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So what happens when you introduce some Alpacas to an Alpaca plushie? Find out more at https://www.lilymoorefarm.com

And I cannot imagine having to choose between the two. Globetrotting with my pets has become my way of life, but not so long ago, things were very different.

In 1987, Sherpa, an adorable gray Lhasa Apso given to me by my fiancé, became my everything when my fiancé tragically died in his sleep a month before our wedding. Without a signed will, I wasn’t entitled to any of his estate and had to leave our New York home. To make matters worse, after two decades as a flight attendant, I had recently been laid off during a strike. At thirty-seven years old, my entire world had been turned upside down.

Feeling alone and distraught, I wanted to spend some time with my mother who lived in California, but I hesitated because the only way that Sherpa could accompany me on the plane was in a small hard-sided pet carrier that would be uncomfortable for her and cumbersome for me. I finally decided to leave her with a friend.

After arriving in California, I was appalled to learn that my friend’s husband had placed Sherpa in a kennel. (Kennels then  were not what they are now.) But worse than that, I felt completely lost without my little best friend; I realized I was the victim of a travel industry that had caused me to separate from my pooch during the time I needed her most. Read more

• When traveling through the airport it is always best to keep a low profile when accompanying your pet at the airport.  Do not let him or her out of the carrier once you enter the airport terminal.  If they are traveling with you in the passenger cabin, never take him out of their carrier during the flight.
• Be sure to take your dog outside before walking them through an airport.  Some airports provide dog-walking areas, but to be safe, have plenty of wee-wee pads on hand. Even if you are a responsible pet parent and don’t give your pet food for six hours before a flight or water within two hours of takeoff, sometimes your little friend still has to relieve himself.  If your pooch is sending you signals that this is the case, you can use the wee-wee pads in the airplane rest room, allowing your dog to relieve himself quickly, calmly, and discreetly.  Your dog will be very grateful.
• If he must travel in the cargo hold, fasten a water bowl filled with frozen water to the door or carrier.  If you are carrying your pet through baggage check, politely and quietly inform the TSA agent at the security checkpoint that a pet is in the carrier so he is not exposed to x-rays.  If you are asked to take your pet out of the carrier as you pass through security on your way to the gate, make sure that he is wearing a collar and a leash or, better yet, a harness . Read more

From an article on SilverDisobedience.Rocks

I hear it all the time: “I am too old to get a pet.”  And every time I hear it, my response is always the same. Nobody is too old to experience the love and joy a pet brings to your life. My first pet, SHERPA, was a Lhasa Apso that I adopted when I was in my 30s. The first time I held her, I felt warmth in my heart and a loving connection. At that moment, I did not know how much I would rely on SHERPA for more solace than I could ever imagine. Shortly after getting SHERPA, my fiancé passed away and my life was turned upside down. My only consolation was SHERPA’s unconditional love. It was then that I fully understood how beneficial pets are to humans and I have never been without one since. Now, my two dogs, KoKo and KARTU, make life even better by not only the love they give me but also the health benefits I gain by just having them around!

Happy Heart

Finding out that my fiancé’s death was a result of a massive heart attack caused me to become even more conscious of heart health. I have always embraced a healthy diet and regularly exercised —in fact, my first job was working at Jack LaLanne’s, the first exercise fitness club—and I am very aware that as we age, our chances of having heart disease or a heart attack increases. But did you know that owning a pet, especially a dog, may help keep your heart healthy according to a Mayo Clinic study? One researcher involved with the study said, “In general, people who owned any pet were more likely to report more physical activity, better diet, and blood sugar at ideal level. The greatest benefits from having a pet were for those who owned a dog, independent of their age, sex and education level.” KoKo and KARTU don’t even realize they could be as helpful as my yoga practice and nutritious meals are in keeping my heart healthy… but I do! And now so do you! Read more

Our dogs are often some of the greatest loves of our lives. They’re always there for us, comforting us on a bad day, always happy to see us. No matter what, our dogs love us. They are the true embodiment of unconditional love. So, why not show your furry friend some love right back? Here are four fun ways to shower your fur-babies with the love they deserve.

Spend time together outdoors. It is undeniable that dogs, and really all animals, love to be outside. Go for walks, jogs, have a picnic, or even just lay in the sunshine on a nice day with your pet. Fresh air and time in nature is good for the physical and mental well-being for you and your pet. An article published by Animal Wellness Magazine states that spending time outdoors helps prevent anxiety, depression, and boredom in animals, and it does the same for us. Time outdoors increases physical activity and overall health for you and your pet. Read more