By Brianna Hansen
Summer isn’t just about beating the heat, it’s about embracing the sunshine, slower pace, and those golden opportunities to bond with our furry friends. If last month’s article was all about survival, this one’s about thrive-al. So, grab your sunglasses and let’s make some memories!
Sprinkle in splash time. Not all dogs love water, but for those who do, a sprinkler session, kiddie pool, or trip to a dog-friendly beach can be the highlight of their week! My personal summer favorite is a shady wooded hike centered around a cool pond or waterfall. Just remember to rinse off any chlorine or salt after and dry those ears to prevent infections.
And don’t forget the cats! Many felines love playing with ice cubes in a water bowl or batting at small water fountains or sink trickles.
Soak up the scents. A slow, sensory-focused walk is perfect for a cool summer night. Let your pup take their time sniffing the roses (or street sign, fire hydrant, sewer cover, etc.) and allow their nose to lead the way. Sniff walks are a great form of mental stimulation, and during slower summer days, we finally have time to let them explore at their pace.
Frozen fun… happy tongues. DIY frozen treats are a summer staple! Try blending banana, plain yogurt, and a scoop of xylitol-free peanut butter into pup-sicles. For cats, freeze a little tuna water or wet food into silicone molds for a refreshing surprise.
Make the backyard a boredom buster. Create a “sniffari” scavenger hunt by hiding treats or toys around the yard, or build a mini agility course using cones, lawn chairs, or pool noodles. Window perches and bird feeders offer feline friends a front-row seat to nature’s summer show.
Plan pet-friendly outings. On cooler days or early mornings, bring your dog along for a drive-through pup cup or enjoy a shaded patio brunch together.
And for an end-of-summer finale, join Humane Animal Partners for their annual dog-friendly cocktail party, Muttini Mixer, on Friday, September 19 at Riverfront Events in Wilmington. Dogs 75-lbs and under are invited to dress their best and join their owners for an evening of delicious food and drinks, live music, auctions, and more benefitting HAP shelter animals.
Summer is a season of connection. Whether it’s chasing bubbles, learning a new trick, or simply lying in the shade together, these are the little moments our pets live for and the ones we’ll always remember. Let’s slow down, enjoy, and make this summer something to wag about.
– Look for the this month’s Humane Animal Partners (HAP) sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka featured adoptable pets in the print version of this month’s issue, linked here.
