Sustainable Tails

Hello fans and welcome back to this week’s edition of Sustainable Tails! We aim to bring you a wide variety of subject matter each week as it pertains to pets, as well as eco-friendly and sustainable content along the way. We are discussing some fun and interesting topics in this weeks edition. The usual features you have come to know and love are still here, so just kick back and enjoy what we have put together for you!

Why Do Cats Bite Their Owners?

Ever wonder why your feline friend occasionally decides to showcase their dental prowess on your unsuspecting hand? Well, fear not, for cat behavior is as mysterious as it is fascinating. When your cat engages in a playful nibble, it's often a testament to their inherent instincts. Descendants of wild hunters, cats retain a bit of their predatory nature in domesticity. That seemingly aggressive nip during play mimics their wild ancestors honing their hunting skills.

Then there's the communication aspect. Cats aren't fluent in human languages, so they express themselves through various gestures. A gentle bite can be their way of saying, "Hey, human, I'm here, and I appreciate your existence." It's like a love nip without the roses.

Territoriality also plays a role. Cats are meticulous about their space, and a bite might signify, "This is my kingdom; approach with caution, human subject." If your cat suddenly goes full Dracula on you, it might be an attempt to set boundaries and maintain the sanctity of their feline realm.

And let's not forget about the overstimulation dilemma. Cats, despite their regal demeanor, have a threshold for affection. When the cuddle sessions get a bit too intense, a bite serves as a polite reminder that personal space is a non-negotiable feline right.

So, next time your cat decides your finger is the ultimate chew toy, take it as a compliment, a love note written in nibbles that says, "You, dear human, are part of my pride, and this is my quirky way of showing affection." Embrace the nibbles, decode the messages, and revel in the enigmatic charm of your feline overlord.

https://www.thesprucepets.com/stop-cat-bites-553893#:~:text=Cats%20bite%20for%20so%20many,bite%20when%20they%20get%20overstimulated.

Dog Knows

Dogs possess an extraordinary sense of smell, with up to 300 million scent receptors in their noses, compared to about 5 million in humans. This incredible olfactory ability enables them to detect scents at remarkably low concentrations, track trails, identify illnesses, and even locate missing persons. Their nose truly defines their world.

Is Your Pup A Fast Eater? Here A Few Tips

Does your pup approach mealtime like it's a race to the finish line, leaving you wondering if they even had time to taste the food? Fear not, speed-eating can be curbed with a few entertaining and practical tricks.

First on the list, consider investing in a slow feeder bowl. These nifty contraptions come in various designs, featuring obstacles and mazes that turn mealtime into a delightful puzzle. It's like fine dining for dogs, making them work a bit for each delicious bite.

For the DIY enthusiasts, try the muffin tin method. Simply place your dog's kibble in a muffin tin, making each cup a mini portion. This not only slows down their eating but also adds an element of surprise and engagement.

Another tactic is the scatter feeding approach. Instead of plunking the food in a bowl, scatter it across the floor or use a treat-dispensing toy. It taps into your dog's foraging instincts, transforming mealtime into an exciting scavenger hunt.

Consider the power of technology with interactive feeders. Some devices release small portions of food at set intervals, turning meals into a game of strategy and patience.

And for the more whimsical pet parents, there's the canine snuffle mat—a shaggy paradise where your dog can nose around for their food. It's like a tasty treasure hunt in the comfort of your living room.

So, there you have it—turning fast eaters into gourmet grazers with a touch of creativity and a dash of canine ingenuity. Mealtime is not just about the food; it's an adventure waiting to happen!

Pet Poem Place

Dogs

By Shivaun, Age 9, Oakville, Ontario Canada

If I had a dog, what would I do?
Would I feed it? Yup!
Would I scoop up after it? Nah!
Little kids will do that.
If I had a dog, I’d love it for sure!
How cute!

Pet Of The Week - Finney

Our newest Pet Of The Week is Finney, an extremely loyal Jack Russell Terrier. Finney and her owner, Richard Moore, went for a hike in the mountains of Colorado on August 19th. Unfortunately, Richard and Finney never returned home. It wasn’t until 10 weeks later on October 30th when a hunter would stumble upon Richard’s body, and remarkably, Finney was still there by Richard’s side. Despite losing half of her body weight during the 10 weeks in the mountains, Finney was still loyally protecting Richard’s body.

In a gesture of immense loyalty and determination for survival, Finney remained beside Richard, even after Richard succumbed to hypothermia. A recovery team was able to retrieve Richard’s body and returned Finney back to Moore’s family. Moore was a dog trainer for 20 years, and this is an example of the extreme bond that humans have with our pets, even long after one passes away. We wanted to recognize Finney this week as our Pet Of The Week for being there for Richard when he needed her most.

Coping With Pet Loss

Coping with the grief and loss of a beloved pet is a deeply emotional journey, requiring understanding, patience, and self-compassion. The bond between humans and their pets is profound, making the loss akin to losing a cherished family member. To navigate this difficult process:

• Allow Yourself to Grieve: It's important to acknowledge and accept the pain. Grieving is a natural and necessary part of the healing process.

• Create a Memorial: Establishing a memorial, whether through photographs, a scrapbook, or a planted tree, can provide a tangible way to cherish the memories of your pet.

• Seek Support: Share your feelings with friends, family, or a support group who understand the unique bond with a pet. Sometimes, simply talking about your beloved companion can be therapeutic.

• Express Emotions: Whether through writing, art, or simply talking out loud, find an outlet to express your emotions. Bottling up feelings can prolong the healing process.

• Establish Routine: If your pet's absence leaves a void in your daily routine, consider creating new habits or dedicating time to volunteer at an animal shelter. This can provide a sense of purpose.

• Memorialize Their Legacy: Celebrate your pet's life by supporting a cause they loved or by fostering another animal in need. This can transform grief into a positive and meaningful tribute.

• Professional Help: If the grief becomes overwhelming, seeking the guidance of a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support.

Remember that healing is a gradual process, and everyone copes differently. Honor the love and joy your pet brought into your life, allowing their memory to live on in your heart.

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/coping-loss-pet#:~:text=Know%20that%20it's%20the%20asking,way%20to%20meet%20this%20need.

2023 National Dog Show

Just a friendly reminder, in case it snuck up on you, that this week is Thanksgiving, and with that comes a beloved annual tradition, the National Dog Show. It is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and was founded way back in 1879.

Will it be the French Bulldog repeating as Best In Show, or the Scottish Deerhound, another favorite? Or will there be an “underdog” taking this years Best In Show ribbon away from the favorites? Be sure to tune into the NBC Network directly after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and see if your favorite breed will win this years National Dog Show!

Cat Cuteness

Well, that’s a wrap for this week. Please be sure to share this growing community of pet lovers from around the world with your friends and family. We send you an unobtrusive email once a week right to your mailbox. That’s all there is to it! We welcome any and all input from all of our subscribers. Send us topics you’d love to know more about, or just drop a line to say hello. There are exciting things coming as Sustainable Tails grows in popularity!

Sustainable Tails is dedicated to helping you create a harmonious and eco-friendly life for you and your pets. By embracing zero-waste and pet-friendly grooming products and sustainably exploring the outdoors together, you're not only enhancing the well-being of your furry companions but also contributing to a healthier planet.

Thank you for joining us on this weeks adventure. Continue to spread the word on what we are doing here, and always know your comments and participation in our community are welcomed with open paws. We’ll see you right here next week, so continue making sustainable choices and cherishing each and every day with your beloved pets!

Joshua McCarty

Founder, Sustainable Tails

P.S. Have a topic you’d like us to cover in our next newsletter? Share your ideas and questions with us. We’d love to hear from you!

P.P.S. Take a peek over at our partner website for an ever growing list of sustainable and eco-friendly pet supplies and accessories, as well as many other pet friendly products!

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