Between the post-PCS haze, new school routines that don’t feel routine, and the usual layer of dog hair that’s become part of the décor, this season is already full. Still, we’re showing up—maybe a little scattered, definitely tired, but all in with heart and probably a leash in one hand. 

In our house, “somehow making it work” looks like: 

• Healthy snacks in almost every diaper bag/ backpack. 
• Dog hair on every piece of clothing I own. 
• Dinner that may or may not involve chicken (again). 
• Letting go of the picture-perfect and leaning into what’s authentic.

Look, I know it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one fumbling through this season. Social media will have you believing everyone else’s house smells like fall candles and not wet dogs, but here’s the truth: you’re doing better than you think.

Your dogs don’t care that your hair’s in a bun for however-many days in a row. Your kids won’t remember if dinner was chicken almost every night this week. What they will remember is that you showed up. That you were there. That you made a space for love and laughter, even in the middle of the mess. 

So, if this season feels like survival mode with a side of Fruit Rolls and dog drool – same. You’re not alone, friend. We’re all out here figuring it out one fur-covered day at a time. 

However, when you do have a minute to catch your breath? Treat yourself to something that makes life easier (and maybe saves you some money too). Find Out More with My Military Saving and check out our Food & Drink section to find something besides chicken—because this season’s hard enough. Let’s not make it harder. 

Between unexpected TDYs, drill weekends, or settling into a new neighborhood after a PCS, it’s easy to overlook how the changing season affects our pets. So, here’s what I’ve picked up to help keep my pups safe (and happy) during fall.

First, watch what snacks are left out. Fall favorites like chocolate or anything pumpkin-spiced might be tempting, but they’re toxic for dogs. If you’re hosting friends or heading to a unit gathering, make sure your pup isn’t sneaking snacks, unless they are dog-friendly fall treats!

Leaf piles might look like fun, but they can hide mold, bugs, or even sharp sticks. My dog loves a good pile dive, but we keep playtime in the open yard instead.

As temperatures drop, don’t forget that dogs feel it too. A cozy sweater or jacket can help, especially on those brisk morning walks. Also, with the sun setting earlier, we’ve added reflective collars and leashes to stay visible during evening strolls.

Also, keep an eye out for local critters. Fall brings out wildlife prepping for winter, and your dog’s curiosity can lead to some risky encounters.

Being a military pet parent means adapting on the fly. That’s why I love being a part of the Military Pet Club—free resources, helpful tips, and a community that just gets it. It makes a big difference for me and my four-legged teammates.

Find Out More with MyMilitarySavings.com and Pets!

Whether you’re heading out to the mountains, glamping with fairy lights and an air mattress, or just pitching a tent in your backyard, camping with pets can be such a fun way to disconnect and reset, as long as you’re a little prepared. 

Here’s what I’ve learned to always pack: 

• Collapsible food and water bowls
• Enough food and water for the whole trip (plus a little extra)
• Medications, flea/tick protection, and a copy of vet records
• A leash or harness
• Waste bags or a litter box
• A familiar bed or blanket (trust me, this helps them settle in)
• A small pet first aid kit with vet-approved essentials

The biggest tip? Start simple. Test it out at home first if your cat or dog is new to the outdoors. Some pets love it immediately, while others need a slower intro. Either way, they’ll love being part of the adventure if you set them up for comfort and safety. 

These trips are rarely perfect, but they’re so worth it. You get dirty paws, tangled leashes, and zero cell service, but you also get bonding time, wagging tails, and cozy snuggles by the fire. For me, that’s the good stuff. 

So, before you plan your next pet-friendly camping trip, join the Military Pet Club! It’s totally free, made just for military families, and full of fun giveaways, surprise goodies, and tips that make adventuring with pets even better. We’ve loved being part of it, and your pets will too. 

Find Out More with MyMilitarySavings.com and Pets!

When I went glamping in Japan with my dog, Zero, I quickly learned that glamping isn’t just for humans—it’s a perfect adventure for pups too! If you’re planning a similar getaway with your furry friend, you’ll want to make sure you pack everything you both need for the ultimate outdoor experience. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own glamping adventures and why Merrick’s food was my go-to choice to keep Zero happy and healthy throughout our trip.

What I Packed for Our Glamping Adventure

• Comfy Bedding: Zero needed his own comfy space just like I did! I brought his kennel and soft bed and a blanket to make sure he had a cozy spot after a long day of exploring.

• Water and Bowl: Hydration is key, especially when you’re spending the day outdoors. I made sure to pack a portable water bowl and extra water to keep Zero hydrated during our hikes and downtime.

• Leash & Harness: There were so many interesting smells and sights! A sturdy leash and harness kept Zero safe while we explored the great outdoors.

• Toys for Fun: I brought along a couple of his favorite toys to keep him entertained, whether we were relaxing by the campfire or playing fetch.

Why Merrick’s Food Was Perfect for Our Trip

After all that fun in the sun, I needed something quick and easy to feed Zero. Merrick’s Backcountry meals were a lifesaver! They’re made with real, high-quality ingredients and packed with protein to keep him energized during our hikes. I also loved the grain-free formula because Zero has a sensitive stomach, and it kept him feeling great the whole trip.

When it was time to wind down, I gave him some Merrick Soft & Chewy Treats—perfect for a little snack while we relaxed by the campfire. Plus, a bit of Merrick Bone Broth kept him cozy during the cooler evenings.

Planning your own glamping trip? Grab Merrick or Zuke’s treats at your local commissary, or order online at Click2Go.

Dogs, like people, can get dehydrated, especially in hot weather, staying hydrated is important for their energy, digestion, and overall health. In summer, even a small drop in water intake can lead to serious problems. 

As military personnel, we understand the importance of being prepared. So, it is imperative that we do the same for our patriotic pooches!

Simple Strategies to Make Sure Your Dog Stays Hydrated: 

1. Water Breaks Are Mandatory: Just like we take breaks to hydrate, make sure your dog gets regular water breaks, especially during outdoor activities. Make it a habit to stop and hydrate—both for you and your furry friend.
2. Portable Water Supply: Use collapsible water bowls or hydration packs designed for dogs. These lightweight and easy-to-carry tools make it easy for your dog to have clean water wherever you go. 
3. Watch for Signs: Be alert. Symptoms of dehydration in dogs include excessive panting, tiredness, dry gums, and skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched. If your dog shows any of these signs, take action right away. 
4. Ice Treats and Frozen Toys: On especially hot days, give your dog ice cubes or frozen treats made from dog-safe ingredients. They help keep your dog cool and are a fun way to boost their water intake. 
5. Cool Environments: Whenever possible, provide shade or air-conditioned spaces for your dog to cool down. If you’re in hot areas, make sure your dog has a shaded spot to retreat to. 

As we enter another hot season, let’s prioritize our dogs and their hydration, which is vital for their health and performance. Join the Military Pet Club today! Once you’re verified with a Commissary Pro Plan purchase, you’ll receive a FREE collapsible travel bowl—perfect for summer adventures, road trips, or backyard playtime.

Hydration should be easy for both you and your furry companion. Remember to stay hydrated for both yourself and your furry friend.  

Find Out More with MyMilitarySavings.com and Pets!

On this amazing day, I want to bring attention to a special mutt in our house! Our sweet boy, Zeus, is quite possibly the best dog ever!! I have a friend that runs a dog rescue and when we were looking to add another fur baby to our family, I turned to her. She showed me the sweet dogs that she had at her rescue, but this little guy caught my eye and my heart. He had a little bow tie on and all he wanted was someone to snuggle up with. I instantly said, “YES!” and we brought him home. Since then, he has fit in perfectly. He gets along with our other dog and all of our little rescue cats. Most importantly, he is the best mutt we could have ever asked for! 

Want to know how you can celebrate National Mutt Day? 

1. Adopt a Mixed Breed Dog – of course, so many people want a “pure bred” and there is nothing wrong with that. However, mixed breed dogs are equally as beautiful and full of love as well.
2. Donate to a Shelter– there are so many no kill shelters that take in so many mixed breed dogs. These shelters can use funds to help buy food, toys, and give the appropriate care to the dogs they bring in. 
3. Volunteer– animal shelters can always use your help. Additionally, the dogs in the shelters could really use some human love and attention on a regular basis.

So today, let’s remember all the mixed breed fur babies of the world that just want to be loved. They love us for who we are, so we should do the same for them.

Find Out More with MyMilitarySavings.com!

            According to American Humane, 3-4 million animals wait in shelters for new homes each year. This holiday has been recognized every October since 1981. This is an attempt to bring awareness to the millions of animals that are awaiting a kind and loving home. There are a lot of things to consider when bringing a new pet into your household but this October I strongly encourage you to consider welcoming a shelter dog if you can!

            What things should you consider when welcoming a dog into your household? A pet is a big responsibility so you must ensure that you and your family are ready to make that type of commitment. Dogs can live upwards of 10-12 years – depending on the breed – so you must be willing to commit to this when you decide to bring home a new furry friend. You should also consider breeds, size, time, and budget. With some shelter dogs, they sometimes are not exactly sure of the breed of the pet, but they often have a brief history or can decipher some idea based on the looks of the pet. You can also do genetic testing to really narrow it down, but this is costly and is often done after you’ve committed to the dog. Ensure you are educated on the potential breeds and their traits. Often the shelter will have advice and recommendations based on your lifestyle since they know the animals that are in their possession.

            What size is best? This is also something that needs to be considered because certain traits come along with breeds and just like people all dogs are different. Some dogs have different energy needs and requirements. All of this is important to consider when deciding on a new family member. Who will be responsible for walks and playtime? This is an important discussion to have with your loved ones before committing to a new fluffy friend. Is a pet in the budget? You need to consider things like veterinary costs, pet food, treats, and emergencies. Just like people unexpected illness and issues can arise. You always have to ensure you plan for all of that when making this type of a commitment. Personally, I have issues arise with my own pets that I didn’t plan for. Case in point was my 10-year-old English Bulldog that decided one day to eat a mouthful of Kinetic sand. This dog never had done anything like that before but that vet visit alone set us back around $900. We were fortunate that she didn’t require further surgery, but I was not expecting that to happen. Some owners opt for pet insurance and that can be helpful for unexpected things, but it also comes at a price. It’s important to think about all of these things before bringing home that fluffy little bundle.

            So, what if you’re not in the position to adopt a pet…There are still plenty of ways to get involved. You can reach out to local rescues and shelter and see what you can do to help. This can include volunteering time or even making donations. Often shelters have a need for food, towels, blankets, and other donations. So even if you can’t bring a new dog home you can still make a difference in a shelter dog’s life! There are programs that involve walking dogs and even having school age children read with dogs. Any of these can make a difference and bring awareness to the growing volume of pets that end up in shelters each and every year!

Find Out More with MyMilitarySavings.com!

Highlights of  my experience:

The Dogs… obviously 🙂 
I LOVE dogs..even though I have cats ( I’d prefer dogs but husband is a cat guy, and with our lifestyle, cats are just  easier to take care of ).

It was so fun to see all the different types of breeds, I honestly, did not know there were so many different kinds!  Of course I had my favorites, but each dog was unique and interesting  to watch!

Look at those beauties!! The Boxer and The Golden were two of my favorites and they both made it to the final round!

The Golden Hug
My FAVORITE moment was when the Golden Retriever embraced its handler in a big hug, right after they found out they won  first in their category…and would be finalists! I was so happy I was able to capture the moment 🙂

Seriously, how CUTE is that?!?!? 

The Company

Debbie and the Purina® Pro Plan® team were great! I loved getting to know everyone and we all had fun casting our vote on our favorite dogs and who we thought would win.

I also got to meet Sophia and Brian from Las Vegas, Nevada! They were this years Purina® Pro Plan® Sweepstakes Winners!!! They won a trip  NYC complete with box seats to the Westminster Dog show! I thoroughly  enjoyed hearing about their NYC trip and getting to know them 🙂

The Whole Experience

We had our own private room/box seats! There was so much delicious food to choose from,  and big comfy seats to sit in with personal TVs so we could see the dogs up close! It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience 🙂

All the delicious food…GET IN MY BELLY! 

The suspense

I loved how everyone was really invested in the show, the energy in the arena was palpable!

We were all on the edge of our seats when they were about to announce the winner, which was…

The Poodle:

I was really hoping the judge would pick one of my top 2 favorites, however, I had a fabulous time and look forward to watching next years show 🙂

OH! And one other thing…

Have YOU joined the Military Pet Club yet?  If not, you should! You’ll get coupons, a welcome gift, and chances to WIN awesome prizes! Join today HERE!