Safe and Happy Holidays for Your Pet!

It's holiday time again, and that means loads of yummy holiday goodies! But, a lot of our favorite treats aren't all that great for your dog or cat. Chocolate, coffee, alcoholic drinks, grapes, raisins, onions, and Macadamia nuts might sound wonderful to you, but they are all harmful choices for your pets. It's a good practice to feed your pet their own food before the festivities start, so they will be satisfied. Also, try to avoid letting your pet have table scraps. It's just a good idea, so you don't end up spending your holiday at the vet office!

Want to know more? The ASPCA has a great site, and a full list of holiday kitchen hazards and why you should avoid them. The American Humane Association also has a lot of information about how to make the entire holiday season safer for your pets! Make sure to check them out...we want you and your pets to have a wonderful time and super safe holiday season!

Featured on Beachhouse.com!!

Wow, I just have to share some really cool news with everyone! Our Beach Bum Biscuits have been featured in an article on Beachhouse.com! Beachhouse.com is an awesome place to explore and I just love their motto: Bring the beach home. You can search beach homes all over the world on their website! We at Mermaid Cottages are just too excited that our Beach Bum biscuits are getting exposure to so many readers and can't thank the people at Beachhouse.com enough!

Don't forget, proceeds from the sale of Beach Bum Biscuits go to support service and guide dogs! So, by buying a bag of goodies, or staying in one of our cottages, you help support two wonderful foundations: The Southeastern Guide Dog' Puppy Sponsorship Program and The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. Beach Bum Biscuits are available in each cottage to enjoy during your stay and are for sale at Seaside Sisters here on Tybee. They make wonderful gifts, perfect for the coming holidays! If you aren't nearby, please email me at diane@mermaidcottages.com or call 912.313.0784 for more information about getting your Beach Bum Biscuits!

Modeling is Hard Work!

Quilt Magazine is in town for a photo shoot, and these guys were our models! Gee, do you think they were tuckered out after their hard work? Such good boys! They deserve their rest!

Cold Noses, Warm Hearts

     Those of us who have pets know they are great therapists. They are great listeners, comforters, and friends. But, did you know the medical community suggests pets are good for your health? Like we needed another reason to love our furry children, right?!
     They spread love where ever they go, so why not share that feeling? The Tybee Island Oceanside Nursing Home wants the community to know they encourage anyone to visit with their dogs! Dogs can be so beneficial to both physical and psychological healing, especially for the elderly and isolated. You know how great your dog makes you feel, so think about sharing the love! If you believe you have a dog that could warm the hearts of patients, check out these easy steps to ensure the safety of your dog and those in the nursing home.

• Determine if your dog would be a good candidate! The dog must be reliable, predictable, trained, and loving.
• Contact the manager at the nursing home (912-786-4511) about 1 hour before your visit. the require nothing more than that your dog be on a leash and that you show proof of current vaccinations. Your dog needs to be healthy and up-to-date on their shots!
• Make sure your dog is well groomed, including well trimmed nails.
• Keep your dog on a 4 foot leash, no retractables please!
• Be a responsible owner. Have control over your dog at all times. help encourage interaction between your dog and the patient.
• A few precautions: make sure your dog minds his or her manners and doesn't try to eat anything, from the floor or table scraps. Watch for medications in the area that may be hazardous to your pet.
• Start slow and make sure your pet will be comfortable around things like wheelchairs, walkers, and other medical equipment.

If you have any questions or concerns, or need more information, don't hesitate to call the Oceanside Nursing Home at 912-786-4511. Please consider visiting and allowing the love your dog showers naturally to brighten someone's day!

Berkeley in Harness Training!

     We just had to share these pictures of our sponsored dog, Berkeley! He is doing so well training in his harness, and we couldn't be more proud! These were taken on a training outing in October with Berkeley and Shelby. Way to go guys!

The Knotty Dog

Isn't this the cutest thing? Rhode Island has some of the best signs ever. I spotted this one on a trip a few weeks back and had to take a picture and share!

Danny really enjoys long days on the porch! Ahh, a cottage dog's life. How relaxing!

Boomer's Costume!!!

     Poor Boomer! He looks like he is thinking "Hey, I'm a guide dog, I shouldn't have to do this!"

But how festive! We hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween, and wish you a very happy November!