My Life Is a Journey Made Better With Dogs

People say that life is a journey.  It's not a race or a destination, it's a journey to be enjoyed and experienced.  I don't know where my life's journey will take me, but I'm ready to go down any road as long as my dogs are with me!

If you're anything like me, your pets are family and they make life better in so many ways.  My dogs, Icy and Phoebe, are a huge part of my life. They make me laugh with their adorable antics, cheer me up when I'm feeling down, and motivate me to get up and experience life's fun and adventure, even when I feel too lazy to get off the couch!

Our dogs are family, loyal companions who love us unconditionally.  For that devotion, they deserve premium 100% natural treats, like True Chews® Dog Treats!

On my life's journey, three things I can't do without are; Tail wags, Sloppy kisses, and Treats.  Lots and lots of dog treats, preferably All Natural Dog Treats!  Nothing but the best will do for my pups, so I only give them premium treats like TRUE CHEWS® Dog Treats.

I partnered with TRUE CHEWS to share my journey with Phoebe.  Life wasn't always easy for her, but together we worked through it to give her the best life!

This post is sponsored by True Chews® Dog Treats and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about the True Chews line of all-natural dog treats. but Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. All statements made reflect my true opinion of the product.  True Chews is not responsible for the content of this article.

I have a close bond with both my dogs, but Phoebe and I share something extra special.  Our journey together didn't start off easy, though.  In fact, when I first adopted her she was so filled with fear that it prevented her from embracing life.

I first met Phoebe at the animal shelter where I was volunteering.  I wasn't looking for another dog but she was so adorable and sweet, I fell in love with her immediately and adopted her that day!  I had no idea she was harboring extreme fear issues that would prevent her from enjoying life.

In this 2 minute video, I share the story of my journey with Phoebe.  I'm so proud of how she transformed from terrified shelter dog to a happy, confident member of our family!
(NOTE: To turn on video sound, click on the sound icon at lower right to remove the x, OR right click on the video and select Unmute)

Now Phoebe wakes up happy each day, embracing life with joy and anticipation of what the day might bring!  Weather it's a road trip, a hike, or an outing around town Phoebe is up for it!  

Dogs give us their unconditional love, 100% of the time.  That kind of love deserves the very best we can give them.  The folks at True Chews feel the same way!  That's why they created True Chews all natural Dog Treats.  

Here's what I love about TRUE CHEWS dog treats:

👉 They are 100% Natural dog treats, made using only natural ingredients

👉 They are both Made and Sourced in the U.S.A.

👉 They are Made with premium cuts of meat, which are always the #1 ingredient listed

👉 They contain NO meat by-products, artificial flavors or preservatives

TRUE CHEWS dog treats were created by pet parents for pet parents.  They're committed to making Wholesome, 100% Natural dog treats.  The best part? My dogs love them!


On a recent shopping trip to the pet store, Phoebe pondered which True Chews dog treats she likes best!  I think she wanted to buy one of every kind but we stuck with the Chicken, Duck, and Beef Premium Jerkey Cuts!  Delicious!!

Hmmm, which of these fabulous TRUE CHEWS dog treats do I love best?

Treat Them Well!

Life's journey with our dogs is special.  Make it even more special with TRUE CHEWS 100% Natural, Made in the USA dog treats.

When we hit the cafe, I have a snack for myself, and Phoebe gets a special TRUE CHEWS treat!

You can find TRUE CHEWS dog treats at pet specialty stores like PetSmart, Petco and online at Chewy.com.  

Connect with TRUE CHEWS by visiting their Facebook Page  

Is your life's journey made better with your dog?  Tell us about it in the comments!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of True Chews. The opinions and text are all mine.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR DOGS

Halloween is one of the most popular and fun holidays in the U.S.  The National Retail Federation, the world's largest retail trade association, estimated that Halloween spending reached over 12 billion dollars in 2023 on costumes, candy, and decorations! That's a Howlin' ton of Halloween fun!  These days, Halloween isn't just for the kids, it's for dogs, cats, and small pets too!

PIN THIS!

Little Devil Phoebe wishes you a Happy Howloween!!

Of those planning to celebrate Halloween this year, many of them will dress their dogs and other pets up in costume.  Some of the most popular costumes expected for pets are a pumpkin, hot dog, bumble bee, lion, pirate, ghost, and witch.  

Dog Safety Tips for Halloween fun

DRESS FOR HALLOWEEN SUCCESS

If you're dressing your pet up in a costume, have your pet spend time wearing the costume before they wear it on Halloween.  Costumes may feel very strange to them.  If it's uncomfortable and your pet just doesn't want to wear a costume, please don't force it.  Not every pet will be happy wearing a costume. Opt for a Halloween bandana or festive collar instead. Up Country makes some gorgeous holiday dog collars, harnesses and leashes every year.

Don't put your pet in a costume that will make him uncomfortable.

There are some really simple costumes available for dogs that literally just sit on top of your dog's back.  They're lightweight and velcro close under their belly.  A "rider" costume like this may be all your pet will agree to.  In the photo below, Icy is wearing a simple Headless Horseman pet Halloween costume that sits comfortably on her back.  This is actually my favorite Halloween photo of her!

Icy is wearing a really simple Pet Halloween Costume that sits on her back comfortably. 

For pets who won't wear a costume, your pet can still look festive with a fun Halloween bandana, collar, bow tie, or stretchy elastic "necklace" or scarf  with Halloween themed colors and designs on it.

Just like with training, use treats or a favorite toy to help create a positive association for your pet with the costume.  However, if they still hate wearing the costume just scrap it. Never make your pet do something, or wear anything, they're uncomfortable with.

MONSTERS AMONG US!!

In addition to getting your dog used to her own costume, help her get used to all the crazy and potentially scary costume's she will see on other pets and on people.  

Many dogs are afraid of hats, umbrellas and other items people carry.  On Halloween, your dog is likely to see tons of weird apparel and accessories on other dogs and people.  They may see them in the street, at a Halloween event, or even at a party in your own home.  

Take some time to help your dog prepare for all the weird costumes they may see.  Try on some of your old costumes, invite a friend's dog over in costume, or take your dog to a store that sells dog costumes and try some on - with all the accessories!  Let your dog know there's nothing to fear.  Have some treats or a favorite toy handy when you do this.

WHEN SWEETS ARE ANYTHING BUT SWEET

Candy is toxic to dogs.  Do you have a plan to keep candy well out of reach so your dog doesn't ingest something toxic?  Candy, especially chocolate and anything containing Xylitol can be very toxic to dogs, many dogs and other pets have died from this!

I knew a lady who received a giant bar of chocolate as a gift.  She left it on the bed and her little dog got into it, scarfing it down while she was in the bathroom.  Tragically, her sweet dog did not survive the incident.

Some years ago, a young couple in our dog training class had a beautiful Lab puppy.  While they were on vacation her mother baby sat for the pup.  Somehow this little dog got into an empty bag of potato chips and suffocated.  It was the most heartbreaking thing.  Can you even imagine something so tragic happening to your dog?

I don't share these stories to shock or upset anyone, I share them to inform and warn people of potential dangers.  Please, make sure everyone in your household understands the danger of candy to dogs!  Kids love to spill out their Trick or Treat bags onto the floor or the bed.  make sure they know how important it is never to leave any candy, chips or other sweets where the family dog could possibly get into it.

SOMEONE'S AT THE DOOR!

One of the things that can freak your dog out is the constant ringing of the doorbell when Trick or Treaters arrive, weird looking STRANGERS in your dog's mind!

My dogs used to go nuts in our former house where we had tons of kids Trick or Treating all night long.  After the first year, we put leashes on the dogs and let them sit in the front room with us waiting for the bell to ring. They were much more relaxed when they knew what was happening and could see the kids in their adorable costumes from a safe distance.  The kids got a kick out of seeing Icy and Phoebe too!

If you're entertaining on Halloween, make sure you have a plan to keep your dogs away from the door at all times!  Many dogs and cats end up in shelters due to the craziness of Halloween.  Keep your dog secure during trick or treat hours and during any parties you may be hosting at home.  

MICROCHIP YOUR DOG FOR SAFETY!

Be sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar with updated ID tags.  Collars can easily break off, especially when a pet is frightened and running scared.  To prevent your dog from getting lost amid the Halloween chaos please microchip him now! Cats should also be microchipped. The heartbreak of lost dogs in shelters with no way to contact an owner is unbearable. As an 8 year animal shelter volunteer I can tell you it happens every single year on Halloween.

Halloween is a great time to Microchip your pet if you haven't already!  Any animal shelter or Veterinarian's office should be able to scan a microchip in the event your dog or cat goes missing.  If it's too expensive at your Veterinarian, many shelters offer microchipping at a very low cost.  Halloween is a great time to take advantage of that. 

Don't let Halloween fun turn into a nightmare.  Keep pets Safe!

Don't let Halloween turn all Sleepy Hollow on you and become a nightmare.  Keep your dogs safe!

More Halloween Costume safety tips for dogs

Do you have any Halloween Pet Safety Tips to share?  Please leave us a comment!  We love hearing from you!

Jetting Without My Dog

Poor Phoebe is disappointed that she won't be going with me to Jacksonville Florida to visit K9's  for Warriors.

Why won't you take me with you?  Look how good I behave in the carrier!

I have the privilege of being invited by Bayer Animal Health to pay a visit to K9's for Warriors.  I was going to bring Phoebe along but some logistical snafu's made me change my mind.  Sorry sweetie, it's best if you stay home this time around.

👉 K9's for Warriors is the nation's leading provider of Service Dogs for American Veterans struggling with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disability).  They're a tax exempt 501c3 organization

👉 They are dedicated to providing service canines to our warriors suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma as a result of military service post 9/11.

👉 One of the things I love about the program is that so many of the dogs they pair with Veterans are Shelter Dogs!  K9's for Warriors trains these rescue dogs at their facility to prepare them for service to Veterans in need.

👉 K9's for Warriors goal is to empower these Veterans to return to civilian life with dignity and independence.

I'm excited to tour their facility and learn more about their process and all the great work they due to help Veterans!  

Thank you to Bayer Animal Health for inviting us to join your visit with K9's for Warriors!

I'm a proud member of the Bayer Animal Health Pet Influencer Team

Check in with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Thursday and Friday for sneak peeks of our visit to K9's for Warriors.   

Tune in over the weekend for an update on what we learned at K9's for Warriors.  I'll also be sharing pet health tips from Bayer Animal Health's Veterinary experts!

A GUIDE TO DOG FRIENDLY FALL ADVENTURES

I have always loved the Fall, but I'll admit I took it for granted year after year.  Only after living in Phoenix, Arizona for nearly 10 years did I really appreciate the joy of a majestic Fall season.  In Phoenix they joke that there are only two seasons; Hot and Hotter!

Although we loved living in Phoenix, we soon missed the blazing beauty of the Autumn leaves.  Even driving on the highways you can't help but be struck by Fall's gorgeous hues. The bright yellows, fiery reds, and deep rust tones create a stunning landscape against cool, crisp, sunny skies. Dogs love Fall too, so I've compiled this Guide to Dog Friendly Fall Adventures!

Enjoying the beauty of Fall with my dogs

I love outdoor activities with my dogs in every season.  Each season is special, with it's own brand of fun things to do with your dog unique to that season.

Fall is one of the best times to embark on outdoor fun activities and adventures with dogs! The weather is cooler and the Summer crowds have thinned out.

As October approaches we start thinking about Pumpkins, Hiking & Biking in cool weather, Fall Festivals & Costume Parades, Apple Picking, Corn Mazes, Fall Foliage, and Hay Rides!  So much FUN and bonding to be had with our dogs during the Fall season! 

Great Fall activities to do with dogs  

Plan Fall adventures now before the beauty of Autumn is gone!

My dogs love outdoor Fall activities and Halloween treats!

FUN FALL ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR DOG

Be ready for outdoor Fall activities with dogs by having the right gear!  For all that outdoor fun with the dog, you want to make sure your dog is comfortable and safe!

Fall hike with my dog

The two activities I look forward to the most with our dogs are hiking and bike riding.  We hike and bike in Summer, but heat and humidity often makes hiking and biking trips with the dogs short.  Not so in the Fall, here's when we go all out!

BIKE RIDING WITH DOGS

Bicycle riding with your dog is a great activity, but you should do it safely.  Dogs have a habit of getting too close to the wheels of the bicycle or crossing out in front of the bike.  To avoid an accident I bought a Bicycle Leash for my Husky, Icy.  A bike leash for dogs keeps your dog next to the bike and away from the wheels!  I use the Walky Dog Plus bike leash, but there are others on the market.  I couldn't find dog bike leashes in bicycle stores (weird, right?!), but a Google search pulled up several.  Walmart, Chewy and Amazon have a couple of them online.

My dog Icy gets so excited when she see's my bicycle come out!

My Walky Dog Plus dog bike leash helps me bike ride safely with Icy

You can usually bike ride from early Fall until December in the Northern U.S.  In this video you can see how the bike leash keeps her at a safe distance from the bicycle.

Bike riding with your dog is not only a total blast, it has health benefits for both of you!  Need more reasons to bike ride with dogs? Here are 6 Reasons To Bike Ride With Your Dog!

My dogs are very different in size, strength and endurance.  I can't bike ride with both of them together on bike leashes, but I could attach a Pet Basket for Bicycles to my bike for a smaller dog.  That way both dogs could join in for bike rides and not feel left out.  PetSmart, Chewy, and Amazon sell bicycle baskets for small dogs (or other small pets) online. 

A bicycle basket made specifically for small dogs or other small pets!

HIKING WITH DOGS

We've done so much fantastic hiking with our dogs, from Sedona, Arizona to Montauk, Long Island with tons of places in between!  I have to say, hiking is probably my favorite activity to do with dogs.  I love to get out and explore nature with my dogs.  It's a great activity for the 4 of us to do together.  Although my dogs are active at different levels, hiking is something they can easily do together.  If Icy and my husband forge ahead, it's no big deal to stop and wait for me to catch up with my smaller dog.

DOG CLOTHING AND OUTERWEAR

When I think about my dogs being safe and comfortable during outdoor Fall activities, the first thing I think about is clothing and outerwear.  Being a Siberian Husky, Icy pretty much never needs dog apparel of any kind!  As soon as Fall weather arrives however, some small dogs get chilly.  I always had to break out a sweater or jacket for my dog Phoebe when the weather turned cool. They have the cutest clothing for dogs, especially for smaller dogs.

My dog Phoebe in her Cheeta print sweater - I love the pink bow!

For cold Fall mornings, or if there's a chance of rain, your pooch might need a waterproof dog coat like this one.  I love the adorable wool hood on this jacket!

Phoebe was always cozy warm in her hot pink Winter dog jacket

When we go on longer hikes, I often use a dog backpack for Icy.  It helps with carrying gear like water bottles, snacks, bowls, and waste bags.  It also helps reduce her pulling on leash!  Many dogs pull on their leash.  Using a backpack is one way some trainers recommend to reduce the pulling.  Be sure to check with a trainer or pet store staff on how much weight is appropriate for your dog to carry in the pack, if any.  The rule I've heard is to never put more than 10% of a dogs weight in a dog's backpack.

We often used a backpack for Icy on hikes.  It helped keep her from pulling like the sled dog that she is! She can carry her water bowl, water, and snacks!

Some dogs may require less weight or none at all in a backpack. Check with your Veterinarian before using a weighted backpack on your dog for the first time.  Here are more tips to get your dog to Stop Pulling On Leash.

This stylish Dog DayPak by Outward Hound is neon green with reflective accents so Icy is visible among the trees. You may not consider reflective safety strips when hiking, but more than once we've found ourselves still hiking after the sun has set.  Sunset is often when wildlife start hunting - yikes!! 

Make sure you bring plenty of water on any outing with your dogs! Remember to bring along portable bowls and a water bottle.

SAFETY FIRST!

Fall is actually prime season for Fleas and Ticks!  Be sure to protect your dog with Flea & Tick control like Bravecto   which provides up to 12 weeks protection from ticks and fleas in a tasty chew.  Note: Always Consult your Vet before you begin using any flea/tick product.

Fall is prime Tick and Flea season! Make sure your dog is protected

If you plan to take your dog near beaches, lakes, ponds, pools, or out on a boat you should consider a Life Jacket for Dogs.  A life jacket is a great safety option for dogs around water, especially if your dog is unfamiliar with the area, isn't a strong swimmer, or if she'll be out on a boat.

Icy wears this Outward Hound life jacket when we're near water

I also like the Kurgo Surf 'n Turf life vest which doubles as a life vest or rain coat.  It has 2 handles to help get your dog in and out of the water, and reflective trim.  The flotation layer can be removed so the waterproof shell can be used as a raincoat!

If your Fall adventure with your dog involves a car ride or a weekend getaway, consider a Dog Carrier or Pet Crate and a Dog Safety Harness for the car.

PET CARRIERS AND CRATES

There are SO many beautiful and versatile pet carriers to choose from these days.  Pet carriers come in lots of shapes and sizes, some models even have wheels.  A carrier or crate is a great way to keep your pet safe and secure while riding in the car or at the airport.  If your Fall adventure involves taking your dog or cat on an airplane, here is some information you should know; Tips For Air Travel With Pets.

Phoebe loved her Sherpa pet carrier!  I often left it open for her on the floor of my office so she could nap right next to me.

Outdoor Fall adventures with the dogs usually come with mud, sand, or dirt!  For all those great outdoor Fall adventures with your pup, make sure you protect your car seats with a Car Seat Cover  like this one from 4Knines!  They come in all sizes to fit pretty much any vehicle you've got. 4Knines makes great car seats, I love our 4Knines back seat cover for our Honda CRV!  Investing in a quality seat cover like the one we got from 4Knines is a great idea. 

Outdoor adventures with dogs almost always involve mud, sand and dirt! 

Even if you have a car seat cover don't forget to bring along Pet Wipes and a Towel or Paper Toweling. You'll probably want to get the dirt off their paws before going back into the house after a day of  outdoor fun & adventure!  I always have pet wipes in the car and in my backpack, you just never know what your dog will roll in, step in, or swim in!  If there's anything massively stinky to roll in, my dogs are sure to find it!

One of the things I can't do without on any of our adventures with the dogs is a First Aid Kit.  I can't tell you how many times we've traveled with our dogs or gone on long day trips and needed the First Aid Kit!  It's essential to get a pet first aid kit, or assemble one yourself.  I'll never forget the time my dog Icy cut her paw open on broken glass on her last potty break of the day.  It was at a hotel in Albuquerque, around 11pm.  No Veterinarian's were available and our first aid kit literally saved us! Paw pads bleed a lot more than I expected!

You can find Pet First Aid Kits online, there are tons of them. You can also assemble one yourself. Make sure you have a bag or case fits well into a backpack or your overnight bag.  We never leave home without a first aid kit for dogs!  

In our Dog First Aid Kit we have antibiotic ointment, essential to prevent infection if our dogs cut themselves.  I use Zymox Topical Cream with .5% Hydrocortisone.  This cream is made specifically for pets and is used for wound care, hot spots, and skin infections. 

Anther fun Fall activity is to head for your favorite dog friendly cafe for a mug of steaming pumpkin spice latte, hot apple cider or hot chocolate.  While you relax and enjoy a delicious Fall beverage, your dog can enjoy a special chew stick or her favorite toy, right beside you.

Pumpkin picking is a perennial Fall favorite, so look for a dog friendly farm and take your dog pumpkin picking!  I love taking pictures of my dogs out in the field among the bright orange pumpkins, the photos come out so pretty with all that Fall color. Rich Fall color brings so much warmth to a photo.

One thing we look forward to all year in our area are the Fall Festivals and Pet Costume Parades.   It's so much fun to see all the dogs out and about, trotting alongside their family enjoying Fall festivities.  A Pet Costume parade is always fun.  Some people are really clever in the costumes they create for their pets!  It's so inspiring.

Icy marched in our town's Pet Halloween Costume parade looking BOO-tiful in her Headless Horseman costume! 

I'm sure this year's hottest Dog Halloween Costumes will be super heroes again, like Wonder Woman for the girls and Spider Man or Super Man for the boys.  Do you dress your dog up for Halloween?  What will your dog, cat, lizard, or other pet be for Halloween this year? Tell us in the comments! 

I love the little skirt on this Wonder Woman costume, it's so cute!  

You don't even have to leave your own yard to enjoy the beauty of Fall with your pet.  Rake up the leaves in your yard and let your dog or cat play in them!  Throw his favorite ball or toy into the pile and watch him have fun digging and jumping through the leaves to retrieve the prize.  So what if you have to rake the leaves up again, it's worth it!

Once again, I'll be searching for a dog friendly Hay Ride and Corn Maze!  I was unsuccessful last year.

I'm always excited to see Fall themed dog treats, like Greenies Pumpkin Spice flavored Dental Chews for Dogs!  No reason why our pets shouldn't enjoy the flavors of the season, right?  While you enjoy a mug of hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte at an outdoor cafe, give your dog a pumpkin spice flavored treat to enjoy and celebrate Fall together!

Pumpkin Spice flavor treats for dogs.  Our pets should enjoy the flavors of the Fall season too!

If you have the time, you can make your own dog treats with Fall themed flavors like pumpkin, apple, or pear. Here's a simple, no bake Pumpkin Spice Dog Treat Recipe.

I take advantage of all those freshly picked pumpkins of Fall.  I add some pure pumpkin to my dogs' food each morning to give them the health benefits of pumpkin all year round. 

In the Fall I make my own pumpkin mush for them from fresh pumpkins we bring home. I add around a tablespoon of it to their food each morning.  If you've never made fresh pumpkin mush yourself, you'd be surprised at how much pumpkin mush even a very small pumpkin can yield!

My dog Phoebe, surrounded by pumpkins at our town's Fall Festival!

🐾 After removing the seeds inside, I cut a fresh pumpkin into large chunks and boil until the pieces are soft.  

🐾 Then I peel off the outer skin (Skin comes off easily after boiling) and mash it all up in a bowl.  You can puree it in a blender if you prefer. 

🐾 Cooked pumpkin freezes well so it should last a couple of months in the freezer.  

Always check with your Veterinarian before introducing any new food into your pet's diet. Never feed raw pumpkin to your pet, raw pumpkin can make them sick.

Whatever you do to celebrate Fall with your dog, cat or other pet be safe and Have Fun!!

Sharing is Caring! If you enjoyed this post, we would really appreciate a social media share! 😍

Please visit my ETSY store, Nature and Critters, where you'll find lots of products for Fall and all year round! Printable art prints, Pet Health Tracker, Pet Emergency Preparedness checklist, Holiday products, and more, all inspired by pets and nature.

HAPPY FALL!!