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How to Maintain Joint Mobility in Aging Pets

Posted on by Above1 Support
Senior Dog in Winter

As the days start to get colder many pet owners begin to notice that their pet shows signs of slowing down or experience increased difficulty moving around as freely as they would normally do.  Whilst these joint and mobility issues can affect dogs of any age and size the most prevalent groups include those who are older pets, overweight or obese or those from larger breeds. 

There are many conditions that can present as mobility challenges and left untreated these conditions often exacerbate over time leading to long-term mobility and general health issues that can significantly impact a pet’s quality of life.   Affecting 1 in 5 dogs the most common cause of a mobility issue is osteoarthritis which may affect more than one joint and is highly predisposed in a joint that has been impacted by age, trauma or genetics.

What are the signs to watch if you think your pet has a joint or mobility issue?

 

•   Reluctance to stand

•   Difficulty walking and climbing stairs

•   Lameness/limping

•   Stiffness

•   Sudden weight gain

•   Moving slower/low activity level

•   Cautious when walking

•   Change in behavior/hesitant to play

Treating and supporting pets with joint and mobility issues is exceptionally important. Conditions like osteoarthritis are chronic diseases that become progressive due to its nature of causing degenerative changes to the structure and function of the cartilage within the joint. 

infographic

 

So what should a pet owner do if they are starting to see these signs in their pet?

There are several treatment options available that will vary dependent upon the cause and severity of a dog’s condition as well as most importantly the recommendation from their veterinarian.  They treatment choices include pain relief and anti-inflammatories to help them feel more comfortable, nutraceuticals to help support cartilage health as well as minimize further wear and tear and then lastly nutritional support to promote overall well-being and a healthy body condition to support muscle and joint health.

The role of nutrition

Nutrition is essential to support a pet’s lean body mass and promote joint health so that they can be in the best shape possible to enjoy an active and happy life.  Given mobility issues are caused by such a wide array of conditions, the most important factors to consider when selecting a brand are the following three focuses:

  1. Keeping them lean with strong muscle and a healthy weight
  2. Increased levels of omega 3 fatty acids
  3. Adding glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate

A Feeding Strategy that Keeps Pets Lean

Pets that are overweight and obese are significantly more predisposed to suffer osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy body weight as well as strong lean muscles is one of the best ways to help support joints and mobility as well as delay the onset of osteoarthritis in some pets.   To achieve this healthy body condition you want to select a diet based on higher meat content to build muscles.  Muscles help protect joints and when combined with lower in carbohydrates these recipes are proven to build the right body condition that will increase the muscle in pets already suffering mobility concerns as well as help prevent the onset of any issues in those pets who are at higher risk. 

Increased Levels of Omega Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids play an important role in reducing the presence and severity of inflammation that is associated with joint swelling and pain which intern lead to mobility issues. Selecting a diet rich in fish oils and flaxseed delivers a recipe that naturally contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, making it an ideal choice for pets with joint concerns.

Adding Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Chondroitin Sulfate

Nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate occur naturally in the body and are the building blocks of healthy cartilage. When contained in a dog’s diet, they can help support healthy joints by constantly replenishing the nutritional reservoir for normal cartilage maintenance

Pet Adoption: How I Met My Best Friend

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We’re happy to introduce Jessica Denoncourt, Regulatory Affairs Specialist at WellPet who’s here to share her personal story about adopting her best friend, Maggie the dog. (above photo via Brooke Whicher)

Q. Why did you decide to adopt a dog?

I grew up always wanting a dog of my own. My mom always said no because she was afraid that we (the kids) wouldn’t own up to the responsibility of having a dog. I had moved out and knew with that, a dog was in my future. My partner and I had been together for a few months and our schedules worked out perfectly (one during the day, one during the evening) to welcome a dog into our little family.

Q. What’s Maggie’s story and why did you choose her?

I was watching the Puppy Bowl 2014, as one does, and saw the little bulletin that all the puppies feature in the Puppy Bowl are available for adoption. I decided to look into their stories and see who had been adopted and what the happy-endings were. That led me to Petfinder. I branched off from looking at stories about puppies across the country to looking up a local rescue in my area – Great Dog Rescue New England. I saw Maggie’s little face and just knew she was my dog. At the time, her name was Pipsqueak (rude!). There was something about her sweet face that I connected with. My partner had fallen asleep on the couch, so I quietly filled out the application. I woke her up and said to her, “I either need you to tell me ‘yes, we can do this’ or I need you to talk me out of it.” Shortly after that conversation, I hit submit and we were off on our adoption process.

petfinder profile

Maggie’s, (previously Pipsqueak’s), original Petfinder profile

Q. What was the most challenging thing about adopting Maggie?

Great Dog Rescue New England was very easy to work with. The only challenge that I faced was not getting my hopes up. Maggie was one of six little girl puppies. The initial email I received after submitting my application stated that they received several applications, would read through every one to find the ‘best match’ for each pup, and at any time, they could be adopted and unavailable. I told my partner to not buy anything, not to pick out any names, and not to talk about having a dog until we were sure it was happening. It’s very nerve-wracking, but it was well worth the wait. Everyone I dealt with within Great Dog was friendly, patient and answered all of my many, many questions.

puppy

Here’s Maggie shortly after we brought her home.

Q. What advice would you give someone interested in adopting a pet?

Be patient. Be patient with your new dog or puppy. Every dog is different and has their own personality. Puppies are adopted with little to no manners. Adolescent and older dogs sometimes carry baggage. With proper training and a good heart, it’s one of the most rewarding things. Be patient with yourself. Everything is a learning curve. Be patient working with your rescue. Most of them are volunteer based and have other jobs on top of helping find these dogs and puppies new homes. After adopting Maggie, I started volunteering with Great Dog Rescue New England. I wanted to give back in some way to the organization that gave me my best friend. It’s filled with great people who are there solely to help rescue dogs and puppies.

adopted dog

Maggie enjoying her new home

Q. What’s Maggie’s favorite Wellness food or treat?

Maggie LOVES WellBites. Any flavor. Any day. She is on it. We especially like WellBites because they’re soft and we can cut them up into little pieces. She’s just a small gal, so she gets little pieces.

Q. What do you value most about your relationship with Maggie?

Maggie is my best friend. She is always there, no matter the day I’ve had. Doesn’t matter if it’s early in the morning or late at night. She’s always there with her tail wagging excited to see me. No one is as excited to see me as she is!

adopted dog at wedding

“I was grateful to have Maggie be with me as part of my wedding day.”

Q. What’s her goofiest or quirkiest trait?

Maggie is a little dog with a big personality. My favorite trait of hers is that she LOVES scratches. You will be in the middle of doing something and she will march on top of you to demand scratches. You can be reading a book or typing on the computer and she will come over to paw at your hand until you relent and scratch her up. And if you aren’t scratching her just right and where she wants to be scratched, she will let you know and paw your hand to exactly the right spot. She’s our silly little Maggie.

Are You Doing These 6 Things to Keep Your Pet Healthy?

Posted on by Above1 Support
healthy cat

Your Pet Health Checklist for a Healthy Pet

Chances are, you know your pet needs regular wellness care, good food, and exercise to stay healthy. But did you ever wonder if there was a “Healthy Pet Checklist?” These six items form the basis of good health and will help your pet thrive. Let’s take a quick look:

1. Annual Wellness Visit

Your pet should have a yearly vet checkup that includes dental cleaning, updated vaccines, and heartworm test.

The types of vaccines your dog or cat will vary depending on their age, where you live, and your lifestyle. For example, while the rabies vaccine is recommended everywhere by law for both dogs and cats, your veterinarian may only recommend the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine if your dog is around other dogs frequently. 

Your veterinarian will help you set a vaccination schedule that makes sense for your pets.

2. Spay or Neuter Your Pet

It extends their life expectancy and helps prevent overpopulation. While most pet parents think of spaying and neutering as a responsible way to prevent unwanted litters, you may not realize it also protects against certain types of cancers.

For example, spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer in females and neutering helps prevent testicular cancer in males.

3. Keep Your Pet on a Heartworm Preventive & Flea Control– Even if they’re inside pets!

Veterinarians recommend keeping your dogs and cats on year-round heartworm and flea & tick control. Yes, even if you live in colder areas of the country, ticks can still lurk outside your door just waiting for an opportunity to latch onto Rover when you go out for a walk.

And while it may seem silly to worry about mosquitoes (the pests that transmit the heartworm disease) in January, fluctuating weather, or a road trip to the South can bring risk.

Please protect your pets year-round.

4. Microchip Your Pet So They Can Find Their Way Home if Lost

While no one thinks their pet will go missing, one in three pets do every year. According to Petfinder.com, microchipping your pets can have a 238% increase in the chances of reuniting with your dog and a whopping 2000% increase in reuniting with your cat.

It’s a simple process done at your veterinarian’s office and costs about $45. Then you’ll need to register your pet with the microchip database and include your updated contact information.

5. Bathe Your Pet Regularly for Healthy Skin


How often does your pet need a bath? It depends on their health. Healthy dogs and cats don’t require a weekly bath. In fact, it can dry out their skin. They may only need one bath a couple of times a month. However, every dog and cat benefits from frequent brushings (daily if you have a long-haired dog), nail trimmings, and ear cleanings.

Other pets will require frequent – more than once a week –baths with a medicated shampoo to treat irritated skin as it can provide relief. Your veterinarian can make recommendations about what’s right for your pet.

When you clean those ears, use an ear cleaning solution like a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water but use a damp cloth and your finger, never cotton swabs. They can damage your dog’s ears.

6. Give Proper Toys and Treats

Some dog chew toys can damage your dog’s teeth like some of the bones and rawhides that are available in pet stores. It’s better to go with softer chew toys that won’t damage teeth, and of course, we have a wide variety of healthy treats to spoil your pet without spoiling their healthy diet.

5 Tips On How To Make Your Dog Instagram Famous

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These days, it seems like everybody and their aunt has a pet account on Instagram with more followers than you. So, you might be asking yourself some questions: How did they do it? Why is that poodle who can’t even pay taxes cooler than me? Well, I’m here to help you with the first question!

Create Quality Content

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Instagram is a picture driven social media platform, so clean and beautiful imagery is key to catching people’s attention. That said, the quality of your post will directly affect your engagement. If your Instagram game has plateaued with iPhone pictures, try investing in a DSLR camera. When it comes to captivating pet photography, a DSLR camera is a fantastic resource. In conjunction with a low-aperture lens, for example a f/1.8 50mm, you can create stunning images with a shallow depth of field or blurry background. If your budget does not allow for a new camera, spend more time drafting up unique photo and video ideas. Right now on Instagram, there is nothing more powerful than a fun, cute, comical, or interesting post. With Instagram’s algorithm, quality content will naturally rise to the surface. So, if your content is engaging enough it will reach a larger audience. In addition to posting quality content, the timing of your post has a huge effect on its success. If your post goes out and no one’s there to engage with it, the picture or video will naturally perform badly. So, find out the most active time of day for your followers and schedule your posts then!

Develop A Voice

dog and turtle

Before diving headfirst into the Insta game, do a little research and create a voice for your furry friend. Is your pet goofy, energetic, lazy, rambunctious, sassy, or all of the above? Is your pet a master of tricks? Does he or she cuddle with a favorite toy every night? Find something characteristic and run with it! Craft your voice around your pet and the rest will follow. For instance, Kodiak is extremely goofy and adventurous, so we create content around him being weird and curious. Keep up with pop culture and all the craziness that goes along with it. Is there something trending that people are currently talking about? Capitalize on it and make a post that your average consumer can relate to. Is it Taylor Swift? Is it Star Wars? Is it a funny meme on Reddit? Whatever the trending topic may be, find a way to incorporate it tastefully into your content. Create posts that keep people coming back. What do you find in other pet accounts that makes you return to their page every day? What works or doesn’t work? Ask yourself these important questions and apply the results accordingly!

Build Your Audience

dog

To climb the ranks of the interwebs, you’ll need to continue to grow and expand your following. A quick way to achieve this is by getting shout-outs from larger accounts. So, when it comes time to post your photo or video tag brands, companies, feature pages, and other similar accounts to catch their attention. Along with tagging accounts in your posts, come up with no more than 30 relevant hashtags. Save these somewhere easily accessible on your phone, so when it comes time to post all you need to do is copy/paste the hashtag block in a comment below your caption. With Instagram’s algorithm, there’s a trending section for each hashtag so if your post is doing well it may be trending under multiple hashtags. This is a great way to reach new audiences beyond your own following. To keep your engagement high, post once a day and interact with your followers. The dog community on Instagram is amazing, so it’s easy and fun hanging out with like-minded dog owners! Also, if you have the time and resources, coordinate a product giveaway with a group of fellow pet accounts or brands. When pulled off appropriately, giveaways are a powerful tool for bringing in fresh followers. The real challenge is getting them to stay!

Utilize the Instastory Feature

dog dressed up

Since Instagram’s buyout a few years back from Facebook, the social network has been rolling out new features every month! One of their biggest additions to the app was the “Snapchat” story feature, Instastories. This allowed for additional content consumption, but it was much different than your standard feed post. Consumers were given the option to click on informal bonus videos and pictures showcasing the behind the scenes and everyday life of the instagrammer. This feature made accounts more personal and followers more invested. That said, stories today play a huge part in the clockwork of the algorithm. If people are clicking on your stories and continuing to engage with it, your content will take priority over someone else’s the next time you post. So, the longer they stay on and engage with your profile the quicker your content will appear in their feed. If your story content is interesting, quirky, funny, and captivating, your overall engagement will increase, creating a larger reach for your posts. The quickest way to grow your account is through quality, organic posting and daily activity. So, what makes a good story? Find interesting things to capture throughout the day. Show off your goofy side. Take pictures and videos of your routine or training sessions. Try out new ways to use the in the widgets and stickers. Finally, don’t forget to use captions for every story because most people consume them without the sound on. If your average consumer sees a 15 second video of you staring at your dog with no indication of what’s going on, they’ll simply swipe left and move on to the next account.

Have Fun!

dog dancing

Kono the Golden Retriever Becomes a Therapy Dog

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Hi, I’m Kono! I am a 2-year-old Golden Retriever who lives in Orlando, Florida. My humans describe me as sweet, confidently curious, and most of all, very loving! When I am not swimming, hosting doggy play-dates, or going on new adventures, I spend my time volunteering as a registered Therapy Dog with Therapy Dogs International.

Kono in Orlando with Pet Parents

Here I am with my humans

What is a Therapy Dog?

Therapy Dogs International (TDI) is a volunteer-based organization that is committed to regulating, testing, and registering Therapy Dogs and their handlers. Therapy Dog and handler teams will visit locations such as nursing homes, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities, as well as other institutions and places where Therapy Dogs may be needed.

It’s important to note that in the U.S., Therapy Dogs have different rules and regulations than Service Dogs. Service Dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the ADA, “A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability” (www.ADA.gov). On the other hand, a Therapy Dogs’ purpose is to provide comfort and/or emotional support to any number of people, and do not provide a specific task/s to mitigate a disability for one individual. Service Dogs also have public access rights, whereas Therapy Dogs must be invited or receive permission to enter facilities. 

How did I become a Therapy Dog?

In the summer of 2017, I officially passed TDI’s test. A Certified TDI Evaluator assessed my behavior and reactions to a number of situations and scenarios. TDI has recently revamped their testing requirements, meaning the requirements to pass each section is judged tougher and the acceptable standards even more strict.

Not only was my general temperament evaluated, but my behavior and reactions were judged as well. The evaluator used objects and replicated situations a TD will come in contact and experience throughout their career to assess my behavior around them.

My Assessment

For example, I was evaluated based on how I responded to medical equipment being used around me (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.), sudden loud and unusual noises, strangers running up behind me, the presence of other dogs, and so forth. I was also judged on leash manners, such as loose-leash walking on a normal buckle-collar. I also had to listen to my handler and ignore food on the ground as I walked over it. Additionally, upon practicing my “greeting” with a “patient”, I had to flawlessly obey my “Leave It” command and willingly turn and walk away when the stranger, or “patient” offered me food. All of this took place on a busy Saturday morning at a popular park in the city.

Kono therapy dog test

Here I am showing how calm I am around new people and medical equipment

Kono therapy dog test

Here I am showing off my manners and skills.

It took about an hour to complete all the required sections. Since my mom and dad BOTH desired to be my official handlers while we are out on therapy visits, I tested with each of my parents separately. This meant doing every step perfect not once, but TWICE! My family is so proud of how I was able to complete all of the requirements impeccably in a very distracting environment.

Kono therapy dog

It’s official! I’m a registered therapy Dog! I am ready to use my healing paws to bring smiles and give unconditional LOVE to humans in need.

Now that all of my paperwork is submitted and we have completed the necessary registration steps (such as submitting health forms) I am ready to touch lives in my future as a Therapy Dog! We are so excited to be a part of this amazing organization and the journey that awaits.

“God sent angels down to earth in the form of dogs with notes saying, ‘don’t judge, just love’; they ate the notes but they keep trying to deliver the message.” -Unknown

Wellness Gives 10,000 Pounds of Food to Adoptable Dogs in New England

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We’re happy to announce that we’ve become the official food sponsor of Great Dog Rescue of New England!

While rescue dogs wait to find adoptive parents and new homes, they rely on support from foster families and other volunteers to help them adjust to life at home with a new family. From food to toys, they depend on a whole host of items after weeks, months or even years of homelessness. To help ease their transition and provide the best possible natural nutrition, Wellness® Natural Pet Food announced today its commitment to be the official pet food sponsor of Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE), providing meals crafted with carefully sourced, thoughtfully prepared ingredients to all of the dogs the organization has taken in.

Adoptable dog Violet

Violet is currently available for adoption at Great Dog Rescue

Throughout the next year, Wellness Natural Pet Food will provide dogs who find their homes through GDRNE with more than 10,000 pounds of natural food to keep them happy and healthy while they wait to be adopted. Wellness Natural Pet Food will also be sending all adoptive families home with a special welcome home bag full of treats, food and other supplies to ensure their transition home is a smooth one.

“At Wellness, we’re passionate about supporting organizations that share our same commitment to animals in need, and Great Dog Rescue New England has been saving dogs’ lives for years,” said Chanda Leary-Coutu, director of consumer experience at WellPet. “The foster families they work with contribute a tremendous amount of time and other resources to ensure dogs stay healthy while in their care, and we hope that our contribution helps these families out while also giving the dogs essential nutrition they so desperately need.”

A natural diet can play a key role in helping rescued pets transition into their new lives. Adopted dogs are often rescued from high-kill shelters and other organizations where health is not a priority. Meals made with quality proteins and whole fruits and vegetables can help them eat their way back to better health, including a shinier skin and coat, improved digestion and a stronger immune system.

Dog up for adoption

Jana is currently available for adoption at Great Dog Rescue

“Wellness Natural Pet Food’s support will have a profound impact on the dogs we rescue,” said Betsy Herald, assistant director of Great Dog Rescue New England. “We match thousands of dogs with families each year and being able to provide them with a natural source of food to keep them feeling their best will help make the jobs of our foster and adoptive families that much easier.”

Great Dog Rescue New England is a non-profit, all-breed rescue group who places homeless and abandoned dogs with volunteer foster families across New England as they wait for their forever home. Rescue organizations are often faced with the challenge of finding the means to support the large numbers of homeless animals in their care, and this burden will be eased for GDRNE thanks to Wellness Natural Pet Food’s contributions.

Dog up for adoption

Tu-Mu is currently available for adoption at Great Dog Rescue

The donation was made possible through the WellPet Foundation, which supports organizations and activities that promote the power of natural nutrition and the benefits of healthy, active lifestyles.

To learn more about how to help organizations like Great Dog Rescue New England or learn about the dogs available for adoption, visit www.gdrne.com.

The Mystery of the Happy Cat

Posted on by Above1 Support
Happy Cat

If you’re a cat parent, then you know cats are very good at keeping us guessing. Are they happy, annoyed, secretly plotting our demise? Maybe they’re just sleepy.

Cats are very different than dogs and require some important things to keep them at their quirkiest. Here’s what we’ve identified as the pillars of cat happiness, and some tips to ensure your feline is satisfied:

Play

Even if your cat is older, he or she still needs mental (and physical) stimulation. You can help by playing with your cat on a regular basis. Like people, cats have their preferences so try out a few different toys to see what your cat prefers. Is it catnip stuffed mice, dangling string, or chasing a laser pointer?
 

via GIPHY

When you get your kitty playing, you strengthen your bond, stimulate their brain, and even help them get a bit of exercise. This latter is no small feat since most cats spend around 20 hours a day sleeping and the other four are divided between eating and grooming.


Grooming

Yes, your cat is probably excellent at grooming him or herself. When they aren’t napping, they’re probably grooming. However, you can help loosen dead skin and fur by using a brush or comb on your cat every few days. Not to mention, brushing your cat is a key way to prevent the dreaded hairball. 

It’s usually best to wait until your kitty is relaxed before you start your brushing. Otherwise, your cat will get up and move out of reach. Assuming kitty is allowing you to brush, this is a good time to check for ticks, flea dirt, or any unusual lumps or bumps that you’ll report on your next vet visit.


Healthy Diet

Most of us can agree, there’s nothing that turns a frown upside down quicker than some good eats. Eating well helps your cat stay healthy because good nutrition is essential to a healthy life. Ingredients in Wellness cat food recipes include good omega 3 fatty acids like salmon oil and flaxseeds as well as cranberries to support a healthy urinary tract.

Of course, depending on your cat’s preferences (or the day), it may be challenging to pin down the perfect food that she’ll meow for and gobble up. Just ask Wellness fan Karen A:

My Persian cat, Toby, has been eating Wellness grain-free Turkey and Chicken canned cat food for many years. At first, when the new Chicken Pâté recipe came out, he was just picking at it. I was so upset. Then, all of a sudden, Toby decided it was pretty darned good. He now “inhales” it whenever I fill his dish. I am so happy. My vet says he is the healthiest 12-year-old cat she has seen, and can’t get over his beautiful coat. I thought you’d like to hear my story, because I believe Wellness is the most nutritious food I can feed my little boy.

The advice here? If at first you don’t succeed, try again! We offer a 100% Catisfaction Guarantee on our recipes, because we’ve seen it with our cats, too. What they devoured one day, they turn their nose up at the next. But we’re armed with a full variety of textures and flavors to help every cat find something they love. And if your cat is particularly picky, our friend and expert cat behaviorist, Pam Johnson-Bennett, has some great tips for getting your picky cat to eat.

How do you know your cat is happy? Is it a particular “tone of meow,” a celebratory knocking your favorite glass off the coffee table or maybe a friendly head boop? Maybe someday we’ll truly crack the code of “the happy cat,” but until then, we’re good with a peek into their mysterious life.

Lending a Hand for Hurricane Harvey Pets

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In September, eight fellow WellPet employees and I had the amazing opportunity to travel directly into hard-hit Houston, Texas, to care for pets displaced by Hurricane Harvey. With only two days of prep time, we packed our bags and made arrangements for our own pets while we’d be away. We had some expectations, but nothing could’ve fully readied us for the experience. In our own words, here’s a recap of our volunteer trip with Best Friends Animal Society:

Here we are on Day 1, staring down a mountain of boxed dog runs. After assembling the first few, we got into a pretty good rhythm. Picturing the dogs with their own private space kept us moving.

A lot of effort goes into caring for the animals. There were over 400 animals. When we first arrived, there weren’t enough volunteers, and the staff was so excited that we brought a group to help. Right away, we started building dog runs─ either 4 x 4 ft or 4 x 8 ft. for different sized dogs.

 

This sweet puppy didn't want to go back to her crate after her walk, so I had to do a bit of coaxing, finally picking her up for some snuggles before she went back.

This sweet puppy didn’t want to go back to her crate after her walk, so I had to do a bit of coaxing, finally picking her up for some snuggles before she went back.

 

Working at Wellness Pet Food, pet health is something we talk about every day. The food we make is high quality and helps pets be at their best health. But caring directly for animals in less fortunate situations was a really important experience. – Carly W., WellPet Marketing

Emily gives a sweet pup some affection on Day 1.

 

We met a family on the airplane who lost their home. They had five feet of water in their house. They made it out with their four pets, but so many pets weren’t so lucky. –Emily O., WellPet Research & Development

Maria gives a pup lots of attention on Day 1.

 

They don’t understand what happened so they end up feeling lost and abandoned. I was thrilled when I got this opportunity. I absolutely love doing this. It makes me feel good these little dogs and cats have someone taking care of them. -Maria P., WellPet Graphic Designer

A beautiful kitty displaced by Hurricane Harvey gets a little love from our team.

 

Jamie, left, helps assemble dog runs on Day 1.

 

It’s great to have the chance to interact with pets. I usually spend the day looking at formulas, and focusing on the pets’ nutrition, but to be here shows us why we do what we do. –Jamie C., WellPet Product Development

Joan, on Day 1, tightening brackets that hold together the dog runs.

 

I’ve always wanted to do something like this, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

–Joan B., WellPet Consumer Affairs

Carlos, Day 1, cutting cardboard to be placed between dog crates.

 

Our team was a welcome sight as the facility was undermanned for the work needing to be done, and we immediately jumped into the mix assembling housing to get ahead of the pet arrivals. –Carlos C., WellPet Sales Director

This handsome dog was at the front of the facility and was a friendly greeter to all who walked through. Here he is locking eyes with us.

 

Stephanie, Day 1, takes a breath before starting another dog run build.

 

Many of the pets are stressed. It’s sad they are in tight quarters, but it’s nice that they are getting fed and cared for. – Stephanie C., WellPet Research & Development

Deb saying hello to one of her favorite pups, a sweet, stocky pit mix.

 

There are big dogs, little dogs, puppies, kittens, and dogs are still coming. Some found as strays, one family dropped their dog off and they will come back once they find permanent shelter. –Deb S, WellPet IT

Misty, Day 2, building a raised dog bed which provides dogs a comfortable place to sleep.

 

Working for a company that’s willing to give back to the community makes me proud. I like to help both humans and animals; it gives me a sense of accomplishment. –Misty C., WellPet Mishawaka Quality Assurance

The work may have been physically demanding, and working with the pets was, at times, emotionally challenging. But being able to see our efforts directly impacting dogs and cats who needed us pushed us to walk one more dog, assemble one more crate, and pitch in anywhere else help was needed.

Check us out on Facebook for updates on what else Wellness Pet Food is up to, and see the full photo album of our Houston trip.

We urge anyone who is in the Houston area, or who is able to make a trip, to volunteer with Best Friends or a similar organization. We expect the need for volunteers on the ground in Houston will continue for weeks or months to come. 

How Wellness Pet Food is Helping Texas in Hurricane Harvey Aftermath

Posted on by Above1 Support

The people and pets affected by Hurricane Harvey are just starting the long, overwhelming process of recovering and rebuilding. Like so many others across the nation, the team at Wellness Pet Food was inspired to offer support to those in need as quickly as possible. The Wellness team has come together to lend a hand in a few different ways:

Donating Food

In the days following Harvey, we reached out to a variety of people in our network to see which shelters needed the most urgent support to keep displaced pets fed. So far, we’ve donated about 45 pallets of dog and cat food to a variety of Texas shelters including Austin Pets Alive, Fort Bend County Animal Services, Richmond SPCA and Cassie’s Place.

A woman in Rockport, Texas receives donated Wellness Pet Food for her dog.

 

Donating Money

Through our WellPet Foundation, Wellness is donating $10,000.00, split between the American Red Cross and Austin Pets Alive. WellPet is also matching up to an additional $5,000 in donations to these organizations based on employee contributions.

Donating Time

We have also looked into volunteer opportunities for Wellness employees in Texas. In the coming weeks, a group of Wellness Pet Food volunteers will travel to Texas once we confirm where we can best help out. WellPet is generously covering all associated employee travel fees as well as accommodating time off. If you know of a community in Texas in need of volunteers, please post on our Facebook page or email us at info@wellpet.com.

Donating Love & Shelter

As passionate pet parents, one of the ways we’re prepared to help is with shelter and love for displaced pets, either through fostering or adoption. We’re working with Yellow Rose Animal Rescue and Seer Farms who are currently in the process of re-locating animals out of Texas to New England to make more room in the shelters inundated with rescues. We hope to be able to share some of our foster stories in the weeks and months to come.

Tough times like these help remind us that we’re all in it together. In what ways have you or your employers been lending a hand during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey?

Why My Whole Family (Pets Included) Eats According To This Philosophy

Posted on by Above1 Support

By Alexandra Dawson, a Washington, DC based nutritionist, wellness warrior, mama bird, and the writer and photographer behind inmybowl.com

A few months before my husband Andrew and I welcomed our son Poe, our little family brought home Rooster Lou, a Great Pyrenees hailing from the hills of Asheville, North Carolina. The not-so-teensy fluff ball quickly sprouted into a 95-pound gentle giant; every inch of her wholly made of love and fur (lots of it!). She is an integral member of our tribe and Poe’s “big sissy,” always keeping her watchful eye and gentle cuddles directed his way.

Rooster comes along on every family adventure, from our long weekend hikes outside Washington, D.C. to our slower morning coffee shop jaunts. Her warmth and energy are not only abundant and unconditional, they’re infectious. Seeing as she was our first baby, keeping Rooster nourished and vibrant is one of our top priorities. We don’t want her to just keep up—we want her to really shine!

Photo by Rachel Lyn Photography

Photo by Rachel Lyn Photography

Our family’s food philosophy is all about quality and simplicity.

Andrew and I don’t follow regimented diets, but find the greatest sense of wellness by keeping our meals as minimally processed, seasonally influenced, and plant-rich as possible—supplementing with high-protein options like locally sourced and organic eggs, wild-caught salmon, and animal proteins for Andrew. We’ve found this practice supports mindful eating, making us conscious of how we’re sourcing our ingredients, who we’re supporting at the register, and the ethics behind the ingredients and how they’re produced. This approach has also helped us foster physically and emotionally positive relationships with our plates and bodies, something we hope to instill in Poe.

Photo by Rachel Lyn Photography

Photo by Rachel Lyn Photography

Rooster’s nutrition is as important as our own.

Both working and parenting full-time, Andrew and I tend to keep make-ahead friendly meal options handy—like pre-roasted seasonal vegetables, pre-simmered grains like quinoa, farro, and brown rice, and raw fruits, nuts, and seed. Prepared during our Sunday afternoon meal-prep sessions, these pantry staples are perfect additions to leafy salads, macro bowls, almond-flour-tortilla tacos, creamy smoothies, and sweet or savory porridge pots. And just like our own meals, Andrew and I are respectful of Rooster’s favorites. A big girl with a bigger, albeit moderately picky, appetite, Rooster has significant nutritive needs to keep her body nourished, her coat shiny, her skin healthy, her teeth clean—and to maintain her sweet and energetic disposition.

Photo by Rachel Lyn Photography

Photo by Rachel Lyn Photography

Finding an option that we all love and approve of.

In our search for a food with the nutrition she needs and the taste she craves we’ve found the most success in feeding Rooster CORE RawRev’s Wild Game + 100 % Raw Lamb dog food. Made with high-protein kibble and 100 percent pure freeze-dried raw meat, this high-protein food has an ingredient list Andrew and I would feel comfortable digging into ourselves: Duck, lamb (an excellent source of protein with lower incidence of allergic response), chickpeas, flaxseeds (rich in coat-shining omega-3s), parsley, kale, apples, and blueberries (rich in vitamins A and C). Each ingredient has a nutritive and palatable purpose.

This grain-, gluten-, and potato-free line supports Rooster’s whole body health and longevity, while keeping in line with our mealtime philosophies. Snagging their largest 18-pound bags to have handy, we’re able to satisfy Rooster’s instinctive love and craving for raw meat with the ease and convenience we provide for ourselves with our own meal prep.

Rooster is so much more than our dog; she’s our sunshine, our gentle giant, and our fearless companion. Keeping her well and thriving is always of the utmost importance—we’re so happy to have found an option that makes all of us happy.

Originally published on Mind Body Green.

Alexandra Dawson is a Washington, DC based nutritionist, wellness warrior, mama bird, and the writer and photographer behind celebrated plant-based lifestyle and recipe website inmybowl.com and Instagram @tallulahalexandra. Extremely passionate about whole body wellness, a balance between a nourished mind, body and spirit, through In My Bowl and Tallulah, Alexandra actively strives to make that philosophy and lifestyle accessible to every demographic.

About This Page

Pet Type:

DOG

Topic:

Diet Health & Nutrition

Date:

28/08/2017

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