Category Archive

Pets

We know that sometimes a home just isn’t a home without a pet, and oftentimes pets have their own sets of needs, perks and home-enhancing features. These posts cover our furry, scaley, winged, offbeat friends.

Offbeat dogs: Why you should consider adopting a bully-breed

It’s plain to see, the Offbeat Empire likes dogs. They like them a lot. Everywhere you look on Offbeat Bride, there are dogs walking down the aisle. On Home, there are posts about dogs, posts with dogs, posts not about dogs at all, but with dogs peeking into the photos anyway. [Editor’s note: Even the Associate Publisher Megan has a pit bull mix.] There are all kinds of dogs, and there are all kinds of people, and some people have their types. For me, bully breeds are where it’s at. In a way, bullies are the most offbeat of dogs.

Help calm my tits about traveling with a pet overseas

I’m looking for some advice. My husband and I are moving to Sweden at the end of the month from Seattle. We are taking our giant cat Hax0r with us. He is too heavy to fly in the cabin, and will have to go under the plane as cargo. Sadly, all I can find online are horror stories about lost or injured pets. Have you ever traveled overseas with your fur baby? What advice would you give?

Readying yourself for life with multiple cats (and other pets) in a small space

My fiancé, Derek, and I recently settled down into a cozy little apartment. The first big decision we made in our new home was to open our doors to cats. Our apartment is great, but it’s also pretty cozy (read: small), so we had to make some adjustments to accommodate the new members of our little household. Here’s what we found works for us. Some of this information is cat-specific, but a lot of it applies more broadly to keeping any mix of pets in a small apartment together, like multiple dogs, ferrets, or bunnies…

How to prevent foster animal burn-out

Helping rescue animals is addictive. But when you think about how many animals there are that still need help, and how few there are of you, it’s easy to start over-extending yourself. Consider this post your guide to avoiding dogaholics/cataholics anonymous and ending up on Animal Hoarders.

Megan-simple turkey dog treats, for the gluten-free pups

These are so ridiculously easy to make. They’re great for squishing pills into, which is why I make them (just make sure to shred them really small so you get the right consistency or else the finished treats will fall apart). My dogs love them, and I love knowing exactly they are eating. Here’s how I make them…

I’m struggling to like my dog again

I love my dog, but I don’t like him anymore. I used to be able to look past his constant barking, awful separation anxiety that leaves us un-wanted surprises when we get home (we’ve tried medication and behavior modification), and tendency to knock over our toddler often. I used to get angry with my husband when he would talk about not liking our dog, but now that I’m pregnant with our second, I find myself in the same boat. I don’t want my dog to be gone, I just want to enjoy him like I used to.

How to help your freedom-loving dog adjust to life in an apartment

When I moved across the country last year, I was mildly worried about how my husband and I would settle into a new place and new jobs. However, I can honestly say I was afraid of how our dog, Gidget, would adjust to living in a 700-square-foot apartment. Fortunately, our worries were unfounded and months later she has become the perfect apartment dog. Here’s what we did to help make the transition easier on all of us…

My hairless cat smells like potatoes

This is my cat, Oliver Star. He was named after our favorite cow. True story. No, no — don’t adjust your screens. He’s a hairless kitty! He’s just like regular kitties, except he ain’t got no hairz! Oliver’s good looks usually garner one of two responses – either “awwww, look at de bebe!!” or “OH MY GOD!!! WHAT IS THAT?!?!?! SEND IT BACK TO HELL!!!!!”

Poor guy. He has feelings, too!