Places to Visit on Your Scenic Route:

• National Parks: Did you know there are 63 National Parks in the United States? One of the best things about these parks is that a lot of them offer military discounts.
• State Parks: State parks offer great views and many have picnic areas which make them a great rest stop for lunch or exercise.
• Walking Trails/Parks: Almost every major city will offer a nice trail or park that is considered pet-friendly. Finding a nice trail will be a great way to stretch your legs after being in the car for a long period of time.
• Lakes/Beaches: Depending on what route you take you may not encounter a beach, but there are over 125,000 lakes in the lower 48 states. Don’t forget to pack a comfortable leash during your trip. I’m sure your pet will want to get out and maybe take a dip in the water…if it’s allowed.

Get out and enjoy the open road! So, slow down and enjoy new sights, sounds, and smells. Your pet will appreciate having a new environment to explore as this provides mental enrichment, and of course, having a travel buddy will bring you comfort as well.

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Things to Do Before a Road Trip with Your Pet: 

• Plan your stops: If possible, map out your route to include pet friendly stops for potty breaks. Planning ahead for overnight stays is recommended as well since all hotels don’t accept pets. Keep in mind hotels may charge an additional fee for pets so you may need to budget a little extra money.
• Pack a pet travel bag: Pack a bag that includes all the essentials (leash, feeding/water bowls, toys, treats and poop bags). 
• Immunizations: Make sure your pet is up to date on all shots prior to leaving your duty station. If the need arises to board your pet, you may be required to show proof of vaccination.
• Prepare your vehicle: If you don’t already have one, it’s highly recommended to purchase a seat cover or large blanket to protect your car seats. Be sure to lock your windows and doors to avoid any issues while driving.
• Pet Identification: Ensure your pets contact information is up to date on their collar/tag just in case they get loose or wander off. 

Road trips can be so much fun. Plan a few stops to take in the sights and create memories along the way. This also gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Did you know that some pets can experience motion sickness? 

Follow these tips for a stress free and exciting adventure. Can you think of any other ideas?

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Mom usually prepares them for us with the punctuality of a five-star restaurant opening at exactly 0600. Portions measured. Bowls placed. Fresh water topped off like a luxury spa amenity. It’s a system we respect, and we always expect. 

However, on this particular morning, she refused to get out of bed at 6 a.m.

We tried patience. We really did. There was polite pawing. A gentle face sniff. A single, tasteful meow. When those efforts were ignored, we escalated to Phase Two: coordinated ruckus. This included synchronized zoomies across her pillow, a dramatic object push from the nightstand (gravity is fascinating), and a vocal performance that can only be described as “urgent breakfast opera.”

Finally, she stumbled to the kitchen. Victory.

Breakfast isn’t just breakfast, it’s health, routine, and the foundation of a very important day of napping in sunbeams and supervising dust particles.

Today’s Menu: Purina ONE healthy breakfast bowls.

High-quality protein helps support strong muscles for elite-level hallway sprints. Essential vitamins and minerals contribute to bright eyes that can spot a treat bag opening from three rooms away. Omega fatty acids support healthy skin and a glossy coat that looks especially good when dramatically draped over a laptop keyboard.

Mom says she chooses Purina ONE because real meat is the first ingredient and the formulas are crafted to support whole-body health. We say we choose it because it tastes excellent and fuels our very demanding lifestyle.

A healthy diet shows up in the little things:

• Consistent energy (for 3 a.m. parkour)
• Healthy digestion (we’ll spare you details)
• Soft, shiny coats perfect for shedding on dark clothing
• Strong immune support for year-round wellness

Once the bowls were served, peace was restored. The kitchen returned to calm. Mom sipped her coffee. We ate with the focus of professional athletes refueling after competition.

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Some mornings I stare at the leash like it personally offended me. I consider fake sleeping. I consider “just five more minutes” that turns into twenty. Then, there’s a nose in my face. A tail on the mattress. A look that says: we’re doing this whether you’re ready or not. So, here we are. Hello February.

February fitness, influencer edition, minus the matching sets and sunrise runs. This month, movement looks like survival…for me at least. It looks like pulling on leggings you did not plan to wear in public. Coffee in one hand, leash in the other. Cold air hitting your face before your brain is fully awake. Dogs do not care about your burnout. They do not care about winter blues. They do not care about motivation.

They care about outside. and I have noticed something uncomfortable…the days I fight movement the hardest are the days I probably need it the most. So, I stopped trying to be impressive. We walk slow. We stop a lot. My dog inspects every leaf like it’s a crime scene and I do not mind. I scroll my phone more than I should. Some days we turn around early and call it a win. It still counts, because also here is the truth no one really says out loud:

Sometimes, especially in February, I move more consistently for my dog than I ever have for myself. If it were just me, I would negotiate. I would reschedule sometimes. I would say tomorrow instead.

However, my dog does not care about my excuses. Somewhere between the front door and the second block, the fog lifts a little. Not magically. Not dramatically. Just enough. Not every day is an outdoor day. Some days…winter wins…the couch wins…my nervous system wins. So, we get creative. Treats down the hallway. Puzzle toys on the floor. Ball pit chaos in the living room. Running stairs because we are both bored and slightly unhinged. Is it a workout? Who knows. Is my dog happy? Absolutely.

January and February have reminded me that fitness does not have to be aspirational. It can be functional and super messy. It can also be unplanned and the bare minimum sometimes and still meaningful. Right now, it is not about glow-ups. It is about not letting winter swallow you whole, finding one reason to stand up, put on shoes, and go outside, even when you would rather disappear into a blanket. Mine just happens to have four legs and very strong opinions about walk times. So, if you are tired, unmotivated, and slightly over this season…Same. Grab the leash anyway. Not for discipline. Not for progress. Just so you do not spend another day completely still.

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Pet Sitting:

• Options
  • Drop-in Care at Your Home
  • House Boarding at Their house.
• Pros
  • Your pet stays in the comfort of your home.
  • House Boarding: You typically know who your pet is staying with.
• Cons
  • Do you feel comfortable with someone coming into your home when you’re not there?
  • If you use drop-in care, will your pet adjust well if they are left alone for an extended amount of time?
  • Will your pet bond with the other animals and family?

Pet Boarding:

• Options
  • Pet Hotels
  • Pet Hospitals
  • Pet Boarding
• Pros
  • Your pet is cared for at a facility. Facilities typically have schedules for feeding and potty breaks.
  • Your pet will have around the clock monitoring/care.
  • Immunizations – All pets must meet the same requirements to be boarded. 
  • The facility may offer camera views for you to check in on your pet.
• Cons
  • You cannot control how many other pets are boarded at the same time.
  • Boarding can be costly.
  • Immunizations – If your pet is not current on their immunizations, they may not be allowed to stay. 
  • You may not have control whether your pet will be caged or allowed to roam free all day.

Most pet owners will agree that their furry friends are just as much a part of the family as the kids. It’s important to keep in mind that pets get stressed and have separation anxiety, as well so preparing as much in advance will help. I highly recommend touring facilities and meeting your pet sitter in ahead of time. You should feel comfortable knowing your pet is in good hands when you leave them. 

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Helping kids care for pets doesn’t have to mean power struggles or chore charts taped to the fridge. Letting them pour kibble, refill the water bowl, or brush out the fuzz from the shepherd’s fall coat becomes more than just a task. It builds consistency. It grows empathy. It gives them a chance to feel proud of something, even if the dog still rolls in leaves five minutes later.

Let’s be real: military life already stretches our time and our wallets. That’s why picking up your favorite Purina products at the Commissary is a solid mom move.

When PCS season hits, or even just a quick holiday trip, your pet is right there in the backseat, drooling on your kid’s backpack and keeping the vibe calm. Giving your child a role in the travel prep builds connection and confidence. Let them pack the treats, update the microchip, or make a checklist for moving day. Bonus tip: toss a travel sized bag of treats in the car for low-mess snack breaks (for the dog… but honestly, your kid might try one too). 

November is all about togetherness, and in a military household, that might look a little different. Maybe you’re planning a Thanksgiving meal early before someone leaves, or maybe you’re setting an extra place at the table over FaceTime. Including pets in these traditions gives kids something joyful to hold onto. Let them bake treats for the dog, write a “thankful for my pet” list, or help choose a new seasonal toy. Even the little rituals help your family stay connected. 

Don’t forget to check those Commissary deals, especially as holiday savings roll in on your favorite Purina items. It’s a simple way to stretch your budget while still showing love to your four-legged MVP.

Military kids grow up side by side through every move, every home, and every season. Each time they cuddle up on the couch or pour kibble into the bowl, your child is learning how to care, how to show up, and how to love big in small ways.  

Want more ways to care for your pets without breaking the bank? Join the Military Pet Club, for rewards, tips, and savings made for military families like yours.

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Instead of dipping apples on a stick, I went for something warmer and more comforting: baked, hollowed-out apples filled with creamy pumpkin ice cream. Drizzled with caramel for me, sprinkled with Zuke’s treats for my dog. It turned into a festive little tradition we’ll definitely be repeating. Here’s how it went:

My Version: Caramel Apple Bliss

I hollowed out a crisp apple, baked it until it was soft and warm, then scooped in a generous ball of pumpkin ice cream. The finale? A drizzle of gooey caramel that melted down the sides like golden lava. Cozy, sweet, and perfectly spooky-season ready.

My Dog’s Version: Pup-Approved Apple Bowl

While mine was cooling, I made a dog-friendly version. Same baked apple shell, same pumpkin ice cream (the pet-safe kind, of course)…but instead of caramel, I crumbled a handful of Merrick treats on top. The crunch added the perfect texture, and the smell alone had my pup drooling before I even set the bowl down.

We sat together on the balcony with the fire going, me with my caramel-drizzled apple and him with his Merrick topped apple bowl, watching the leaves tumble across the yard down below and the moon light up the night sky. It was the kind of cozy fall moment that feels like a snapshot, warm, festive, and just a little bit magical.

Halloween may be about tricks and treats, but in our house, it’s all treats, especially when Merrick is is involved. 

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Here are a few methods popular for many different types of animals:

• Create a Calm Environment – All pets require a quiet room or a designated, isolated spot, such as a closet or under the bed. Some pets (birds and rabbits) prefer a crate or to have their cage covered during high-stress events.
• Have a Routine – Regular feedings, walks, and scheduled play times help maintain calm.
• Use Positive Reinforcement – Reward calm behavior in stressful situations with a favorite treat.
• Desensitization – Introduce stressors (such as nail trimming and socializing with other animals) in small, incremental steps.
• Reduce the Effects of Loud Noises – Use the sound from your TV, radio, or smart device to provide background noise and lessen the suddenness of sounds like fireworks, motorcycles, or the screaming children next door. You can also generate white noise on your smart devices to promote calmer sleep times.

In case you’re a new pet owner, here are a few stress signals to look for in your furry, feathered, or scaly companions:

• Cats: Watch for hiding, over-grooming, and litter box issues.
• Dogs: Look for pacing, whining, destructive behavior, or changes in appetite.
• Birds: Keep an eye out for feather plucking, changes in vocalization (increased screaming or sudden periods of silence), loss of appetite, and excessive crouching or flattening feathers
• Lizards and Snakes: Stay attentive to lethargy, longer sleep and resting, hiding, loss of appetite, and changes in skin color or texture.

Increased Aggression is a stress signal common to all of these pets. Sudden snapping, clawing, or striking when there is no cause needs addressing immediately.

If there are no outside stressors such as fireworks, new locations, or strange animals nearby, and your pet is still giving signals, contact your veterinarian. They can provide additional methods to help lower stress and schedule a visit to determine if there might be a physical problem.

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As a Guardsman, a milspouse, and the proud aunt to a few spoiled cat nieces and nephews, I live for the flannel, the lattes, and that crisp-leaf energy. And while I don’t have a cat of my own, I’ve met enough to know these little furballs are fall girls at heart.

Cats have incredible senses of smell—about 200 million scent receptors to our five million. So when your kitchen fills with pumpkin bread vibes or that candle from the PX? Trust, they notice. And honestly, they’re probably into it.

The best part? Pumpkin isn’t just a seasonal aesthetic. Plain pumpkin (not pie filling!) is actually good for cats in moderation. It can support digestion and makes a fun food topper. Want to keep it even easier? Make this super simple Push Pop Pumpkin Treat. It’s cat-safe, super tasty, and bring those cozy autumn flavors straight to your feline.

Picture it: soft socks, PSL in hand, an autumn candle flickering, and your cat niece or nephew enjoying a pumpkin treat. It’s giving main character energy—and we’re so here for it.

Just be sure to introduce new snacks slowly and skip anything with added sugar or spice. Keep it simple and safe so your favorite feline can enjoy the season too.

Want to level up the fall vibes? Join the MilitaryCatClub.com for surprise goodies and exclusive giveaways made just for military families and their fabulous felines.

So grab your latte, embrace the cozy, and let your cat crew in on the pumpkin spice joy. Fall is officially in season.

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Supplies:

• Ninja Creami/Ninja Creami Swirl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Peanut Butter
• 1 cup of Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 of a Banana
• Milk
• Zukes Mini Naturals

Directions:

1. Add ingredients to Ninja container or freezer safe container if not using a Ninja Creami.
2. Freeze for 24 hours.
3. Add container to Ninja and spin.
4. Add a splash of milk and re-spin
5. Add to Ninja Creami dispenser and dispense into a bowl!
6. Add Zukes Mini Natural Treats to the top!
7. Share with your pup and enjoy!

Notes:

• When choosing your yogurt and peanut butter options make sure you avoid any with xylitol as it is toxic to dogs!
• If you don’t have a Ninja Creami as an option, I would recommend combining ingredients and blending to make a smoother texture before freezing.

This recipe was loved by both of my fluffy friends and we all had a great time including them in our family fun!

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