October 14 - Pet Obesity Day

Pet obesity is big problem for pets all over the world, but unfortunately, many people are unaware that their pets are obese. Due to this issue, the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) created National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, which falls on the second Wednesday of October each year. The organization’s mission is to spread awareness about pet obesity, so it shares resources to teach people and pet parents what they can do to help obese pets and prevent pet obesity from occurring.

What can a Pet Pawrent Do?

Identify if your pet is obese -- Check to see if your pet is at a normal weight. Weigh your pet and compare the measurement to their breed and age, or check out the free resources that APOP provides. It’s important to know when your pet’s weight might lead to a medical problem.

Take your pet for a walk (if possible) -- The walk will be beneficial for both you and your pet and will provide your pet with activity and help maintain their weight. Aim to make it a daily habit.

Help your pet exercise -- Another easy way to celebrate Pet Obesity Awareness Day is to have your pet exercise. Try to motivate them to move around in whichever way you find suitable. If you can, run with your pet, play with them, or engage in a fun activity that can keep you both stimulated. For everyone’s benefit, begin slowly and progressively increase the intensity over time.

Review your pet’s diet with a vet -- As one of the main reasons that pets get obese is a poor diet, celebrate this day by reviewing your pet’s diet with a vet and providing your furry friend with only healthy snacks

Spread awareness about pet obesity -- Finally, you can celebrate this day by spreading awareness about pet obesity and helping people around you understand how big of an issue it is.

October 12 is Canadian Thanksgiving!

 

Some Canadian Thanksgiving Trivia!

Canadian Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the second Monday in October, earlier than the American Thanksgiving, which is held in November. Since 1971 it has coincided with Columbus Day in the U.S.

The first Thanksgiving feast in the U.S. was held in 1621 when the Pilgrims celebrated their harvest. However, the Americans did not invent Thanksgiving. English navigator Martin Frobisher held a celebration of thanks in 1578 in what is now Newfoundland as he had survived the long journey over the seas.

There are 80 cranberry farms in B.C. with many destined for the Thanksgiving table, and while it is doubtful cranberries were served at the first Thanksgiving meals, the indigenous people used them for cooking and dyeing and introduced them to the pilgrims.

We want to invite you over for our feast!

Would you like Turkey or Fish or both?

October 4 is World Animal Day And St Francis Day

 World Animal Day on October 4 is all about recognizing the vital role animals play in our lives, our companions, working partners, wildlife, and the beings who share our planet. It’s a global call to celebrate, protect, and advocate for their well‑being. 

For the pet‑blogging community, it’s a natural fit: sharing stories that highlight compassion, posting educational content about responsible care, amplifying rescue groups, showcasing adoptable pets, or even creating themed art and badges that inspire others to get involved. Bloggers can turn their platforms into little beacons of kindness - reminding readers that every act of care, no matter how small, contributes to a world where animals are valued and protected.

The birds are flying south already and they are denuding the trees of all the nuts and fruit. What we can do is support our Overwintering Birds. Birds have highly active metabolisms and require calorie-dense food to maintain their body heat in extreme cold, especially when natural nut and fruit yields have failed. What We are doing at our house:

Provide High-Calorie Foods

Fill feeders with black oil sunflower seeds, shelled peanuts, and high-quality suet blocks. Suet and peanuts offer the dense fats and protein necessary for birds to survive freezing nights.

Offer a Clean Water Source

Finding liquid water can be harder for birds than finding food in freezing temperatures. Consider using a heated birdbath or an immersion heater to keep a shallow water source from freezing.

Maintain Feeder Hygiene: 

Because many birds will crowd around the remaining food sources, clean your feeders bi-weekly with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) to prevent the spread of avian diseases.

St Francis Day

Many churches in Canada celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4 each year. The feast commemorates the life of St Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment. It is a popular day for pets to be “blessed”.

The world has been celebrating St Francis since 1228 when Pope Gregory IX pronounced St Francis a saint - That is 798 years ago! The pope also laid the foundation stone for the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, Italy. The church, also known as Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, is a UNESCO world heritage site.