This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

Halloween Decorations

Halloween decorations are the first thing to come out as we get closer to the big day. I know I have been working on my yard for the last couple of days once we got into October! However, decorations can present a multitude of dangers not only to our pets but to wildlife in general!

There can be wires that can be chewed and you have to watch for small decorations that can be swallowed as they present a choking hazard! I love to use a ton of artificial spiderwebs out in the yard as well, but be careful since these can entangle not only your pet but local wildlife! Last year I had to rescue a squirrel from mine…

Halloween Candy and A Safe Halloween With Pets

Candy and chocolate is a must at Halloween! And chocolate is a no-go where pet safety is concerned. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats due to the theobromine content as well as caffeine content. And the darker the chocolate the higher the theobromine content…According to the AKC one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight is a concerning dose. If your dog consumes chocolate watch for vomiting and diarrhea, restlessness, and an increased heart rate. Since eating chocolate can also cause seizures and in some cases death you should consult your veterinarian.

Sugar free candy is another one to watch our for! This includes certain types of candy, mints and chewing gum. This is because sugar free candy contains xylitol which is also toxic to dogs and cats. Xylitol can cause listless and weakness in dogs as well as cause vomiting or collapse.

So really, the best thing to do is keep all Halloween candy out of reach to your pets (not only the contents but the wrapper can cause issues if ingested!). If your cat or dog manages to get into something they shouldn’t be sure to keep a close eye on them in case of adverse reactions. And of course consult with your vet.

A Safe Halloween With Pets and Costumes

Even as a fully grown adult with a daughter of my own, there is nothing I love more than planning my Halloween costume! And the dogs too! The cats? Ummmmm, yeah right haha. If I thought I could get away with it I would!

But did you know that there are things you need to take into consideration when picking out a costume for your pet? Pets can be prone to overheating in a cumbersome costume. So be sure to keep a close eye on your pet to make sure they aren’t showing signs of heat exhaustion in their costume. You can read more on heat exhaustion in dogs HERE.

Be sure to watch for anything that they can rip off or ingest as well.

And some costumes can be difficult to walk in and you definitely don’t want to put them in something that could restrict them from going to the bathroom! As I mentioned above I may just throw a sheet over my dogs this year…or another idea I have seen is just making a Ty heart and attaching it to their collar so they look like giant beanie babies! Sweet and simple!

Halloween Pet Safety On The Big Night

Although my dogs love Halloween because they love attention from anyone and everyone, your pet may not be the same. While you socialize your dog and get them used to many sights and sounds at a young age, costumes aren’t your typical everyday appearance and could be alarming. There are also lots of extra sounds and excitement and doorbells being rung.

If your pet isn’t a fan of the ghosts and goblins, you can consider crating them away from the action in a quiet spot. Or if a crate isn’t your dog’s thing then sectioning off a quiet room for them. White noise can also help mask the extra sounds that come with Halloween. CBD could also be a good option to help your pet stay calm. You can read more on CBD for dogs HERE!

We would love to see your Halloween costumes with your pets!! Post them in the comments below!

The post How To Have A Safe Halloween With Pets first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

It is so important to know what to expect on a yearly basis in terms of budget. Not to mention what the cost is over a lifetime of owning a pet. Having five pets I am fully versed in the costs of pet ownership! But it is heartbreaking for both pets and their owners to have to make the decision between keeping a pet or paying rent. A decision no one should be forced to make. So read on to find out what to expect before you bring a pet home and also for budget cutting tips!

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

You’ve Made The Decision To Get A Pet

Congratulations! You have made the decision to get a pet! You are now likely doing some research and finding out more things such as the right breed/animal for your household and what to expect in terms of behavior and training once they arrive! But have you thought about the cost of the first year? Or the years after that? Or increasing costs once they enter their senior years?

Even the size of a pet alone can have a big impact on your budget. Got a big dog? That is a bigger food bill. And a bigger medication bill since many are dosed according to weight. I won’t even tell you what it costs to get Grace a monthly allergy shot…Not to mention it can cost more to find a dog walker willing to take on a large dog. And while you might be head over heels in love with that little pug face, you should be prepared for more health issues over their lifetime.

It sounds like a lot to consider. But by doing your research and knowing where you can save costs it can help you to prepare for a lifetime of joy with your pet! Read on to find out more!

Startup Costs

Yes there are costs you are going to incur before that new little fluffball even crosses your doorstep! The first being the cost of acquiring your new pet in the first place! If you are looking for a new kitten or puppy on a budget, a rescue or a shelter should be the first place you visit. Besides their adoption fees being fairly reasonable you will also be giving that pet a chance for a new life! You can read more on the importance of adopting a shelter pet HERE.

If you are going the purebred route be prepared to pay MUCH more out of the gates unless you consider a rescue. And don’t let that tempt you to go for the too good to be true deal on a purebred puppy or kitten. Because there is a higher chance it is coming from a puppy mill and you will likely end up incurring more health problems and vet bills down the road. If not immediately…Read HERE on what to look for in a breeder…and what to avoid…

Kitten and Cat Supplies

To be prepared to welcome a cat into your new home, at a minimum you will need to have food and water bowls, food, a kitty litter box and litter. I would also recommend a scratching post (unless you like the look of shredded furniture and rugs as they get used to sharpen kitty claws!) and some treats and toys. Kittens in particular are a bundle of energy! Tiring them out with toys leaves them with less reason to do acrobatics off your curtains!

You will also need to have a carrier to bring them home as well as take them to the vet. A collar with identification is also a good idea in case of escape…which they are masters at! And a brush helps to limit the amount of cat hair floating around and prevent matting in longer-haired cats. You can also look at a cat bed…But I have found mine are just as content (if not more so) to cuddle up on an old comfy blanket or sweater.

Puppy and Dog Supplies

If you are getting a new puppy you might find yourself needing more in terms of supplies than with a kitten out of the gates! Besides the same bowls/food/toys you are at a minimum going to need a crate, collar and leash as well as poop bags, chew deterrents, puppy pads and training treats. You can read more on what to expect with a new puppy HERE.

And you have to think about what that puppy could destroy…I had to rip up all of the upstairs carpet since Grace ever so kindly decided to use it as a giant puppy pad…Or the massage chair that had the wires chewed through and went to the curb…

The First Year – How To Budget With A Pet For Initial Vet Bills

Besides the initial checkup with your vet once they come home, there are many more vet bills to be incurred in the first year. Particularly if you have a kitten or a puppy! They may need to be dewormed, vaccinated, spayed or neutered and more. And if you have a female the spay is more expensive than it is to neuter a male since it is a more invasive/involved surgery. If your new pet has other issues (diarrhea is a common one…) there could be more costs to consider as well. Oh right, don’t forget about flea, tick and heartworm medication…

How To Budget With A Pet For Emergencies

Puppies and kittens are also mischievous and playful by nature! You can expect them to get themselves into all kinds of situations that could require an emergency vet visit. Be prepared to have something put aside for the “just in case” scenario. I have been fortunate with my pets so far! But went into panic mode when Benson chewed the hooked end of a hanging planter off…And I ended up sticking my entire hand down his throat to retrieve it…

How To Budget With A Pet For Food

And of course now that your new pet is home you need to keep them fed right? Sure the grocery store food might be a cheaper option than a better quality one at a pet store…However, the hidden cost is that your pet may not be getting the proper nutrition and it could impact their health and teeth down the road. Which of course leads to more vet bills…Dental care for pets is NOT cheap.

How To Budget With A Pet For Toys

Cats and dogs of all ages need enrichment. Which means you will be wanting to have some toys on hand! But beware many of the cheap toys which can be hazardous to your pet’s health! Rope toys can unravel and be ingested and create blockages that require surgery. Hard rubber balls can be swallowed and choked on. And other toys that get torn apart can have parts that can also be dangerous when ingested. Best bet is to get something more durable even if it’s a bit more…

How To Budget With A Pet In Terms Of Ongoing Annual Costs

Regular vet visits, vaccinations, parasite control and of course food costs will be ongoing. If you have a dog and work outside of the home for more than four hours a day you are probably going to be looking at a dog walker or doggy daycare. Which can add up in a hurry. You will likely also need to be replacing collars, leashes and toys due to regular wear and tear. With my Berners and their growth rate over the first two or so years of their life I went through many before they were even worn out!

But outside of emergencies, you should have a pretty good idea what to expect and budget for once they get older. Although recent upticks in inflation are making this more difficult.

Budgeting For The Senior Years

As much as we hate thinking about it, our pets will eventually enter old age. Which means we need to keep a more watchful eye on their health. I know with two of my cats getting into older territory we are now doing bloodwork at our annual wellness visits. And I am taking them back more frequently to address age-related issues. If you want to keep your pet comfortable as they age, put aside a bit extra if you can in case of age-related issues requiring vet visits. I think there is nothing sadder than seeing senior pets living out their last days in a shelter…

Creating Your Budget

Now you should have a good idea what to expect over the lifetime of pet ownership. And it’s important to make sure that you know how to budget for them.

Thinking Outside The Box When Preparing A Budget For A Pet

In terms of vet bills, you can get a wide variety of costs at different vets. Do your research before choosing a vet and when you have found a few to narrow it down to get referrals for the best option. For a neuter or spay your local humane society may be able to do it for a substantially lower cost than you would find at a vet. But make sure to call early because they can end up getting booked up pretty early…You don’t want to wait too long and end up with an oops…Or a male cat that sprays anything and everything in your house…

With so many pet stores out there (both online and in real life) it can be overwhelming. But many of them have sales that you can take advantage of. It may take a bit of careful planning but finding that great sale or coupon could be extremely helpful to a tight budget.

Also think about learning how to groom your pet at home since professional grooming can add up quickly! In terms of treats, consider buying a mold and making your own treats at home! It is also not only a great way to make nutritious treats but also great in terms of savings!

Budget With A Pet – In Conclusion

Knowing what you are facing when you get a pet is an important first step to ensure that you are fully prepared! With the additional first year costs with a puppy or kitten, if that seems out of reach for your budget you can always consider rescuing an older animal!

You can find a summary of the costs of owning a cat or kitten on the Ontario Veterinary Medical Associations webpage HERE and for a puppy or dog HERE.

In the US you can find the ASPCA’s table of pet ownership HERE.

If you find yourself in a dire situation reach out to some pet charities and see if they can help with some donations before considering rehoming or giving up your pet. After all, your pets are a part of your family.

The post How To Budget With A Pet first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

I know my cats well enough to know what will and won’t be tolerated! Bubbles may take a pat or two before deciding to latch on with all four paws, claws extended, and bunny kick the snot out of my arm while biting HARD! For anyone wondering what a cat “Bunny kick” is you can read Pam Johnson-Bennett’s post on it here. Miesha will tolerate being touched just about anywhere! And Whiskers usually is ok with it. But not always!

If I don’t know a cat well, you can bet that I’m not going to fall for that trap if they decide they trust me enough to show me their belly!

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

What It Means When A Cat Rolls Over For You

If a cat is getting rubs and shows you their belly CONGRATULATIONS! This is the ultimate sign of cat trust! It means that your cat looks to you as their leader and feels safe showing you the most vulnerable spot on their body!

When you think about it, cats are much more instinctual still than dogs. Part of this instinct means that they protect vulnerable spots like their bellies. They are trusting that you will not hurt them and are comfortable showing you this area.

But it does NOT necessarily mean that they want you to actually touch their bellies! Unlike dogs…most dogs would do anything for a good belly rub!

So Why Don’t Cats Like Their Bellies Touched?

Yes your cat feels safe and secure and is showing you their belly. But their instinct tells them to protect this vulnerable place! This is a good reason for your cat to contort into a twisting and kicking ball of rage targeted at the offending hand!

They may also get overstimulated by touching the stomach area, similar to the spot at the base of the tail! This would be a reason why you may get a few pets in before the snap and attack!! .

There was this one time I was breaking down cardboard from moving boxes in my backyard and a cat showed up! She seemed friendly enough and was weaving and rubbing under my arms as I was cutting the boxes. I guess she must have rubbed under my arm near her tail area because all of a sudden hissing and growling she spun around and latched onto my hand! Good thing I was wearing gloves or I would have been raked for sure!

Warning Signs

While not necessarily limited to belly rubs, cats will definitely let you know when they have had enough! If you don’t know a cat well, I would highly suggest leaving any exposed bellies alone as cute and fluffy as they might be. And soft…so soft. Nope, stop!

If you know the cat well enough you can try with a couple short pets to see if it is tolerated. Just don’t push your luck! If you notice signs such as a twitchy tail, flattened ears, growling or are started to get stiffer in their body language it’s time to STOP!

If you don’t stop this could lead to some shredded limbs. Not fun. If you have young children make sure that you supervise them with the cat. You can also teach them what the cat’s body language is telling you.

I know my nephew would make a beeline for my mom’s cats as soon as he got there, and he got scratched more than a few times! I think the pain of hurt feelings was worse than the actual scratch though. But he soon learned to approach slowly and observe the cat’s body language before giving any pets.

Other Behaviors

Some people find it funny when they touch their cat’s belly and the cat goes into attack mode. If you start to repeat this behavior with the cat they may start to associate your hand with a threat. This can lead to them biting you unprovoked! Or even starting to attack other parts of your body. Or someone else’s body.

So even if it is a bit of a game to you, it’s definitely not for your cat. You don’t want them thinking that it is acceptable behavior to bite and attack people! Respect your cat’s space right from when they are a tiny kitten!

Showing your cat that you respect their space (even if they don’t respect yours) goes a long way to strengthen the bond you have with them. And this bond can be incredible! You can read about the bond my Mom’s cat has with her and Zoey’s story of survival HERE.

If you are one of the lucky ones that has a cat that loves having their belly rubbed that’s great! I know sometimes I have even been unable to resist the lure of that baby soft fur though…and have the scars to prove it!

Are there any other behaviors that your cat has that you find funny or would like us to write about? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

The post Why Do Some Cats Hate Belly Rubs? first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

It can feel overwhelming when you first start looking for a breeder. You’ve picked your perfect breed, now how the heck do you go about actually finding that little fluffy bundle of joy? In this article, I have put together some tips on what to look for – and what to avoid to help you on your search!

Finding a List of Dog Breeders

Finding a registered breeder is a good start. You can take a look at the Canadian Kennel Club’s website (CKC) and find the club of the breed you are looking at. They also have a puppy list where you can see the registered breeders for each breed of dog! The American Kennel Club is the CKC’s equivalent in the US, and you can find a global list of kennel clubs here!

Health and Longevity

Good breeders will test for health and work to better the breed. Hereditary health issues associated with a particular breed should be being tested for (ask for a medical history), and the breeder should be striving to increase longevity. They spend a LOT of time and money doing this and attempting to make the best genetic matches (which helps explain why a purebred animal can cost so much)! They should be able to provide you with health results of their dogs.

Ask Questions

A reputable breeder will also ask questions to make sure that your family is a good fit for one of their precious puppies. You should also be prepared to ask questions ahead of time so make sure you do your due diligence on the breed you are looking at! I had already done extensive research and in my initial email reaching out to the breeder gave him a lot of information on myself and situation and living conditions.

Meet the Puppies and the Parents

Meeting the puppies and parents is also an important step, and seeing the living environment. Puppy mill owners do NOT want you to meet the parents or see the living conditions as they are typically abhorrible. Grace and Benson were raised in the breeder’s home and on pick a puppy day I got to go out and meet them all! I can tell you that picking just ONE each time was a difficult task! With the lockdowns after Benson’s birth I had to pick him by pictures but was a lot more comfortable given it was the same breeder I got Grace from. And I also spent a good amount of time petting and visiting with the parents to get an idea of their temperament and what I was getting myself into!

Living Conditions and Behavior

When you meet the puppies, take note of the living conditions. Make sure that it is reasonably clean and odor-free, and that the dogs and puppies are being well cared for. Also observe how the breeder interacts with the parents and puppies. The puppies should be well-adjusted and outgoing both with the breeder and strangers. Dogs or puppies that shy away from the breeder are a big red flag.

Deposits

Some breeders will ask for a deposit up front before you get to meet the puppies. The majority of them will not make you put a deposit down on a waiting list – if they ask you to, this is a potential red flag as many breeders will not take the deposits until they know how many puppies they have. Move forward cautiously in this case and be prepared to do a bit more research on the breeder. My breeder was amazing, and he did not ask for a deposit until you met the puppies and parents and picked out your pup.

Lifetime Support

Your breeder should also be prepared to take back your puppy or dog in the case that you need to surrender them for any reason. I know some that have it written right into their contract that you have to give them the first right of refusal. They will also be there to support you and answer any questions you have on your journey. They also like to hear from you and get updates and see pictures of how the dogs are doing! I do this all the time!! And they were also incredibly helpful when I was debating on whether or not to get Benson neutered…I was torn between waiting at least 18 months and dealing with his big hormone brain which was taking over all aspects of our life…No one knows the breed better than a good breeder and they are there as a resource for the lifetime of your pup! They will also want to be made aware of any health issues that arise affecting the breed as it could influence future breeding decisions.

Insurance and Health Guarantees

Some breeders will guarantee the health of their puppies for a certain amount of time. Mine had also set up insurance on the puppies for a short period of time, and you had the choice of either continuing with that coverage or choosing a different option. I ended up continuing with the same coverage after researching the different options out there.

Finding A Reputable Cat Breeder

These same rules can apply to purebred cats! I went through the whole same process to find my big boy Whiskers! I did not get to pick out my kitten, however. The breeder asked me a TON of questions and picked out the one she felt would be the best fit in my household. She was very right though as he has been an amazing fit for our family!! If you are going the feline purebred route, start your research on the TICA website.

Backyard Breeders

Backyard breeders are also to be avoided. Backyard breeders typically have not done the background testing and research on their animals and are usually just trying to sell them for a profit. Their prices are lower than a breeder’s but you have no way of knowing that the history of the health of the parents or previous generations. I know one such breeder, and many of his animals have gone on to have major health and behavioral issues.

They will usually sell to anyone who wants a puppy, instead of making sure that it is the best fit for the family and puppies. They will also not offer any health guarantees. They may overbreed their dogs and not be able to answer your questions. They may not have been to a vet and have veterinary records yet, and sometimes they will send them home before 8 weeks which is a critical time of development when they should be with their littermates and moms. There is also not the same support lifeline that you have with a reputable breeder, and likely they won’t take back puppies or dogs.

Scams

There are several warning signs to watch out for. Facebook and Kijiji are filled with scams because they know that getting a puppy is an emotional experience and will look to leverage that. They have no puppies and will disappear after taking your money. Warning signs to watch out for include:

• Puppy price is much lower than with reputable breeders
• No phone calls – if the seller refuses to have a phone call and uses email exclusively this is a big red flag as you have no way of knowing if they are who they say they are or where they might be from
• Untraditional payment options, such as gift cards, wire transfers or even Venmo.
• Stock photos or photos taken from another site – you can check this by doing an image search in Google or check the text in the picture to see if it came from another site
• Pressure to act quickly to send the money for your puppy can also be a big red flag
• Having multitudes of puppies “ready to go” as most breeders carefully plan their litters and usually only have them a few times a year and typically have buyers for their puppies already before they are ready to go home
• Being asked to pay for unusual expenses (I have seen this in particular with regards to travel and flying)

Avoiding a Scam

With the number of scams rising with the popularity of pets over the past year, here are some ways that you can avoid being a victim:

• Ask for several references, such as vet references. Follow them up.
• Check directly with an association to confirm that they are indeed registered with them
• If they will not meet with you in person for any reason, ask to do a video call as a virtual way to see living conditions, the puppies and the parents

Conclusion

Now comes the time you have been waiting for!! You are armed with research and knowledge, get out there and find that perfect puppy!!! I know for me, being careful in my decisions has brought great animals into my life! I love each one of them and the efforts taken by their breeders, and I would not hesitate to go to them again and likely will!!

The post How to Find a Reputable Breeder first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

A few years ago my mom’s cat, Zoey, went missing. This was a few months after one of her kittens, Petunia, went missing and never came back.

This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.  By making your purchases through the links on this website HIGP may make a small percentage at no direct cost to you. HIGP only promotes products we use & truly believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my Privacy and Disclosures for further information. HIGP thanks you for your support!

Enter Zoey

My mom lives in a small town in rural Saskatchewan where pets don’t necessarily have the same value as they do in most other places. According to them, they are just animals not pets. And in the case of roaming cats, a nuisance. My mom is polar opposite, loving all her animals unconditionally.

Zoey came to my mom as a tiny kitten. My cousin found her abandoned by her mother in a barn. And she was too small to make it on her own as it was winter in Saskatchewan. The bitter cold ensured that she would not end up surviving for very long.

My mom has always loved her animals, instilling her love for them in both myself and my daughter. She had just recently lost her beloved cat Chubby, who had travelled with her from Ontario back to Saskatchewan. That is a separate story in and of itself. She was heartbroken, and swore she would never have another animal again as it hurt too much when they inevitably passed over to the rainbow bridge.

When Zoey showed up, my mom was very skeptical of keeping her. She had just recently lost Chubby, but still had my cat growing up, Carmichael. But my mom has a huge heart and decided to keep little Zoey instead of abandoning her to an undecided fate.

Crazy Little Kitten!

That crazy little kitten Zoey soon won over my mom though. She was a WILD kitten, the wildest my mom had ever seen which is quite the feat given the number of animals she has had over the years! She tore through the house creating chaos in her wake, scaled the curtains and caused disaster after disaster! I met her when she was still tiny, and she had so much personality and will to live that you could not help but fall in love with her!

She eventually outgrew the craziness and became my mom’s most loyal companion, particularly as Carmy went to join his buddy Chubby at the rainbow bridge during that time. She is my mom’s cat through and through. Zoey is dependable and always there when my mom needs her. They have an undeniable connection which is endearing to watch.

The Usual Routine

Being an indoor/outdoor cat, she usually sticks relatively close to home and shows back up at night for her supper and cuddles. One night in September, she did not come back.

Zoey Goes Missing

No sight of her the next day. Or the day after that. My mom was panicked.

We all know the dangers of letting a cat outside and that they can have much shorter lifespans than cats that remain exclusively indoors. But my mom believes that cats should be allowed to experience the outdoors. Her mind went all sorts of places. Was she hit by a car? Did coyotes get her? Or maybe even a bear?

Night after night passed. No Zoey. There were many tears shed. Many sleepless nights waiting to hear her at the door. Many days calling and searching the town and yards. Bending down to check culverts. Petunia had gone missing just a few months earlier, so everyone feared the worst.

A True Miracle

It was now December. Everyone had given up hope. Zoey was gone. Hopefully she had passed quickly and painlessly or was living comfortably with a new family. It was getting bitterly cold. And my mom was still grieving her and her little black and white face with the crooked pattern.

My phone rang one night when I was out at a client dinner close to Christmas. My mom was in tears, hysterical, I could barely understand her. After over THREE months, Zoey had shown back up at home! She was HOME! No one could believe it!

Back Home

Somehow that little cat found her way back to my mom! Her partner pulled into the driveway from work and did not even recognize her she was so beat up. He thought it was a stray and let it into the house. As soon as my mom saw her she KNEW!

Zoey jumped right up into my mom’s arms with what seemed to be some of her last bit of strength. She was so skinny at that point, starving, and had a deep gash across her nose. My mom said it looked like she would not have survived much longer on her own.

Unconditional Love and An Unbreakable Bond

We think that someone trapped her and drove her out to the country and dumped her to fend for herself. It is a miracle that she made her way back home! I believe that the bond between my mom and Zoey is what gave her the will to make her way back. And who even knows what she had to endure to get back! It is rural, and there are coyotes, bears, wolves. Saskatchewan in the winter is serious business, food would have been scarce.

That cat was showered in love. A vet visit showed she was ok. She was home! I cannot imagine the will it took her to get back. The loyalty and determination that shows the strength of the bond that we have with our pets. The unconditional love that they have for us. We will never know how she did it and what she had to endure.

She has developed a few quirks after her adventure that remain to this day. She will steal food and begs. But she tends to stick relatively close to home these days and is now starting to get on in her years. She is loved. She is safe.

There have been many stories of cats and dogs finding their way back to their owners across long distances. And now we have experienced this for ourselves. The bonds that we build with our animals is truly incredible. And all they ask from us is to love them back.

The post The Importance Of The Bond We Build With Our Pets first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.