Valentine’s Day is here, and as you scramble to find flowers or chocolates or a dinner reservation, remember to shop or dine local and show the Austin economy some love. In fact, Independent We Stand estimates that if every Austin family spent $100 of their Valentine’s Day budget at a local business, almost $42 million would circle back through the local economy. That’s because, as opposed to a big-box business whose revenue is dispersed among its hundreds of stores across[...]

We’ve been waiting an entire year, and the day is almost here: it’s finally February, better known as National Pet Dental Care Month (cue happy dance and confetti). In all seriousness, dental care is often one of the most overlooked but necessary parts of pet maintenance. So while you’re noming down on those Valentines chocolates and candy hearts, remember these easy and efficient tips to help your pet keep his pearly whites bright. Smell your pet’s breath: sounds weird, and[...]

2012 is here and it brings with it the opportunity for a fresh start. And though our own self-challenges to run this year’s Boston Marathon or cut all carbs from our diet will likely be history by next week, here are a few simple New Year’s Resolutions for you and your furry (or feathery) friends that are worth keeping. 1. Volunteer with your pet. A pet is one of the most encouraging, unconditional friends a person could ask for, but many[...]

The holidays are in full swing, and you’ve got a house full of tinsel, mistletoe, and fake snow to prove it. But as you enjoy the winter wonderland that is your living room, be careful that your pets are enjoying it safely, too. To help ensure your pet’s safety and health this holiday, here are 5 quick tips: 1. Keep pets away from holiday decorations. Make sure all electrical cords, candles, and any motion-triggered dancing snowmen are out of your[...]

The twinkly lights are hung, the wreath is on the door, and your only worry now is trying to convince your kitties and pups that the tree is, in fact, not meant for a litter box or leg-hiking. And as you carefully wrap your furry family members’ holiday rawhide, remember their friends who are still waiting to find a happy home like yours. Every holiday season, we hear amazing stories from our customers about how they spread the cheer at[...]

As you gather ‘round the table this Thanksgiving Thursday, your furrier family members will likely be licking their chops close by. Yes, their sad eyes are near impossible to deny, and thankfully, you don’t always have to. Share some leftovers guilt-free by following these few tips: No Bones About It Dogs, and especially cats, are made to eat meat, so it’s ok to give them a few scraps of the meal’s main event, be it turkey, beef, pork or any[...]

Just like people, pets love a yummy treat, and there are lots of great reasons why we should give them treats now and then.  However, just like people, we don’t want to blow a healthy diet by overdoing the between-meal snacking. All things in moderation.  Whether store-bought or from your dinner plate, treats don’t make a good diet for your pet, so don’t feed them too many. Some sources say that if treats make up more than 10 percent of a[...]

Several customers have asked us how they might help local fire victims – especially displaced pets.  We have contacted the Red Cross and some local pet rescue groups to see how we can help and how we might direct those of you who ask.  We’ve been told that the dogs that were evacuated from the Bastrop Animal Shelter were taken by Austin Pets Alive! and the cats were taken by the Austin Humane Society.  They are posting updates to their[...]

Anytime is a good time to start feeding wild birds in your backyard – but the food you provide your neighborhood birds is especially beneficial in the fall and winter months as their natural food sources become more scarce.  To help you get started, all six of our Tomlinson’s locations are offering a starter feeder – a Kaytee Sonbird Bowl – for only $6.99  - as well as a buy one, get one FREE sale on all Wild Delightproducts.  These offers are good throughout the month of[...]

Although many people rely on dry cat food as a staple for their cats’ diets, raw and canned foods are superior to kibble for developing strong bones and muscles as well as in mitigating some potential health problems that may be exacerbated by an all dry diet. It’s true that dry cat food is convenient; it doesn’t spoil rapidly, and many cats like the “crunch” of eating dry kibbles.  However, an all-dry diet for cats can have a “downside.” Cats[...]