by Pam Ranheim | Dec 23, 2020 | dog hiking, dog walking, dogs, pet care, Plymouth MA
Well, 2020, you have been REAL, but we can’t say that we are sorry to see you go… Thanks for the tough lessons but now it’s time to level up and set ourselves and (most importantly) our dogs up for success in 2021! Getting intentional about how you can improve your dog’s quality of life, increase their day to day enjoyment, and strengthen your relationship is what it’s all about as we head into the New Year. So how the heck do you set resolutions for your dog you ask? Not to worry! We have broken down 5 pawesome New Year’s resolutions for your dog and given you ways to follow through to make them happen all year long.
1. Exercise 5 Times A Week
Whether your pup could stand to lose a few pounds, or you just want to improve their overall health increasing the amount of exercise your dog receives is the way to go! Exercise outside of the home provides mental stimulation, helps to maintain a healthy digestive and circulatory system, and makes them a happier more well-rounded pup. Tired of the same old walking routine with your dog? Try spicing up your exercise schedule with one of these:
- Go for a hike
- Bring them along on a leisurely bike ride
- Head to the beach for a swim
- Play Fetch
- Give skating a try (Inline skating, rollerblading, or skateboarding)
Dog getting an annual vet exam
2. Schedule Annual Physical
Our pets can’t talk (well not in English anyway) to let us know that their teeth are bothering them or that their hips are aching. Fortunately, having your pet seen for an annual exam helps to identify those hard to detect issues and so much more. In a nose to tail exam a vet will be able to detect small problems before they escalate and become serious issues. When health issues are caught early they are often easier to resolve, less expensive, and allow your pet to avoid any intense pain that may have come with late detection. Everything from eyes and skin to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart will be checked at their appointment. Aside from the full physical exam there are also a few other perks to having your pet seen by a veterinarian.
- Nail clipping by a pro (you may have to ask)
- Up to date on Rabies and other vaccines (required for a License)
- Set up on heartworm prevention
- Updated flea and tick treatment for the year
- Microchipping (discuss your options)
Having an annual physical is the way to go. Keep your pet’s health first and schedule their appointment with your local vet today.
3. More Playdates, Please!
Socialization for our pups is a key component to a happy life. Just because our dog gets to see us every day (sometimes all day) does not mean they are being fulfilled socially. Playtime with other dogs is important to giving them a well-rounded personality and life. Playdates are more than great exercise; they teach our pups how to behave in public, providing far more mental stimulation than just snuggling on the couch every night. Socialization will boost your dog’s confidence with each new interaction. Enjoy having people over? By exposing them to other people, places, and dogs they will be better behaved when you have parties or friends and family over to the house. Here are 5 examples of playdates for your pup:
- Go for a walk with a human friend
- Doggy Daycare!
- Meet up with a friend and their dog on the beach or at a local trail (click here or here to find dog-friendly trails in Plymouth, MA)
- Hit the dog park
- Enjoy dinner at an outdoor, pet friendly restaurant
All this socialization will make your dog well adjusted for most any situation.
Group dog training
4. Join A Class/ Activity Group
We all enjoy learning a new skill or joining a hobby group like a book club or knitting group. Why not give your dog the same opportunity to expand their abilities or practice something they enjoy in a group setting? Many dogs enjoy the challenge of training not to mention the bonding time gained. Experts also recommend a training refresher course every 2 years. Here are 3 pawesome opportunities to develop a new skill or enjoy some of their favorite activities in 2021.
- Enroll in a weekly hiking group. Just Around the Corner offers group hiking up to 5 days a week Monday-Friday in Plymouth, MA. Now accepting new hiking clients.
- Obedience training. Whatever their skill level in the training department there is a class that can help your dog grow and thrive.
- Swim class. If your dog enjoys the water have them attend a class that allows them to enjoy it in the best way for them such as dock diving, water rescue training, or swim lessons.
5. Increase Bonding
We all have those relationships in our lives that we work to make a priority day in and day out. The relationship with our pets is one that should go at the top of that list. Much like a spouse, when the bond of a dog and their owner is strong the whole household runs smoother, am I right? Try these 7 tips to grow your bond and strengthen the relationship you have with your pet.
- Remain Calm: Breathe, speak softly, avoid sharp movements and yelling.
- Physical Affection: Belly rubs, booty scratches, ear massage, add your pet’s favorite spot!
- Do things together: Go for a walk downtown, grab an ice cream, take a drive.
- Communicate Clearly: Give directions they understand and only give one command at a time.
- Special treatment: add some extra love to their food with something delicious and dog safe.
- Learn more about them: Take note of what they like/dislike, activities they enjoy, and where they feel most comfortable.
- Educate yourself: Spend some time learning more about your dog’s breed(s) to know the best ways to exercise, groom and take care of them.
Dog paw and human hand
Pets are part of the family and we believe in treating them like family. Take some time to choose and set a few of our 5 New Year’s resolutions for your dog. Not only will these resolutions benefit your pup they will positively impact your entire household. When every member of the family is at their best and being appreciated for all they bring to the table 2021 cannot be anything but great!
Ensure that your pets are taken care of this holiday season with Just Around the Corner. Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
by Pam Ranheim | Dec 9, 2020 | pet care, pet lovers, pets, Plymouth MA, shelter animals
We all have those friends or family members that are just as obsessed with their pets as we are, right? For the pet lovers in your life we have put together 10 gifts that will support small businesses local to Plymouth, MA and have you nailing the gift giving game for all your pet obsessed friends! Something local? Check. Something useful? Check. Something beautiful? Check. Something funny? Check. Something heartfelt? Check, CHECK! Without further ado here is JAC’s 2020 Gift Guide for Pet Lovers.
Doggspot blanket from Doggspot Designs
1. Doggspot Blanket from Doggspot Designs
Doggspot Designs creates fashions for your dog right here in Plymouth, including this blanket that every dog (and even cat) owner should have at least 1 of! Doggspot blankets are both stylish and multifunctional. Cover any piece of furniture (various sizes available) with these washable coverings meant to protect your beautiful decor while providing a cozy spot for you and your pet. Whether you need something to wrap up in or are tired of cleaning pet hair off your couch 24/7 (who’s with me?!) Doggspots offers both! One side is cozy and soft for snuggling, the other is a durable and pet mess resistant material with a chic pattern. The best part is they wash super easy and remain intact. Don’t miss out on giving the ultimate pet lover’s gift this holiday season, give a Doggspot blanket! SHOP ONLINE HERE
Pet Friendly CBD products from Green Apothecary
2. CBD oils and treats from Green Apothecary
As a pet owner myself one of the most important things to me is making sure my Lola Bear is happy and healthy. This means both mentally and physically. Pets experience anxiety, aches, and pains just like we do. The growing market of CBD oils and infused treats have been a gift in and of themselves to the pet community. From stress of firework explosions to chronic hip pain CBD products help to ease both pain and anxiety in our fur babies. Green Apothecary is a licensed retail store with a wealth of knowledge on these products, their benefits, and what you can expect from them. Consider gifting out of the box for those pet lovers whose fur babies may be needing something a little different this year. Learn more here.
Just Around the Corner Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Gift Certificate
3. Just Around the Corner Gift Certificate
Having reliable pet care is an essential part of being a pet owner. Putting our fur baby in the care of someone else is a BIG deal whether for an afternoon dog walk or a week of visits while away. Just Around the Corner has been in business for over 12 years providing the highest level of quality pet care the South Shore has to offer, 365 days a year. Whether the pet lover in your life is currently a JAC client or would be new to the family, a gift certificate to JAC is like giving the gift of peace of mind to pet lovers AND their pets! To purchase a gift certificate email: [email protected]
Welcome mat from Locally, Yours
4. “Embrace the Dog Hair It’s Everywhere” Welcome Mat from Locally, Yours
Okay, this is exactly the message I want to send as people enter my home! For two reasons, ONE it puts it all out there before they walk into the impressive amount of dog hair that is in my home (no matter home much I clean) so there are no surprises and TWO it is a mantra to live by! “Embrace the dog hair it’s everywhere” will have your pet loving friends laughing and smiling each time they enter their home or welcome guests into their lovely pet friendly abode. This adorable shop in Village Landing Marketplace, Locally Yours has gifts that will cover folks on your list well beyond pet lovers so be sure to check them out this holiday and shop local! Click here to visit their website.
Handmade stained-glass paw print ornaments from Made It!
5. Paw Print Ornament from Made It!
Everyone loves a beautiful ornament, and a locally handmade, stained glass ornament that represents a love of animals takes it to the next level. Available in numerous colors so you can represent every pet with their very own ornament. Give something with a little sentimental value this holiday and add that special touch to your friends’ Christmas display with one of these gorgeous stained-glass paw prints. Made It! is a locally owned shop on the waterfront in Plymouth, MA. They are a hub for all things artistic and local, selling one-of-a-kind pieces from over 100 U.S. based artists. Another must see shop for your holiday gift buying right here in Plymouth! Click HERE to learn more about Made It!.
Love paw print tote from Sea Bags
6. LOVE (paw print) tote from Sea Bags
Sea Bags makes and sells handcrafted totes and accessories made from recycled sails out of Portland, ME. Their shop can now be found right here in Plymouth in their new location on the gorgeous Plymouth Waterfront. Every pet parent needs a durable tote bag so why not give them one that represents their love of animals with this LOVE paw print design. Sea Bags offers a variety of other sizes and styles from nautical to seasonal themes. Another shop that just might be able to check off more than the pet lovers on your list! Check out their products HERE!
Santa Paws wooden sign from Rustic Marlin
7. Santa Paws Sign from Rustic Marlin
The Rustic Marlin is a locally owned and operated business on the South Shore that specializes in rustic décor. They are most famous for their unique wooden signs for pretty much any occasion, location, or style you could think of. Their Santa Paws sign with hanging twine is the perfect gift for the dog lovers in your life. At 6”x11” it’s a great size to hang on the front door or even over the doghouse. Who doesn’t love festive dog centered décor?! If you want something that can stay on display year-round consider their Love Paw Print sign or Dog American Flag. They offer a customizable option as well but if you are hoping to get something specially made and under the tree for Christmas time is running out! Not to worry, there are always birthdays, anniversaries, and even next year for that option. To view all the awesome products Rustic Marlin has to offer click here.
Pet Supplies Plus Gift Card
8. Pet Supplies Plus Gift Card
Sometimes you just get lucky and find a shop that has too many pawesome gifts that you can’t possibly choose just one! Pet Supplies Plus, located off exit 6 in Plymouth, has everything a pet owner could ever need and so much more. This is THE stop to make if your pet loving pal has an affinity for more uncommon pets such as fish, birds, bunnies, reptiles, etc. With such a variety to choose from we recommend a gift card to this locally owned franchise. Shop online or in store. Click here to find out more about what Pet Supplies Plus has to offer.
Max & Molly Matrix Ultra LED for dog collars. Purchase at Papa’s Pets Supply
9. Max & Molly Matrix Ultra LED at Papa’s Pets Supply
Papa’s Pet Supply is stocked full of items any pet lover would die for, but the Max & Molly Matrix Ultra LED is a product that goes above and beyond a dog owner dreams! This is an LED light is for your dog’s collar. It is waterproof, USB charged, and the light lasts for up to 13 hours! If (God forbid) your dog gets loose this bright light could be their saving grace. Here in New England the short days come quick, using the Matrix Ultra LED will ensure visibility as dog owners and their pups go for an evening stroll in complete darkness. It is basically the coolest thing ever! ANY gift bought from Papa’s Pets Supply Store is a gift that gives back! 100% of store profits go directly to funding their in-house animal shelter, which makes this a double whammy — a gift, and giving back to the community rolled into one! You can also donate to them directly. Learn more about Papa’s Pets Supply and their animal shelter here.
10. DONATE to a local shelter
If you are looking to give a gift that will have an impact going far beyond a present on Christmas consider making a donation to a local shelter in the name of the pet lover on your list this year. 2020 has been hard for us humans but it has not been easy for the millions of homeless pets in America either. Your donation could mean meals for starving animals, a second chance at life for some, a safe and warm place to sleep for others. Consider a donation to Friends of the Plymouth Pound, to Helping Hands for the Plymouth Animal Shelter or to Papa’s Pets right here in Plymouth. If you are really hoping to knock it out of the park with your gift this is the way to do it. A thoughtful gesture like this would bring any pet lover to tears of joy, so make your donation today.
There you have it! 10 local gift ideas for the pet lovers in your life. Supporting local is more important than ever this holiday season. With every small business purchase, you are helping to keep a business’s door open, a dream alive, and put food on the table of a neighbor. Make the holidays merry and bright for businesses in your town and choose to shop small for everyone on your list.
Ensure that your pets are taken care of this holiday season with Just Around the Corner. Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
by Pam Ranheim | Dec 3, 2020 | birds, cats, dog walking, dogs, pet care, pet sitting, pets, Plymouth MA
Let me ask you something…What is your peace of mind worth to you this holiday season? What if I told you that hiring a pet sitter would not only add to your peace of mind but check off some pretty big “to do’s” on your list not just one day but as many days as you need it! As the days get shorter and the lists get longer “peace of mind” seems to fly out the window for most of us as we go full throttle into the merry mayhem. All the while our pets just sit lovingly by and let it happen. Hiring a professional pet sitter is the greatest gift you can give your pet this year. Whatever your circumstances, there is always room for pet centered peace of mind.
What does your holiday season look like?
- Working from home
- Day Trip(s)
- Checking off your “to do” list
- Weekend getaway
- Long Workdays (out of the home)
- Simply not enough hours in the day
The holidays can be stressful but the care for your pet does not have to add to the strain. You may think pet sitting is only for when you are away on vacation or on a long holiday; hiring a pet sitter can actually transform your holiday season even if you never leave town! If you are like me, you have a to do list that is a mile long: gifts to buy, meals to prep, a house to decorate. Let’s not forget your non-holiday duties -ahem- work, clean the house, rake the leaves, help the kids, walk the dog, feed the cat, *DEEP BREATH* dinners to cook, work outs to do, friends to see, even if only on zoom…the list really does go on and on! So, we plan, make our to do lists, and then we divi up tasks, right? You give the “clean house” item to a professional, check. You’ve started letting someone else do the grocery shopping with that easy breezy “pick up” option, check. Now you can graciously give away the time consuming and repetitive pet duties to free up time for more fur baby snuggles! Don’t be a stressed-out pet parent this holiday. Just Around the Corner is here to do what we do best, take care of your pets!
JAC employee feeding a cat and dog treats.
JAC Facts
- We operate 365 days a year to be there for your pets whenever you need us!
- Visit times start as early as 7:00am and can be as late as 9:00pm and anything in between.
- Our pricing is based on the visit length, we charge the same for 1 pet as we do for 5 pets.
- Visit length options are 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 1-hour
- Our scheduling is 100% customizable for you and your pets needs.
Ex. Up early and out of the house all day? How does this sound…
- 7:00am visit to feed your pets and take the pup(s) for a walk (1- hour visit)
- 11:00am-1:00pm visit to walk the dog (45 min visit)
- 4:00-6:00pm visit for a let out in the backyard and dinner served to the dog(s) and cat(s). Just in time for you to come home from work and relax.
Check out JAC FAQ here.
JAC cat client waiting for their breakfast to be served.
Customize Your Pet Care
Just Around the Corner offers customizable pet care options to create a sustainable schedule that works for both you and your pet(s). Whether you need early morning visits, have 4 dogs, your chickens need tending for the weekend or you are away on vacation and need 5 visits a day for a week, JAC has you covered! Below you will find 3 custom pet care schedule examples. Please note these are only 3 of hundreds of ways to establish visit schedules for your pets that are tailored to the needs of you and your furry family.
The Working-from-Home Dog Walk
- 8:00am 1 hour visit to take the dog out for a nice walk to start the day and ensure they will sleep a good portion of it while you work.
- 12:00pm 30 minute visit for an easy stroll around the neighborhood so you can enjoy your full lunchbreak without having to tend the dog.
- 4:00pm 1 hour visit to take the dogs out for a nice walk followed by serving their dinner. This way when 5 o’clock hits you can settle in for the evening and just relax.
Long Days out of the home with Cats and Dogs
- 7:00am 45 minute visit. Feed the cats and dogs. Then take the pups for a nice morning walk. (adjustable start time depending on when you leave the house)
- 12:00pm 30 minute visit for lots of loving and play time for everyone!
- 4:00pm 45 minute visit. Feed cats and dogs. Walk the dogs.
- 9:00pm 30 minute visit. Provide love and affection to all before they settle in to bed and mom/dad get home.
Day Trips with Kitties
- 9:00am 30 minute visit to refresh water and food as well as play and give lots of love.
- 4:00pm 30 minute visit to feed dinner, play, and clean litter boxes.
- You are home by 10:00pm and don’t have a single thing you need to do regarding the kitties except snuggle and tell them how much you missed them!
JAC group dog hiking clients enjoying a rest.
Benefits of a holiday season with JAC
- Happier Pets
- Great exercise for your dog(s)
- Extra love and play for your pets
- Pet meals served on schedule, even if you are not home
- Less stress for you
- Less stress for your pets
- Peace of mind as often as you need it
- More time for YOU to do what you need to this holiday season!
Whatever your life looks like this time of year there is a pet care option that will make you and your pet’s life merry and bright! Ensure that your pets are taken care of this holiday season with Just Around the Corner. Schedule your pet care visits with us today and head into the holidays with peace of mind and very merry pets!
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
by Pam Ranheim | Nov 19, 2020 | dogs, pets, Plymouth MA, puppy
Thanksgiving is almost here and while you are planning out your feast or what to bring this year don’t forget about the dogs in your life! Whether you are hosting or joining, if pups will be in attendance these three dog safe recipes are a MUST for your furry friends this holiday. While yummy scraps of people-food are usually well received, they are not always the safest or healthiest for our pets. Our pets have offered us comfort, therapy, and companionship in, dare I say, the wildest year to date. The least we can do is give them the Thanksgiving meal of their doggy dreams!
Our 3 Course Menu:
Appetizer: Sweet Potato Chews
Main Course: Turkey Meatloaf
Dessert: Pumpkin Pie
Click on each link to download a printable recipe card, or click here to get all three: 3 Dog Friendly Recipes
Sweet Potato Chews
Both heathy and satisfying, these sweet potato appetizer chews are the perfect way to start a Thanksgiving meal made for a king/queen, and with only 3 ingredients prep is super easy. The primary ingredient, sweet potatoes, are an excellent source of vitamin A, known to promote healthy skin, coat, eyes, nerves, and muscles in dogs. As well as rich in vitamin B, C, potassium, and calcium to name a few! Healthy and delicious is a winning combination for anyone, especially our pets. These sweet treats will whet your dog’s whistle before they even come out of the oven.
Dog Friendly Sweet Potato Chew ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- Cinnamon (to sprinkle, optional)
Note: Double or reduce this recipe based on your dog’s size and appetite.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
- Slice sweet potatoes length wise about ¼” thick. Cut strips in half for smaller treats.
- Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Place sweet potatoes on a cookie sheet (I prefer a cookie sheet over a bowl) to toss in olive oil. Each strip should be coated thoroughly but not standing in olive oil.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon (If desired, they are yummy with or without it!)
- Bake for 2.5 – 3 hours. (The long cook time is what makes these chews tougher and longer lasting the way our dogs like it.)
- Let cool. Then serve!
- Store in airtight storage container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or freeze for up to 4 months.
Get the recipe card for this delicious doggy appetizer here!
Dog Friendly Sweet Potato Chews
Turkey Meatloaf for dogs
Introducing the star doggy dish this holiday, Turkey Meatloaf for dogs! This main course is the “feel good food” your dog has been waiting their entire life for! This recipe is great for dogs with sensitive systems or who are allergy prone. From protein to plant-based nutrients this health-conscious meal is one that every dog owner/friend can get behind. Edible for humans and cats too!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 8 oz. peas or chopped green beans (whichever you have on hand is great!)
- 3 large carrots, diced
- 1 apple, diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Mix ALL ingredients together in a large bowl with your hands. Like meatloaf, you do not want to over work the meat. Using your hands will make combining all ingredients quicker and easier.
- Scoop mixture into your pan of choice. I used a loaf pan, same as when I make meatloaf for the humans in my life. A muffin tin is great for a smaller snack size turkey feast or for smaller dogs. Whatever pan you choose, be sure to adjust your cook time accordingly. (see below)
- Time to bake!
- Loaf pan 60 minutes
- Muffin tin 35 minutes
- Let cool before serving and store leftovers in an airtight container. Leftovers should last up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Want a FREE downloadable recipe card for this dog friendly deliciousness? Click here
Dog Friendly Turkey Meatloaf
Dog approved Pumpkin Pie
No meal is complete without dessert, even for your dog! Now you and your pup can enjoy pumpkin pie together. These canine approved pumpkin pies are both adorable and enjoyable. I made them in regular size muffin tins, but for the tiny pups in your life consider using a mini muffin tin for manageability and increased quantity. Happy Turkey Day to all you fur babies out there. Show your parents some extra post-Thanksgiving meal snuggles when you finish off this lip-smacking third and final course.
Pie Crust
- 1 cup Almond flour (can substitute Whole-wheat flour, note it is not GF)
- 4 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 6 Tbsp. cold water
Pie Filling
- 6 oz pumpkin puree
- 1 Tsp. ground cinnamon
- pinch ground ginger
- Greek yogurt (to dollop on top)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Combine almond flour and coconut oil into a food processor and pulse until mixed. Add water slowly until dough holds together.
- Once dough is consistent divide into 4 even sections and roll into 3 ½” rounds.
- Place dough into a parchment lined muffin tin. Use a fork to mold edges of the dough as desired.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking your crust, combine pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, and ginger into mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Removed the cooked crusts from oven and let cool.
- Once your crusts have cooled remove them from the muffin tin.
- Spoon your filling evenly into each pie shell.
- Pop back in the oven for 5 minutes to give it that warm pumpkin pie taste.
- Remove from oven, add a delicious dollop of Greek yogurt to the top and VOILA! Dessert is served for your deserving pup.
Click here for a FREE recipe card to this sweet treat!
Pet Friendly Pumpkin Pie
Become the canine favorite this Thanksgiving!
There you have it, a three course Thanksgiving meal for the deserving dogs in your life. These recipes will keep them safe and satisfied to reduce the pleading for the potentially hazardous human trimmings we all love so much. Don’t miss your chance to be the holiday favorite of all the fur babies this year!
Have dog friendly recipes of your own? Share a recipe (or the link) you love making for your pets in the comments below! Excited to try out our recipes? Let us know what you think! Which recipe will your dog be drooling over this year?
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Lola Bear ready for MORE of her Dog Friendly Thanksgiving recipes!
by Pam Ranheim | Nov 11, 2020 | dog hiking, dog walking, dogs, Plymouth MA
Life is certainly different these days and our furry companions have been there for us every step of the way. What would we do without them?! With everything that is on your plate let Just Around the Corner ensure your dog gets the exercise, socialization, and enjoyment they deserve through our group dog hiking program. Whether you are working from home, hitting the office, navigating the wild world of virtual schooling, or some combination of these you can take “exercise and socialize the dog” off your to-do list. Instead enjoy your happy, tuckered out, pup without ever leaving the house.
Four reasons to enroll your dog in a hiking program
1. Exercise
Our group hiking program is an hour-long hike spent fully committed to exploring the beautiful trails Plymouth, Ma has to offer. (learn more about trails in Plymouth in our blogs about hiking trails here and here) Keeping a steady pace is sure to give your dog the exercise they long for. The dogs experience both physical and mental exertion from the endless new scents to the ever-changing terrain. Exercise is a crucial component to any dog’s life no matter their age and can even increase their life span. These are just a few of the jaw dropping benefits of exercise.
Benefits of exercise
- Positive for overall health
- Reduce the risks of heart disease, nasty infections, and even depression
- Keep obesity at bay
- Stimulate healthy joints, for ultimately fewer visits to the vet
- Improve behavioral problems
- Lessen chewing and other “bored” behaviors
- Build confidence
Group of 4 dogs out for a hike with JAC dog walker in Plymouth, MA
2. Socialization
Socialization is a wonderful way to build your dog’s confidence. Meeting a new person and building trust with them will expand your dog’s “social circle” which lessens fears and apprehension they may be carrying. Likewise, while hiking they will meet the other dogs in their group allowing them to hang out and play in ways that might not be appropriate at home. Once they have been matched with a group of dogs this will become their “hiking family” week after week. This can help to lessen the alpha dog mentality they may have, making them a happier more well-rounded pup.
3. Car Ride
Is anyone else’s dog OBSESSED with riding in the car? For many of our furry friends the car ride to and from their daily hike is the best part of the group hiking experience. The journey to pick up each of their four-legged pals is like Christmas morning! “Who will we pick up next and where will we go?”, they wonder! The excitement builds until everyone has been picked up and they head to their trail of the day. Imagine your dog feeling so fancy as they are chauffeured around town before landing at the trail of their doggy dreams. Then they hit the ground running with a few of their closest friends! Sounds like doggy heaven to us. We end the hike, of course, with a car ride to return the dogs home safe, sound, and ready for a nap!
JAC mascot, Quinn, ready for his first group dog hike in Plymouth, MA
4. Time Saver
Are you managing working from home, visits to the office, and remote learning, never mind the duties that come along with running a household and keeping everyone under your roof happy and healthy? There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to give the family dog the exercise and socialization outside of the home they deserve. JAC is here to ease the stress of one more thing on your to-do list. Enjoy the happy, tuckered out, post-hike pup and the peace of mind of knowing your dog received the exercise they needed without the stress of squeezing it in.
How the JAC Hiking Program Works
All hiking groups are not the same, and each one has its own way to enroll a new dog. Just Around the Corner takes extreme care and attention to match each of our clients with the perfect group for their dog. These are the 5 simple steps you can expect in our enrolling process:
- Phone Intake: Discuss your dog, their characteristics, temperament, and other prequalifying questions.
- Meet & Greet For new clients and clients who will need to meet a new Dog Hiker.
- Schedule 2-3 one hour long solo walks with the hiker only.
- Match with the group that best works for your dog’s temperament and physical ability.
- Start your dog’s group hiking. Enroll 1-5 days a week based on your preference, same days each week.
*Due to COVID-19 we are currently keeping the groups small, 2-3 dogs per group
JAC employee with a dog hiking group in Plymouth, MA
Ready to sign your dog up for hiking?
Does hiking sounds like it would ease some of the stress of your daily life while making a positive and healthy choice for your pup? Could your dog use more exercise daily/weekly? If your dog exhibits the following traits group hiking might be just the thing for your them:
- Leash trained
- Friendly with other dogs
- Free of any significant health risks
- Rides in the car with ease
If you are ready for your dog to experience the exercise and socialization they desire while saving time, then it is time to enroll your four legged friend. Call 508-245-1389 to start your dog’s group hiking intake today!
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
by Pam Ranheim | Nov 4, 2020 | pets, Plymouth MA, shelter animals
Have you ever helped an animal shelter in your area? Maybe you have thought about it but volunteering, adopting, and fostering are not feasible for you right now. Not to worry! We have come up with 5 ways, no matter your circumstances, that every single person can help a local animal shelter without breaking the bank, taking up an enormous amount of time or requiring a long-term commitment! These 5 simple things will allow you to support a shelter near you, keep the spirits up of both the animals and the workers, and see that these more than deserving pets receive the care and love they deserve! Download our 5 Ways to Help a Shelter infographic to share with friends and get the word out about how they can help.
1. Do your part at home
You can make a positive impact on your local shelter by taking proper care and precautions with your own pets at home! Make sure your dog or cat is always properly outfitted with collars and identification (ID tags/microchipping) to keep pets who have loving homes out of shelters. It is crucial to give room for the animals who truly need a haven. Having your pet spayed or neutered is also a key component to avoiding overrun shelters. The more manageable the number of pets at a shelter the better care the animals will receive and ultimately aid them in becoming adopted into their forever home. Do your part at home, and feel good knowing you are helping local shelters while doing it!
2. Give household items
There are things right under your nose at home that would make any shelter feel like it is Christmas morning!
- Non-toxic cleaning supplies is something they can never have enough of. Think about how much you use it with your pets at home, accidents in the house, muddy paws, slobbery licks on whatever they can get their mouths on, while always worth it of course, the list of messy clean ups could go on forever.
- Towels and blankets are another thing that our furry friends could always use more of. For safety and health reasons the types of crates and containment spaces shelters use can be cold and uninviting. A towel or blanket that has sat at the back of your closet for years could become the comfort an animal needs to keep their spirits up.
3. Engage their Social Media
Yep, love it or hate it, you can help a shelter in a BIG way just by engaging their social platforms. Social media has a HUGE impact on people, communities, and businesses. Find your local shelter’s Facebook page, Instagram handle, or even their website and ENGAGE! Especially in the world we are living today, COVID-19, Social Media is one of the best ways a shelter can get information out about animals up for adoption, their greatest needs, and volunteer opportunities. By simply “liking” their page or sharing a post you can help them firsthand reach hundreds and even thousands of people in the community that they otherwise would never be able to reach on their own. Even sharing the link to this blog will help to get the word out to other who will take up the case and start doing their part. Never underestimate the power of social media and your actions taken on it. Your engagement could mean a forever home for a well deserving dog or cat.
Are you local to Plymouth, MA? Here are social media links to shelters here in Plymouth:
Helping Hands for Plymouth Animal Shelter
Friends of Plymouth Pound
Papa’s Pets
woman using facebook and engaging in social media
4. Donate pet food
Pet food is one of the greatest costs that shelters face daily. Before plotting your pet food donation call your local animal shelter to find out what they are currently feeding the animals. It is important to provide the same food they already use to avoid any allergies, dietary restrictions or upset tummies. Generally, the food they provide is inexpensive due to the volume of feeding. So, if you have the means, why not throw in an additional bag of food to your Chewy cart. Have it delivered to your doorstep hassle free and help a shelter breathe a little easier with your generous donation! If you are in Plymouth, MA consider a donation to America’s Hometown Pets in Need.
5. Toys & Fun
Can you image being an animal sitting in a shelter just waiting for your life to truly begin? Toys, treats, and other fun things to play with and chew on will go an exceptionally long way for a lonely animal anxiously awaiting their forever family to arrive. These are things you can toss in your Chewy cart (if you can’t tell we are big Chewy fans! But there are other ways to purchase as well, of course). Sticking to a specific budget? The Dollar Tree has an entire section devoted to pets! While I cannot vouch for the poop bags they sell (professional tip, do not buy poop bags from the Dollar Tree, you will wind up with a palm full of poop) they have excellent toys, treats and other exciting items for pets! Again, always find out what the shelters greatest needs are, for instance they may need cat toys more than dog toys or treats would be better than toys. Give them a call to ensure your giving gesture will be as helpful as it is kind and then load up on fun!
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
Every year the first full week of November is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. 365 days a year, shelters across the nation take on the tireless job of bridging the gap between stray pets and finding their forever homes. Did you know there are a staggering 70,000 million stray animals in the United States? WOW! The work our local shelters do is not easy or cheap, but we may not all be able to help in the ways we wish we could. Volunteering can be inconvenient and even heartbreaking, not everyone has the means to adopt or house an animal as a foster parent, and money doesn’t grow on trees. Start by making sure your own pets are spayed/neutered and always have proper identification. Donate household items you don’t use anymore and when you are on social media take a moment to support a shelters page. Then budget in a small food and toy donation to ease some of the shelters financial burden. Voila! You have made a positive impact that will set the ripples in motion for others to do the same. So instead of settling for a sweet “Thank You” let’s also strive to do more. Try out these 5 easy ways to help a local animal shelter and let us know how it goes. Share your experience in our comments to inspire others to do the same!
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
JAC mascot, Quinn, says Thanks for Reading!
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