But Mommmm, I'm Boredddd

Gunner sleeping AGAIN

Yes, even with a tub of toys, some of our pets are acting like bored kids with all of the snow and cold weather that's been going on.  It seems like my animals are alternating between hyperactivity, and going into hibernation.  
Honestly, even the Yellow Peril isn't asking to go outside with all of the snow that we've been having.  He's still meowing his head off at me for food. "MEOW MEOW MEOoooowWwwww...." runs to the food bowl..  (I showed him the meme "I don't know who's cat needs to see this, but you literally just ate."  He doesn't care.)

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The Yellow Peril, plus RC car.

The Challenge: keeping the pets safe and entertained during inclement weather!

For my cats...
Well, the Yellow Peril has decided that RC cars pretty cool to chase!  He's too "smart" to go for a LASER pointer, or a feather on a string, but the tiny car he feels is an adequate challenge.
After a few rounds with the car, and my freshening of the  cat nip on the scratching post, and he was good for a few minutes of activity.  
Dwight (De-grey cat), has taken up a cappella singing while watching birds on the feeder outdoors.  The birds don't mind, and it keeps him awake :)
​Adding Feliway Friends pheromone diffuser has helped the two cats get along better now that they are spending more time in each other's space during the winter.
The cats don't share a bed, but they don't hiss and spit as they pass each other, which is a pretty big improvement.

One project that looked super fun, but I haven't done it yet, is this "craft" using a ceiling fan and toilet paper: cats for lovee  will take you to FaceBook. 

The dogs...
​I get BarkBox toys delivered.  We seriously have soooo many dogs toys, I feel a little bit guilty.  But to have "fun" my dogs seem to need to either destroy their toys (fluff and squeakers EVERYWHERE), or have me play with them.  My dogs don't like playing in the snow in  the back yard on their own.    
​We haven't been walking much (only because I'm a wimp in snow, they are good to go!) but try to get to a close by field when we can.  

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Gunner in the snow

Challenges with snow walks include: me falling on my can.  Yes, I have been told that I need to "walk like a penguin", and I do have some microspikes that I bought from Costco, but I'm kinda clumsy.
Also, the "toe snow balls".  Do your dogs get these?  I've tried paw protection balms and waxes, but they soon get a major jam of snow between their pads.  Other than trimming the hair short, have any of you had success with battling what I call "snow toe"?
I am looking forward to the mud and rain!  As a Wet-Coaster, I know how to deal with dirty paws :)

I will also be building a "Snuffle-Matt" for my dogs.  Have you seen these?  I made one for the clinic for someone to win in a draw, and I'm thinking that I might make one for my dogs.  
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Snuffle mat contest

What are they for?  Well, hiding treats for your dog, cat (ferret?) to slowing find by snuffling around through the floppy bits of tied on fleece. 
Want to make your own?  Go to This Link .  I used a section of anti-fatigue matting from Home Depot for the base, and some older fleece blankets for the strips.  My advice: double count the number of strips needed to make the blanket - I counted wrong the first time :(
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True with alll of the best toys at Rose's house.

True believes all of the best toys are anyone else's toys.  She is a greedy little thief!  Don't let her adorable brown eyes fool you!
To keep her a bit happier, I make sure to rotate through the too many toys, and bring up some from the bottom of the bin.  
She believes the solution is going on a play date at her friend's house, and stealing their toys :)

Some of our clients have been bringing their dogs in for extra under water treadmill sessions to help with the lack of outdoor exercise.  Pyper, the eleven year old Aussie Shepherd, still comes in for her 30 minutes of trotting in water.  She is so fit, it's really amazing! 
​Check her out! Here's a clip: https://tinyurl.com/PyperTrotting 

How are you keeping your pets from "cabin fever"?  Let us know!

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