there's a better way: factory vs. farm at #ChipotleCultivate

I recently attended Chipotle Cultivate in Phoenix, the first stop in the 2015 event schedule for Chipotle. This family-friendly, dog-friendly event is full of awesome music, to-die-for food, and interactive educational exhibits. Since I didn't bring my family or my pooch, I enjoyed the company of one of my best gal-pals and stalked strangers with dogs for my canine fix.

Some of the strangers I stalked at Chipotle Cultivate. 

We enjoyed delicious local food and beverage, watched demos from world-renowned chefs, and listened to killer bands. 

To me, one of the most impactful elements of the festival was the Factory vs. Farm exhibit. I've talked before about Chipotle's stellar ethics when it comes to the way their food is humanely raised, most recently highlighting the absence of carnitas in their restaurants. The Factory vs. Farm exhibit illustrated exactly why Chipotle has such high standards for their pork.

It's eye-opening to see such a warning when you are walking into an exhibit that will tell you the difference between factory-raised pork and farm-raised pork. Where does your food come from?

As we filed into the cramped quarters of the exhibit, we saw the conditions in which factory-raised pigs are forced to live. We not only learned about their deplorable environments, but about their health. For example the amount of antibiotics used in pork farming quadruples human antibiotic use in the U.S. When we eat conventionally-raised pork, that is passed on to us.

We viewed the conditions that factory-raised pigs face and learned some shocking facts.

The exhibit housed some intense visuals and films and literature addressing how bad things are for factory-raised pigs. There's just nothing good about supporting that industry. From the mistreatment of the animals to the amount of stress hormones and antibiotics that are passed on to us in the meat, conventionally-raised pork is not something we should consume.

Thankfully, Chipotle has found a better way.

Upon exiting the Factory vs. Farm exhibit, we had the opportunity to discuss the industry with one of Chipotle's own pork suppliers. He answered questions about raising pigs responsibly and spoke to people one-on-one about the importance of sustainable farming practices.

Responsible hog farming is the way.

I'm not quite sure where other than Chipotle Cultivate you could have such a full day. Learning and fun, all rolled into one, not to mention, you can bring your pooch! I've heard from Chipotle that the Phoenix Cultivate Festival was such a success, that it will be returning in 2016. I can't wait!

Chipotle Cultivate will be in Kansas City on July 18th and in Minneapolis on August 22nd.

Did you attend Chipotle Cultivate in Phoenix? Will you attend on Kansas City or Minneapolis? What are your thoughts on factory-raised vs. farm-raised pork?

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come have a blast with me at #ChipotleCultivate

canine assistant gets caught sleeping on the job and doesn't care: shocking video footage

It's hard to find good help these days. My assistant decided to take an extended siesta today, and when I called her on it, she didn't seem to care. 

And I have proof:

Good thing she's cute, because she's not much help!

child dog-walkers: guidelines and illustrated leash-holding techniques

Children typically love to help out with the family pet. Even if you can't get them to clean their rooms, they will likely be happy to walk Fido. My son, Porter, has been accompanying me on pet sitting visits since he was one week old. As soon as he could hold his head up properly, I would put him in a forward-facing carrier on my chest while I walked dogs. At about six months of age, he began to want to hold the leash he could see stretched out in front of him. I let him hold the leash a couple of feet in front of the end where I had a firm grasp, and I think he was convinced that he was doing the job, himself. He'd giggle and coo during every walk. He is now eight years old, and I'll let him walk the family dog independently and very occasionally a client's dog, depending on the dog and the situation. Regardless, I'm an arms-length away in case an emergency arises. There are lots of tasks children can help with when it comes to the family pet, but walks are a favorite. One thing to remember is that our pets are completely dependent upon us to meet their basic needs. It's vital that parents make sure the most important tasks are being done, especially if they have been assigned to a child. Making sure the family dog gets food, water, and exercise is vital to his well-being. 

so when is a child ready to walk the family dog?

Whether a child is capable of walking the family dog is dependent on a number of factors, all of which must be considered for the safety of the child and the pet. 

• age of the child

• maturity of the child

• physical strength of the child

• size/strength of the dog

• energy level of the dog

• behavior of the dog

Each child/dog combo is unique, so you'll have to carefully consider your own situation. A two-year-old may be able to walk your senior Daschund who moves as slow as a snail with some supervision. On the other hand, even a tween may not be able to handle the energy and strength of a young Boxer. 

It's important to consider what kind of a walker your dog typically is. Under normal circumstances, how does your dog walk? Has he been leash trained? Does he walk along the sidewalk next to you in a relaxed fashion, or does he dart here and there, veering under every bush to check things out? Does he pull on the leash? If your child is able to handle what your dog dishes out, then it's a go. The age of the child should always be considered, however. Even if your five-year-old can appropriately handle the family chihuahua, a five-year-old should not be navigating the neighborhood alone. Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult or older sibling. 

What's even more important to consider is how your dog will behave in an unusual situation. What would happen if a squirrel suddenly darted across your path? Would your dog spring into action and pull you up a tree to get to it? Or what if you encounter another dog? Even if your dog gets along well with others, you never know who you'll meet. You might run into Kujo. Can your child handle those extreme situations that can happen in an instant? If not, you need to walk within inches of your child and pooch, prepared to take over, should the need arise. 

I allow my eight- and six-year-old to walk our 11-pound , 9-year-old mixed terrier. She has quite a bit of energy even though she is getting on in years, but she walks fairly well on a leash, and when she gets excited about something enough to pull, the kids have the strength to control her. I walk with them, however, because I feel that A) they are too young to be out and about on their own, and B) they may not be able to handle a sticky situation, such as a brush with a not-so-friendly or off-leash dog. If we encounter a situation like that, I simply take over the responsibility of holding the leash until the unpredictable situation has passed.

If your child isn't ready to walk the dog independently, you can do as I do or even allow your smaller child to hold the leash with you. It can be a bit awkward for two people to hold the leash, but if it's safer that way for your situation, it's a great way to get your child involved in the task.

does it matter how a child holds a leash?

You may not think so, but it's important for the safety of the dog and the walker, regardless of age. A proper leash hold will allow your child control and will prevent the potential for injury or a loose dog. Below, you'll see a couple of  common mistakes as well as the the best hold.

The wrist wrap-around is wrong.

One of the most common ways children hold a leash is the wrist wrap-around position. It seems ultra-secure because it almost guarantees that the child won't let go of the leash. And therein lies the problem. The child really can't let go of the leash, something that is necessary in some emergency situations. Though it's important for a child to have a secure hold on the leash, there must be an escape, and the wrist wrap-around hold does not allow that.

The four-finger grasp leaves a lot of room for error.

The four-finger grasp is another common leash hold for a child. It is natural and easy, but has just the opposite problem of the wrist wrap-around hold. This hold does not allow enough security, as the leash can easily be pulled from the child's grasp.

Thumbs up for the thumbs-up hold!

The best way for a child (or anyone) to hold a leash is the thumbs-up hold, pictured here. It may seem a bit awkward at first, and it may not feel as secure, but rest assured that it is. Ask your child to give you a classic "thumbs up" gesture. The leash is grasped by the child's four fingers, then looped around the thumb. The thumb stays up to prevent the leash from being yanked from your child's grasp, but your child can quickly let go in an emergency situation. It's the best of both worlds, secure, yet safe.

With the proper leash hold, your child and dog can learn to walk well together. Though each child/dog combo has a unique set of circumstances and requires individual evaluation, there are some deal-breakers:

• Any child under the age of five should not independently hold a leash.

• A child of any age should not be allowed to walk a dog he can't control. This is true of adults, as well. If the dog can not be controlled on a leash, leash training is a must.

• Children under the age of ten should always be supervised when dog-walking.

• Children should never walk a dog who is aggressive toward other people or animals.

• Children should never walk multiple dogs at the same time.

• Retractable leashes pose many dangers and should not be used by children (nor is it my advice for anyone to use them)

When proper technique is used and your child can control the animal, dog-walking is a great way for your child to get involved in the family chores and bond with your pooch. It is a fun activity, and the exercise and fresh air will be great for both human and canine. So get out there and work together to ensure everyone is safe, secure, and happy! 

How does your child help with the family pets?

This article, written by me, originally appeared as a contributor post on Brie Brie Blooms. It has been posted here with minor changes with permission.

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let's get specific about pet health nutrition with #RoyalCanin #ad @RoyalCanin @PetSmart @WellMinded

This post is sponsored by PetSmart and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Royal Canin Pet Health Nutrition, but Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

Gone are the days when pet parents thoughtlessly toss a bag of generic puppy grub or kitty chow into their grocery carts with the milk and the pot roast. Pet parents like us demand more out of our pet food. We read labels. We research what should be in our pet's food and what shouldn't. We want to know that there is solid scientific research behind what's in the bag, and we want to feed the very best to our fur babies. The majority of us seek out specialty stores that carry the best brands and educate us on pet nutrition. We're learning that our pets have individual needs. Wouldn't it be great if we could walk up to a bag of dog or cat food and see our pet's name written all over it? Something custom-made to meet the needs of a particular pet?

We can! (Okay, it might not have your pet's actual name on the bag, but it may as well.) We can now go our local PetSmart® and browse the Royal Canin® lineup for a food that meets our pets' specific needs. 

Royal Canin Gets Specific

Royal Canin has developed a line of pet food for both the canine and feline variety that is breed-specific, size-specific, and condition-specific. You can find a pet food for your Bulldog or Persian Cat, and it actually says "Bulldog" and "Persian" on the bag. They also offer food for unique circumstances such as kittens who have been spayed or neutered or dogs with sensitive tummies. Royal Canin offers age-specific and size-specific formulas, as well. And all of this is offered conveniently on the shelves of PetSmart. You don't even need a prescription from your veterinarian. 

It's as easy as popping into your local store.

Royal Canin has a specific diet for so many breeds and needs, and PetSmart has organized them on the shelves so it's easy to browse the selection and figure out the best food for your pet. 

Royal Canine Food for Felines

Poor Daisy was having some serious trouble with hairballs, but Royal Canin was able to help. Check out her story:

Finding the specific Royal Canin formula you need is easy at PetSmart.

I easily found the hairball formula at my local PetSmart, along with several other formulas for specific breeds and situations such as "Kitten Spayed/Neutered," "Special," for adult cats with sensitive tummies, and breed-specific formulas for Persians, Siamese, Ragdolls, and Maine Coons. Along with meeting the dietary needs of each type of animal, the shape of the food is also taken into consideration. So the Persian food, for example, is shaped to be easily picked up by cats with flat faces. Unless you're a Persian cat (or Royal Canin), you probably never even thought that picking up food might be a challenge. 

Click here to check out the complete line of Royal Canin Cat Food.

Royal Canin Food for Canines

Royal Canin offers just as much–if not more–variety for canines. Check out how Urinary SO Moderate Calorie has helped Scout and her family manage her diabetes and urinary health: 

These are just some of the breed-specific and age-specific formulas Royal Canin has to offer (puppy food on top shelf, adult food on bottom shelf).

I love hearing stories like Scout's. To be able to rebound from such health issues based on a simple diet change is remarkable. It goes to show how important diet is to overall health. Royal Canin has several breed-specific formulas, including food for Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, and Chihuahuas, some of which even have one diet for the puppy stage of a specific breed and another for the adult stage. Incredible! If your pooch is a crazy mixed-up mutt like my N.A.S.H.A., there are also diets for different sized dogs. Because a Chihuahua and a Great Dane have very different needs, wouldn't you say?

Click here to check out the complete line of Royal Canin Dog Food.

Trusting Royal Canin

All of this sounds great, but how do we know we can feel confident that Royal Canin is producing a quality food?

Royal Canin has been around for over 40 years. Their food is based on scientific research and progress, and all of the food they produce comes from plants located in the U.S. and Canada. They say:

At Royal Canin, we live by the conviction that pets are not people; they are unique animals with unique nutritional needs that are distinctly different from our own. Through extensive research, we have identified these needs and created a complete line of premium Health Nutrition specifically formulated for cats and dogs–large or small, young or old, purebred or mixed breed. Because we know that only by feeding the best quality nutrition can we truly help pets stay as healthy and beautiful as possible.

So many of our pets' health issues can be improved or solved through diet. Since Royal Canin's nutritional solutions are created to target the specific needs and challenges of a particular type of pet, we can be sure we are getting the very best in pet health nutrition. And aside from all that, it just amazes me to be able to walk down the aisle at PetSmart and see "Chihuahua" or "Persian" on a bag of food. Pet food has come such a long way.

Our N.A.S.H.A. is an 11-pound, 9-year-old mixed terrier. The bet fit for her would be the Royal Canin Mini Mature +8.

What breed of dog or cat is part of your family? Which of the Royal Canin foods would be best for your fur baby?

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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Videos courtesy of Royal Canin.

Royal Canin Mini Mature +8 image courtesy of PetSmart.

how to tell when your child is ready for a pet

This article, written by me, originally appeared on Brie Brie Blooms. It appears here with minor changes, with permission. 

Kids and pets: they go together like peanut butter and jelly, right? Families who have never even considered incorporating an animal into their lives may consider it once their children start the begging process. Any kind of pet requires some level of care, so at what age is a child ready for that responsibility? Since all kids are different, it can be difficult to determine a general guideline, but there are some important things to consider that can help us make a good choice when deciding whether to incorporate a pet into the family. 

Step 1: Determine if the pet you are considering is in the realm of possibility. Housing pony in your apartment or a shark in your pool are suggestions that can be shot down without further ado.

Step 2: Research, research, research, and ask yourself some tough questions. Some things to consider:

• What type of daily care is involved?

• How much exercise does this animal need to be healthy and happy, and am I physically able and willing to spend the time an energy it takes to provide that?

• Will this pet make a mess (shedding, pooping, chewing, etc.), and am I willing to put up with that mess?

• What is the life expectancy of the pet, and will we be able to care for the pet for the duration of its life?

• Is this pet a safe choice for our family? What are the risk factors?

• Is anyone in the household allergic to this type of animal?

• What are the upfront and long-term costs associated with bringing this pet into the family? Consider food, supplies, vacation care, and veterinary costs. Is proper care for the pet in our budget?

• What will day-to-day life be like with this pet? Will this pet add joy or chaos to our family?

• Who will be responsible for day-to-day care of the pet?

• Can you provide the animal a safe, loving, healthy environment?

Step 3: If you've determined the answers to all of the questions above, and are confident that a new addition would be great for your family, then it's time to find the perfect pet. 

Let's look at some common options.

DOG

It's a classic. What kid doesn't want a snuggly puppy? Puppies and dogs are lots of work, but the rewards are great. They truly can become members of the family.

Pros: Oh, so cute. High level of interaction, great exercise partner, excellent snuggle-buddy, playful.

Cons: Can be messy, require lots of interaction. Exercise requirements must be met for physical and mental health. May require training. Ongoing grooming and veterinary costs. You have to take Fido on vacation with you or find a pet sitter.

How do I get one? I'm an advocate for rescue. Most areas have multiple rescues to choose from. There may be certain cases where a particular breed may be purchased from a reputable breeder, but never, ever purchase a puppy or dog from a pet store, as they almost always have come from a puppy mill.

Upfront cost: $$$

Ongoing cost: $$$

Daily care required: Feeding multiple times per day, providing fresh, clean water as needed, meeting exercise requirements (depending on breed and age through walking, jogging, playing and other forms of exercise), high level of interaction with family, cleaning "accidents" or mishaps if untrained.

Periodic care required: Regular veterinary care, grooming, pet sitting.

Bottom line: The right dog with the right family is magic. It is likely that all family members will need to participate caring for a pooch. As children grow older, they can take on more responsibility.

CAT

Cats are great. They are as individual as we are. Some cats are low-maintenance, and some require more attention. How integrated they are into your family largely depends on their nature and your care.

Pros: Fun and often funny. Some will be highly interactive (never leaving your lap or quite playful), and some will disappear until dinner is served (you are their slave). It all depends on what you are looking for. Usually require a bit less maintenance than dogs do. 

Cons: That litter box smell (in most parts of the country, it is best to keep a cat indoors), worried parents if an outdoor cat doesn't make curfew, sometimes they barf up hairballs, sometimes they scratch stuff up. They sometimes scratch and bite if they don't get their way.

How do I get one? Rescue, rescue, rescue. There are SO many kittens and cats of any age that need homes desperately. 

Upfront cost: $$

Ongoing cost: $$

Daily care required: Feeding once or twice, providing fresh, clean water as needed, scooping the litter box.

Periodic care required: Regular veterinary care, grooming (varies, depending on coat) pet sitting.

Bottom line: Look for the right fit. Cats are as individual as we are. If you adopt a cat that fits with the lifestyle you want, you'll have a great buddy.

SMALL CAGED FURRIES

Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils all fall into this category. Though personalities will vary amongst breeds and individual animals, the general care and time commitment is similar. 

Pros: These pets are cute and entertaining, and, depending on type, can even be trained. They don't need walks, and they won't take over your house (unless they escape, heaven forbid).

Cons: Frequent cage clean-ups and difficult–if not impossible–to potty train. Often shy and skittish, at first and can be slow to warm up. These animals often make quite a bit of noise gnawing on things hopping about or running in an exercise wheel. 

How do I get one? Your best option is always to rescue, but small caged animals aren't as abundantly available as dogs and cats. If you've checked your local rescues and the type of pet you want is not available, make sure the pet store you purchase from is reputable.

Upfront cost: $$

Ongoing cost: $

Daily care required: Providing fresh food and water and interaction, as well as a means to exercise (large pen or running wheel).

Periodic care required: Veterinary care as needed, Cage cleaning every few days, depending on the individual animal. Pet sitting required for extended trips.

Bottom line: In reality, small caged animals are more work than they are thought to be. They can be great "starter" pets for children, but once the initial infatuation wears off, your child may lose interest.

BIRD

Birds come in all kinds, from the small, quiet, finch to the exotic, chatty, parrot. if you are truly a bird lover, you should have no trouble finding the perfect fit.

Pros: Beautiful and fun to watch and interact with (depending on species). Songs can be soothing to listen to. You can put them to bed.

Cons: Birds can be messy and loud. Birds who squawk can be disruptive. Time consuming to train. Some will bite.  

How do I get one? Bird rescues exist, and they are great places to find an avian family member. Rescues will know the individual personalities of birds and can help you find a great match. Purchasing a bird through a reputable pet store is a second option.

Upfront cost: $$-$$$$

Ongoing cost: $$

Daily care required: Providing food, fresh water, and treats, as well as daily interaction and cage maintenance.

Periodic care required: Regular veterinary care, wing clipping, cage cleaning (as well as the area around the cage) pet sitting.

Bottom line: In order to be a successful bird parent, you have to be a bird person. They can be great pets for children, depending on the type of bird you are considering, but require quite a bit of attention and parents will definitely have to help quite a bit, initially.

REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, AND SNAKES

Reptiles, amphibians, and snakes make excellent pets for children, as long as they are handled properly. They are unique and fun to learn about and care for.

Pros: Most are relatively low-maintenance, and they provide a unique educational experience for children. Some can be quite interactive. Great for kids with allergies.

Cons: They aren't very cuddly. Some must be fed live prey. They can carry disease that may be transmitted to humans, but, if handled properly, this is not an issue. 

How do I get one? Always turn to your local reptile rescue, first, but if you can't find a good fit, get a recommendation for a local reptile breeder. These people are usually "reptile nerds" and will provide you with an education and recommendation about the right fit for your family. They are a wealth of knowledge. Though there is nothing wrong with purchasing a reptile, amphibian, or snake from a pet store, I'd make that option number three.

Upfront cost: $$-$$$$

Ongoing cost: $-$$$

Daily care required: Feeding (varies, depending on type), providing fresh water (depending on type), interaction (depending on type).

Periodic care required: Veterinary care as needed, aquarium/habitat cleanup, pet sitting for extended trips.

Bottom line: Do your research. Each type of reptile, amphibian, or snake requires a different environment, feeding schedule, and care program. These animals also vary widely in how interactive they are. They can be an enriching educational experience and a lot of fun, but be sure you find the right fit. 

FISH

Perhaps one of the best "first pets" for young children. You can get a beta fish in a bowl, or you can spend a million dollars on a custom salt water tank. 

Pros: Beautiful and soothing to watch. Quiet. Low maintenance (unless you go nuts).

Cons: They are quite sensitive to their environment, so you have to be careful. Basic fish are pretty easy, but if you want a full aquarium, you'll need to educate yourself thoroughly before embarking.

How do I get one? Typically, fish come from a reputable pet store.

Upfront cost: $-$$$$

Ongoing cost: $-$$$

Daily care required: Feeding and visually checking on the health of the fish and condition of the tank.

Periodic care required: Tank cleaning, pet sitting for extended trips.

Bottom line: If you're looking for a first pet for your child, a beta fish is a no-brainer. They are typically pretty hardy, and they don't require an elaborate aquarium set-up. If you're into something more involved, maintaining an aquarium is a great family hobby. 

WE THINK WE'RE READY! WHAT, NOW?

Consider the family routine when determining if your child is ready for a pet. Who will be responsible for the pet's care, and how will it be determined that the job has been done? Although your five-year-old may swear she'll feed the fish every day, she may be distracted. It's best in cases like this to actually witness your child feeding the fish. Provide her with a checklist, and even consider a pet-related reward for a job well done. Maybe she receives a new decoration for the tank after a month of excellent care. If your child falls down on the job, it is ultimately the responsibility of the parent to make sure the animal is cared for. It's not fair to Fido if he has to wait two days for water because no one has noticed his bowl has gone dry. Having a pet can be a great way to teach a child responsibility, but kiddos–some even into their teens–need supervision when it comes to animal care. It is ultimately on our shoulders, as parents, to make sure the animal is well cared-for.

Pets can provide us with love, entertainment, and a great deal of enjoyment as they become part of our families. They help teach children responsibility and caring, and give kiddos a greater sense of belonging and friendship. When considering any pet, it's important to know that you're making a commitment to the animal for the life of that creature. Rescues become overcrowded when people are impulsive about bringing a pet into the family and then have a change of heart. It's just not fair to the pet, so be sure to do thorough research and know what you're getting into.

Pets add a great to family life when you determine that your child and your family is ready for the adventure. There is a great fit out there for all animal lovers.

Does your child have a pet? Tell us about your experience!

You might also enjoy:

your baby and your pets: 10 tips for a smooth introduction

kids and animals: instilling respect

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