it's here! the super-sized pet blogger summer giveaway

We've been anticipating it for weeks, and it's finally here: The Super-Sized Pet Blogger Summer Giveaway! What the heck is going on, you ask? Well, twenty-four awesome pet bloggers have come together to celebrate the onset of summer by offering our readers the chance to win one of three doggone amazing prizes. 

what can you win?

3rd prize: A PawNosh Cubby Bowl. These bowls are GORGEOUS and made from 100% recycled glass. Safe for the environment, and safe for your pet to eat from. 

2nd prize: Your choice of Italian Leather Collar & Leash set from dogIDs. These beautiful sets come in a variety of colors can be personalized with your pet's information.

GRAND PRIZE: A $400 Visa Gift Card. Lots of moolah. Need we say more? 

how can you win?

Between June 15 and June 21st, just follow the easy steps in the Rafflecopter widget, below. The more you enter, the better your chances! If you want to super-size your chances of winning, visit all of the participating blogs. Since there are 24 pet blogs, that gives you like...um...a whole bunch of entries (does anyone have a calculator?). 

And the coolest part? You get to check out some fabulous pet blogs you may not have previously discovered. 

participating blogs

Pawsitively Pets

Christy Paws

Daily Dog Tag

Fidose of Reality

Cascadian Nomads

The Lazy Pit Bull

Oh My Shih Tzu

Pet Product Review

Kitty Cat Chronicles

Animal Bliss

Beagles & Bargains

You Did What With Your Wiener

Kol's Notes

Kama Loves Agility

My Life With Pets

It's Dog or Nothing

Confessions of a Rescue Mom

CindyLu's Muse

Mochas, Mysteries and Meows

My Rotten Dogs

Bones and Fishes

Dolly the Doxie

Tails Are Wagging

well minded pets

Please take a moment to visit our friends and enter to win on each of their blogs. 

Be sure to submit all of your entries by next Sunday, June 21st at 11:59 p.m. EST. Come Monday morning, we'll randomly select three winners and officially announce them on The Lazy Pitbull Facebook page. I'll also be sure to give you the scoop on the Well Minded Facebook page. Now that's a way to brighten a Monday morning!

Happy summer, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the giveaway: No purchase necessary. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only, except where prohibited by law. Giveaway will run from June 15 through June 21, 2015 at 11:59pm EST. Three (3) winners will be randomly selected and notified via email. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prizes; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize. Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest do not sponsor, administer, or endorse this promotion. Participants must read and agree to Rafflecopter’s Privacy Policy before entering and participating in this promotion. 

satisfy your pet's holiday wish list and support the aspca, plus a #giveaway

Isn't it great to kill two birds with one stone?

Well, not literally...you know we're all about loving on birds, but you know what I mean. This holiday season, the ASPCA is making it easy to give to your own pets and pet lovers and to pets in need. They have put together a fantastic list of gift ideas for pets and pet lovers as well as some fun DIY gift ideas.

One of my favorite DIY gift ideas presented by the ASPCA won't cost you a dime and will be loved by nearly any pooch. Check out the instructions for making a t-shirt chew toy:

The color possibilities are endless, and it's free, so why not make a bunch for your dog to give to his furry friends?

For your feline friends, the ASPCA has suggested this awesome and affordable Catnip Toy 6-Pack. The pack includes two each of three distinctly different mouse styles, and a portion of the purchase price directly benefits the ASPCA's efforts in rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving permanent homes for animals all across the United States. Other great gift ideas that benefit the ASPCA include:

• Dog 10-Piece Gift Set

• Taj Ma Hound Doggy Donuts

• Cat Play Ball

The ASPCA has some great gift ideas for pet lovers, too! 

If you're looking for something with a little bling for that pet lover in your life, Zales has a magnificent ASPCA collection. With prices starting under $50, these beautiful pieces are definitely worth checking out.

Other gift ideas for the pet lover in your life include:

• Walkers Shortbread Cookies

• Commonwealth Toys Plush Pets

In the spirit of giving, the ASPCA has offered Well Minded readers the chance to win an ASPCA Holiday Gift Pack! The gift pack includes:

• ASPCA Logo Travel Mug

• ASPCA Canvas Tote

• Walkers Shortbread Scottie Dog Cookies

• Commonwealth Toys Plush Set

• "Hello" Fresh Breath Products

• Swiffer Cleaning Products

• Catnip Toy 6-Pack

• Taj Ma Hound Doggy Donuts

• Cat Play Ball

• Squeeze Dumbell Dog Toy

• ASPCA Fleece Blanket

Whew! How generous! U.S. residents may enter, below, and show your support for the ASPCA by doing a bit of holiday shopping in their online store.

And there's even more holiday fun to be had! Join the #SantaPaws Holiday Twitter party and giveaway extravaganza on Thursday, December 18th from 7-8 p.m. EST and enter the ASPCA holiday pet photo contest by sharing a photo of your pet celebrating the holidays!

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All images courtesy of the ASPCA.

the dog daze of december: come celebrate with the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA

I practically live at the Ahwatukee Foothills YMCA. I work out there several times a week, and my littles have taken every class from swimming to hip-hop dance. We love what the facility offers, and we love that it's truly a tight community within a tight community. I discovered one more reason to love our local Y: they are hosting the "Dog Daze of December," a month-long celebration of our pooches!

They say, "We know that the only thing better than the feeling of a great work-out at the YMCA is the way your special pet unconditionally loves you." True, true. I'm so excited about what they've got going on. Here's the scoop:

PET PHOTO CONTEST

Bring your pet photo in by December 10th and enter to win fabulous pet prizes. Photos will be judged in 3 categories:

1. Cutie Pie

2. A Face Only a Mother Could Love

3. Member/Pet Look Alike

I can't wait to see the "A Face Only a Mother Could Love" entries. I'm such a sucker for ugly dogs. And I'm looking forward to seeing how many of my buff workout buddies have canine twins. 

FREE PET CPR/FIRST AID LUNCH & LEARN

Friday, December 12th, 12:00 p.m. 

Learn how to provide first aid and CPR for your important family member. Lunch will be provided. Please register at the member service desk.

I am certified in canine first aid and CPR, and I had to invest a lot of money in the process, so the fact that they are offering this knowledge of the basics for free is an opportunity every pet owner should take advantage of. And lunch on top of it? It's a no-brainer!

WAGGIN WHEELS PET ADOPTIONS

Sunday, December 14th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m

If you are thinking about adding a family member to your home, please come out and meet these sweet rescued animals that are just waiting to love you and have a forever home.

I can't advocate a "spontaneous holiday adoption" because I've seen so many go south, but if you've thought things through and you're ready to add a furry family member to your house, there's no better time or place. I'm so proud that our Y is supporting pet adoption. 

I am super excited that this place I call my second home is going all-out for pets this month, so sweeten the deal, I'm offering all participants in Dog Daze of December activities a discount on pet sitting services. Coupons will be provided, so be sure to take part in order to take advantage!

The Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA is located at 1030 E. Liberty Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85048. For more information, call 480.759.6762.

Dog image source: etsy.com.

petbrosia #giveaway with a prize for all non-winning entrants!

When I first learned about Petbrosia pet food, I was really intrigued. A custom food created just for my pet? And it comes right to my door? And the ingredients are super healthy and high-quality? Yes, please! What an amazing concept.

So we tried it for the first time a few months ago. N.A.S.H.A. loved it, and we even recommended it to a few friends who have thanked us. We love to help out like that.

Now the kind folks at Petbrosia are offering our readers a stellar opportunity. They are giving away a ten pound box of Petbrosia pet food for one lucky winner! But, get this: Even if you don't win the giveaway, they'll give you a 50% off coupon code for your first order of Petbrosia, just for entering (new customers only)! Amazing, right?

So, give it a shot! Even if you don't win the grand prize, you'll still win big!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We appreciate you sharing this post so tons of pet parents can save big. XO

Disclaimer: well minded is an affiliate partner of Petbrosia.

don't shop in stores that sell puppies: aspca's holiday gift guide and #giveaway

Most pet parents will buy holiday gifts for their pets. Even in these tough economic times, it seems we can't resist spoiling our pets. So put that luxury pet bed under the tree and fill the stockings with toys and treats. Just please do so responsibly. 

I feel like most of us know that when we shop at pet stores, we support puppy mills, and, yet, these stores still exist, so people must still be shopping there. ASPCA produced this short video that illustrates what happens when we support these stores (don't worry, it's not graphic): 

Please join me in taking the pledge to not shop in stores that sell puppies. Treat pets and pet owners to gifts that give back, instead.

The ASPCA has created a holiday gift guide that helps pets in need. One of my favorite gifts is the DJ Cat Scratching Pad because it makes me crack up.

But if store-bought isn't your thing, the holiday gift guide also includes DIY gifts that can be a great way to get the whole family involved. The suggestions they make are economical and eco-friendly in that they mainly make use of items you probably already have around the house. Make them into great holiday gifts for your pets–reuse!

The ASPCA also provides a list of great gift options for pet lovers from companies that give back to animals in need. 

One you check out all the great options, join me on Wednesday, December 18 from 7-8 p.m. EST for the ASPCA #SantaPaws Holiday Twitter Party and giveaway extravaganza! Be sure to RSVP to win prizes. See you there for some holiday cheer, SantaPaws style!

The ASPCA has generously donated a holiday gift pack to well minded readers! The gift pack includes The ASPCA 5-piece gift set, Walkers shortbread cookies, ASPCA orange tote, fight cruelty wrist band, cat ears hat, kitten play toy, dog holiday hat, and a 2014 ASPCA calendar. Check it out:

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