Happy Birthday to us! 23 years and 24 stores in Minnesota and Colorado – that’s a lot to celebrate! So we’re having a party at all of our locations May 18-21 and inviting all our favorite people and pets to come!

Stop in at your favorite Chuck & Don’s location and join in the festivities. There will be a variety of events, activities, treats and drawings at all of our stores. We love a party – so come celebrate with us!

Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pet’s Happy!

Most pet owners feel that their pets are as much a part of their family as a human family member – many even call themselves ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ when referring to their relationship with their pets. That said, Mother’s Day is a great day to celebrate that bond with the special pet in your life.

Here are some ideas for pet lovers to make the day more memorable for Mom:

•  Have breakfast in bed with your pet . Give your pet a treat while you enjoy their companionship and a meal that you did not have to prepare!

•  Plan a portrait sitting with your pet. Schedule a photo session or pre-purchase a package to use at a later date. This is a wonderful way to create a lasting memory.

•  Share a picnic and spend the day at the park. Grab a take-out meal, a blanket and a Frisbee or ball and go enjoy the great outdoors together!

•  Take a long walk with the family. Is there a new trail or hike you’ve been dying to try? Get the leash, the family, some water and head out. No complaining aloud!

•  Watch an animal movie together like “Beethoven,” “Garfield,” “Marley & Me,” or “Must Love Dogs.” Everyone can curl up on the coach together. There is nothing better than some family snuggle time.

•  Adopt a shelter pet. Some animal rescue organizations host Mother’s Day open houses. Why not bring Mom in for some pet loving? Maybe she’ll find that special one that needs a new Mom and forever home.

Remember, the thing that most Mom’s want on Mother’s Day is simply spending time is with all their loved ones – including their beloved pets!

Happy Mother’s Day from Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pets Happy!

Do you have an aging pet? Have you ever thought about what you can do for them as they get older? Do you have questions about dealing with end-of-life issues? Then plan to attend this FREE workshop presented in partnership with the University of Denver’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection.

Bring your pet and join us on Thursday, May 9 from 6:30-8pm at Abby’s Pet Place inside our Aurora, CO store for this FREE session on older pets and their needs and learn how you can support your pet’s health and happiness in their golden years.

Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pets Happy

The American Humane Association has been celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week® since 1915! In this annual tradition, they commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same. As animal lover Betty White says, “As far as I am concerned, every week should be Be Kind to Animals Week®.”

While much progress has been made since the program was launched almost a century ago, the fact remains that 7-8 million animals still end up in shelters every year. “One of the most important ways to ‘be kind’ to animals is to adopt a shelter pet and give them the forever home they so desperately need,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. “If adopting is not possible, consider fostering a pet or volunteering with a local shelter or rescue group. Our pets are devoted to us and for them every day is ‘Be Kind to People Day.’ The very least we can do is show them our love and compassion. There are so many ways for all of us to lend kindness to a voiceless, helpless animal.”

One way you can help support the animals is by joining a local animal event. Chuck & Don’s will be participating in the following walk-a-thon events this Saturday, May 4 and next Saturday, May 11. Choose one or both – then come out to support the animals and be sure to stop by and see us!

Minnesota
5/4 Animal Humane Society’s Walk for Animals - 8:30am-2pm at Animal Humane Society’s Golden Valley campus
5/11 Animal Humane Society of Goodhue County Walk-A-Thon - 10am-2pm at Colvill Park in Red Wing

Colorado
5/4 Furry Scurry to benefit Dumb Friends League – 9am-Noon at Washington Park in Denver.
5/11 Lucky Mutt Strut to benefit MaxFund Animal Adoption Shelter – 8am-12pm at Cheesman Park in Denver. Our mascot, Lucky, will be there too!

These events will take place rain or shine – so please come! Help support the animals and the organizations that care for them. Be a voice for the voiceless!

Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pets Happy!

Smiles ready…cameras set….it’s time for ‘Grin to Win’ 2013! Help us find the 2013 Chuck & Don’s Happiest Pet! Submit a photo of your grinning pet May 1-21, 2013. You can enter online or by bringing a photo of your pet to the nearest Chuck & Don’s location and registering in person.

Each Chuck & Don’s store will have a winner! All store winners receive a $50 Chuck & Don’s gift card and a $50 Chuck & Don’s gift card donated to the animal welfare organization selected at the time of their photo submission.

Then each store winner will be entered in the Chuck & Don’s 2013 Happiest Pet Contest. The pet in the winning photo receives a $250 Chuck & Don’s gift card, will reign as the 2013 Chuck & Don’s Happiest Pet for one year and be featured in Chuck & Don’s marketing materials!

Complete rules can be found here.

So polish up those pearly whites and get your cameras snapping – let’s see those photos of your smiling pets! We’re grinning from ear-to-ear in anticipation!

Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pets Happy!

National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week focuses national attention on the impact and power of volunteerism and service as an integral aspect of our civic leadership. National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities.

In a White House proclamation declaring April 21-27 National Volunteer Week, President Barack Obama reminds us that, “We are home to more than 300 million people who come from every background, practice every faith, and hold every point of view. But where difference could draw us apart, we are bound together by a single sacred word: citizen. Ordinary men and women have stepped forward and accomplished extraordinary things together, uniting as friends and neighbors and fellow citizens.”

At Chuck & Don’s, we commit to a high level of corporate citizenship by making a positive difference in the communities in which we operate with a commitment to pets and animal welfare. Hands-on involvement is very important to us and Team Members are encouraged to help out local organizations.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all of the outstanding volunteers and groups we have the privilege to work with. THANK YOU for the countless hours of volunteerism you contribute for the love of animals – we couldn’t do it without YOU! Continue to make a positive impact in your communities and encourage others to join you!

Chuck & Don’s is grateful to be involved with all the wonderful organizations that protect, acknowledge and cater to the needs of animals in all aspects. If you encounter a volunteer this week – give them a hug, a smile and say “Thanks!”

Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pets Happy!

April 22 is Earth Day and over one billion people in 192 countries are taking action in their communities and helping depict The Face of Climate Change. In recent years, many of us have become increasingly aware of reducing our impact on the environment and increasing conservation efforts. But many people may forget to include pets in their efforts to live greener.

What can you do as a pet lover to recognize Earth Day and reduce your pet’s carbon pawprint? Use these tips to help ease the negative impact your pets can have on our planet:

Dispose of pet waste properly – Pet waste can have a major effect on the environment if not disposed of properly. Keep plastic out of the landfills – choose biodegradable and compostable bags to dispose of your pet’s waste.

Buy eco-friendly products for your pet – Look for pet products that made from sustainable materials that will last longer, so you won’t have to replace them as often. Organic and/or recycled products are also a good choice. From stainless steel and ceramic bowls to eco-friendly toys, collars made from natural hemp and pet beds that use 100% recycled material, there are many green choices available.

Buy natural/organic pet products – Choosing to buy natural and organic food and treats that don’t contain added hormones or chemicals is better for pets and the environment. And don’t forget to recycle the cans and food packaging!

Adopt a pet from a local shelter & spay/neuter your pet – Rather than going to a breeder, visit a local animal shelter where there are many pets in need of a good home. Be sure they are spade or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation and reduce the stress additional animals place on the environment.

Remember that many small acts can make a big difference. If we all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint AND pawprint by living greener, we can reduce the strain on our earth and leave it a better place for the generations to come.

Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pets Happy!

Join us this weekend for the GRAND OPENING festivities at our new Edina store on Sat., April 20 from 10 am-4 pm.

There will be lots of FREEBIES including pet nail trimming, pet portraits by Patrick Nau Photography and Pet Communicator Teri Ann Lapsey! You can also meet Staci Matthews from the KS95 afternoon show, ‘Moon & Staci,’ get your pet microchipped for $20 by Twin Cities Pet Rescue, register to win prizes and enjoy some treats!

Don’t miss it – stop by and join in the fun. We’d love to meet you and your pet and show you our shiny new store!

Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pets Happy!

Are you interested in helping others by getting your dog involved in animal-assisted therapy? Then come and meet teams from Denver Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program, which trains volunteers and their pets for visiting-animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities.

Join us on Thursday, April 18 from 6:30-8pm at Abby’s Pet Place inside our Aurora, CO store for this FREE session on getting involved in animal-assisted therapy. This is a great opportunity to explore the possibility. Maybe you and your animal are ready to help others as a Pet Partner!

Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pets Happy!

April brings warmer weather and everyone – including your four-legged friend – is anxious to get outside. Perhaps you’re even considering a new running routine and taking your pooch with you. What a great idea – dogs can make great running companions! In fact, studies have shown that running with a partner increases your motivation and likelihood of continuing a workout routine.

But before you run off with Fido, take the time to prepare and properly train your dog to provide the optimal experience for both of you. Here are some tips to get started:

Know Your Breed – certain dogs are better suited for running than others. Check out this chart for running breeds in eight categories. Also wait until your dog is full-grown to begin a running routine so their bones have time to mature.

Check With Your Vet - to make sure your dog does not have any health issues and can go the distance.

Leash Your Dog - to keep them under control in unexpected situations and to ensure that your pet keeps pace. Avoid retractable leashes which provide too much distance between you and your dog and can get tangled or jerk you while running.

Build Up Endurance – start by taking them for long walks. Begin your running routine by taking your dog out for 15 to 20 minutes 3 times a week then gradually increase the length of your runs by 5 minutes each week. This is a safe way to build up their endurance and allow time for their pads to toughen up.

Check Their Paws – for cuts, scrapes, or signs of worn down pads. Be aware of the surfaces you are running on and watch for debris. If they start limping or licking their feet – stop running. Try Musher’s Secret which provides safe, natural, non-toxic protection for your dog’s paws in the most extreme conditions. The semi-permeable shield is absorbed into the paws, allowing perspiration to escape through the toes.

Stay Hydrated – by providing plenty of water. This is especially important during warmer weather. If you have a long run planned, it may also be a good idea to bring a few treats along in order to keep your dog’s energy level up.

Monitor Your Dog – during the run. Watch for signs of fatigue, foaming at the mouth, heavy panting or glazed eyes. If your pet slows down or refuses to continue – stop running and allow them to rest.

After The Run – let your dog cool down. Inspect their pads for cuts or soreness (if pads are tender or cracked do not allow them to run with you again until they are healed). If you worked out in a grassy or woodsy area, check their fur for burrs, ticks, and other foreign objects. Make sure to give your pet plenty of water to replenish fluids lost during the workout.

Exercising with your dog is a great way for both of you to strengthen your bond and to get healthier at the same time. Make an effort to properly condition your dog for running and you’ll both look forward to your new routine!

Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pets Happy!