Meet Nova

Nova, our new puppy dog.

Meet Nova, our McNab Rat Terrier mix puppy dog 🐕. Her name, Nova, means star 🌟. She has a gorgeous tricolor (brown, black, & white) and merle (blue) coat and super cute cocked ears. Her ears are so expressive. We adopted her from the Lassen Humane Society in Susanville, California and she was being trained by Pups on Parole there. After a long car ride 🚘 all the way from California (about 10 hours there to get her and 10 hours back) to Oregon she is finally home for Christmas 🎄. 

Nova at the shelter.

Within minutes of arriving last night we found out she likes to bolt out doors and chase cars 😟. We had a harrowing night trying to find her in the dark 🌉 and cold 🌬️, but everything turned out 🙏 and our neighbor, Chuck, found her this morning on his front porch and brought her back home to us. My family is ecstatic that she is back safe and sound. Now she is content; getting lots of attention, warmed back up, and some much needed rest. Thank you to everyone that was looking for her! Y'all are all amazing! 

Nova with my daughters and on her new bed.

She also received a comfy dog bed from our other neighbor, Jessica, for Christmas. She is settling in nicely and loves her new digs. We love her 😍! She is such a sweetheart and loves giving wet kisses 👅 to show her affection 💕.

You can see her adoption photos here... https://photos.app.goo.gl/hkWHzVYZJnayhEpc7

Wordless Wednesday Meet Chia

Meet Chia, our Nubian Goat. Isn't she darling!?

We rescued her from a farm that was mistreating her. We are helping her recover & get healthy again.

Wordless Wednesday Bunnies!

We rescued these bunnies along with some mama rabbits and a male. Aren't they adorable!

I know this post is supposed to be wordless, but I like to break the rules sometimes. We are in the process of making a better bunny habitat for some of these rescued bunnies and re-homing the rest. They are so adorable and we are going to have to keep some...because I have fallen for their cute wittle furry faces :) Aren't they perfect for Easter!

Awe! Some of our baby bunnies huddled up in a furry ball together sleeping. These are still nursing with their mother.

Nordic Naturals What's Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest

Tatiana playing ball with Prince.

This is a sponsored post and I will be getting free product for posting. This post is in partnership with Nordic Naturals. All information about the contest was provided by Nordic Naturals. All other thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

I believe pets are important part of human happiness. Their integrated existence with us on this planet has its major benefits. Pets have helped mankind for centuries. There is documentation where having a pet around people, especially the: elderly, special needs, disabled or handicapped has lowered stress and increased happiness.

Before she passed away, we were planning on getting a mini pony or hypoallergenic breed of dog for my daughter, Tatiana, who was blind and had cerebral palsy to aid her in her various needs. We did get Prince, a rescued shelter dog, slightly before she passed away and they absolutely adored each other. Prince would be so excited when Tati would come home from school on the bus. He would wait by the door when it was time and when I wheeled her into the house in her wheelchair he would come up to her and put his head in her lap and lick her hand with his doggie kisses. Prince wasn't really trained as a service dog, but he was still very affectionate and loving with her.

Nordic Naturals is putting together a great Photo Contest that supports and gives back to Paws for Veterans and Animal Shelter Dogs. This is a great cause! This helps dogs receive good loving homes and injured military veterans get the care they need.

About Paws for Veterans
Paws for Veterans, Inc. is a community-based organization that provides service dogs, training, supplies, and therapeutic group sessions to Veteran and Active Duty men and women struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Physical Disabilities. As a 501 C 3 non profit, this organization rescues, rehabilitates, trains, and re-homes dogs as service dogs for injured Veterans.

About Nordic Naturals
Based in Watsonville, CA, Nordic Naturals is committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils to help provide the essentials of an extraordinary life. Distributing to more than 35 countries, Nordic Naturals offers more than 150 products in a variety of flavors and formulations, all in line with leading standards for safety, efficacy and sustainability. By providing omega oil supplements for adults, kids, athletes and pets, Nordic Naturals helps everyone do more of what they love. Further information is available at www.nordicnaturals.com. Nordic Naturals is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nordicnaturals and people can follow the company on Twitter at @NordicNaturals.

The Contest
Nordic Naturals® wants to see adorable photos of rescued shelter pets on their Facebook page and support a good cause in the process! Pet owners can enter Nordic Naturals What’s Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest by uploading their special photo on the company’s Facebook page between June 28 and July 18. www.facebook.com/nordicnaturals Two grand prize winners will be chosen on August 1st and will receive a prize pack that includes:

• A 3-month supply of Nordic Naturals Omega-3 pet products and human products – you choose from a list of qualifying Nordic Naturals’ products
• Dog and cat goodies including collapsible water bowl, chew toy, doggie bags and a plush fish toy
• The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know and The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know books by Tracie Hotchner
• A custom canvas painting of your pet by beccavision.com
• Mr. or Ms. Omega-3 Pet Award Certificate
• Profile featured on the Facebook app 

BUT, that’s not all!! The contest supports the non profit Paws for Veterans, Inc. and voting for your favorite pet photo on Facebook earns dollars for this important organization. This is a win-win for everybody -- rescue dogs are given a purpose in a loving, forever home, service members experience the healing power of their new canine partners, and Facebook Fans enjoy the satisfaction of knowing their vote in the contest sends $1 to Paws for Veterans (up to $5000).

To enter on Facebook:

• Go to the Nordic Naturals Facebook fan page between 6/28 and 7/18
• Upload your pet’s photo
• Vote for one of the finalists from 7/19 to 7/31 then see the winners on 8/1

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post. This post is in partnership with Nordic Naturals. I will be receiving products for free for posting this post. All information about the contest was provided by Nordic Naturals. All other thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Frugal Dog/Pet Tips (Sponsored Post)

Our dog, Prince, with his rubber chicken.

This is a sponsored post and I will be getting product for posting. This post is in partnership with the dog bark collar store.

Owning a pet is a lot like having a child. It isn't cheap. People sometimes splurge on their pets out of love on luxuries that they really can't afford. After all, your pet is just as much part of the family as your kids or spouse. There is nothing wrong with spoiling your pooch or pet with frivolous things if you have the money. When it comes down to it though, all your pet really needs is regular interaction with you, exercise, a nutritious diet, and preventive care. Here are some frugal dog/pet tips to save some cash and still keep your pet healthy and happy.

• Rescue a pet. Finding the perfect pet is a daunting task sometimes. Ask a lot of questions and do your research. Look to rescuing a pet from a shelter or pound instead of buying a pet from a breeder. Usually doing so will save you money and give a pet in need a good home. Other places you could look are Craigslist and Freecycle. We found our dog using Petfinder and got our dog, Prince, at a shelter. We were looking for a dog that was great with kids and was part poodle because they are usually hypoallergenic. Prince is a large standard poodle/coon hound mix. We had a long drive to get him because the shelter that had him wasn't as local, but he was worth it.
• Spend time with your pet. Give your pet the much needed attention it deserves. Scratch it behind the ears or stroke its fur. Take your dog to the park, dog park, on a walk around the block, or play fetch. Interaction and exercise is a wonderful part of the equation to keeping your pet healthy and happy. This is cheaper than buying your pet lots of toys or taking it to the pet spa.
• Use alternatives to expensive treats. If you use praise or positive reinforcement verbally or with positive contact (or both) you might be able to cut down on the number of treats you give your pet. Alternatively there are fruits and veggies you can safely feed your pet for treats. You can also make your own pet treats as there are a number of recipes online using ingredients that you probably already have around the house.
• Give your pet a nutritious diet. Pick a pet food that your pet likes. If your pet doesn't like it, they won't eat it. Don't skimp on quality and get one without the fillers and extra ingredients you can't pronounce. Fillers usually cause gastric and bowel problems. Buy in bulk, it is usually cheaper in the long run. Use coupons or gift cards! Don't overfeed your pet. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems for your pet. There are also people foods that should be avoided for pets at all costs.
• Use preventative care. Know how to care for your pet and give your pet what they really need. Keep your pet's vaccines, medication, and veterinary checkups current and up to date. Keep their heartworm, flea and tick medication up to date. Practice good hygiene and exercise with your pet. You can bathe, brush teeth, groom and clip your pet's nails, etc. all yourself at home instead of taking them to an pricey groomer, spa, salon or boutique. With a pet clipper and practice you will become a pro. Also, spay or neuter your pet, as this also reduces potential medical expenses.
• Keep a pet savings account or buy insurance. It is cheaper than pet insurance. However; if you can afford insurance it would be wise to keep it for your pet just in case an emergency arises. Then you won't have to pay all that money for vet bills out of pocket all of a sudden. If you do get insurance know what you are paying for, read the fine print before signing up and shop around to find the best deal for the most benefits. Also make sure your current vet accepts the insurance you pick. Pet insurance is sometimes the more economical way to go.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose. The best pet product doesn't have to be the most expensive one. Old holey socks tied in a knot or a good stick are great tug of war/fetch implements. Other things can be used or reused for a pet purpose instead of what they are currently being used or not being used for. Look around and think outside the box. Thrift store finds are great!
• Find a pet sitter. When you have to leave your pet at home for an extended amount of time finding a reliable, caring and affordable pet sitter close to you is key. Doggie Daycare might not be as cost-effective. If you have a friend or relative that can watch you pet for little to nothing and does a good job that is the best situation. If you don't have those options you can try DogVacay or a similar service. Also you could try finding one through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. They might have affordable pet sitters that you can try in your area.
• Go on a pet included vacation. If your having trouble finding a good pet sitter maybe you could take your pet with you. Just make sure the places you book are pet friendly. There are a lot of pet friendly hotels: motels, rentals, attractions, restaurants, etc. out there that offer options. If you don't know, ask ahead! We went on a long road trip across the USA with our dog, Prince. It was a lot of fun and he enjoyed all the time he spent with us along the way. You can also purchase a Traveling with Your Pet guide by AAA to help you on your travels.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post. This post is in partnership with the dog bark collar store. I will be receiving a special engraved dog bowl that teaches my dog to eat slow and a $25 gift card to a store of my choice for free for posting these tips. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.