I commissioned Courtney to create this family portrait of my daughter, daughter-in-law, and their pets, Roxy the dog and Marshall the cat.  We love the final product so much!  Although Courn’s turn-around time is fast for custom art, you might want extra time to have the portrait printed and framed!

Courtney offers various styles of portraits, but she only accepts commissions a few times a year.  I think that she will be taking some orders in October but email her directly to be sure.

 

 

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I’ve always enjoyed supporting small businesses, but now,  more than ever,  it is important that my purchases reflect my values too.  I don’t just love Courtney’s artwork. I love her messaging too.  Since this was a gift for two people I love very much, I wanted to choose an artist that shared their values.  As soon as I saw Courtney’s Instagram I knew that I found the right artist for their portrait.

 

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Courn also wrote and illustrated a little book about activism. I bought a copy for my son’s daughter, and I know she’ll love it.  I want to order a copy for her school too.

Follow Courtney Ahn Design on Instagram! I think you will appreciate her work as much as I do.  Her colorful art is refreshing, informative, and helps make the world a better place for everyone.   I  hope that everyone will raise their voice and speak up for human rights.  

 

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Personalized portraits, especially those that include the family pet, are always a big hit.  I am in love with Courn’s style and could not be happier with this portrait.  If you are looking to give a gift that will last a lifetime, consider a custom portrait!  Check out some of our other gift ideas for dog lovers!

About Courtney Ahn Design:  Based in Portland, Oregon, Courtney is a graphic designer who offers custom portraits as well as illustration services for brands. 

The post Gift Idea: Family Portrait from Courtney Ahn Design appeared first on Daily Dog Tag.

Is it Safe to Have Dogs in an Assisted Living Facility?

Around the globe, people enjoy the companionship, love, and warmth of being in the company of their pet dogs. These furry little creatures give you unconditional love, which impacts your life, including mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

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Pets also alleviate our sense of loneliness which is more prevalent during old age. That’s part of why an increasing number of senior living communities are allowing pets for the residents.

But, it’s normal to wonder whether or not having a pet in such a facility is safe. Well, that depends on a lot of factors. For one thing, you need to think about the dog breed and your ability to feed/care for them. Other than that, the design and services of a facility also matter.

You should also look into the pet policies of the community before getting a pet. In this post, we delve deep into the subject. We look at the myriad benefits of having a pet around as well as programs that many assisted living centers may have regarding pets.

Benefits of Having Dogs in Assisted Living Facilities

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Decreases Stress

Just the act of touching and playing with your furry little friend is enough to induce a sense of calmness. You feel less stressed and anxious, something which is common during old age. Ideally, you should pick from dog breeds for families as they are naturally more loving and gentle and not aggressive.

Encourages Social Interaction

Some seniors can be reserved and face difficulty initiating conversation. Having a pet around and taking them out for a walk can be a huge ice breaker. When you meet other pet owners during evening walks, you get something to talk about. In this way, dogs foster social interaction. They can make you feel less anxious and more comfortable in a social setting.

Transition

Moving to an assisted living facility can be rather overwhelming. The transition period is often challenging. But, having a dog around makes that period a lot easier. What makes a move most difficult is a sense of alienation as everything is new around you.

At such a time, being with your dog gives you a sense of familiarity. You don’t feel completely out of place. That warmth and love are still there for you. That’s one way dogs come in incredibly handy in easing this often difficult phase for you.

Better Physical Health

With a dog, you have no other option but to take them out for a walk every single day.

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Because of that, physical movement and exercise become a big part of your routine. Even going out for a short walk outside could get you enough exercise you need to remain physically fit, active, and healthy.

In the end, all of that movement will do you good by keeping you more energetic, lively, and young. Your health rate and blood pressure will normalize, leading to better cardiovascular functioning.

Helps with Mental Health

Having a pet animal around is excellent, particularly for Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. By encouraging movement, they improve your physical health and immunity.

You also enjoy better cognitive stimulation, which keeps memory issues at bay for longer periods of time. Not only is it comforting to have a dog around, but understanding their non-verbal cues and communications becomes like an exercise for your brain health.

Common Dog Related Services Offered by Assisted Living Facilities

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Pet Companionship Sans Responsibilities

A growing number of living communities understand the benefits and the value of having a pet around for seniors to play with.

That’s why many are adapting ‘community pet’ and ‘pet therapy programs’ wherein the residents don’t have to worry about feeding, grooming, or exercising their pets. Instead, they can spend time with community pets.

As part of pet therapy programs, they may get access to well-trained dogs, which can help them by providing companionship.

Pet Coordinators Ensure Everyday Well Being

For many seniors, a pet is more than just an animal. They are like a family to them and, as such, need the same care and attention as a family member. Communities that understand this may offer the services of a coordinator. The idea is to allow both the owner and their pets the level of care they need.

As part of this program, a coordinator will look after things like getting the pet exercise, taking care of their vet appointment, administering medication, ensuring regular vaccinations, etc. this takes away a lot of burden off the seniors’ shoulders.

Conclusion

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Having a pet around, no matter your age can be a life-changing experience. People who have had pets would vouch for the multitude of benefits they derive.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that a growing number of senior living facilities are also embracing and encouraging the concept of having a pet around for seniors to enjoy.

Holly Klamer is a pet lover who owns a dog and loves to write about everything related to pets. She is a frequent writer and contributor to top online pet publications and blogs, including Pet-Friendly Senior Living.

The post Dogs Living in Assisted Living Facilities appeared first on Daily Dog Tag.

 COVID-19 Guide for Dog Lovers

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield sponsored this post as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

One of my sons is a doctor in Rochester, New York.  At around 9 pm on Christmas, after his shift in the ICU, we visited via Facetime. It was a rough day for him. COVID is not a hoax or a “bad flu.” In his words, “COVID is everywhere.” His hospital is almost out of beds. His exhaustion was more than physical, and it was heartbreaking to see.

While it is encouraging that the FDA has approved COVID vaccines, we still need to follow the CDC guidelines. I know that so many people are anxious to get back to their regular activities, but we need to be patient for now, so we don’t end up as patients. That means staying home as much as possible, wearing a mask when out in public, and washing hands thoroughly and often.

Since many of us have experienced cabin fever in one way or another, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has put together some great ideas to help make this winter more enjoyable while staying home.  Although I miss seeing my older kids, sisters, and mom, we stay connected through phone calls, Facetime, and Zoom. Our two college-aged kids are living at home with us. They play video games online with their siblings, which helps us feel more connected.

I’m pretty sure my dogs love the fact that their humans are always home.

This extra time together has resulted in more cuddles, more time to play with them, and longer walks (weather permitting.)

Like humans, dogs sometimes have essential appointments, and taking care of them entails other obligations. Luckily, it isn’t hard to stay safe while taking care of your dogs.

Pet Supplies: Most pet stores offer curbside pickup, and some even offer delivery.

Vet Appointments: At our vet facility, a vet tech meets us at the car and takes the pets inside. The vet calls during or after the exam and gives us her findings and recommendations. After the exam, the vet tech brings the pet back to the car. They are currently allowing a pet parent to be present for end-of-life appointments. (Masks must be worn.)

If your vet isn’t following the CDC guidelines, consider postponing appointments or finding a new vet. Your pet needs you to stay healthy!

Grooming: If your dog must go to the groomer, make sure you are comfortable with their mask policies.  According to the CDC, dogs can get infected with COVID, but it does not seem like they transmit it to humans. If you need to learn how to cut your pup’s nails, there are many guides online.

 Walks:  Walks are beneficial for both dogs and humans. However, be sure you maintain a 6-foot distance from others and wear a mask as needed. We’re fortunate that we live in a small town, and there are rarely people walking around when we are. When we see our neighbors and friends, we exchange pleasantries from a safe distance.

Training: A well-trained dog makes life more enjoyable. Currently, there are many online training options available. This is also a great time to teach your dog a new trick.

Exercise: These exercises for balance are great for dogs of all ages.  Why not help your pup build or maintain strength?

Bake Dog Treats: While your dog probably won’t help with the baking, he will love eating the end product. Try this easy vegan apple dog biscuit recipe. Although most dogs are not vegans, I know many of you are. This particular recipe calls for only two ingredients: applesauce and flour.

It turned out that I didn’t have any applesauce, but I had an apple. A quick Google search, and ten minutes later, I had applesauce.

Apple Biscuits for Dogs

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Apple Biscuits for Dogs

This easy to make vegan dog treat recipe only requires two ingredients.

Prep Time 7 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Chill Dough 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 17 minutes minutes

Servings 18 treats

Equipment

• Rolling pin or another cylinder (such as filled water bottle) to roll dough

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup flour (I use oat flour because my dog is sensitive to wheat)

Instructions

• Mix the flour and applesauce together
• Chill the dough for approximately one hour
• Roll out the dough
• Optional: roll the dough with an engraved rolling pin
• Cut dough with pizza cutter or knife into squares
• Place on baking sheet (parchment paper optional)
• Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes

Notes

If you don't have unsweetened apple sauce at home but have an apple, it is super easy to make applesauce in the microwave.  (Just core, peel, and chop one apple.  Microwave it with 1/2 cup of water for 3 minutes.  Mash or put in a food processor or blender until desired consistency.)

If you don't have an apple,  you can use mashed bananas or mashed sweet potatoes.

My dogs love these treats, and I love that I know exactly what is in them.

See some of our other recipe ideas here.

How have you been coping with the pandemic?

I know that the pandemic is very stressful on many levels. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has a 24/7 Nurse Hotline available for self-care and mental health questions. Please continue to stay updated about the virus, testing, the vaccines, and how you can do your part to keep our community safe.

Follow Excellus BlueCross BlueShield on Twitter.

The post Stay Home, Stay Healthy: COVID Guide for Dog Lovers appeared first on Daily Dog Tag.

Prepare grits according to the directions.  Alice used old-fashioned grits, so if you choose to use quick-cooking grits, be sure to reduce the cooking time!

Wash all produce. Mince onions and cut grape tomatoes in half lengthwise.

Prepare grits.  Heat oil in a medium cast-iron pan or sautee pan.  Add onions and basil and cook until slightly brown.  Next, add tomatoes, garlic, and navy beans, and saute for a minute.

Add a splash of water and then the spinach.    Cover for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.

When the grits have finished cooking, stir in nutritional yeast and olive oil to taste. Top with spinach mixture,  add chili flakes, then salt and pepper to taste.

 

Vegan Savory Italian Styled Grits

 

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Vegan Savory Italian Styled Grits

The perfect blend of southern comfort food and Italian seasonings!

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Author Alice G. Patterson

Ingredients

Grits

• 1/2 cup old fashioned grits
• 2 cups water
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1.5 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)

Italian Toppings

• 3 cups fresh spinach (washed)
• 1.5 cups grape tomatoes cut in half lengthwise
• 15 oz can navy beans rinsed and drained
• 1 small onion minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

• Bring water to a boil and whisk in grits, lower temp to simmer and leave uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so grits don't stick to the bottom of the pan.
• When you have about 8 minutes left on the timer begin your toppings. In a medium cast-iron or sautee pan, warm up 2 tbsp of olive oil on medium-low heat.
• Add the onions and basil and saute for 3 to 5 minutes, until they start to brown.
• Add garlic, tomatoes, navy beans, and sautee for a minute mixing ingredients.
• Put a lid on top for about a minute to get a little moisture, or you can add a splash of water and then throw in the spinach.
• Cover to steam for about 1 to 2 minutes until wilted and remove from heat.
  
• When grits are done cooking remove from heat. Stir in olive oil and nutritional yeast until dispersed evenly.
• Add toppings and enjoy!

And because everything is better with a dog photo, here’s Alice’s dog, Franny. She’s the best!

Follow Alice G Patterson on Instagram.

 

The post Vegan Savory Italian Styled Grits Recipe appeared first on Daily Dog Tag.

From Jessica:  “We are super excited to have opened our new BARK Boutique retail space in the lobby of our pet care business at Zoomies Pet Care. Being in a small town in Georgia, pet parents don’t have a ton of options. We have a couple of the big box stores for pet supplies but nothing specialty unless you go into the next town. I knew when we opened our facility that retail was something we eventually wanted to add. Being able to offer unique and custom gift items for our clients as well as quality, specialty products for their pets was a big one on my to-do list. We knew we wanted our products to be things that you couldn’t find many other places, classic home decor pieces with a pet in mind, and quality items that would be good for your pet’s health and well-being. The dogs also agree that the treat bar full of all-natural goodies is a nice touch! So, without further ado, we present to you the 2019 Christmas gift guide that will be a big hit with your pet-loving friends AND your furry best friends!

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