Wild Animal Wednesdays- Baby Elephant Getting a Shower!

This little elephant was born at the Whipsnade Zoo in England just a few weeks ago. Watch the cutie in this short clip learn about bath time!

Monday's Funny Video of the Week! This Week- Turtle Loves Cat!

One sided love.  This poor little turtle wants nothing more than the attention and affection from this cat.  The cat however has no feelings for the turtle.   

Norwalk Dog Park- Cranbury Park

Cranbury Park in Norwalk, CT (located at 300 Grumman Ave.) is a great place to take social and active dogs.  "The Dog Orchard" is equivalent to a dog park, except for the fact that it isn't fenced in.  It is far enough away from the road that it isn't too dangerous, but you should only go if your dog comes when called. 

It is a popular area for dogs in Norwalk; when the weather is nice there are many dogs to play with.  "The Dog Orchard" is the only place other than the wooded trails where your dog can roam off leash.  It is a beautiful space surrounded by Sugar Maple Trees and Evergreens.  The park provides a doggie water fountain and baggie stations to curb your dog.  There is also plenty of bench seating and pinic benches for people's comforts.  If you are the active type you might consider taking your dog for a hike or jog on their trails- which are beautiful- since the dogs are allowed to be off leash here too.  This park is very pet friendly, and as long as your dog is well behaved, I would highly recommend it. 

Beware of Animals Under Your Hood in Cold Weather!

The cold weather is on its way, yuck!  And for those of you with cars out there, you should be careful.  Animals (usually cats) often find the warmth of car engines inviting in the brisk cold and will set up shop under your hood.  A good precaution to take is to tap on the hood of your car in the morning before you get in and start your engine.  This might scare the animal away. 

The cold started early this fall and some animals have already begun to seek shelter.  Take a look at this story of a cat getting stuck in a New Yorkers car engine reported by the Daily News and the Gothamist.com. 

"An orange and white cat had be to extracted by Emergency Service Unit detectives when a SUV driver discovered the feline in the vehicle's front hood.

According to the Daily News, the cat had been in Wilfredo Rodriguez's Nissan Murano for a 2-mile trip between a Bronx building on Marcy Place to a Department of Buildings office on Arthur Avenue: "Rodriguez said that after he parked the car he continued to hear a rattling sound he had noticed during the trip. He investigated and quickly spotted the tabby's bushy tail and front right paw sticking out of the SUV's front end." The building super worried, "I said, 'Oh my God! I killed a cat,'" but was happy when the cat's paw moved.

He called 911, and Detectives Jeffrey King and Kris Cataldo arrived on the scene. They "freed the feline by removing the car's battery and several other parts." Animal Care & Control says the cat seems to be doing fine." 

By Jen Chung in News on October 20, 2009 9:32 AM/ Photo Courtesy of Daily News

Dog Meetup Groups this Weekend!

Best Friends Pet Care in Norwalk, CT will be hosting the Doodle Meetup and the Small Dog Meetup this Saturday October 24th.  Meetup groups give pet owners a great opportunity to mingle with one another and meet new people while at the same time giving your dog a chance to meet and socialize with other local dogs.  These dog meet up groups are completely free, we only ask that you please bring proof of your dog's vaccinations (rabies and distemper). 

These are our Halloween Costume Party Meetups so please bring your pet in costume (we encourage owners to dress up too)!  We will be giving away prizes! 

Wild Animal Wednesdays! This Week - CT Hawk Migration Viewing scheduled

Every Autumn the majority of our New England Hawks will migrate south for the winter.  September and October are great times to catch a glimpse of the many hawks migrating.  With a good pair of binoclulars you can see all species of hawks from Peregrine Falcons, Red Tailed Hawks and Osprey.  If your luck you might even see a Bald Eagle! 

The Hawk Migration Viewing Event will take place On Saturday, October 24, 2009, from 10 a.m. to noon.  The New Haven Land Trust will feature East Rock Park Ranger Dan Barvir leading a fall bird walk through the Quinnipiac Meadows/Eugene Fargeorge Preserve.

This event has been rescheduled from Saturday October 17th until this Saturday October 24th.

Of particular interest will be the fall hawk migration that will be in full effect. Ranger Dan will also touch on the importance of preservation of wetlands along the Quinnipiac River as they include bird habitats. Capacity 30 individuals at $5 per person payment to the New Haven Land Trust in advance- register soon.

Information courtesy of ctenvironmentalheadlines.com

Boo! Golden Retriever or Witch?

No shortage of Halloween Fun at Best Friends Pet Care in Norwalk.  The dogs just love dressing up and being silly!

Best Friends Jack-o-lantern!

Check out our Best Friends Jack-o-lantern!!  Brandy from of our Houston location skillfully cut out our logo into this pumpkin- pretty awesome right?!? 

Monday's Funny Video of the Week- Splash & Kiko Trick or Treating Dogs!!

Both dogs decide to go out trick or treating on Halloween night. Watch to see what happens...

National Feral Cat Day- October 16th

Be a responsible pet owner- spay and neuter your cat!   There are so many cats and kittens reproducing out there, filling up the animal shelters, and there is no need for it.  Today, October 16th,  is National Feral Cat Day.  Spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering.  Visit Alley Cat Allies for more information on National Feral Cat Day.

If you live in Connecticut and need a low cost spay or neuter option check out the TEAM van.  They do these operations for little money in an effort to control the cat over population in CT.  The TEAM van, a mobile spay/neuter unit for cats only, will spay/neuter and vaccinate for $77 per cat. Call 888-FOR-TEAM (367-8326) for more information.

Wild Animal Wednesday's! This Week- National Wolf Awareness Week

This week is National Wolf Awareness Week.  Check out the Defenders of Wildlife website for facts and information about wolves as well as wolf awareness events. 

Monday's Funny Video of the Week! Kitty Shower?!?

If you thought all cats hated water, take a look at this kitty!

Hiking at Mohegan Lake in Fairfield CT

I went for a hike at Lake Mohegan in Fairfield this weekend, and there were so many dogs romping around in the water!!  I took this picture from my camera phone, so I apologize for the quality.  But in the distance you can see a black and white Border Collie having a blast getting his feet wet.  Further down the trail there were dogs swimming together- it was very cute!  The trails of Lake Mohegan are really great for dogs, especially if they are dog friendly and love the water. 

Halloween Doggie Meet Up Groups!! Open to the Public!

Don't Miss Our Halloween Meet Up Groups- Open to the Public!  Just remember to bring proof of your pet's vaccinations.  And don't forget the costume!  We will be giving out prizes!   

Small Dog Meet Up Group

Howl-O-Ween Party

Bring your pet dressed to impress!

October 24th,  11am-1pm

Doodle Meet Up Group

Howl-O-Ween Party

October 24th,  2pm-4pm

Jennings Beach Among the Top Ten Dog Beaches in America?

Jennings Dog Beach in Fairfield, CT made petside.com's list for Top Ten Dog Beaches in America.  Well, actually they just squeeked in with an honorable mention.  But that is a pretty cool mention!!  This is the perfect time to take your dog to the beach.  After Labor Day there are practically no people to worry about and your dog can have free roam!  The address for the beach is 75 Mill Plain Road in Fairfield, CT.  Always be careful and keep your eye on your dog when you go to any beach- there are many dangers to be cautious of. 

Wild Animal Wednesdays! This Week- Bats Vs. White Nose Syndrome

You may have heard that there is a problem affecting the bats of New England, but you may not have heard how big of a problem it actually is.  White Nose Syndrome has killed over 400,000 bats in New England in the past three years.  Bats are so important to us in our ecosystem as they have a huge part in controlling the insect population, especially mosquitos.  Scientists are working hard to find a cure for White Nose Syndrome, before it is too late!  Below is a very interesting and educational video about this syndrome and how it affects the bats in our area.  (photo courtesy of Al Hicks/ NY DEC)

The Battle for Bats: White Nose Syndrome from Ravenswood Media on Vimeo.

Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!

The Animal Rescue Site is hosting a $100,000 Shelter Challenge!  All you have to do is log onto their site and vote for your favorite Animal Shelter!  In our area, Strays and Others and PAWS are both in the running.  Just click on the tab labeled "Shelter Challenge", type in the name of your favorite Shelter and click to vote!  You can vote once per day.  Help the homeless animals in your area by voting for a shelter nearest you! 

Monday's Funny Video of the Week- Keyboard Cat!

Amazing Dog Rescue! A Dog Hero!

Spotlight on Cats! Meet Tigi, Pixel and Morrison, Our Fabulous Feline Friends!

Meet Tigi, Pixel and Morrison. Three cats from the same family who are boarding with us right now!! These kitties are serious love bugs. All they want is to snuggle and be pet. Tigi, the only female of the group (white with black nose), struck a pose for the camera in true Diva style. Pixel (cream) and Morrison (orange) were a little more camera shy, but I was still able to snap a shot! We love having them with us!!!

French Bulldog Puppy Finally Rolls Over!!!