Felix Cat Insurance Will Pay Your Engagement Ring – On One Condition

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  November 29th, 2023
bonder.olka/Shutterstock

If you're ready to tie the knot, you should know that there’s a way to make this special occasion even more memorable – by including your furball in the proposal. Not only is it an adorable way to ask for someone’s hand in  marriage, but thanks to Felix Cat Insurance, it can also be a way to get a gorgeous ring for free! This company is launching “A Purr-fect Proposal” campaign, aiming to help one couple of cat lovers celebrate that special moment in their lives. The aim of the campaign is to cover the costs of an engagement ring and the only requirement is to include your cat in the proposal!


December is truly a magical month, so it doesn’t surprise that it’s also the most popular month to get engaged – which is why Felix Cat Insurance chose this month to bring their plan to fruition. The contest is open until December 19th, and the company will choose one lucky winner whose kitty-centered proposal plan sounds the best three days after that, on December 22nd. The winner will be gifted $4,750 or have the cost of an engagement ring covered. Not only that, but they will also receive a package of cat treats, festive toys, and even elegant cat clothes for their furry helper – to wear on the special occasion, of course. 


"Our felines are family members and just like your closest friends and family, we want to include them in celebrating meaningful moments like this," said Jamie Maxfield, Marketing Director and Brand Expert at Felix Cat Insurance. "Planning for the future can also bring challenges, which is why we're spreading holiday cheer by easing the expense of this life milestone as you, your partner, and your furry friend embark on your new life together. Not only is Felix here to ease the expense of this core life event, but we can also be there every step of the way afterwards."


Here are the contest details as laid out by the company:


Prize:


  • $4,750 to put toward an engagement ring. 
  • A curated kit of treats and surprises so your furry friend can join in on the celebration. 


Dates: 


  • The contest opens on November 28th, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. EST and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on December 19, 2023. 
  • The winner will be selected on December 22, 2023. 


Eligibility & Rules: 


  • You must live in the United States.
  • You must be 18+ in age. 
  • The proposal must take place within the month of December. 
  • This contest is not available in Washington or Puerto Rico. 


For more information on the "Purr-fect Proposal" contest, including terms and conditions, visit  FelixPurrfectProposal.com. Good luck – and congrats on the engagement to be!

WOW
Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “hypoallergenic” is defined as “having little likelihood of causing an allergic response.”These are dog breeds that are less likely to cause problems for allergy sufferers due to various physical characteristics. For example, the breed may be low shedding, have shorter coats (or be considered hairless), or the coat type naturally catches and traps allergens like loose hair and dander, controlling its spread around your home.While these qualities make it more likely that these dogs could co-exist peacefully with an allergic family member, it is important to note that they are not 100% free from allergens.Which Dogs are Considered to be HypoallergenicDeciding which dogs are considered to be hypoallergenic is a bit of a grey area. Some breeds will make the list when speaking with one expert, and not the list shared by the next. This can make it difficult to determine if a dog you are considering will be a good fit for your home.Even if the dog breed you are considering is well-known for their hypoallergenic coats, I recommend having a conversation with the breeder, the shelter/rescue you are adopting from, and your doctor (or allergist) to prepare yourself to take precautions and minimize any risk. Individual dogs may have unique grooming needs or considerations even within a breed.Here is a list of breeds commonly referred to as hypoallergenic: Affenpinscher Afghan Hound American Hairless TerrierBarbado da Terceira Barbet Bedlington Terrier Bichon Frise Bolognese Chinese Crested Coton de Tulear Irish Water Spaniel Kerry Blue Terrier Lagotto Romagnolo Lowchen Maltese Peruvian Inca Orchid Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard) Portuguese Water DogRussian Tsvetnaya BolonkaSchnauzer ( Miniature, Standard, Giant) Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Xoloitzcuintli Yorkshire TerrierWhat about mixed-breed dogs? With the current buzz surrounding poodle mixes like Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, Labradoodles, and more, many interested in finding a hypoallergenic companion have been told they are the perfect option. The truth is that no one can give you an honest and definite answer that can be applied to all dogs of a specific mix.While “doodle” dogs do have poodles in their genes, it can’t be guaranteed that the hypoallergenic qualities of a poodle coat will be present in every puppy. For example, a Golden Doodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle) could be born with a hypoallergenic poodle-like coat or a coat that resembles the Golden Retriever more. If you live with allergies, you know that Golden Retrievers are definitely not a hypoallergenic option.This isn’t to say that mixed breeds won’t be hypoallergenic. However, you need to consider each dog's physical attributes individually instead of making an assumption based on their breed makeup. Dog Breeds Commonly Mislabeled as HypoallergenicOf course, while people generally mean well when making recommendations of the best dog for people with allergies, mistakes are going to be made. Some dog breeds are often recommended that shouldn’t be given this label.As we just discussed, the first group of dogs that should be mentioned here are mixed-breed dogs. While mixed breeds can be born with the hypoallergenic characteristics of a parent, there is no guarantee that the puppies will inherit those physical traits. Many families have adopted poodle mixes with the promise of purchasing a hypoallergenic dog, only to find their new beloved family member is badly triggering allergies in the home.Dog breeds often mistaken for hypoallergenic may share traits or commonalities with dogs on the previous list. However, they have other characteristics that contribute to allergic reactions in those around them. For example, a dog could have a very short coat but produce larger amounts of dander, a common dog-related allergen.Purebreds that are often mistaken or mislabeled as hypoallergenic include: Basset Hound Boxer Doberman Pinscher Labrador Retriever Pug Shih TzuIf in doubt, speak with the breeder or rescue worker about your needs. A reputable breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed they produce and committed to only placing their dogs in homes that are an ideal fit. Shelter and rescue workers are dedicated to finding the best home for the dogs in their care. Even if the dog you’re considering adopting isn’t a good fit, they will likely have recommendations for others you should consider.

What Do I Do if My Cat Ingests Marijuana?

We’ve all seen the funny social media videos of pets “greening out” after ingesting some weed, but can marijuana be dangerous for your cat? While it’s typically not fatal, marijuana toxicity can create a stressful situation for both you and your feline friend. In some cases, it can also have severe consequences. This guide will share the essential information you need to know about cats and marijuana, including the common symptoms of marijuana toxicity in cats, understanding the potential risks, and, most importantly, knowing what steps to take if your cat has ingested something they shouldn’t. Plus, we’ll discuss cat-friendly CBD products and share tips for calming your cat safely and effectively. Let’s get started… Is Marijuana Bad for Cats? With the growing number of states legalizing marijuana, this is a question that we have been hearing more frequently. Is marijuana toxic for cats? Should you be concerned if you accidentally leave something out and your cat now appears to be high? The short answer is yes! Cats are particularly sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in marijuana that is responsible for the psychoactive effects (the relaxed, euphoric feeling that you experience). Plus, their small size means it takes significantly less to affect them. In most cases, if caught and addressed quickly, your cat will fully recover from marijuana toxicity. However, it can lead to long-term and even life-threatening complications. How Are Cats Exposed to Marijuana? In nearly all cases of marijuana toxicity, the affected cat wasn’t given marijuana to ingest. Instead, they get into something they shouldn’t, leading to trouble. There are several ways your cat may be exposed. If you or your friends/family smoke, ensure your cat is safely contained in another room. Even inhaling the second-hand smoke can have serious consequences. You can reduce the risk even further by placing a rolled towel along the bottom of the door to your cat’s safe room to block any smoke from entering. If you smoke outdoors, check first to ensure all windows are closed. Keep all marijuana and edibles up and out of your cat’s reach. Cats are curious creatures prone to nibbling on things they discover around the house. This includes live plants, dried weed products, marijuana-infused products, and even discarded joints. Signs of Marijuana Ingestion in Cats Most cases of marijuana toxicity aren’t identified because you see your cat nibbling on the offending product. Instead, it often starts with noticing that your cat is acting “off” and discovering the cause of trouble after a careful investigation. As cat parents, we should familiarize ourselves with the most common signs and symptoms. Knowing what to look for will allow us to identify and address the problem sooner. This includes: Drooling VomitingDilated pupils Extreme sleepiness or excitement Agitation, anxiety, or depressionExcessive vocalizationLoss of coordination or balanceLow blood pressure Slow heart rateLow body temperature TwitchingSeizures or comaSome cats will simply act "off." You know your cat better than anyone. Trust your gut, even if you can't pinpoint the exact signs or symptoms.

World's Tallest Dog, Kevin, Dies Unexpectedly at Age Three

The world’s tallest male dog, Kevin, has died unexpectedly just days after his record-breaking accomplishment was announced to the world. According to a statement issued by the Guinness World Records, the gentle giant, who was only three years old, passed away after falling ill and undergoing an unexpected surgery. In March, Guinness World Records officially recognized Kevin as the world’s tallest living male dog.“Our whole family is devastated about Kevin. He was just the best giant boy,” said Kevin’s owner, Tracy Wolfe, in a statement. “We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have that light on him. He absolutely adored the attention. I wish these giant breeds, and all dogs, could live longer than they do. It’s never enough time.” Kevin secured his record after measuring 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) tall from his feet to his withers, or the ridge between the shoulder blades. However, when he stood up on his hind legs, Kevin was around 7ft tall, which is a foot taller than the average American man.The gentle giant got the title of the world’s tallest living male dog after the crown remained unclaimed for six months following the death of another American Great Dane. The previous record holder, Zeus, was 3ft 5.18in (1.046 meters) tall. Zeus had his right front leg amputated while battling bone cancer. Like Kevin, Zeus was only three years old when he suddenly died after developing a severe case of pneumonia. Just a few weeks ago, Guinness World Records published an interview with Kevin’s family, about how their pooch would act like he was clueless about his size. Wolfes described Kevin as a “gentle giant” who loved nothing more than snoozing on the sofa.“Kevin’s favorite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favorite pastime, I think,” said Tracy Wolfe. “Kevin is funny, and he is super duper friendly. In fact, overly friendly. You don’t want to keep your mouth open too much when he’s around,” she added. Named after the leading character in the Home Alone film series, Kevin was petrified of the vacuum cleaner. “He won’t let it come within six feet of him,” said Tracy adding that he would jump and run away from it. Many cats and dogs are terrified of vacuum cleaners because of the loud noises they produce. But Kevin’s fear of the vacuum cleaner was comical, considering how he towered over most things around him and was often mistaken for a small horse. The Wolfes welcomed Kevin into their family when he was just a puppy and couldn’t imagine that he would grow so big as to claim the title of the world’s tallest dog. The pooch was close to all members of the family but had developed a special bond with the Wolfes’ son Alexander, who took him to training classes.Despite his imposing size, Kevin was a scaredy cat. The first time Alexandar took Kevin to a training class at a youth development and monitoring organization, the pooch got so afraid that he soiled himself in the middle of the class. Kevin attracted attention wherever he went and he enjoyed every second of it. Sadly his stint as the world’s tallest living male dog was unexpectedly cut short. A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Kevin suddenly passed away after unexpected health complications. Tracy and the team at the vet clinic she works in did everything they could to save Kevin after he became ill. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family as they navigate this difficult time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Terminally Ill Man's Last Wish Is to Find a New Home for His Dog

A Massachusetts man who is dying of cancer is spending his final weeks searching for a forever home for his canine best friend. Nearly 10 years ago, David Fine rescued his dog Babs, and they have been inseparable ever since. Babs, a Shar-pei boxer mix, had been given up twice as a puppy before Fine’s friend took her and asked him to keep her in his family’s garage. From that moment on, they become as thick as thieves, and Fine has been her dad ever since.“I had told myself I was never going to get another pet because it breaks my heart to lose them. Fortunately, she’s going to outlive me this time,” said Fine to local NBC affiliate WJAR.For most of his life, Fine worked as a carpenter until he retired in 2020. His dream was to travel across the country to visit national parks.“It was my lifelong dream. I planned for 30 years or more. I was going to buy a truck, camper, and I’m going to see the national parks. In 2020 I pulled the trigger,” said Fine. Fine and Babs made it to South Dakota during bike week. They visited Mt. Rushmore, and while in Wyoming, almost 100 miles from Yellowstone, the number one place to visit on his bucket list, Fine started feeling sick.   “And I got sick. I started feeling bad, so sick that I couldn’t drive. I wasn’t comfortable driving,” said Fine. Years ago, Fine had undergone treatment for leukemia and was diagnosed with vascular disease a year later. Last August, when he started having problems, doctors told Fine he had stage four lung cancer and only six months to live. Fine decided to refuse treatment, telling the outlet “The chemo would make me so sick by the time I got better from one treatment it would be time for the next one, and I’d be sick all the time.”“I choose quality over quantity,” he added. Now, Fine wants to use the time he has left to find Babs a forever home. He has never married and has no children, and his extended family can’t look after Babs as she needs a home with no other pets or small children.“She’s the most important thing at this point. My fate is sealed, but hers is not, I have to make sure she gets as many good years out of the rest of her life as I can,” he said. “I don’t want her to feel bad and she’s going to. We’re attached at the hip and when I don’t come home she’s going to know it, and I’ve got too much empathy and that’s what’s the hardest part.” So far, Fine has reached out to a local veteran program, published an ad in the local paper, and asked the public for help. Ideally, he would love for the new owner to be someone local so he can help transition Babs into her new home, which she would go to before he enters hospice care. Fine describes Babs as extremely intelligent, well-mannered, and housebroken, adding that she is the most loyal creature on the planet. Recently, Fine has begun feeling some symptoms and hopes to use whichever time he has left to tie loose ends. “Everybody dies, there are things I wanted to get done. I still want to see Yellowstone. I don’t think I’ll make it there at this point, financially it would be tough, other than that I need to do this for her. Then I can rest in peace when the time comes, but I’m not ready to go yet,” he said.If you’re interested in adopting Babs or talking to Fine, email him at Dafine1960@gmail.com.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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