When dogs get bored, shoes get chewed; when cats get bored, things get shredded

When you give your pet an active life, your possessions are safe and your pet is healthier.

By Jacque Estes
| 6:53 a.m. October 30, 2015

This pup fell asleep at the Creekside Festival recently. Apparently it’s exhausting work trying to get adopted. With him, and awake, is Tom Rock from the Flagler Humane Society thrift store. Courtesy photo

Deb Hartman submitted this photo of Bruno at Shadow as they keep watch at CEC Electronics. Dogs on the job. Courtesy photo

Palm Coast Observer
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Pets are like kids, actually like all of us, when they are bored they either sleep the day away, or get into things. Neither is good for your pet.

Rainy days are also tough on dogs, especially if you have a dog who doesn’t want the paws of his feet the least bit damp. Cats are just as happy to curl up near a window and watch the raindrops.

Here are a few ways to keep your pet entertained, to tire them out and in the long run, keep them healthy. No need to go out to the store, if you don’t have some of this stuff you can easily make them from things you have around the house.

Fetch – Not all dogs, not mine, will play fetch. Train them early. Roll a ball across the floor and when he brings it back give him a little treat. Even if he brings it back half way. Start with short distances and move back each time.
Scavenger hunt – hide some treats around, even pieces of kibble, and let your pup search them out.
Have a doggie date – I am not a big fan of dog parks. Have your own backyard dog park. Start small and invite one dog over to play. If the dogs don’t know each other introduce them slowly the first time. Add more dogs if everyone plays well.
Explore a new park or neighborhood. We all get into ruts, and with all of the parks that are dog friendly around here there is no reason not to explore a new spot. Your dog will enjoy new scents and it’s a change of scenery for you.
Food puzzles – turn some plastic bowls upside down with a treat underneath. Sit back and watch the fun.
Wondering what to do with that old T-shirt? Cut it in 1-inch strips and braid. Coil around, slip stitching in place. Nice soft Frisbee-type toy that can be used inside.
Muffin tin puzzle. Put a tennis balls in muffin tins and encourage your dog to get them out.

I haven’t forgotten the cats. Here’s how I entertain our cat Samantha. I believe each is self-explanatory: