Friday is not only a big shopping day, it’s also an extremely busy day for emergency vet visits.
In addition to what we talked about in our Thanksgiving Tip post last year, please be aware that some people foods can be very bad for your dogs and/or cats. Onions (including onion powder) are extremely toxic to your pet and even small amounts of chocolate can be poisonous for your dog or cat, so save the chocolates for people only please.
Best rule of thumb – If you want to give your pets extra on Thanksgiving, treat your dog or cat with moderate amounts of their food or treats, not yours. And ask your guests not to feed Emma, your Cavalier King Charles, from the appetizer tray, no matter how cute she begs!!
Two ideas to help:
- Have a small bowl of pet treats handy to offer your guests to give little Emma or Amber Lynn instead of that piece of cheese, when a guest just can’t resist the cuteness.
- Break every treat up in half or quarters. That way, even if guests go a little overboard, you are less likely to be dealing with your pet’s stomach ache from too many treats on Friday.
One other very important thing today…
Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits Small Business Saturday®, a day dedicated to celebrating and supporting small businesses and all they do for our communities.
Look around your town or neighborhood…
Your BFF meditates, so you’d like to buy her a meditation CD this year. Most local yoga studios sell meditation CDs, with the added benefit of knowledgeable staff if you know nothing about meditation.
You’d like to bring a unique Thank You gift to a holiday party. You know the hostess LOVES tea… How about visiting that herbal shop in the middle of town and asking the owner for a relaxing blend for your hostess?
And of course, pet presents… That independent pet store on the edge of town probably has a great raincoat for your sister’s Doberman and a nice selection of catnip toys for your uncle’s new kitten. Have you been there recently? Check it out!
Owners, managers and staff of independent small businesses are our neighbors and friends. They help our communities thrive through participation in community leadership and projects. They coach soccer and softball teams. They sing in the local choir, and donate time and money to local organizations they believe in… animal rescue and foster care organizations – homeless shelters and food banks.
Remember, when you purchase products and services from an independent small business, you have a direct, positive impact on local families in countless ways.
We at Harmony Animal Wellness Center are proud to take part in Small Business Saturday and we want to encourage you to Shop Small® on November 24th. Thank you for supporting Small Business Saturday 2012!