Blog
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month!
Many people know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs to eat, but there are many other common items around the home that are toxic and potentially fatal to pets. March is Pet Poison Awareness Month, and this is a great time to evaluate your home for items that could be dangerous to your dog or cat. It’s important to identify hazardous items, recognize signs of poisoning to look out for, and know what to do to help your pet.
K9 Veterans Day is March 13
On March 13th, 1942, dogs were officially recognized as a part of the US Armed Forces through the K-9 Corps War Dog Program. While dogs have served beside humans prior, the creation of the K-9 Corps program marked the birth of a vital new component of the US Armed Forces. Since then, March 13th has been recognized as K9 Veterans Day to honor the working dogs that have served our country.
National Wildlife Day: Hiking With Your Pet
We all love to take our animals on walks, and sometimes the dog park just doesn’t cut it. Taking your pet (yes, even some cats!) on a hike is incredibly enriching as they encounter new smells, sights, and textures, which improves their mental health. But before hitting the trails with your pet, keep in mind these few tips to protect both your pet and the animals who call the area home.
February is National Pet Dental Health Month!
One important aspect of pet care that is often overlooked by pet parents is adding dental care to their pet’s daily schedule. While it might be tempting to think that pets don’t need to brush their teeth twice a day like a human would, brushing your pet’s teeth daily actually plays an important role in overall health.
National Peanut Butter Day: How to celebrate safely!
Peanut butter has long been an easy treat for our canine friends. Who doesn’t get a good laugh out of watching their dogs lick peanut butter that’s stuck to the roof of their mouth, or smearing it on the bath tub so they don’t fuss while getting a bath? While most peanut butters are safe to feed to your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind this National Peanut Butter Day.
How to Clicker Train Your Dog to Sit, Come, Stay, or Leave It!
With the new beginnings brought on by the start of 2022, it’s the perfect time to start thinking of ways you can include training in your dog’s everyday routine. In 2010, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers introduced January as National Train Your Dog Month to promote the importance of properly training your dog. Why January? Many new pets are adopted and added to families over the holiday season, so encouraging training throughout the month of January can help new pet parents start off on the right paw.
Holiday Gifts & Indoor Enrichment for Your Four-Legged Friends
Our beloved pets give us so much love, companionship, loyalty, and more throughout their lives, and this holiday season is the purr–fect time to gift them with something special! If you are still on the lookout for last-minute gift ideas for your pet — or simply looking for something to keep them entertained while spending more time indoors — check out these awesome ideas your pet is sure to love!
HOMEWARD HOUNDS: Roice-Hurst Humane Society and HomewardBound partner to provide shelter for people experiencing homelessness with pets
Roice-Hurst Humane Society and HomewardBound of the Grand Valley are joining forces to provide temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness with their pets through the innovative Homeward Hounds project. This first-of-its-kind collaboration ensures people don’t have to choose between avoiding extreme temperatures on the streets and keeping their beloved companion animals.
Take a Hike: How hiking benefits you, your pet, and Roice-Hurst!
November 17th is National Take a Hike Day, meaning there is no better day to get out and take a hike! Not only is hiking great for your physical health, it also releases mood-boosting endorphins that can ward off anxiety and depression. Stepping into nature and disconnecting from the distractions of our daily life allows us to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with both ourselves and nature.
7 Ways to Celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week!
Each year, the first full week of November is dedicated to celebrating and showing gratitude towards the lifesaving work provided by animal shelters and rescues nationwide. As a vital part of the communities they serve, animal shelters and rescues devote themselves tirelessly to bettering the lives of not only homeless animals, but also owned pets in need throughout the community. Without rescue organizations, many services like adoption, sheltering and reuniting lost pets, cruelty investigations, spay and neuter programs, pet care assistance, and more would be nonexistent. Everything animal shelters strive to accomplish and provide to their communities can’t exist without these organizations, but they also couldn’t exist without one additional — and important — key factor: you!