Life's Abundance | Premium health products

Why You Should Take Probiotics In The Winter


people toasting at family dinner

Probiotics ensure your body has the support it needs to keep your health goals on track.


Along with joy and cheer, people also tend to spread germs during the holidays! And even if the seasonal bug doesn’t get you, sometimes the accompanying holiday stress of shopping, hosting, cooking and lack of sleep will. And these things will take a toll on your health. That’s why it’s so important to introduce probiotics into your daily routine.

Why Probiotics Are Particularly Vital During The Winter Season 

While they often get a bad rap, it's important to understand that not all bacteria are created equal. In fact, the average human gut contains over 100 trillion bacteria, many of which have important health benefits!

That's why probiotic supplements are designed to ensure that your body has all the support it needs to enjoy the benefits of healthy bacteria. 

Probiotics Play A Key Role In Preventing Illness

Probiotics help maintain your body’s count of friendly bacteria, which act as a tiny army to combat viruses. When an intruder is detected, these bacteria play a key role in the production of natural antiviral proteins. Probiotics ensure that your immune system has plenty of reinforcement in the fight against the seasonal cold and flu.

Probiotics Promote Proper Digestion

Let’s admit it - one of the best parts of family gatherings is all of the delicious food. Just remember that the more you eat the more your gut will have to work. Healthy gut bacteria not only boosts the immune system but also plays an essential role in digestion. Probiotics can help ensure that your digestive tract maintains enough healthy bacteria to avoid issues such as bloating, constipation, acid indigestion, and IBS.


person eating yogurt bowl with probiotics

Healthy gut bacteria not only boosts your immunity but also plays an essential role in digestion.


Sleep So Good You’ll Think You Hibernated

All of the logistical planning involved in family gatherings, holiday getaways and hectic shopping sprees surrounding the season can often result in a less predictable winter sleep schedule. Unfortunately, when your sleep cycle is thrown off, your body's healthy bacteria count will often follow. The good news is that the opposite is also true. Not only can probiotics help keep your gut healthy, but science now suggests that they can also lead to an improvement in the quality of sleep.  

Probiotics Can Help Counteract Holiday Cookies

It’s inevitable that most of us will overindulge during the holidays - whether it’s cookies, cocktails or grandma’s casserole, but it doesn’t need to stress you out.  Science has linked probiotics to the prevention of weight gain, so enjoy those extra peanut butter kisses, and pop a daily probiotic capsule as a great way to ensure your body has all the support it needs to keep your health goals on track.  

Alleviate Stress During The Winter Season

Between shopping, parties, and potlucks, winter can get hectic, but it turns out that the benefits of probiotics don’t end with immune and gut health. Research has also shown that they can relieve stress and depression while boosting cognitive function - just another reason to add them to your arsenal. 

At Life’s Abundance, we want to help keep you happy and healthy all season long. That's why we created a premium probiotic formula with at least 25 billion CFUs per capsule. This formula was developed with an award winning probiotics manufacturer in the USA, focused on supplying the highest quality strains that are vigorously tested using top technological advances. We go through this extensive process so you can get the full benefit out of our probiotics.

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3 Benefits Of Apples For Dogs


dog sniffing an apple

Apples are chock-full of vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants.


If an apple a day keeps the doctor away perhaps it keeps the Veterinarian away as well. Apples are a nutrient-packed superfood, but do they have the same health impact on your four-legged friends? Depending on how often you give your pup apples, they can serve as a delicious, healthy treat.

Benefits of apples for dogs:

  • Apples are low in calories and chock-full of vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants. One of the benefits of antioxidants is that they can help to reduce inflammation. In fact, apples contain quercetin which is an antioxidant that has been known to act as an antihistamine, helping inhibit the effects of allergies.
  • Apples are a great source of fiber for your furry friends, especially in the peel. And just like in people, fiber plays a huge role in the digestive system to keep everything moving. This helps your dog maintain a healthy weight.
  • Looking for a snack that helps with dental health? Apples contain malic acid, which aids in keeping their teeth cleaner and breath fresher. Plus, the natural chewing action helps scrub off food build-up.

As a note, if you choose to give your furry friend a fresh apple, make sure you are removing the core and seeds. The seeds can contain a small amount of cyanide, which can lead to problems should they eat too many by mistake. In addition, you don’t want to give them too large a serving, as an overabundance of fiber can cause digestive problems - we suggest sticking to one or two small slices.

Because apples are so nutrient-rich and enjoyed by dogs, we decided to make it one of the two top ingredients in our newest dog treats - Pork & Apple Recipe sausage treats for dogs. This treat packs a nutritious punch. Your pup will love the deli-style sausage links, and you’ll love how good it is for them.

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

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Vanilla Protein Sugar Cookies


vanilla protein sugar cookies

Make the best sugar cookies...ever. Without refined sugar.


Every holiday you bake sugar cookies for your kid’s holiday party.  Mmm...the oven-fresh smell is amazing. An entire class of third graders’ mouths water in unison as the tray of cookies enters the room, but there’s just one problem. The teacher’s no-sugar policy. We all know too much sugar is frowned upon, especially for kids, but what are sugar cookies without their sugary deliciousness?

The great news is you can avoid refined sugar and still turn out the best sugar cookies ever. The Vanilla Plant Protein Powder in this recipe is not only healthier, but it will delight your taste buds. It’s a win-win. Even the most health conscious teacher will enjoy them as much as their students will.

This recipe is a protein-packed, gluten-free take on traditional sugar cookies without the refined sugar. The coconut flour gives these cookies a soft, chewy texture, while the sanding sugar adds a little crunch as a garnish. If you want to skip sugar altogether, there are also sugar-free sprinkles. In the end, if all you have in the pantry is “real” sugar, you can substitute the same amount - and you’ll be happy to know they’re still healthier than most cookie recipes.

Note: A medium star cookie cutter was used, but cooking times and the number of cookies produced will vary depending on the shape and size of the cookie cutter you decide to use.

Makes about 16 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein Powder
  • 1 Tbsp. coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup monk fruit powder
  • 1 large egg, cracked
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp. fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup sanding sugar (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Add the almond flour, Vanilla Plant Protein Powder, and coconut flour; whisk; and set aside.
  3. Add the coconut oil and monk fruit powder to a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or handheld mixer and cream for three minutes until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat for one more minute.
  4. Add the dry ingredients slowly until just combined.
  5. Roll out the cookie dough with a rolling pin to 1/2-inch thick on a large parchment-lined sheet to avoid sticking to the counter. Chill the dough on the parchment paper in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Carefully cut with a cookie cutter. Repeat this process with the rest of the dough. If it gets too warm and stops holding its shape, place it back in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  7. Place the cookies two inches apart on a parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with sanding sugar (about 1/4 tsp. per cookie).
  8. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until puffy and cooked through.

Note: They will be soft, so don’t move them. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 20 to 30 minutes and store in an airtight container for three days or freeze for up to three months.

Enjoy!

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8 Ways To Help Animal Rescues During The Holidays


cat poking head out of crate at pet rescue

There are many ways you can help animal rescues during the holidays, even if you can't adopt just yet.


You’ll forever be a “superhero” in the eyes of any pet you adopt, but if you can’t commit to adoption just yet, you can at least reach “trusty sidekick” status by volunteering at your local animal shelter. This is especially true during the holidays when there’s often a shortage of staff. 

Here are eight creative ways you can help:

  1. Become a wise adopter

Pets in a shelter have only one thing on their holiday wish list: get adopted by a loving parent.  It’s the happiest ending they could ever hope for as a rescue. But while you are indeed “rescuing” them, remember, there are responsibilities with being a pet parent. First, it’s a myth that shelters spay/neuter their animals, so be sure to address that if it’s important to you. There are also financial costs to consider, like visits to the vet, and the cost of feeding- let alone all the cute toys and accessories you’ll want to buy. This is why it’s smart to be an aware adopter – it leads to a happier life for you and your pet.

  1. Foster a pet

Take a pet home for a short stay, say two weeks, to give them a break from their sheltered environment, that can be stressful, and ensure they get extra love and attention. If you already have a pet, this is a great way to help both your current pets and their new furry guest develop their social skills and hopefully introduce a new playmate.

  1. Gratitude for shelter workers

Those working in shelters are super-dedicated and constantly looking to spread the word about pets available for adoption as well as the work they’re doing. Show your support by hash-tagging and mentioning your favorite shelters on social media. Or send them a hand-written thank you note they can proudly showcase in their reception area. If you’re a baker, why not take them oven-fresh holiday cookies, they make the purr-fect gift of appreciation.

  1. Donate pet food and treats

Check first with your local shelter if you can bring in food and treats. Shelters are always hungry for support and if allowed, one of the best ways you can help is bringing in premium dog or cat food and delicious treats like our Pork and Apple Sausage Treats. Either choice will make you highly popular during visiting hours.


woman and kids petting a rescue dog

Show appreciation to dedicated shelter workers by sending thank you notes.

  1. Donate to cover vet expenses

Rescued pets often sustain injuries from negligent owners or during their time wandering and medical bills can be a costly road to recovery. Your donation can help them live a happier, healthier life, making them ideal candidates for adoption.

  1. Shelters need supplies

Your local shelter likely has a wish-list of things they need online. They could range from toys to towels to cleaning supplies. A shelter we heard about makes great use of an old bicycle they use to keep up with their dogs when they’re in the mood for a faster run.

  1. Get pets adopted

Do you love pets but are allergic to them? Do you wish you could own a pet but you live in a pet-free building? Use your cell phone to take photos of some of the sheltered pets - the kind that pull at people’s heart strings - then post them on social media to let everyone know they’re available for adoption. If there’s anything that should be viral-worthy it’s the face of a cute kitten that needs a new loving home, even if it’s not your home.

  1. Volunteer

Shelters are often short staffed. So grab a leash or three and help out by walking dogs, answering phones, feeding, cleaning or just playing with pets to keep them engaged and happy. There’s lots you can do, just ask. At Life’s Abundance, our employee-owners have begun to volunteer with Furry Friends, a local rescue. Check out the video below to see us in action!

When you shop at Life’s Abundance, a portion of the profits is set aside to fund our non-profit, The Dr. Jane Foundation - which helps support animals in need around the country. We recently partnered with Furry Friends, a local rescue, to aid in their mission. Read more here.

Gifts are always part of the holidays, but for pets and shelters, the gift of your time and love is especially valuable.

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Appreciating The Joys Our Pets Bring

Introducing A New Cat Into Your Home

The Dr. Jane Foundation Funds Local Rescue


dogs sitting in the grass at Furry Friends rescue

The Dr. Jane Foundation has partnered with Furry Friends, a local rescue in Jupiter, FL.


Did you know that when you shop at Life’s Abundance, a portion of the profits is set aside to fund our charitable non-profit, The Dr. Jane Foundation? Whether you’re ordering delicious treats for your furry friends, or nutritional supplements for you and your family, every order you place helps to save the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals across the U.S.

The Dr. Jane Foundation's current partnership is with Furry Friends, our neighbors at our headquarters in Jupiter, Florida. Furry Friends is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide complete care for abused and abandoned dogs and cats. They rescue, provide medical care, rehabilitate, and place pets in forever homes! The Dr. Jane Foundation specifically supports their new Transport Bus Program, Hope On Wheels.

Furry Friends is one of the only shelters in Florida that has a fully-equipped rescue bus. It’s been used to support pets in disasters as well as saving them from euthanasia. In fact, the bus has the capacity to transport over 100 animals per journey!


Furry Friends loading the bus Hope on Wheels

Furry Friends loads their bus, Hope on Wheels, with dogs and cats to be transported to other rescues.


When Hurricane Ian hit Florida in September 2022, Furry Friends completed one of their largest bus transports, helping a number of affected animals. Check out some of these incredible journeys:

  • 15 dogs and 20 cats were taken to a rescue in downtown Chicago to free up kennel space for displaced and lost pets after the hurricane.
  • Over 100 animals were transported from damaged areas on Florida’s southwest coast to a staging ground in Jacksonville where they were taken to various shelters throughout the country.
  • 50 dogs and cats were moved from storm zones to other shelters in the south and midwest.

In the first 10 months of this program, Furry Friends has been able to move more than 350 dogs and cats to safety, including those impacted by Hurricane Ian. They’re continuing to make a difference for these animals, and in 2023, they hope to double the size of their program and plan for 21 trips with continued support from our foundation.

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5 Tips To Manage Holiday Stress


woman sitting on couch doing deep breaths

Tip: To banish stress, breathe in, hold it, then let it out slowly.


“I’m so stressed.” How many times have you heard that from family, friends and just about anyone you encounter?  It often seems worse during the holidays, because so much is demanded of us with so little time to accomplish anything. No wonder there’s more stress, anxiety and tension - just thinking of that endless holiday to-do list can raise your blood pressure.

Bring it back down to normal with these five tips on how to manage holiday stress, before it wreaks havoc on your sleep or your peace of mind. Nobody wants those disturbed.

Gratitude. Be thankful for what you have. Most people are fully content in life without having an Aspen ski chalet or a 90-foot yacht. Psychologists have researched that, when you celebrate what you already have, you tend to be happier and healthier. With that, stress has less of a chance to take hold, and you’re less concerned about keeping up with the Kardashians.

Breathe. You’re in a mad rush to grab a bottle of wine for your best friend’s holiday party and the person on line in front of you forgot their wallet. While they shuffle off to get it in their car, you’re left in line waiting. And waiting. That’s when oxygen becomes your best friend. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold for a count of four, then let it out to the count of eight. Repeat five times and your mindset will shift from red hot to rosé all day.


dog sitting on woman's lap cuddling

Tip: It's proven. Playing with your pets calm and relax you.


Play with your pets. Fact: pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression. They have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels which guard against heart problems. Even better? Playing with dogs or cats elevates your levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax you. Pets do so much for us, it’s only natural to want to reward them. Try Pork & Apple Sausage Treats for dogs or Turkey Hearts Freeze-Dried Treats for cats. Both are Y-U-M.

Let go of perfection. Throttle back on anxiety when your 9-year-old’s rendition of silent night needs more work before the holiday pageant. Instead of trying to improve it to the level of Mariah Carey, relax, sometimes it’s better to just let good enough be enough.

Don’t abandon your healthy habits. Yes, it’s snowing. Yes, it’s cold. But a short jog can help raise your spirits and get your endorphins flowing. Refreshing runs, or even a brisk walk, are a good start. Now keep up the good work by refreshing your skin. Keep that summer glow of yours from fading with our Facial Serum. A few drops is all it takes to revitalize, hydrate and pamper your skin. So now a petal-soft complexion is definitely in season.

Remember, the key for a happy, healthy holiday season and beyond is to catch stress before it starts - so you can concentrate better, sleep better and feel much better for the holidays.

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Insider Tips To Save Money At Life's Abundance


dog sitting on woman's lap while online shopping

Tip: Signing up for our Autoship program will save you both time and money.


Challenging economic times make it harder to balance getting premium products for your family while also saving your wallet. We know how it is, which is why we spoke to our very own employee-owners to share money saving tips they’ve learned from personal experience as well as from our customers. Now you won’t have to sacrifice quality - ever again.

Sign Up For Autoship

One of the best ways to save money at Life’s Abundance is by using our Autoship program. You get discounted pricing when you add products to your Autoship, it’s absolutely free to enroll and has no minimum order requirement. It’s a loyalty discount program with big benefits.

You’ll never again have to make a late night run to the store when you’re running low on pet food, supplements or personal care items. Just choose how often you’d like your products shipped out and we’ll do the rest.

Saving both money and time? Everyone knows that’s a win-win.

Double Up Your Order

If you’re already enrolled in our Autoship program, you’re one step ahead. But did you know that you can save even more money by doubling your order? For example, if you order a bag of pet food today, you’ll pay $8.85 for shipping. But, if you order two bags today, you’ll still pay the same shipping rate. This way you can double up your Autoship order and schedule it to ship out less frequently - saving you on shipping.

This strategy will cut your shipping costs in half, and you’ll still receive the discounted Autoship pricing. Remember, your Autoship frequency can be set as far out as 4 months apart.

Special Insider tip: You may be thinking - “I don’t need two large bags of food, plus they’ll go bad.” Just check out our blog on how to store pet food, and you’ll be able to keep your furry friends’ kibble fresh for longer.

As an extra perk, by doing this, you’re helping out the environment by cutting down on your deliveries, reducing carbon emissions, and your packaging, saving trees.

Fill Up The Box

If you already trust the quality of one of our products, try other products from our people and pet lines. Make it easier on yourself by adding on to your already existing shipment - with supplements, skin care, pet treats or cleaning supplies. This way, you’re buying from a single source and it saves you money on shipping too! And, since you’ll be making the most of it and adding multiple products into the same package, this is a greener option for the environment.


person putting coins in doggy bank

Tip: Fill up your existing order by trying other products from our people and pet lines.


Skip “Oh Shoot” Day

Have you ever had that moment where it’s pup’s mealtime or you’re making your morning protein smoothie and you’re down to that last scoop in the bag - and you haven’t placed your order yet? “Oh shoot.” We’ve all been there, which is why it is important that you never wait until the last minute to ship your order since overnight shipping is super expensive. Even then, it still might take two days depending on the time of day you purchase. It’s better to have a week or two of extra product than pay extra at the very last minute.

Special Insider tip: If you can’t log into your account to ship your order, just find your last Autoship confirmation or tracking number email and reply to it with “SHIP NOW” and we will take care of the rest! Just make sure your credit card number is up to date. Easy peasy.

Don’t Give Up Quality And Safety

As we’ve mentioned before, you never want to give up quality or safety just to save a few extra bucks. After all, good health starts with good nutrition, and what would a trip to the doctor or vet cost you in time, money, and worry?

You do everything you can to keep your family healthy, and you also know it’s important to focus on the quality, and overall safety of the products they consume. That’s why here at Life’s Abundance, as an added layer of quality assurance, we’ve developed a unique recall system so advanced that when you purchase a product, we know what you received, all the way down to the lot number. We’ve never had a recall in over 20 years, but if there is ever an issue, our proactive communications system allows us to reach thousands of people by phone in just one hour, ensuring that all affected customers are contacted quickly. You would also hear from us by email and even through the mail. Without this direct outreach, most consumers would never hear about a recall.

We hope these tips help you while you’re buying products from Life’s Abundance. Happy Shopping and Happy Savings!

Have some Life’s Abundance money-saving tips of your own? Share them in the comments below!

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How To Store Pet Food

We all know how frustrating it is when food  goes bad quickly - especially veggies or freshly baked breads. And if you’re anything like us, you’ve probably found some life hacks to make them last longer. Whether that’s with zip-top  bags, plastic wrap or storing them in the freezer, it’s a good feeling knowing you don’t have to throw out your groceries. But what about your furry friend’s kibble? Dog and cat foods have an expiration date just as our own food does, but there are steps you can take to keep the kibble as fresh as possible after opening.

Tightly Seal The Bag

You’re rushing one morning and you remember to fill your pet’s bowl, but you forget to seal the bag using one of your aforementioned hacks. You’re halfway to work before you realize your mistake but you figure there’s no harm in the bag being open for a few hours. However, doing this often can cause the kibble to go stale, or even worse, spoil completely. So taking that extra couple seconds to squeeze all of the air out of the bag and close it tight with our convenient built-in seal will ensure longer-lasting freshness.


dog eating Life's Abundance dog food

Life's Abundance pet foods are made with convenient resealable bags.


Use Refrigeration

If you feel you must refrigerate your pet’s kibble, you may safely do so with our kibble. However, rather than storing the entire bag in the fridge, it is best to split up portions into zip top bags and draw them out one at a time. Never freeze the kibble as this can lead to unwanted moisture from the condensation and eventually a build up in bacteria. 

Put In A Storage Bin

You can put kibble in a storage bin as long as it is an airtight container. One of our best practices is to actually keep the food in the original bag and then store it in the airtight container. Just remember to always keep it clean and dry and that when you’re done filling up your furry friend’s bowl, you’re closing both the bag and the bin.

With these tips, you can feel confident that you’ll be giving your furry friend the freshest kibble possible at mealtime. “Bone” appetite!

Have any more tips for storing your dog or cat’s kibble? Share them with us in the comments below!

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A Superfood Recipe That’s Super Tasty


superfood dip with Greens Blend

Instead of tons of calories in an onion dip, try our tasty superfood recipe.


Don’t want to be stuck eating 5,000 calories-a-scoop onion dip at your best friend’s holiday soiree - yet fear being made fun of when you bring your favorite gluten-free, sugar-free, fun-free hors d'oeuvre? Add this flavorful superfood dip featuring our delicious Greens Blend to the potluck table and you’ll be the star of the party.

This dip is not only easy to make, it contains some of the most nutrient-dense foods out there - like spinach, garlic, beans, red peppers, and avocado. Not up on the latest benefits of these superfoods? Read below so you can school the mini-hotdog lovers scowling at the “health food”, they think, you’re trying to pass off as tasty. 

Beans are loaded with fiber and plant protein to help keep you full. They’re also an under-the-radar antioxidant hero - protecting your heart, improving your skin, and preventing heart disease.

Spinach is your leafy green BFF; it’s filled with antioxidants, most of its calories come from protein, and it’s one of the best sources of dietary potassium and iron. Plus, the Vitamins A and C it contains will help boost your immune system in these cold winter months.

Avocados contain over 25 essential nutrients and are one of the tastiest ways to get in some much-needed healthy fat and fiber. They’re loaded with monounsaturated fat, known to improve cholesterol and help you lose belly fat. They also contain the compound glutathione, which blocks the absorption of unhealthy fats. 


woman holding an avocado cut in half

Did you know? Avocados contain glutathione which blocks the absorption of unhealthy fats.


Garlic
is best known as the ingredient to avoid if you plan on getting face-to-face, it should be touted for its main disease-fighting compound, Allicin. Not only does it create healing in the circulatory, digestive and immune systems, it also has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties. 

Red Peppers contain beta carotene, lycopene, and skin-repairing Vitamin A, but their most impressive stat is the amount of the powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C, they contain - twice as much as an orange. 

Rosemary has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries; traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth - fresh Rosemary tastes best. 

Around the Life’s Abundance office, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between deprivation and all-out gluttony. We know that in order to get anyone, whether it’s our kids or our friends, to get on the superfood bandwagon, we need to make them taste good, or there’s no getting them to take a second bite.

Whip up this 5-minute dip and guests will be overjoyed by its taste, plus the fact that they can now indulge in an extra cookie or two.

Recipe: 

  • 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Greens Blend
  • 1 15.5 oz can cannellini beans
  • 1 avocado
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
  • 2 large cloves garlic
  • Juice from 1 fresh lemon
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ red pepper finely diced (reserved)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a food processor or high-speed blender, puree all ingredients except the red pepper, until smooth. Stir in diced pepper, and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with crostini or sliced colored peppers and assorted veggies. Makes 1 ½ cups or about 8 servings.

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Thanksgiving. Don’t Forget To Give Thanks For Your Pets.


woman playing with her dog on the floor

A minute ago she was feeling blah. See the difference a dog makes?


As pet parents, we’re thankful for our dogs and cats. They’re always there for us on the good days as well as the times when we have to deal with dark clouds. Well, that’s life.

But your pet’s unconditional love is all yours, no matter what. Adding to that are the shared times, the fun and the excitement of running with your dog in the park, tossing a frisbee into the distance or cuddling up with your sweet cat on the couch. Well, get used to it, pets add life to your life.

Pets Are Amazing

Pets are amazing and guess what, so are pet stories. People love them, and as a pet parent we’re guessing you have more than a few to tell. There’s no better time than Thanksgiving for that. Why? Because you're bound to be asked what you're thankful for at the Thanksgiving table.

You could answer with all the usual stuff … family, friends and happiness. We’re all grateful for them. But don’t forget to give thanks for your furry friends. So get your pet stories out for Thanksgiving. To inspire you, read on for three of our own tales about pet brilliance, love and companionship. 

JoJo Is Bilingual

You know dogs are smart, but JoJo is brilliant. His new family raves about his intelligence, but there’s one thing they didn’t know. When his original owner came for a visit, they discovered he had taught JoJo German. When he said “mach sitz”, Jojo would sit. When he said “platz” JoJo would lie down. JoJo responds to 16 German commands. After having JoJo for a few months, the kids in his new family, Melissa, nine, and Aaron, seven, mastered all 16 commands. Surprise, surprise, they’re now bilingual, because JoJo is bilingual.


woman cuddling with her cat

Pets are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. No wonder we are so thankful for them.


A Paw Placed On Her Knee

A Labrador called Sam went missing. His owner, Lauren, was…well, no words can describe her anguish. Nobody should have to go through that. Lauren made “Sam is Missing” posters and drove around the neighborhood calling for him. But no luck. A day later the phone rang. Someone from miles away found Sam wandering along a road. No film script could capture the joy of Sam being reunited with his owner. To show his appreciation, whenever Lauren sat down, Sam would be there to lift his paw and place it gently on her knee. To this day he’s still doing it.

Dating Advice from Gilly

Everybody loves talking to their cat because they often see their pet as human. A friend we met at a cat show heartily agrees. She’s forever talking to her cat, Gilly, asking about the guys she’s dating. Surprisingly, she gets meows of advice. Jonathan tops the feline popularity list with two meows. Marc is a close second with one meow. Poor Marc. As thanks for being such a good advisor Gilly is being included in the turkey festivities with Turkey Hearts Freeze-Dried Treats. So, happily it’ll be “turkey for all” on Thanksgiving Day.

Okay now, the spotlight’s on you for your own Thanksgiving pet stories. So go for it.

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