Pets and Cakes!

When someone has a birthday coming up, the first thing most people would do is head to the party supply store for invitations. While this tried-and-true option gets the job done, those who wish to be a bit more creative should try their hand at making the birthday cards on their own. Not only will these personal creations save the planner money, he or she will also be able to add a unique sense of style to the invitation. By following a few suggestions, those who take on this endeavor will be more than pleased with their finished results.

1. Decide on a theme for the party- Whether it be a party for someone who’s five or eighty-five, all good parties have a theme. Once the theme has been decided on, choose colors and pictures that will be a reflection of it in the invitation.

2. Keep in mind who the invitations are for- Invitations for children will not require too many words; they only require basic information such as time, date, and location of the event. These invitations should use bright colors; and pictures that speak to the nature of the event. When designing party invitations for adults, on the other hand, designers can afford to be a bit more creative. Designs for adult invitations can range from fun and colorful all the way to dark and serious.

3. Decide on the method of delivery- The way in which the invitation will be delivered will determine the design options that are available. Those who choose to hand deliver invitations will have a wide variety of materials to choose from. Handmade invitations can be created through the use of paper or fabric; also, they can be made with edible items or with the use of electronics. However, if email is the chosen delivery method the invitations will have to be created entirely on the computer. If this option is chosen, designers can then utilize the many card-making sites that are available via the internet.

While birthday invitations from the store are convenient, they can also lack creativity. Designing a great birthday invitation will work best for those who wish to put their own personal flare into them. It is not at all a difficult process; and with a little thought and preparation, they will come out perfect.

A great number of people of all stripes love animals. Hundreds of folks love their pets, treating them as valued members of the family. Nature lovers feed the birds and welcome the squirrels into their yards. Wildlife enthusiasts, marveling at majestic creatures, advocate for their rights to share the planet with humans.

And there are a whole host of gifts available that recognize the fondness humans have for animals. Here are just a few suggestions.

Books and Movies: There are unlimited possibilities of an animal-themed book or DVD as a gift. Pet stores or the veterinarian’s office should carry “how-to” manuals on caring for pets. Bookstores offer coffee table books full of nature pictures.

Consider, also, fiction and non-fiction stories such as the classics by Jack London or stories by James Herriot, a veterinarian in Yorkshire. And there is a wide range of animal-themed movies to choose from.

A Giving Gift: Many animal lovers might appreciate a gift in their name to a cause they care about. Shelters and rescue centers can always use donations for food, bedding and health care for abandoned pets. An annual membership in an organization that protects wildlife is another idea.

Some groups arrange “adoptions” of an endangered species that include a certificate and a photograph of the adopted animal. Various advocate associations also offer a selection of merchandise or magazine subscriptions that will benefit the cause.

Sometimes animal enthusiasts that are pet owners just need to replenish pet supplies. Maybe their cat needs some new cat scratchers or their dog is out of yummy treats.

Photo Gifts: There are several online photo stores that offer personalized gift items made with photos. A favorite pet snapshot can be featured prominently on a coffee mug, mouse pad, t-shirt or baseball cap.

Consider also a custom-made calendar, stationery or note cards or even a jigsaw puzzle for the pet owner. Gift givers who like making their own crafts could create a scrapbook filled with a lot of cherished pet pictures and mementoes.

These are just a few ideas for gifts for animal enthusiasts. Gift certificates are also a very popular idea, and sometimes they are the best option. That way the animal enthusiasts can choose their own presents.

Host a party for your pet, such as for its birthday, to show your pet just how much you love and appreciation it.

Decide on a date and time for the party and keep in mind your animal’s disposition when making the plans. Plan a short party with a minimal number of guests for small, less-social animals such as cats, hamsters and rabbits to minimize stress. Dogs, on the other hand, will thrive on longer parties with lots of loud activity and other four-legged friends around.

Choose to host the gathering at your house, if you have adequate indoor space for smaller animal guests or a large, fenced-in backyard for a dog party. Another option would be to rent a venue, such as a picnic pavilion at a pet-friendly park.

Select animal-themed party decorations for the celebration but be sure to keep decorations high off the ground and out of reach of pets for safety reasons. Tie paw-print helium balloons around the party and display large photos of your pet on the walls to showcase the “guest of honor.”

Put together a party favor bag for each guest, in a sturdy tote bag, and hand to the animal’s owner upon arrival at the party. Include a small food bowl, treats or chew toys and several waste disposal bags for dog guests.

Treat the animal guests to a menu of pet-friendly foods for the party. Place plastic food bowls around the party area, at least one per pet guest, and fill with different flavors or dry and wet pet foods. Be sure to include bowls of fresh, clean water and refill frequently, especially if the party is held outdoors.

Place toys and entertainment items around the party area to keep four-legged guests entertained. For a dog party, include things such as chew toys, bones, balls and frisbees. And scratching posts, catnip toys and squeaky toys would be popular at an indoor cat party.

Avoid problems and make the party more enjoyable for all your guests by posting a small list of rules near the entrance of the party or on the invitations. Instruct guests to watch their pets, dispose of any waste and separate any animals who are fighting.

With just a small amount of planning and preparation, throw a fun-filled party for your pet and celebrate all the memories and reasons you love your animal companion.

If you are getting ready to invite a new pet into the home, whether it is a cat, a dog, a snake, a rat or a gerbil, make sure that you know what you are getting in for. Check out these tips to make those first days of owning a pet easier on you and on the animal that is now a part of your family.

Do Your Research – Figure out what the animal needs to eat and what kind of space it needs. While some dog breeds need a lot of space, others just need a small amount as long as they get enough exercise. Cats tend to need less space than dogs and snakes need space dependent on how big they get. Read books, read care sheets online and talk to pet store employees.

Keep the Household Quiet – While everyone might want to get to know the animal right away, particularly if it is a cute dog or cat, remember that the animal is likely feeling nervous and scared. Take the time to introduce people slowly and make sure that they do not frighten or irritate the animal. The animal might take some time to acclimatize to its new home.

Create a Healthy Lifestyle for the Pet – Make sure that you get your pet to exercise from the start.  Pets love to run around and be walked. If you can walk you pet yourself you can go online and search “dog walkers in San Francisco” to find a professional to walk your dog. 

Introduce Other Animals Slowly – Cats and dogs in particular can be very territorial, so be sure that you monitor the introductions carefully. Similarly, small mammals also need time to get to know one another before they can be housed together. When in doubt, as a veterinarian or another pet specialist how to handle the introductions.

Have All the Supplies Ready to Go – Before you bring the animal home, make sure that you have all the supplies that you need ready. Even if you know that you are going to love the pet in question, you can take a lot of the stress out of the first few days just by having everything that you need on hand. This also allows you to make careful decisions about what you want to give your animal and it allows you to buy without pressure.

Consider carefully how you want to bring an animal into your home. This can be a stressful time for you and your new pet, so take it slow, and don’t be surprised if the newest member of your family is nervous or skittish at first. With time and with patience, you’ll be able to integrate them thoroughly into your home.

What does one need for a good birthday party? Obviously, a card, cake and ice cream. Where should one go to celebrate a birthday? That may not be so obvious, and although the home is a good place to start, those who want to give their relative or friend a good party should consider looking somewhere else.

The place for a birthday party will depend upon one’s taste, budget and the size of the party. In the case of toddlers, the home is still the most secure place. Other locations can include the nearby ice cream shop or children’s museum. Those who are older can celebrate their birthdays at parks or amusement facilities. For a donation, fire departments can offer their space and time, giving the youngsters firsthand look at firefighters, their gear and their vehicles. Those planning such a visit should remember that if the bell rings, the party is over!

Youngsters can have their their birthday party combined with athletic activities at the nearest community pool, bowling alley or martial arts center. Many fitness clubs also offer high-energy activities that can be a part of any birthday celebration. For something more sedate, nature centers and botanical gardens are ideal spots for a birthday party. Teenagers may find a local hotel as a place offering more privacy. If the celebrant is a teenage girl, parents can arrange for a birthday at a shopping mall, giving her a chance to shop for her own gift. But don’t forget to bring the credit card!

Many local restaurants and clubs will host birthday parties for adults. Stadiums may also offer birthday deals for those who are into sports. It might even be possible to surprise the celebrant by having the person’s name and birthday posted on the stadium scoreboard. Those who want to get out of town should consider having the party at the beach, mountains or recreational facility. It can also be held at or near a casino, giving the celebrant the opportunity to parlay that birthday money – or hoping for the next birthday party! Adults who long for their childhood can have plenty of fun celebrating their birthday at a miniature golf park or Go-Kart track.
No matter where one celebrates, the key is to have a happy birthday!