Senior Dog Goes Viral for Ensuring Family Doesn't Move Without Her

Britt
by Britt
Published:  April 30th, 2024
Photo credit: gpointstudio / Shutterstock.com

Moving can be an exciting time – a fresh start on the horizon. Unfortunately, for many pets, the sudden change to their routine and surroundings (both during packing and after the move) can be stressful and overwhelming. It's our job, as pet parents, to understand and address this potential stress to ensure our pets' well-being.


A recent viral video on TikTok highlights the importance of considering the impact of this significant life change on our pets.


In the video, TikTok user Morganvacala shares, “The last time her family moved, they gave her up to a shelter. A few days later, I adopted her. Now we are moving to a house & she jumped in the box. Don’t worry, Izzy, you are coming with me!”


A heartwarming (yet emotional) video of the rescue pup shows her sitting in an empty cardboard box.

Izzy’s story is a sad reminder of the many pets across the country who are surrendered through no fault of their own. Some of the more common reasons shelters are given for surrender include moving into a place that isn’t pet-friendly, downsizing, or adding a new family member (like a baby).


Luckily, Izzy soon learned that her new family was including her in the next big chapter of their lives.


If you’re preparing for a big move, let Izzy's story serve as a reminder to take a moment and focus on your furry friends. This involves not just acknowledging their potential stress but also taking proactive steps to reduce it. By doing so, you can help your pet feel more secure and comfortable during the move and help them settle into their new home.


Before the Move Day


Leading up to your move day, make sure you are setting aside time for your pet. Give them love and affection, play their favorite games, or offer special treats. Show them that you aren’t ignoring them or forgetting their important role in your family.

Try to maintain their usual routine as much as possible.


This includes taking them for walks at their usual time, sticking to regular feeding times, and packing their usual gear (food and water dishes, toys, bedding) last so they still have a safe and comforting space to retreat to.


On Move Day


Keep your pet safely contained away from all the hustle and bustle. This could mean keeping them secure in a quiet room at the old house until everything else has been moved or bringing them to the new house to secure them in a room there.


Try to choose a location in the home that is far enough away from the front door and any high-traffic areas during the move. The more noise and activity there is, the greater the stress and anxiety it will trigger.


Set up a space in the new home with your pet’s bedding and toys. Not only do these items look familiar, but they also have a familiar smell, which is reassuring. You can also offer them a distraction, such as a lick mat (which is also comforting), food puzzle, or chew.


After the Move


Give them time to decompress and settle in. During that time, keep noise levels low (including voices, TV, and radio). Try to get back into your regular routine as quickly as possible to create a sense of normalcy.


A little planning and preparation can set both you and your pet up for success!


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Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Camping Available at Best Friend's Animal Sanctuary

Are you searching for a pet-friendly camping solution for the upcoming travel season? If so, you’re in luck! Located in Kanab, Utah, the Best Friends Sanctuary offers a beautiful getaway for animal lovers.The location offers hiking trails, children’s activities, the Sanctuary store, the Angel Village café, and, of course, the animal sanctuary. Whether you plan on staying for a night or more, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your trip while making a difference for the most vulnerable.Located on 3,700 acres, it is home to up to 1,600 animals on any given day. The animals in their care include cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and others.There are 18 RV sites with 30—and 50-amp power, septic, and water hookups. Free Wi-Fi is also available to visitors. While the sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers, any over 21 feet may have difficulty navigating the roads within the sanctuary, and it is recommended that these guests have a separate vehicle to get around during their stay.If you don’t have an RV, cottages and cabins are also available on-site. The most significant differences between these two options are the guest capacity and location. Cottages can accommodate groups of up to six, while cabins are designed for only one or two people. Unlike the cabins, which share a group patio area, each cottage has its own dedicated patio or deck.Visitors can reserve a tour of the sanctuary to see the beautiful views and the incredible work the organization is doing or sign up to volunteer. It’s the perfect opportunity for those who want to give back, dedicating a small portion of your vacation to helping around the sanctuary and leaving you with the good feeling of knowing you made a difference.You can schedule a volunteer shift up to a year in advance with tasks including:Walking the animalsPreparing and serving foodQuality time playing with or petting the animalsCleaning (dishes, mopping, etc.)Making toys or treatsGeneral maintenance and upkeep on the groundsThe minimum age for volunteering depends on the task, with the Bunny House and Parrot Garden accepting volunteers as young as eight.If camping isn’t your travel style, no problem. Five minutes down the road, you will find the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, a boutique pet-centric hotel. The location offers 40 rooms and suites, a complimentary vegan continental breakfast, an on-site pet grooming facility, and a dog park complete with a seasonal splash pad.With an allowed maximum of four pets per room and no pet fee, the hotel takes “pet-friendly” to a whole new level!Are you traveling without your pet and need to get your “fix” of cuddles and playtime? You can also host a sleepover with a dog or cat from the sanctuary at the hotel. Simply contact the hotel in advance to arrange for a furry sleepover guest.Of course, if you fall in love with an adoptable animal during your stay, you can always apply to add that furry (or feathered) friend to your family before leaving.Make your reservation to stay at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on their website today!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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