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  • Parenting 101: We all need to give our kids a lesson on online etiquette

    My son is in the age of video games, and I wrestle with the idea of screentime because it’s also his “socializing” time. 

    With all this, I’ve gotten my first dose of how young kids today handle their newfound freedom of interacting online. A lot of the time, video calls come through on my phone as well as his tablet so I can monitor things. But these kids call at all times, all day long, INCESSANTLY. Mine included. Here are my gripes – I discuss these with my son and hope you guys do too.

    – Call ONCE. You don’t need to call once, twice, fourteen times. The person at the other end will see they had a missed call and at what time. I had a little boy call my phone 12 times before I picked up and, as politely as possible, told him to STOP IT!!! 

    – If someone signs off, wait for them to call you back later. My son will tell a friend he has to go have dinner, and 10 minutes later, that said friend is calling back. 

    – Sign off politely. I hate to generalize, but boys seem a bit more abrupt and quick to say “hi” and “bye” on a call. There are still certain courtesies that should be in place when calling each other, no? “Hi, how are you? How was your day?” “I’ve gotta go but have a good night. Nice playing with you. See you tomorrow. Bye.” I ask the bean to get off for the evening and he blurts out to his friends, “I’ve gotta leave. Bye.” And just hangs up. We’re working on this.

    – Forget the group calls. If four kids play together, they’ll do a group call, which means that EVERY SINGLE TIME they play together afterwards, your device will ring. Even when they’re just trying to reach one of the four.

    Let’s all make sure we have a little sit-down with our kiddos to discuss this. If this is just the beginning of the online play, open communication is super important from the get-go. Plus: I’m losing my mind over here with the incessant calls. Thanks.

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more.

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  • Leave Your Comfort Behind

    Leave Your Comfort Behind

    I’d long forgotten the enlightening words I heard from the depths of my mind on an lsd trip as a young man. I was upon a sailing ship in the vacuum of space when a tidal wave of cosmos crashed down and pitched the boat around. The words, “your greatest joy will be furthest from shore” rang out.

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Factory Mattress

    Austin Pets Alive! | Factory Mattress

    Sep 29, 2023

    Whether your dog sleeps curled up at the foot of your bed, or your cat sleeps resting peacefully at the top of your pillow, one thing can be guaranteed — a bed without a pet is not a bed at all.

    At APA!, we dream of a day that every shelter pet is invited into a home — foster or adoptive, with the opportunity to jump into a bed and snuggle up with a human who cares for them. Until then, we’ll be here to give them the love and care they need and deserve until they find a family to call their very own. And right now, our friends at Factory Mattress are supporting our mission to provide resources to the pets in our care!

    Now through September, Factory Mattress is donating 5% of all mattress proceeds in the Greater Austin Area to Austin Pets Alive! — that’s some cozy support! “Factory Mattress wanted to work with APA! because we’re an Austin family business and strive to give back to the community as often as we can. Our family wouldn’t be complete without our pets, so we wanted to support APA! to help others add furry friends to their families,” says Stephen Frey, Factory Mattress’ President.

    Factory Mattress has a long history of supporting local nonprofits.This philanthropic business has supported missions such as SAFE Alliance and has participated in The Statesman Season For Caring for 10 years! We’re honored to be included in this family owned and operated business’ giving program.

    Our organization depends on the support of our community. Our programs are successful because of individuals and businesses who believe in what we do, who believe that every pet deserves a chance at life so when a business like Factory Mattress asks to fundraise on our behalf, we are nothing but grateful!

    “Our corporate partners are critical to our lifesaving mission, allowing us to keep Austin the largest No Kill city in the country. Businesses and their employees who support APA! can feel good knowing their donations are used across our innovative programs that help to save Central Texas’ most vulnerable cats and dogs, ” says APA!’s Sr. Corporate Relations Officer, Tara McKenney.

    This fundraiser supports pets like Ruthie and Rio. Ruthie has spent over a year in the shelter. She started her journey with APA! as a tiny puppy fighting parvovirus. After surviving parvo, she was adopted and was returned to the shelter after living with her family for 4 years. The beginning of September will mark Rio’s 1 year of waiting for a family. This young kitty came to our organization in need of medical support; she was found with a broken jaw. She’s had breaks from the shelter by going into foster homes, then being returned. Wouldn’t it be great if these two pets could get tucked into a bed (whether pet or human) knowing they’ve made it home?

    Thank you to our friends at Factory Mattress for joining our lifesaving journey by generously offering this fundraising opportunity!

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Heat Safety Tips for Pets

    Austin Pets Alive! | Heat Safety Tips for Pets

    Jun 12, 2023

    The summer heat has arrived. Let’s make sure we keep our pets safe!

    With most summer days reaching at least 90 degrees in Austin, Texas, Austin Pets Alive! is alerting pet owners to exercise caution on these hot days. Temperatures like these can be very dangerous for pets, especially dogs, leading to dehydration and in some cases, death.

    As we moved into these summer months, be sure to follow these helpful pointers:

    • Check the pavement before going on a walk. Place your hand on it for 10 full seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Know the signs – lagging is the number one sign that your dog is too hot.
    • Water, water, water! Make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water to drink. And if your pet likes to swim, offering a safe swimming option is an excellent way to keep cool
    • Keep an eye on your pet’s tongue and eyes. Red eyes and a tongue hanging very far out of a dog’s mouth is an indication that they are overheating.
    • Limit afternoon outdoor activity.Take short walks in shaded area or consider early morning or evening strolls.
    • NEVER leave your pet in the car unattended, not een for a short period of time. Did you know that on a 95-degree day, your car’s interior can reach 100+ degrees within 10 minutes?

    There are other summer heat tips that are less commonly heard about but are just as important such as supervising your pet in the pool. To avoid a dangerous situation, consider fencing off or covering your pool for when you aren’t home. Another tip to keep in mind is that when grooming your pet, avoid cutting their hair too short. Their fur helps combat sunburns and regulate body temperature. For these upcoming summer months, pet sunscreen is a great investment – we bet you didn’t know it was a thing!

    Don’t have a pool for your water-loving dog? While Austin has plenty of bodies of water to explore, some may not be appropriate for your dog due to the toxic blue-green algae that has cropped up over the last few years. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the latest information here!

    Dogs most susceptible to heatstroke are overweight dogs, dogs with long fur, short nose dogs, senior dogs, and those who have lung or breathing issues. It’s important to remember that dogs only sweat through their mouth, feet, and ears, which is why they suffer from heat exhaustion faster than humans.  So, even though you may be tolerating the heat, your dog may be suffering.

    To help keep pet safety top of mind at a popular Austin-outdoor fave location, we’ve posted signage around the trail looping Lady Bird Lake.  Be on the lookout for those tips and warnings!

    Austin Pets Alive! wants to keep all pet lovers informed and our furry friends safe from the Texas summer heat! Follow our friendly tips and refer back when needed for a fun, safe summer!

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Capturing Memories and Saving Lives

    Austin Pets Alive! | Capturing Memories and Saving Lives

    May 20, 2023

    It’s said a picture is worth a thousand words. But a photo also has the ability to freeze time and capture a priceless memory to hold forever. This May, APA! is partnering with the nationally acclaimed Jennifer Lindberg Studio to provide a beautiful photo of your pet that will also help support the long stay dogs of APA!.

    All participants will receive a complimentary photo session by a talented portrait artist and a gift certificate to apply toward their portrait purchase, a total value of $850. Each participant will have one of their portraits published in a special coffee table book dedicated to the long stay dogs of APA!. A non-refundable reservation fee of $100 goes to APA! when the session is booked. More information and how to book your session can be found here.

    This year’s goal is to raise $15,000 all in the name of the long stay dogs of APA!. Long-time volunteer, Jess Borda, reflects that these “incredibly special dogs need a little extra care — extra patience time or training to get ready for adoption” which is why their stay at the shelter may be 60+ days. “The fact that Jennifer is helping to showcase these special creatures means the world.”

    Supporting nonprofits like this is rooted in Lindberg’s personal philosophy. She began her career with the goal of making a difference in the world by using her talents to help those in need. Lindberg says the organizations their fundraisers benefit are selected based on referrals from the clients who have used her services. “I learned about all of these nonprofits through our clients. We invite our clients to share their favorite nonprofits… (the ones) that positively impact their lives.”

    We’re grateful that APA! has impacted so many human lives and equally grateful that businesses like Jennifer Lindberg Studio created special opportunities to support APA!, making a positive impact on the lives of pets while they await their adoptive homes.

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Heat Safety Tips for Pets

    Austin Pets Alive! | Heat Safety Tips for Pets

    May 14, 2022

    As we Austinites know, Texas summer heat is real – and sweltering hot.

    With most summer days reaching at least 90 degrees in Austin, Texas, Austin Pets Alive! is alerting pet owners to exercise caution on these brutally hot days. Temperatures like these can be very dangerous for pets, especially dogs, leading to dehydration and in some cases, death.

    As we ease into the summer months, be sure to follow these helpful pointers:

    • Check the pavement before going on a walk. Place your hand on it for 10 full seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Know the signs – lagging is the number one sign that your dog is too hot.
    • Water, water, water! Let your pet go for a swim in cool water and make sure they are staying hydrated. Getting your pet wet is the best way to speed up the cooling process.
    • Keep an eye on your pet’s tongue and eyes. Red eyes and a tongue hanging very far out of a dog’s mouth is an indication that they are overheating.
    • Limit outdoor activity. Take short walks in shaded areas or consider taking an evening stroll.
    • Do NOT leave your pet in the car, not even for a short period of time. Did you know that on a 95-degree day, your car is actually degrees?

    There are other summer heat tips that are less commonly heard about but are just as important such as supervising your pet in the pool. To avoid a dangerous situation, consider fencing off or covering your pool for when you aren’t home. Another tip to keep in mind is that when grooming your pet, avoid cutting their hair too short. Their fur helps combat sunburns and regulate body temperature. For these upcoming summer months, pet sunscreen is a great investment – we bet you didn’t know it was a thing!

    Dogs most susceptible to heatstroke are overweight dogs, dogs with long fur, short nose dogs, senior dogs, and those who have lung or breathing issues. It’s important to remember that dogs only sweat through their mouth, feet, and ears, which is why they suffer from heat exhaustion faster than humans. So, even though you may be tolerating the heat, your dog may be suffering.

    To help keep pet safety top of mind at a popular Austin-outdoor fave location, we’ve posted signage around the trail looping Lady Bird Lake. Thank you to Rocket Banners, a company that generously donated the print of these heat safety signs reminding trail-goers to keep their pets safe. Be on the lookout for those tips and warnings!

    Austin Pets Alive! wants to keep all pet lovers informed and our furry friends safe from the ravaging heat! Follow our friendly tips and refer back when needed for a fun, safe summer!

    We have an important PSA while we have your attention! While scooping the poop may not seem important, and at times pretty gross, it is crucial to the health and safety of our community. Just to put things into perspective, there are over 250,000 dogs in Austin, which in turn creates 150,000 pounds of poop per day. And now, more than ever before, we each have an obligation to care for, and look after, the health and safety of our neighbors and fellow Austinites. Click here to learn more!

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Heat Safety Tips for Pets

    Austin Pets Alive! | Heat Safety Tips for Pets

    May 25, 2021

    As we Austinites know, Texas summer heat is real – and sweltering hot.

    With most summer days reaching at least 90 degrees in Austin, Texas, Austin Pets Alive! is alerting pet owners to exercise caution on these brutally hot days. Temperatures like these can be very dangerous for pets, especially dogs, leading to dehydration and in some cases, death.

    As we ease into the summer months, be sure to follow these helpful pointers:

    • Check the pavement before going on a walk. Place your hand on it for 10 full seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Know the signs – lagging is the number one sign that your dog is too hot.
    • Water, water, water! Let your pet go for a swim in cool water and make sure they are staying hydrated. Getting your pet wet is the best way to speed up the cooling process.
    • Keep an eye on your pet’s tongue and eyes. Red eyes and a tongue hanging very far out of a dog’s mouth is an indication that they are overheating.
    • Limit outdoor activity. Take short walks in shaded areas or consider taking an evening stroll.
    • Do NOT leave your pet in the car, not even for a short period of time. Did you know that on a 95-degree day, your car is actually degrees?

    There are other summer heat tips that are less commonly heard about but are just as important such as supervising your pet in the pool. To avoid a dangerous situation, consider fencing off or covering your pool for when you aren’t home. Another tip to keep in mind is that when grooming your pet, avoid cutting their hair too short. Their fur helps combat sunburns and regulate body temperature. For these upcoming summer months, pet sunscreen is a great investment – we bet you didn’t know it was a thing!

    Dogs most susceptible to heatstroke are overweight dogs, dogs with long fur, short nose dogs, senior dogs, and those who have lung or breathing issues. It’s important to remember that dogs only sweat through their mouth, feet, and ears, which is why they suffer from heat exhaustion faster than humans. So, even though you may be tolerating the heat, your dog may be suffering.

    To help keep pet safety top of mind at a popular Austin-outdoor fave location, we’ve posted signage around the trail looping Lady Bird Lake. Thank you to Rocket Banners, a company that generously donated the print of these heat safety signs reminding trail-goers to keep their pets safe. Be on the lookout for those tips and warnings!

    Austin Pets Alive! wants to keep all pet lovers informed and our furry friends safe from the ravaging heat! Follow our friendly tips and refer back when needed for a fun, safe summer!

    We have an important PSA while we have your attention! While scooping the poop may not seem important, and at times pretty gross, it is crucial to the health and safety of our community. Just to put things into perspective, there are over 250,000 dogs in Austin, which in turn creates 150,000 pounds of poop per day. And now, more than ever before, we each have an obligation to care for, and look after, the health and safety of our neighbors and fellow Austinites. Click here to learn more!

    Source link