Celebrating a life lived well with dogs.
Something to keep in mind this weekend, inspired of course by our dogs and their unwavering ability to provide comfort and compassion. Sometimes we all just need somebody to listen to what we have to say and our dogs never fail to do that. What would the world be like if we listened a little more like a dog? I wonder, I wonder.
{Photography by Posh Pets Photography}
Happy Monday ladies and gentlemen! At last the new issue of Pawsh is here — all 132 pages of it! Jam packed with all sorts of delightful goodies for you and your furkids to enjoy this fall and winter!
Whenever the end of a year draws near, it is only natural to become reflective about our lives. Did we accomplish all that we set out to achieve? Did we grow as an individual? Did we exceed our personal expectations?
While personal development is an admirable quest, I find myself preoccupied this year with one presiding question — “Was I happy?” Too often do we confuse the concept of success with money and title instead of focusing upon a simpler, more attainable definition – happiness.
This question is the inspiration behind our new edition of Pawsh No. 8 “The Simple Things.” It’s about relishing each and every moment for what it is, creating lasting memories, slowing down, focusing and above all connecting with those things and people we love most in the world.
Everything in this issue has been designed to reflect this profound ‘less is best’ attitude. The photography is clean, chic and minimalist in nature; the topics are each linked to improving one’s quality of life for you and your dog; and the overall artistry – we hope – is meant to inspire a calmer, more collected way of life.
READ PAWSH NO.8 “THE SIMPLE THINGS” HERE!
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this edition of Pawsh! And thank you again to all of you for being so patient while I dealt with some unexpected news that delayed this issue. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy curling up with it this season.
Unlike spooky Halloween costumes, safety tips never go out of style. To help keep your furkid as safe and as happy as possible this Halloween — and to keep stress at a low for you — here are six important pet safety tips to keep in mind so that everyone can have the most fun possible!
1. KEEP COSTUMES COMFORTABLE
Yes, your pupster might be the most adorable looking lobster in the neighbourhood ever, but if that costume is a little too tight or a little too warm it can be dangerous. Make sure that all costumes fit your dog comfortably with room to breathe — and watch out for little bits and pieces that might drop off and become choking hazards.
2. NO CANDY
Most pet parents know that candy — especially chocolate — is dangerous for dogs. But hyper trick-or-treaters might forget. Little ones especially may try to include Fido in on the fun by offering him a bon-bon or two, so be sure to keep an eye out and keep all sugary substances out of your dog’s reach.
Tip: If your dog is accompanying your family on the trick-or-treating shenanigans, keep these 5 dog-friendly human foods in mind to treat canine companions.
3. BABY GATES
With the door opening and closing most of the night, it can be easy for your dog to slip out in the excitement. To prevent losing your furkid, consider putting up a baby gate in your home to separate your dog from the front door. This will make handing out candy easier and keep your pupster safe.
4. DON’T FORCE THE FUN
You know how not everyone is a fan of haunted houses (confession: me!) Well, similarly, not all dogs are a fan of seeing their neighbourhood populated by zombies, goblins and ghosts. In fact, some costumes may be a bit too much for some dogs and can scare them terribly, so be mindful of your dog’s body language.
If their tail goes down between their legs, if they start trembling, if their ears lie flat or if they start to cry etc., the Halloween excitement is probably too much for them. Cater to your dog’s individual personality — if they don’t like Halloween, don’t force them to join in the fun. 
5. GLOW IN THE DARK
Reflective gear and glow-in-the-dark collars and leashes are all excellent ways to keep your dog safe if out and about at night. Not only will these items help you to keep track of where they are, but they will help passing motorists to see them too. Most glow-in-the-dark items are very reasonably priced and make all the difference when it comes to night time pet safety.
Keep these pet safety tips in mind so that you and your dog can have the best Halloween celebration of all time! May you all have a wonderful Halloween! xo
{Photography by Pawsh Studio}
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Beware! The trick-or-treaters are coming soon! To help your dog feel a part of the fun — and to spoil canine trick-or-treaters who may come wagging at your door — consider these 5 dog-friendly human foods, each bursting with nutritional value and easy to wrap up for your furry visitors.
APPLES
Apples are a wonderfully nutritious dog treat. They offer a satisfying crunch, are cheap to buy and don’t stink up the house! Plus they are bursting with Vitamin A and K, as well as calcium and have actually been shown to help improve doggy-breath. Fantastic, yes?
Nobody liked ‘that’ house that handed out plain old apples at Halloween instead of a candy bar, but visiting dogs will LOVE it. Just be sure to core and remove apple seeds before serving, as these can be choking hazards and bad for pupsters.
Suggested dog treat recipe: Apple oatmeal dog treats
GREEN BEANS
Whether served raw (washed, of course), steamed or even frozen, the dog who gets green beans as a snack will make all other dogs green with envy! These little beauties are very low-calorie — perfect for the pooch who is watching their waistline — and a tremendous source of fibre. Green beans are also filled with all sorts of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Serve on their own one at a time or chopped up and mixed in with the evening meal. The possibilities are endless!
STRAWBERRIES
I dare you to find a pup — or a person — who doesn’t love the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries. However, this is a dog-friendly human food that should be served in moderation. Due to the fact that strawberries contain a high level of natural sugar, too many of this ruby red fruit can actually upset a dog’s stomach. So think of these nutrient packed gems as a very special treat to be doled out one at a time every so often.
POPCORN
My dog, Rory, absolutely adores popcorn. She will even sit patiently by the stove listening to it pop away, her little tail wagging in anticipation. When treating your dog to popcorn, however, it is important to remember that it should be served up all-naturally. This means no butter, no salt and no fancy spices sprinkled on top.
Popcorn is known for containing potassium and calcium, which helps keep bones nice and strong. It is also low-cal when prepared au natural (which is better for you too!)
Pawsh Perk: How to host the perfect dog-friendly movie night!
PUMPKIN
Last but not least, we cannot forget about pumpkins, especially during this spooky time of year. Although this might not sound particularly appetizing, pumpkin served in moderation is great for counteracting diarrhea and other bowel issues in dogs! Add a couple of tablespoons of pumpkin to your favourite homemade dog treat recipe or into your dog’s dinner dish to help keep things moving.
Suggested dog treat recipe: Add a couple of tablespoons of pumpkin to Sweet Potato Nothings for an extra burst of healthy flavour.
{Huge thanks to my incredible friend and talented artist Tonya Pet Photography for photographing this delicious installment of the “Pet Wellness” column.}
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