#petmomma – Pet Momma

Spring Update

Old School Black and White photos this time as I just finished off an old, lost and found roll of film

Lots going on around here lately, so I figured it was time for a little update from the zoo.

Stanley is back in another round of agility classes, which just makes me so happy. Will he come when I call him in our own yard? Absolutely not. But get him in a training space and he suddenly remembers that I exist and that we’re a team. He’s really starting to get the agility thing, and he’ll stay with me and run a whole course, which feels pretty amazing. I’m really curious to see how he does when we can practice in an outdoor arena this summer instead of just in a small, closed room.

In other fun news, I found an old roll of black and white film in a camera I was thinking about selling. Of course I had to finish the roll, and I ended up getting some really cute pictures of Stanley doing jumps on our porch. His ears in mid-air are just the best — they flop in every possible direction. I kind of love the old-school film look on action shots; it makes him look like a tiny, dramatic movie star.

The big news around here, though, is that our local animal shelter had a fire last week. Thankfully, all the humans and all the animals got out safely, but the building needed some serious cleanup and repairs, which meant no animals could stay there for a bit. Since I’ve fostered for them before, my phone rang pretty quickly asking if I could help out and foster a bird. There was no way I could say no. Fast forward a few hours and somehow we ended up with two lovebirds and a Senegal parrot in the house.

I had forgotten what “real” birds are like at night. Hector doesn’t like to be covered, so I’ve gotten used to just leaving her be. The first morning with the foster birds, I was up at sunrise sprinting around and covering cages because they were up and ready to greet the day at full volume. We’ve settled into a routine now, and everyone seems a lot happier with a defined bedtime.

The lovebirds came from a recent hoarding situation. They are cute little things, but not at all tame, so they are staying safely tucked in their cage for now. They watch everything, and I feel like they’re quietly judging all of us, but at least they seem comfortable. The Senegal parrot is a totally different story. He wants to be out of his cage all the time, and when he’s out, he only wants one place to be: on my shoulder.

The first day, Stanley was not impressed. There was a lot of barking at the little parrot, and a lot of me trying to reassure Stan that he is still my number one little guy. Thankfully, everyone is adjusting. I don’t expect the foster crew to be here too long — hopefully they can go back to the shelter sometime next week once things are cleaned up — but the little parrot has been a very entertaining visitor.

If I put him on his cage and walk away, he immediately flies right back to my shoulder like, “Excuse me, we were hanging out.” He also tries to steal food directly from my plate, and yes, he will go for food in my mouth if I’m not careful. I’ve had to be very aware of what I’m eating when he’s out, because he is absolutely not shy about helping himself.

Not the best photo, but had to play with the black and white film

Hector, meanwhile, seems to be enjoying the guest. The little parrot flew over to the fence by her cage and she very clearly said, “Hi bird,” which kind of blew my mind. I’m guessing she understands that he’s the same species, or at least that “bird” means something specific to her. Another time she just kept saying, “Hi, hi, hi, hi…” on repeat, which was ridiculously cute. She also asked him, “What doing?” Apparently the birds are speaking English to each other now. I guess that’s the common language for birds and many humans in this house.

The Dragon is good and just finished a nice shed, so she’s looking extra shiny and pleased with herself. The cats are good. Stanley has been enjoying some trips to the dog park now that the weather is nicer. I love bringing him and watching him run and play with the other dogs, but I’m always a little petrified that a big dog is going to hurt him. I stay very close when we go, and I try to quietly feel out the vibe of the other dogs before I really relax.

The other day there was one big dog playing a little too rough for my comfort level. Stanley gave a couple of warning nips to say “back off,” but it didn’t seem to make much difference. I scooped him up and we left. It’s just not worth the risk of him getting hurt, no matter how much he likes to play. Today there were two big dogs at the park again, but they were very gentle with Stan and it all went fine. When it works, it’s so fun to watch him zoom around with friends. I’m still hopeful that we run into the little Doxy he had so much fun with a couple of weeks ago again.

That’s the current state of the Pet Momma house: agility, surprise film photoshoots, temporary birds, talkative parrots, a freshly shed Dragon, happy cats, and one small dog living his best dog park life with a very cautious chaperone.

How are you enjoying the nicer weather where you are — are you and your pets getting outside a bit more these days? Let me know!

Little Things Count

Stanley has been keeping me busy lately with agility classes, tricks, manners, and plenty of walks. Last week was the final class of this agility session, and we celebrated with agility games. The basic rules were simple and a little chaotic: race around the obstacles any way you want within a set time, but hit certain required obstacles along the way for points.

Some weeks, I can’t even take Stan off leash because the smells on the course and the other dogs around the room are just too much for his little brain. Other times, he locks in with me and we have a great run. Last week was one of those great nights. I was a little overwhelmed trying to plan a path that would both rack up points and play to his strengths, but Stanley absolutely rose to the occasion. He stayed with me, followed my cues, and even ran the weave poles. Tunnel, A‑frame, jumps, tire jump – he did it all, off leash and focused. I was so proud of him, and I really feel like all the focus training we’ve been doing is finally starting to pay off.

As thrilled as I am about his big “game night” success, I’m realizing how much the tiny, everyday moments matter just as much. The other day I came home, let him out of his crate, did the usual potty break, and then hit a wall. I just didn’t feel great and really needed a nap. Of course, as soon as I lay down, Stanley decided it was playtime. He bounced on the bed, nipped at my hands, and dug at the blankets while I silently begged the universe for twenty minutes of quiet.

I gave him a gentle pat and told him I needed to rest. A minute later, he hopped off the bed. I figured he’d found something else to get into, but instead he came back carrying a chew toy. He settled in next to me, happily chewed for a few minutes, and then curled up against me and fell asleep. Self‑soothing, respecting my need for a break, and still taking care of his own.

That tiny moment felt just as big as his perfect off‑leash agility run. It’s easy to celebrate the flashy stuff – the tunnels, the weave poles, the game nights – but the little choices he’s starting to make on his own are what really show me how far he’s come. I love this little dog so much, and I’m trying to remember that in training and in life, the little things really do count!

Bean also had a big day recently with a dental cleaning, and I’m so relieved that all went well. The vet did end up removing one tooth; the root was pretty badly damaged, so they think he must have injured it at some point and that it was probably causing him pain. He got injections of antibiotics and pain medication while he was there, which meant no meds for me to juggle at home – such a gift. He came home a little sleepy but comfortable, and I’m grateful we caught the problem and that he should be feeling so much better now. Hoping for a break from large vet bills for a bit!

Bean’s tooth for the curious:

Rabies Day, a Settled Diet, and Travel Jitters: A Stanley Update

Rabies vaccines, picky tummies, and travel jitters — Stanley managed to hit all three this week.

Today was rabies day for my sensitive little guy. Because he’s had vaccine reactions in the past, I asked the vet to do only rabies at this visit, nothing combined and nothing extra. We did his Bordetella/kennel cough last week as a stand-alone, and that one went totally smoothly, which makes me feel a tiny bit braver about the whole vaccine thing. I’m hoping that once we make it through a full year of vaccines with him, I’ll have a better sense of what his body can handle and I’ll feel a little safer each time we walk into the clinic.

Next month, we’ll go back for his distemper combo, again as its own visit. Then June is the big mental hurdle: leptospirosis and Lyme, which is when he had a reaction before. I’m already thinking about how to handle that. A lot of vets consider lepto and Lyme “lifestyle” vaccines and will space them way out or even skip one if the dog’s reaction risk seems higher than their disease risk, especially in small dogs or dogs with a history of vaccine sensitivity. Some clinics will pre-medicate with an antihistamine, keep the dog for a longer observation period, and never give more than one higher-risk shot in a day — all things I’ll be talking through with my vet before we get anywhere near June. For now, I’m keeping my expectations simple: one vaccine at a time, lots of notes about how he does, and no heroics.

Other than the boring vaccine update, the check-up itself went really well. Stanley’s weight looks good, and his current diet got a thumbs-up. That feels like a minor miracle after how much I’ve tinkered with his food over the past few months. I’ve tried so many different foods with him that I finally hit my limit: I’m done with the experiments. His main food is going to stay Hill’s Science Diet dry for small dogs with sensitive stomachs, with a tablespoon of Happy Howl mixed in for flavor. That’s it. No more “maybe this new thing will be perfect” impulse buys, at least not for a good long while.

Because he’s a small dog with a touchy tummy, I really have to watch quantities so he doesn’t end up gassy or with loose poop again. I’m also trying to be more honest with myself about treats. He still gets no table food — other than the very rare bits of American cheese when I absolutely have to get a pill into him — and the rest of his “extras” are pretty boring on purpose. Treats right now are either his regular kibble, some dry chicken bites that I buy, or occasional chicken jerky. It doesn’t sound exciting, but for him, consistent and predictable works better than a constant parade of novelty.

On top of the health stuff, I’m in trip-prep mode and starting to feel that familiar little knot in my stomach about leaving all the pets. I’m very happy with my new house pet sitter and really like her energy; I think (and hope) she’s going to be great with the whole crew. Still, leaving Stanley is the part that makes me pause. I love his kennel and the people there, but eight days is a lot for a little dog who’s so attached to his routine and his people.

To make it easier on him (and me), I’ll be sending him with all the comforts of home: his own food, his blankets, his bed, and a favorite toy. It’s my way of saying, “This is different, but you’re still safe, and you’re still you.” Between the careful vaccine schedule, the now-boring but steady diet, and a sitter and kennel I trust, I feel like I’m slowly building a safety net around this sensitive, silly little dog — one vet visit and one small decision at a time.

Quick Vaccine Tips for Sensitive Dogs

Ask for one vaccine per visit. Spacing vaccines out makes it easier to spot which one caused a problem and is often easier on sensitive dogs.
Talk to your vet about pre-medication. For dogs with a history of reactions, some vets use an antihistamine (and sometimes a short-acting steroid) before the shot and monitor the dog longer afterward.
Schedule vaccines when you can watch them. Book appointments for times when you can keep an eye on your dog for the rest of the day, and know where your nearest emergency vet is just in case.
Keep clear records. Write down which vaccine was given, the brand, and any reaction you see (even mild ones like extra sleepiness), so you and your vet can make better decisions over time.
Remember that some vaccines are lifestyle-based. Core vaccines (like rabies and distemper) are generally recommended for all dogs, but others (like leptospirosis and Lyme) depend on your dog’s lifestyle and local risk, and may be spaced out or skipped in some sensitive dogs.

Have you ever had to deal with vaccine or other sensitivities with your Pup? Let me know, leave me a comment.

Stanley’s Agility Joy (And a Few Training Bumps)

Stanley and I have been trying a little bit of everything lately: manners and obedience, some scent work, and now agility. Agility is, by far, the clear favorite. He lights up as soon as we pull into the parking lot, and even though he’s still distracted and wiggly, we can now get through a small course off leash.

We technically finished this round of classes last night. There is one more class on the schedule, but we’ll have to miss it because I’ll be traveling. I’m already counting the days until we can start again at the end of April.

What Stanley Loves (And Doesn’t) On Course
Stanley has strong opinions about obstacles. Tunnels are pure joy — he charges through them with his tail up like he’s on a mission. The balance board? Not his favorite, but he’ll tolerate it if there are good cookies involved.

Last night, for the first time, he decided he really did not like the A‑frame. He slipped a couple of times on the way down, and I’m pretty sure his slightly-long claws aren’t helping with traction. He has a vet appointment on Monday, so I’ll make sure we get those nails trimmed and then reintroduce the A‑frame slowly, with lots of encouragement.

The Zoomies Heard ’Round the Ring
The best moment from class last night might be one I wish I had on video. We were practicing having the dogs stay while handlers moved ahead to start the course. Stanley’s version of this was… creative.

He tried so hard to stay with me, and after a few attempts, he just couldn’t contain himself. He got the zoomies, took off, and started sprinting the perimeter of the room. He greeted every dog, did a few jumps, dove into the tunnel, and then did more jumps on his own. He was absolutely thrilled with himself.

Everyone in class was laughing, and of course he soaked up the attention. It was one of those moments where training and pure joy collide, and even though it wasn’t what we were supposed to be doing, it reminded me why I love this sport with him.

In the meantime, we’ll be focusing on some basic manners before the next session starts: staying, waiting, and learning that sometimes we watch quietly instead of doing all the things all at once!

Big Plans: A Local Agility Club
To keep the momentum going, I’ve applied to join a local agility club, and I’m super excited about it. My current instructor is on the board and says it’s a great group of people. They get together at different locations to practice and even go to competitions together.

I love the idea of being around more like‑minded dog people and having a community that understands why we get so excited about tunnels and weave poles. I’m really looking forward to meeting new friends — for both me and Stanley.

Real Life At Home: Crates, Poops, and Other Pets
Outside of class, Stanley is still very much a work in progress. The good news is that he almost never has accidents in the house anymore. The not‑so‑good news is that he still sometimes poops in his crate. It’s become one of those habits I’m not sure I’ll ever completely break, but we’re not giving up yet. Maybe once the weather gets less frigid?

I’m also really looking forward to some warm weather and being able to work with him outside. A little sunshine, more space, and fewer winter distractions will be good for both of us.

The rest of the crew is doing well. Hector is her cranky old self, happily destroying new toys and methodically deconstructing any cardboard box that dares to enter the house. Lizard had a lovely soak in the sink today, and the cats were very entertained watching the whole process.

So that’s where we are right now: a small dog who thinks tunnels are the best thing ever, a human trying to remember that progress is never a straight line, and a house full of pets keeping life interesting while we wait for spring.

How I Accidentally Made My Dog a Picky Eater (And Upset His Tummy)

Last night I was up way too late thinking about my little Stanley and his tummy. I kept coming back to the same picture: a gassy, slightly picky small dog who strains a bit at the end of his poop and often leaves a little smear of diarrhea. It’s never seemed like a full-blown medical crisis, so I didn’t worry too much. But now that I’m deep in “fix the diet” mode, all the pieces are starting to come together.

And unfortunately, the common denominator is me.

The Perfect Storm: Great Intentions, Sensitive Tummy

From the day I brought Stanley home, I’ve been on a mission to find the “best” food for him. That meant trying different kibbles, different “fresh” foods, different formulas, and searching for the magic combination that would check every box. On top of that, Stanley isn’t just a couch potato. We train. A lot.

We’re in classes almost every week, and at home we do:
– Obedience
– Agility
– Nose work

It’s wonderful for his brain and our relationship, but there’s a side effect: training equals treats. Lots of them.

With a small dog, those treats add up very quickly, and I think that’s where things really started to go sideways. Too much variety, too many extras, and too many changes have probably been overwhelming his tiny tummy.

How I (Accidentally) Created a Picky Eater

Here’s what I’ve realized about our routine:

– I’ve changed his food several times trying to find “the one.”
– I’ve been very generous with treats during training, often not accounting for how small he really is.
– I’ve given him lots of options and variety with the best intentions.

What happens when you constantly rotate foods and also hand out a steady stream of treats? The main meals start to look a lot less exciting. For a little 11 lb dog, a handful of training treats can be like a second meal in disguise.

I’m starting to believe that I’ve actually taught Stanley to be picky. Why eat your boring, balanced kibble when mom is always handing out something different and often tastier?

On top of that, all the variety and extra calories may have been irritating his gut. The pattern—gas, straining a bit at the end, and a soft smear of stool—is exactly what you might see with a mildly upset colon or early, diet-related colitis.

The New Plan: Simple, Consistent, and Kind to His Gut

So, here’s the new game plan for Stanley:

– No more free-choice food.
– Two structured meals a day of Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach formula, and that’s it for his main diet.
– Careful attention to quantities; for an 11 lb dog, about 3/4 cup of food per day is plenty, adjusted as needed for his body condition.
– Treats only for training, and every treat gets cut into much smaller pieces.

Stanley doesn’t really get table food, so at least I don’t have to undo that habit. But I do have to face the reality that feeding handfuls of even “healthy” treats throughout the day just isn’t fair to his digestive system.

Right now, I suspect he has a mild case of colitis—nothing dramatic, but enough to cause gas and that inconsistent poop—from too much food, too much variety, too many treats, and inconsistent feeding patterns. The good news is that I think I’ve caught it early enough that with better structure and consistency, we can get him back on track without medical intervention.

How I’m Managing Training Treats Going Forward

Cutting back on treats doesn’t mean cutting back on training. It just means getting smarter about how I use them.

Here’s what I’m changing:
– Tiny treat sizes: Every treat is now chopped into very small pieces. One “normal” treat can easily become five or more rewards.
– Treats count toward his daily food: No more pretending they don’t exist. If he gets more treats in a day, his meal portions go down a bit to keep his total intake reasonable.
– More focus on consistency: I’m limiting the number of different treat types and sticking mostly to a couple of simple options rather than a constant rotation.

The goal is to keep his training fun and motivating without overwhelming his digestive system or teaching him that “real” food is optional.

Moving Forward (And a Little Apology to Stanley)

For now, the plan is simple: smaller quantities, a fixed schedule, and consistent food. Once his stomach has had time to settle and his poop and gas normalize, I’ll reassess. At that point, I might keep him on the Hill’s or very slowly and carefully try introducing another food, but only if there’s a good reason to make a change.

Most importantly, I’m done with chasing the “perfect” food at the expense of his gut. Sometimes “good, consistent, and appropriate for your dog” beats “perfect” on paper.

So, here it is in writing: I’m sorry, Stanley. I truly thought I was doing the right thing, trying to give you the best of everything. Instead, I think I unintentionally turned you into a picky eater and upset your tiny tummy in the process. The good news is that you’ve got a mom who’s always learning—and from here on out, we’re going for calm, consistent, and gentle on your stomach.

The Cat Burrito That Changed Everything 🌯😸 (Or: How I Trimmed Puck’s Nails Solo!)

Happy Valentine’s Day! Stan celebrated the day with a Starbucks Pup Cup! On the way home, with the windows open, I remembered why it has been a long time since he’s had one!

Remember how I mentioned Puck has extra claws on each front foot? Well, let me tell you about the battle that nail trimming has been in this house.

For years — and I mean years — it’s been a two-person job. One person restrains Puck, the other attempts to trim. And somehow, no matter how careful we are, we end up needing bandaids. For us, not him. Those extra claws are his secret weapons, and he is NOT a fan of having them touched.

So when I saw this Cat Grooming Wrap on Amazon, I added it to Puck’s Christmas list. Best. Decision. Ever.

The Solo Nail Trim Victory 🏆

This morning I trimmed Puck’s nails. All by myself.

Do you understand what a HUGE win this is? Let me say it again: I trimmed all of Puck’s nails — including those evil extra claws he hates having messed with — completely alone.

He purred through most of it.

I know. I’m as shocked as you are.

How It Works (AKA: The Magic Burrito)

The wrap is super soft, but here’s the magic: it sticks to itself using some kind of gentle grip material. No velcro, no buckles, nothing harsh. You literally wrap your cat up like a little burrito, and they feel secure.

Here’s what I did:

Wrapped Puck up snugly (think baby swaddle, but cat-sized)
Pulled out one paw at a time as I needed it
Trimmed the nails on that paw
Tucked the paw back in and moved to the next one

Did Puck love every second? No. He hissed a couple of times when I got to those extra claws — he’s made it clear throughout his life that those are off-limits in his opinion. But he stayed calm, he purred for most of the process, and most importantly: nobody bled.

That’s a win in my book.

Why I Wish I’d Bought This Years Ago

I’ve spent literal years thinking nail trims just HAD to be a wrestling match. I thought that’s just how it was with difficult cats. Turns out, sometimes the answer is simpler than you think.

The wrap makes Puck feel secure rather than restrained. There’s a difference. It’s soft enough that he’s comfortable, but snug enough that he can’t flail around or scratch me to pieces while I’m trying to work.

For anyone else dealing with a cat who acts like nail trimming is the end of the world — or in Puck’s case, a cat with bonus murder mittens — I cannot recommend this enough. It’s under $10. It’s washable. It takes up almost no space.

I now consider this a cat essential. Right up there with food bowls and litter boxes.

The Bottom Line

If you have a cat that’s difficult to handle for grooming — whether it’s nails, brushing, or even giving medication — this wrap is worth every penny. It’s gentle but effective, and it might just save you from needing a second person (and a first aid kit).

You can find it here on Amazon. They have different sizes, so check which one fits your cat’s weight.

Opinion: Sometimes the best pet products are the simple ones. Not every solution needs to be high-tech or expensive. Sometimes you just need a well-designed burrito wrap and a little patience.

Martin Finally Discovered the Catlink Open-X (And the Couch is Safe!) 🎉

Remember when I mentioned my son set up that new Catlink Open-X litter box a few weeks ago? The one I won from Catlink? Well, let me tell you about the stubbornness of cats and the sweet victory of patience.

For the first couple of weeks, Martin completely ignored it. I mean, totally pretended it didn’t exist. This beautiful open-top automatic litter box just sat there, looking all fancy and unused, while Martin continued his… let’s call them “questionable” bathroom choices.

But here’s the interesting part: after weeks of ignoring his new option, Martin finally decided to give it a try. And now? He’s claimed it as his box. The open-top design is apparently more his style.

Meanwhile, his sister Martha is perfectly happy with the old closed automatic box. So now my son has two automatic boxes and two cats who’ve worked out their own little territory arrangement. Honestly? I’m not mad about it.

The best news? Since Martin started using the Catlink Open-X, he’s stopped peeing on the couch. Do you hear that? That’s the sound of one very relieved household. No more enzyme cleaner. No more surprise laundry days. Just a cat using an actual litter box like he’s supposed to.

Now, it’s not perfect. The Open-X doesn’t always clean as thoroughly as we’d like — sometimes it leaves a little behind. But my son discovered you can adjust it to the “soft stool” setting, and that seems to be helping quite a bit. A little tweaking here and there is totally worth it for a pee-free couch.

In Other Pet News…

Puck is doing really well after his dental! He’s adjusting to having his teeth brushed a couple of times a week — which is definitely a learning curve for both of us. I’m working on a full dental care routine for all the pets, and I’ll post more details about that soon.

Stanley just started a new agility class and is learning weave poles! Watching him figure them out has been so fun. More on his progress coming soon.

Also, I’ve been using AI to help me with Stanley’s VERY picky eating, and the new system is working! More about that soon as well.

Opinion: Sometimes you just have to let cats be cats. And sometimes that means having two litter boxes even if you thought one fancy automatic one would do the job. Martin taught us patience, and in return, the couch is safe. I’ll call that a win.

New Year, Same Pets (With Big Plans) 🎉🐾

I hope Santa was good to all the pets!

As we roll into 2026, I’ve been thinking about what the new year might look like for our pets — not in a “new year, new you” way, but more of a small tweaks, steady progress kind of way.

Stanley’s 2026 Goals 🐶
Stanley has a busy year ahead. The plan includes: More classes, starting with agility next week, Ongoing general manners and obedience work, More nose work, which he truly loves
And maybe — eventually — working toward his Canine Good Citizen.

While I do consider him housebroken at this point, there’s still one thing I’d really like to solve: the occasional pooping in his crate. Switching from blankets to crate pads (on a trainer’s advice) has helped, but we’re not all the way there yet.

I’m also toying with the idea of giving him an indoor potty option. I know how much he absolutely hates the cold, and winter isn’t doing either of us any favors. TBD.

Cats: A New Litter Box Experiment 🐱
The cats are doing well overall. My son is currently testing out a new open-top automatic litter box I won from Catlink — and I’m very curious to see how this goes.

The real question: will Martin (our occasional couch offender) prefer the open-top setup and have fewer “accidents”? Fingers crossed. If he approves, it could be a game changer.

Hector D. Byrd: Still Unwrapping 🎁🦜
Hector D. Byrd is doing just fine. She’s still slowly opening one of her Christmas presents — very on brand for her. New things take time, and she likes to move at her own pace. Honestly, same.

That’s where we’re starting 2026: plans in place, expectations realistic, and everyone mostly doing okay.

I’d love to know —
Do you set goals or plans for your pets in the new year, or do you just let things unfold?

Here’s to another year of learning, adjusting, and doing the best we can for the animals who run our lives. 🐾✨

Winter Pet Check-In: Everyone Is Adjusting ❄️🐾

The shorter days have officially arrived, and every pet in the house seems to have noticed — even the ones with lights, heaters, and very strong opinions.

Hector: Sleeping In & Eating Her Veggies 🦜
Hector is clearly in winter mode. Some mornings she’s still asleep when I get up, which always feels strange since she’s usually awake and supervising my morning routine. But it’s normal for parrots to slow down this time of year, and she seems perfectly content.

The Dragon: Seasonal Preferences & Sink Baths 🦎
The dragon is also reacting to the shorter daylight, even with her tank lights on. I don’t fully understand how she knows, but she absolutely does.
She had been eating so well that I placed a big online bug order — dubia roaches, hornworms, and phoenix worms. She got through most of them, but it was a struggle. Lately, the only bug she really seems excited about is super worms. Not ideal as a main staple, but I’ll take it. She’s still eating those and her veggies, which matters most.

One highlight? She has been loving her kitchen sink baths lately. Very relaxed. Very splashy.

Cats: Grooming Battles & A Smart Litter Box Move 🐱
The cats are mostly doing fine. Bean remains a pain to groom, but I tackle that when I have to. Neither of us enjoys it, but it’s necessary.

Martin, however, surprised everyone. He’s the cat who sometimes chooses the couch over the litter box. With two boxes, he’s been doing pretty well, though mishaps still happen occasionally. The other night, Martin woke my son up at 4am and led him straight to the litter box. My son isn’t sure what was wrong, but he cleaned it, added fresh litter, and (wisely) covered the couch. The next morning? No surprises on the couch. I’m honestly amazed that Martin was uncomfortable enough — and smart enough — to wake him up and communicate that something wasn’t right instead of defaulting to old habits.

Stanley: Cold Weather Standoffs & Indoor Wins 🐶
Stanley is fine… except for the cold. He hates it. And he has no interest in pooping outside once winter hits. The routine usually goes like this:
He asks to go out, pees, comes back in restless, pesters me, asks to go out again… repeat until he finally decides the cold is worth it. Jackets sometimes help. Sometimes they don’t. The only accidents he’s having are in his crate, so overall, he’s doing pretty well.

On the bright side, he started a nose work class, and he’s loving it. Right now we’re working on “find it,” where he searches through cardboard boxes to locate a hidden treat. He’s doing really well and clearly enjoys the work — and it’s such a great indoor activity for winter.

We’re also still practicing agility and tricks inside. He’s mastered weaving through my legs and rolling over, so now I need some new ideas. If you have favorite tricks to teach, I’m all ears.

Holiday Mode 🎄
All the pets’ stockings are officially filled for Christmas, because of course they are!

Now I’m curious — do you buy gifts for your pets, or skip it entirely? No judgment either way, but I love hearing what other people do.

Opinion: Winter pet care is less about perfection and more about flexibility. If everyone is eating, learning, and mostly behaving, I’m calling it a win.

Share a comment with how you are coping with winter and pets.

Cooler Weather, Agility Adventures, and a Healthy Flock

Life’s been busy as usual around here, and Stanley is definitely not a fan of the shift in seasons. The cooler weather has him frustrated and confused—he wants to go outside and soak up the sun, only to discover it’s cold. So he asks to go out… then immediately back in… then out again. All. Day. Long.

Potty Progress
Despite the weather struggles, Stanley has been doing great with potty training! We’ve had a couple of poops on the potty pad in his crate, but they weren’t surprises—they happened on days when our schedule was off and I only had time for a quick walk before leaving him alone. Overall? No random accidents in the house. I’ll take it as a win!

Dog Fitness Class: Wrapping Up
Stanley is finishing up his dog fitness class this week. It’s been fine—not amazing, but helpful. He’s learned how to:

Step onto a platform with front feet
Shift to just back feet
Back up over the platform
Sit, lie down, spin both ways, and pivot with his front feet on the board
Not groundbreaking, but a solid foundation!

Puppy Agility: A New Favorite

Now for the exciting part—we started puppy agility, and Stanley LOVES it. He was brave with the tunnels from day one, and he’s completely obsessed with the jumps. The class just started but runs for several more weeks, and I’m really excited to see how he grows with it.We even have agility jumps and weave poles set up at home now! I’m hoping indoor agility sessions will help burn off some of that endless puppy energy this winter when walks are short and the backyard is freezing.

Cat Update: Martin’s Doing Great
In other happy news, my son’s cat Martin seems to be over the hump with his urinary issues—knock on wood! Since my son added a second litter box, Martin has been consistently using it without problems. They had three boxes for a while, but the two cats were just using two of them anyway, so scaling back to two has worked well. I’m so relieved for my son—and for Martin!

Hector’s Vet Check & Diet Update
Our sweet African Grey, Hector, had her regular vet check-up last week, and I’m thrilled to report she’s doing great! She loves the vet and is such a good girl for him. She even made me laugh out loud in the car—when I put her in, she said, “We go where?” She’s never strung those words together before!

At the vet’s office, she asked “What?!” at exactly the right moment, and we all cracked up. Her weight is steady, and overall health is great. Because she’s now 32 years old, the vet wants to continue seeing her every six months to monitor her closely—birds are prey animals and often hide illness, so frequent check-ups help us stay proactive.
The vet is keeping her on her “special” diet:
Low-carb, aside from her Zupreem Fruit Blend pellets
Limited nuts
Mostly vegetables, including:
Dried veggie mixes from Texas Naturals and Avian Naturals
Mixed with frozen veggies, baby food, and canned pumpkin,(favorite!)

It’s a little extra effort, but worth it to keep her feeling her best. Both Texas Naturals and Avian Naturals have great dried veggie mixes to add some variety to Hector’s diet while still keeping food prep really simple.

The Dragon Update: Craving Variety
Our bearded dragon has been doing well overall. The other day, I caught her trying to eat a GIANT Dubia roach that was crawling in her tank. It was way too big, so I’ve ordered her a fresh batch of smaller feeders. Lately, she’s only been eating mealworms and some veggies, so I wanted to spice up her options. I’ve got Hornworms, Dubia roaches, and Calci-worms (black soldier fly larvae) on the way. Fingers crossed that a little variety gets her excited about mealtime again!

Regarding the giant Dubia in her tank… her tank is bioactive, meaning it is full of insects, isopods, springtails, meal worms, and yes some Dubia that have escaped the food dish. The insects basically live unseen, but they keep the soil healthy, the plants thriving, and the tank clean. Old veggies that the dragon doesn’t want feed the insects, it’s a great, thriving little ecosystem.

That’s the latest from our little zoo—cool weather, agility gear, chatty parrots, picky dragons, and one very confused sun-loving puppy. 🐾🦜🦎