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!

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!

Food recalls seem to have become a common item in the news these days – not just human food, but pet food too. Pet food products, like other types of foods, can be susceptible to harmful bacterial contamination so it is important to know the proper steps when handling pet foods and treats.

There are simple precautions you can take to reduce the likelihood of infection from contaminated pet foods and treats. Use these tips from the FDA to help protect your family and pets from foodborne illness:

Buying
•  Purchase products in good condition, without signs of damage to the packaging such as dents or tears.

Preparation
•  Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap before and after handling pet foods and treats.
•  Wash pet food bowls, dishes, and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use.
•  Do not use the pet’s feeding bowl as a scooping utensil—use a clean, dedicated scoop or spoon.
•  Dispose of old or spoiled pet food products in a safe manner, such as in a securely tied plastic bag in a covered trash receptacle.

Storage
•  Refrigerate promptly or discard any unused, leftover wet pet food. Refrigerators should be set at 40º F.
•  Dry products should be stored in a cool, dry place—under 80º F.
•  If possible, store dry pet food in its original bag inside a clean, dedicated plastic container with a lid, keeping the top of the bag folded closed.
•  Keep pets away from food storage and preparation areas.
•  Keep pets away from garbage and household trash.

By paying attention to pet food recalls and food safety, you will increase the likelihood of keeping you and your four-legged friends healthy and safe from harmful bacteria.

Chuck & Don’s
We Make Pets Happy!

April is known for many things – did you know it was a big month for raising our awareness of pets and how animals are cared for in the world?

The ASPCA has declared April “National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” month and promotes the idea of “going orange for animals” in honor of their charter in 1866, to raise awareness around prevention of cruelty to animals.

April is also National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, serving as a reminder for pet parents to prepare in advance should their pet ever face an emergency.  It’s a good time to double-check that you have the name and phone number for your vet (and your emergency vet) handy and readily available as an extra precaution.

Programs such as PetTech are designed to teach you CPR, First Aid and tips on caring for your pets. Check with your pet’s medical caregiver for more options and ideas.

Have a pet with special needs?  Talk with the team members at your local Chuck & Don’s store – we have great tips and ideas for helping with a multitude of pet special needs to help keep your pet safe and happy.

April 11th is National Pet Day and encourages people to support spay/neuter programs. Chuck & Don’s promotes responsible pet ownership through spay and neuter programs and events throughout the year. Check our website for more information about upcoming events at all of our locations.

Let us know your tips on keeping pets safe and sound this April – and year-round!

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet
We Make Pets Happy!

Easter is this weekend and while it can be a dangerous holiday if your pet gets into the chocolate bunnies and colored grasses, it doesn’t mean they have to miss out on a visit from the Easter Bunny!

Why not treat your pet to their own special basket of goodies? You can easily create a personalized Easter basket made just for them. Simply spring into your nearest Chuck & Don’s and select some fun surprises for your furry friend.

Start by trying something different to use for your pet’s Easter basket such as a new food bowl or pet bed. Then fill it with a few of their favorite treats or chews, a new spring collar or leash and finally a toy – like some furry bunny ears, a catnip duck or a new ball. It’s that easy! And hopefully your pet will be so busy with their own items they won’t even bother with your chocolate bunny ears!

We’d be happy to help you find everything you need for your pet’s Easter basket, but hop in soon – Chuck & Don’s will be closed Easter Sunday, March 31!

Hoppy Easter Everybunny from Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet
We Make Pets Happy!

Are you an older adult with a special pet in your life? How do they affect your well-being? Perhaps you know of someone who would benefit from having a pet in their life. At this FREE seminar, professionals from the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver will discuss how a furry friend can make your golden years happier and healthier!

Join us at Abby’s Pet Place (inside our Aurora, Colorado location) on Thursday, March 28 from 6:30-8pm for this FREE workshop about the positive effects of pets have in the lives of older adults. Everyone in attendance will receive a special coupon and a chance to win a gift card!

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet
We Make Pets Happy