido is a stereotypical generic name for a dog.  But why is that?  Fido has a Latin base meaning “I trust” or faithful one.  The President who came up with that name for his dog was none other than Abraham Lincoln, one of our most beloved Presidents.
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My Dog’s Christmas Wish List for 2013

IMG_3153Today’s guest blogger is Barret, my wonderful, fun-loving, 3-legged best friend. In case you’re wondering, he’s an odd mix of Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Pinscher. Don’t laugh; I’m pretty sure that the items on this list are exactly what he’d ask for if he could! Without further ado, here is Barret’s 2013 christmas wish list for Santa Claus.

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  1. Patchwork Pet Colossal Plush Toys: I just love to snuggle with toys that are the same size as me or larger. I drag them up to the couch, knead them with my front paw until it’s just at the right spot, and then ahhhhh… pure bliss.
  2. A big stocking full of RedBarn Filled Cow Hooves: These are my favorite treats… well out of the treats that Mom will let me have. Sometimes I eat them too fast though and get an upset belly, but it’s totally worth it. The filling in these smell and taste so good, my mouth is watering now!
  3. I really hate the cold, rain and snow, so a new Sherling Dog Coat would really help me out this winter. We’ve gotten that white stuff twice already! Yuck! It’s so cold I usually hide when it is time to go outside to potty. What’s great is the design of this coat will still work for me even though I only have 3 legs.

Leopard Memory Foam dog bed4. This leopard print Memory Foam mattress is right up my alley. I’m a bit of a Diva, so I really like animal prints, and this leopard print matches my collar exactly! Being a tripawd, it can sometimes be hard to navigate big fluffy pillows; one of these should be firm enough to keep me from getting tripped up, but still snuggly, soft and warm.

5. Speaking of animal print, this zebra print flexi leash is much cooler than the red one Mom has for me now.

6. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, sometimes I get so excited that I just can’t calm down. I’m thinking that some of this new calming supplement from Hilton Herbs might do the trick. Just to take the edge off…

7. You might not believe me, but I LOVE bath time! Really, I get very excited for a long, warm soak in bubbly water. My only complaint is that I come out smelling like a girl. This manly-smelling shampoo from Tropiclean is just what the masseuse needs to order.

 

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Holiday Gift Guide – Top 10 Gifts for Your Cats

Cat ShelvesChristmas is just around the corner and it just wouldn’t be complete without some gifts under the tree for your favorite feline(s)!  There are some great gifts for your cats to add to the list this year…read on to make this holiday a success for your precious pet with these great holiday suggestions!

1. Cat/Cloud Shelves

Everyone who shares a home with a cat knows they love to climb and explore areas that provide the best view of the room. Whether you have limited space or not, a cumbersome cat tree may not be an option. Enter the new line of cat shelves available at thatpetplace.com. These innovative and attractive wall mount shelves are functional wall decor, so they’re as much a gift to you as they are for your kitties. Install the shelves on any wall to create open and secure resting and perching spots for your pets. The shelves are sleek and stylish, and a variety of colors allows you to choose the unit that best fits your existing decor. Each shelf features a wide, cushioned base to accommodate cat weight up to 50 lb. Read More »

Holiday Tips and Suggestions for Pet Owners

Cat in Christmas TreeI don’t know about you, but two of the things I’m most thankful for everyday are my two faithful pups! They provide me with joy, companionship and unconditional love that I don’t know how I could survive without. They go everywhere with me and, of course, I tend to share everything with them, so the Holidays are a fun and busy time for all of us. Here are a few things to keep in mind this holiday season to be sure you can keep your pets involved, but also safe and happy through the most hectic time of the year!

 

Travel

As I mentioned before, my pets pretty much go everywhere with me. I’m fortunate to come from a pet-loving family and my dogs are welcome at family gatherings where they can visit their “cousins” and have rowdy time just like the kids in the clan. They are seasoned travelers, but we still leave the house prepared with leashes, water and any other necessities that may find use on long road trips and for pit stops if your travel is extended. The rest of this section is common sense. If you aren’t able or choose Christmas Dognot to bring your pet along to holiday gatherings make sure they’re left with plenty of fresh water and maybe a special chewy or treat to keep them occupied for the day. If you’re going away for longer than a day be sure to either make arrangements to have your pet boarded at a kennel or cared for by a trusted friend or service, either from your home or in their space. Read More »

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