How to Make a Flat Pet

Flat Bentley with the Hill's Pets representatives' Flat Pets.

   One of the great things about the BlogPaws conference is that it is a pet-friendly event.  Deciding whether to bring your pet to the three-day event is sometimes difficult.  You need to ask yourself if they are well behaved in crowds, around other animals, and can you control them while attending sessions.  I must say last year’s pets were all on their best behavior.

   Since we were flying to the conference, we knew Bentley wasn’t joining us. He will NOT travel in cargo.  As we have discussed before; cargo has no snack or beverage cart, no in-flight movie, no micro-toilet, and no Basset Hound!  He passed the “cabin-size” requirements about 30 pounds ago.

   I started feeling sad that all of these other cool dogs and cats would be there and I wouldn’t have Bentley.  I turned to BlogPaws for the answer.  Quite a few people that couldn’t travel with their pets had bought or made something called a “Flat Pet.”  What in the world is a Flat Pet?  I’m so glad that you asked.

Tractor Supply Stores Can Keep Your Pets Happy #PAW2014

   Have you been to your local Tractor Supply Store lately?  If not, you really need to drop by to discover all of the awesome pet supplies they carry.  Despite their name, Tractor Supply Company stores carry an extensive line of premium brand pet foods, treats, flea & tick supplies, beds, crates, kennels, collars, and so much more.  Whether you are a pet parent or manage a small family farm, your local TSC store has everything that you need.  They are your one-stop shop with locations all over rural America.

Scoop That Poop

   This is my first post for the Scoop That Poop campaign.  It is a blog hop hosted by my good friend Sugar, the Golden Retriever http://www.sugarthegoldenretriever.com/ 

   I have always scooped the poop from my backyard since the boys do their business there.  For years, I used a shovel and stick to scoop that poop.  It was yucky, but it did the job.  One Valentine’s Day several years ago, my husband gave me the greatest gift ever.  (Disclaimer: We have been married a very long time and he’s given me jewelry, flowers, and candy on every Valentine’s Day)  So what could be better than sparkles, blooms, or sweets?  I came home to a brand new shiny Pooper Scooper with Mylar balloons tied all over it!  Now, I know this may not seem like the perfect romantic gift to some of you.  For me, it was the most thoughtful gift that he could have given me.  Remember, I have used a shovel and stick for 20+ years!  He said the man at the pet store laughed when he explained his purchase was for a gift!

After getting the hang of using my spiffy new Pooper Scooper, I’d bring out my grocery store bag and get to work scooping.  That’s when he came up with this ingenious aid for me.

He took a plastic ice cream tub and cut out the bottom.  Then, he attached handy hangers upside down on each side of the bucket.  I just stick the grocery bag through the center and attach the bag handles to the hooks.  It keeps the bag open and I have the bucket handle to tote around the yard.  When I’m finished, I set it down and unhook the bag.  Then, just raise the plastic container off and tie the bag up tightly.  Voila!  There’s no mess, no fuss!

Eventually, he added screws to the hooks so they stayed on firmly.  It is one of the best inventions that he’s come up with so far!

I’m featuring an infograph from Sugar the Golden Retriever and dogster.com to illustrate the importance of Scooping That Poop!  Remember, poop happens but you don’t have to step in it!

This is the “Scoop That Poop” blog hop!

Be sure to check out the other blogs for more insightful scoops!