(ended) How I Protect My “Other” Kids – $50 giveaway

When I refer to my kids, I generally refer to the two human ones I gave birth to, but the reality of it is I really do have two “other” kids.

They often take as much time, energy and attention as the real ones.  Although they rarely talk back and truly seem more grateful for the things I do for them.

Both of my other kids have been through a lot in their lives, through different circumstances, but one thing remains constant – the unconditional love they offer.

Simon, our “oldest” is going to be 11 in December.  He weighs around 85 lbs now after a diet overhaul, having been at almost 100 lbs last year.  He is a pure-bred Golden Retriever and had major hip surgery when he was 8 months old. He has endured infections, allergies, seizures and many more maladies and yet he is the happiest guy around.  He is intelligent, loving and has fantastic manners.  He is the dog to judge other dogs by, and frankly I don’t expect anyone to measure up.  Ever.

Toby is our “youngest” and was a very recent and unplanned addition to our family.  He is around 10 months old, and weighs about 25 lbs.  They say he is a wire-haired terrier / husky mix.  We adopted him from a rescue group who saved him from a kill shelter.  He was on “the green mile” and had 4 days left to live when they rescued him.  He really does complete our lives and has helped our old man Simon re-discover his youth.  Toby has given Simon back something we didn’t realized he missed.  Canine companionship.  They play and wrestle and Simon is happier than ever.

One of the things they share a love of is a tennis ball.  Simon loves to fetch the ball, Toby prefers to run around with it in his mouth while Simon chases him.

Oops, the ball got away from both of them…

They will spend hours playing in the backyard.  Running and chasing each other.  Resting in the shade.  Enjoying the fresh air.

But spending so much time outdoors has particular hazards for dogs.  Fleas and ticks are very prevalent in my area and I panic every time I see them itching thinking we have been infested.  Aside from just being icky, and certainly not something I want tracked back into my house (or our beds, because Toby is spoiled rotten) fleas can cause some major health issues for them.  Flea Allergy Dermatitis, Anemia and Tapeworms are just a few of the issue fleas can cause for our beloved “kids”.  Ticks are even worse.  Lime Disease (which can transfer to people) and Babesiosis which can be deadly are just 2 of a number of diseases pets can get from ticks.

The good news is, fleas & ticks are no match for a good flea & tick control product and it really is very easy to ensure your pets stay flea and tick free.  Simon and Toby receive a monthly application of preventative, it’s easy to apply, you do it once a month and it keeps them happy and healthy.

Because they both adore that tennis ball, flea & tick preventative gives me the peace of mind I need to let them play and wrestle in the grass without worrying they are bringing potential disease back into the house.

ENTER TO WIN A $50 VISA TYPE GIFT CARD

To enter, there are 2 simple steps:

1. Upload a picture of your pet in the linky below.  Make sure you include a caption with your name and your pet’s name to make it uniquely identifiable – so for example mine would be: Simon & Toby (Kim G). (You can leave the ‘where to link it to’ part blank or link it to your blog if you have one or mine – accidentalmommies.com) If you have trouble with the linky you may email submissions to kim@accidentalmommies.com.
2. Leave a comment (and include your name and your pet’s name link you did for the picture caption) telling me why flea & tick prevention is important for your pet.

LINKY:

Giveaway is open to the 48 U.S. contiguous states and ends on July 16, 2012 at 12:01 am EST. Winners will be selected at random from all eligible entries and will be contacted by email. Winners will have 48 hrs to respond.  Please add kim@accidentalmommies.com to your trusted email filter.  If original winner does not claim their prize within 48 hrs, it is forfeit and a new winner will be selected promptly.

Note: I received compensation from FRONTLINE Plus to share this promotion.  Opinions expressed are my own.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Odds of winning are not increased by a purchase.

And while you’re at it, enter the “My Pet Loves… Interactive Sweepstakes” at mypetlovessweeps.com. Simply share a photo of your pet, and a note about what your pet loves, and you’ll be entered to win a monthly prize award of $500!

Note: Giveaway has ended, the winner was selected from Random.org and was picture #10.