Get the Best Night's Sleep of Your Life with Morris the Cat #giveaway

Welcome to the final edition of Morris the Cat's advice column, revealing need-to-know information on how to release your inner cat and get the best night's sleep of your life. 

As an iconic spokescat and star of over 50 9Lives cat food commercials from the 1970s onward, Morris has a prolific career envied by many of the Internet cat sensations of today. The secret to his longevity? Well, for one, the fact that he eats 9Lives. But more importantly, he has a disciplined sleep regimen – racking up about 140 hours per week!

Morris wants to teach YOU the tricks of the trade and give you all the tools you need, so he's hosting a giveaway on his Live Well & Prospurr site [http://prospurr.9lives.com/] to win a Morris-shaped plush bed that's big enough for you AND your cat to snuggle up on.

Dear Morris,

My cat and I are BFFs. We do everything together – play, eat, snuggle – we make a purrfect team. But in the bedroom, I prefer to have my space. My cat, on the other hand, thinks there's no better place to sleep than right on my head! Why does she do this? I'm not all that fun when I'm sleeping.

Warmly, 

Tired Tails

Dear Tired Tails,

You have been bestowed a great honor. As cats, we don't always wear our hearts on our paws, but one tell-tail sign we love and trust you is when we choose to make YOU our bed. Plus, you're warm. And getting our warmth from you helps us to conserve our own energy for more important things like eating. The rhythm of your breath also creates a calming effect and the curve of your face, stomach, or legs perfectly forms to our bodies. Basically, you're like a waterbed, heated blanket, and memory foam all in one! So the next time your cat goes to curl up on you, think of it as a compliment and drift off to sleep knowing you are loved... and you're very comfortable.

Kitty hugs,

Morris

Thank you, Morris the Cat, for your wonderful nighttime tips! See the rest of them here and here. 

For more info on Morris' mission to help cats and humans live well – including his initiative to donate one million 9Lives meals to rescue kitties – check out his Live Well & Prospurr website [http://prospurr.9lives.com/]. And while you're there, enter to win the limited-edition, human-sized Morris the Cat plush bed along with a year's supply of 9Lives!

This is a sponsored post from 9 Lives.  I received product compensation for my cats in exchange for writing this post.  

However, k2k9 only writes posts for products we already use! 

Catch more Zzzs with Morris the Cat #Giveaway

Hey readers, I'm back with iconic 9Lives cat food spokescat Morris, giving advice to us lowly humans about how to sleep like a pro, and by that I mean, a cat. After all, they do sleep up to 140 hours a week – that's 3.5 times your typical 9-5.

To help on your quest to catch more Zzzs, Morris is also giving readers the chance to win a super-cool, human-sized bed in the shape of Morris himself... because who doesn't sleep better when snuggling up with a cat? Just go to his Live Well & Prospurr website [http://prospurr.9lives.com/] to enter and check out his video with more sleeping tips.

Dear Morris,

I'm a cat but as you know, even animals have 'spirit animals.' Mine is an owl – a night owl to be exact. I love to play "catch the speck of dust" or "chase your tail in the middle of the bed" into the wee hours of the morning. My humans have no idea what they're missing out on. They just lay there snoring and swat at me when I come too close. How can I make them see that daytime is lame, and the real party happens under stars (the stick-on, glow-in-the-dark kind)?

Yours truly,

Hyper Harry

Dear Hyper Harry,

Sadly, this is a case you may not win. Humans need their sleep at night. You get to spend all day snoozing and they only get a few precious hours when the sun goes down. Your humans can, however, make sure that they understand why it is you're pouncing about and provide things to make nighttime more fun. For instance, your humans could consider getting a kitty condo or put out bags or boxes for you to explore. For extra credit, they can hide treats around the house so you can go on a midnight scavenger hunt. Or, if you're really lucky, they'll bring home a kitty best friend for you to play with whenever you please. Other cats might be up at night because they get hungry, in which case their humans could try an automatic food dispenser to provide small meals throughout the night. Remember, the more you let your humans sleep at night, the more energy they'll have to play with you during the day!

Kitty hugs,

Morris

Thanks for the pawesome nighttime tips, Morris! Read Morris' first advice column here.  Plus, don't forget to check back for the last installment of "Dear Morris," and in the meantime, check out his website [http://prospurr.9lives.com/] to see how you can live as well as a cat and enter the giveaway!

This is a sponsored post from 9 Lives.  I received product compensation for my cats in exchange for writing this post.  

However, k2k9 only writes posts for products we already use!  

Live Well & Prospurr, with Morris the Cat #Giveaway

If you ask me, there's one thing in the world that there's just too little of, and it's not love. I'm talking about  S-L-E-E-P. I'm always trying to get more of it and make the most out of what little time I do get. 

So I had a thought... why not ask someone who's truly an expert on the subject; someone who spends more time snoozing than most of us spend at work? I'm talking, of course, about Morris the Cat. 

For those of you who don't know him – or who've let sleep deprivation cloud your memory – Morris is the iconic spokescat for 9Lives cat food and has starred in over 50 commercials. When he's not in front of the camera or chowing down on 9Lives, you can bet he's napping in his trailer, ahem carrying case.

He's taken time out of his busy schedule to answer some reader questions about the very im-purr-tant issue of sleep. What's more, he's offering fans the chance to win a Morris-shaped, human-sized plush bed AND a year's supply of 9Lives cat food. Just go to his Live Well & Prospurr website [http://prospurr.9lives.com/] to enter.

Dear Morris,

I've been experiencing difficulties with falling asleep, tossing and turning once my head hits the pillow. I don't get it because I feel tired all day at work; then I come home, brush my teeth, flip on the TV, and just... lie there. I'm hoping I can learn from the expert. Morris, what am I doing wrong?

Sincerely,

Sleepless in San Fur-nando

Dear Sleepless in San Fur-nando,

Your case, unfortunately, is not at all uncommon. When you're going all day long at the speed of a cheetah, it's no wonder your mind darts around like a red laser dot at bedtime. Luckily, as a cat, I spend up to 140 hours per week sleeping and I can tell you there is hope! For starters, I notice you mentioned turning on the TV before bed. Cats don't watch TV – this is partly because the majority of us can't speak English that well, but mostly because it interferes with our snooze time. Scientifically speaking, the 'glow' emitted by an electronic screen enters the brain and slows the release of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep. So next time you want to turn on the tube before bed, try counting sheep instead – or better yet, mice!

Kitty hugs,

Morris

There you have it! After getting a good night's rest, tune back in for the next edition of "Dear Morris" and don't forget to check out his Live Well & Prospurr website [http://prospurr.9lives.com/] to enter the giveaway and learn how you can help Morris feed hungry kitties with just the click of a mouse.

This is a sponsored post from 9 Lives.  I received product compensation for my cats in exchange for writing this post.  

However, k2k9 only writes posts for products we already use!  

PL360 Supplements for Dogs Product Review and #Giveaway

This is a sponsored post for PL360 supplements.  I have received a two-month supply of supplements in exchange for this product review, but no monetary compensation.  PL360 is also providing a giveaway to three of my readers/followers of the product I am reviewing.  Contact me if questions:  k2k9dogs@gmail.com.

A few weeks ago, I received an inquiry from the folks at PL360, asking if I would try their all-natural supplements with my dogs and write a review.  I no longer do product reviews with payment in product only (in other words, that doesn't pay the bills!), but I made an exception because a giveaway to three of my readers was also offered.  Hoping some of you out there would like a free supply of PL360's Arthogen Hip & Joint Formula for active dogs.  If so, just comment on this post right here on the blog (you may need to input a captcha code so Blogger knows you're not a robot!).

My "boys" Charlie Brown and Cooper just celebrated their fourth birthday yesterday!  They are still young, and the description "active" may be pushing the envelope a bit.  These hound-mixes are much less "active" than my previous dogs who were all Labs or Lab-mixes.  For example, Charlie sleeps most of the day (20-22 hours a day just about) but then will run at high-speed after a squirrel or a neighbor walking a dog past the house (safely separated by our wonderful fence, I might add!).  Because he is a large dog, pushing 90 pounds, but still tall and lanky, I do worry about his joints.

Charlie "treeing" a squirrel in classic Walker Coonhound style

Cooper, on the other hand, also sleeps all day, but is disabled (shhhh, please don't mention that word in his presence!).  With his single front leg, there is a lot of "slamming" of the leg onto hard surfaces such as pavement outside, ceramic tile and hardwood inside, and running up and down the back deck stairs at high-speed, jumping onto and off of furniture (yeah, he's allowed).  He is still so young that he runs just as fast as his brother, and that concerns me because his shoulder joint must get incredibly sore with all that slamming.

I've had a lot of experience with aging dogs and their joint problems, but I was interested to see how these all-natural supplements would work on The Boys.

Timba, above, and Hobie, below both had arthritis in their senior years.

   

The first day, Charlie, typically, was averse to anything foreign and new being put into his mouth.  I usually give out supplements like treats, so I had him sit at the treat counter in the kitchen.  He, of course, spit it out onto the floor and had to smell it and investigate it before chewing or swallowing.  He ended up walking away that first time, and Cooper scooped up Charlie's serving.  Cooper, by the way, gobbled it right up, no questions asked, no hesitation.

After a couple of days, Charlie decided he could trust me, and now has been enjoying his daily dole of the supplement each day.  I give them each two tablets per day at "treat time".

Give us treats!  Give us treats!

The hip and joint formula contains glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin C, manganese, beef flavor, brewers years, cheese flavor and a couple of other ingredients I'm not 100% thrilled about, but at least they are few (silicon dioxide and xanthan gum just to name two).  The latter are inactive ingredients, incidentally.

Since my dogs do not have current joint issues, I am using this product more as a preventative than a treatment.  The first few days, I did think that they seemed to have more energy after their daily dole!  They were running around the house doing zoomies* and so forth.  But that could just be a feature of the time of year (less outdoor time, more indoor time as fall and winter descend).  Nevertheless, they certainly were not held back from romping around the house doing zoomies for 15 minutes!  So, I'd say that's a mark in favor of PL360's product.

All in all, I would recommend this product.  The folks I've communicated with at PL360 have been personable and professional, so that's a big plus, too (a lot of times it's the people behind the brand that makes the brand appealing!).

PL360's products can be purchased at Entirely Pets and HealthyPets.com !!

Don't forget about that giveaway!  If you're a reader who has an active dog and want to support their hips and joints with a pretty good product, just comment below.  The first three to post a comment containing the word "giveaway" will get a free bottle of PL360 Arthogen Hip & Joint Formula.


*This video is from 2014.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe on Halloween and a #Giveaway

Halloween is known for being a frightfully fun holiday, when all our fears come to life in a way that’s enjoyable with just a hint of the unknown. While most people enjoy Halloween, most dogs find it stressful. The noises, costumes, and decorations are out of the ordinary, and your dog can’t tell what’s fake and what’s a real danger. With a little precaution and common sense, you can make Halloween safe and less stressful for your dog. From using the best dog fence to keep them contained, and keeping the candy bowl out-of-reach, here are some tips for keeping your dog safe during Halloween festivities.

Don’t Leave Your Dog Outside

Never leave your dog outside alone during trick-or-treat hours, because the hustle and bustle may cause them to try and escape. Even the best invisible dog fence or traditional fence can be breached when a dog is determined enough, so don’t take any chances. If you have an electronic dog fence, it won’t keep people out, and unfortunately real bogeymen sometimes use Halloween as an opportunity to steal dogs from yards. Your best bet is to keep your dog indoors - in a locked room or a crate - so they can’t get out of the house when you open the front door for trick-or-treaters. This will help reduce their stress level, too.

Trick-or-Treat Carefully

If you choose to bring your dog trick-or-treating with you, do so with caution. If you’re unsure of how your dog will react to costumed children, keep them at a safe distance and don’t allow strangers to pet your dog. If it’s after sundown, make sure you use an LED or reflective leash, collar, or harness, so that your dog is visible to cars on the road. Do not remove your dog’s collar or ID tags, and make sure your contact information is up-to-date, just in case. If you’re concerned about how your dog will handle trick-or-treating, the safest bet is to leave them home.

Be Conscious of Costume Hazards

Dog costumes can be a lot of fun, but they can also restrict breathing, movement, or circulation if they don’t fit properly. Try your dog’s costume on several times before they wear it for a longer period of time, so they have a chance to get used to it, and you can observe them for any concerns. If you use an e-collar for a wired dog fence and you remove it, don’t let your dog outside without a leash, no matter how well-trained they are. Accessories like buttons or baubles can be choking hazards, so avoid costumes that have them.

Keep the Candy Bowl Out-of-Reach

Chocolate and the sugar substitute xylitol are toxic to dogs, so be very careful with candy in your home. If you utilize an indoor wireless dog fence or pet barrier, keep the candy and your dog on opposite sides. Otherwise, keep the candy high enough so it’s out of your dog’s reach, and make sure your children do the same with their treat bags. If you’d like your dog to enjoy a sweet treat, purchase new dog treats for them before Halloween night. As always, keep your vet’s number handy so you can call them if your dog ingests candy and gets sick or starts acting strangely.

Decorate with Care

Pumpkins, corn, hay, and other edible decorations may not be poisonous to dogs, but they can still present hazards. Dogs often want to eat pumpkins, and large pieces can lodge in their intestines and cause blockages. Keep pumpkins and other appealing decorations away from your dog, so the dog doesn't choke or become sick. Ensure that lit candles aren’t in a place that your dog could accidentally knock them over. If any of your decorations plug in, make sure electrical wires are hidden or covered, so that you dog can’t chew on them and be shocked.

No matter how you decide to celebrate Halloween this year, keep your dog’s health and happiness in mind, too. Dogs are often confused and concerned by the hustle and bustle of holidays, so giving them a little extra love and attention is a great idea, too. With precaution and care, you and your dog will have a safe holiday with no unexpected frights - only fun. Have a Happy Halloween!

This is a paid sponsored post by www.dogfencediy.com 

These Halloween safety tips were provided in partnership with www.dogfencediy.com;

Dog Fence DIY offers an affordable alternative to the pricey and hard to maintain invisible fences. A wired or wireless dog fence solution is not a fix-it-all and should be used in tandem with training to make sure your dog is safe and happy.  Questions or concerns about Dog Fence DIY?  Let me know and I'll put you in touch with their reps who are happy to answer.

Share this post on social media, or post a comment or tip of your own below, and you'll be entered into a giveaway for a $25 Amazon card!!  Who doesn't want one of those?!  Winner of the Amazon card will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter, or similar.  Be sure to tell me that you shared on social media!