This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. The opinions and text are all mine.
If you know me, you know that I am a huge animal lover. Growing up, we always had at least two cats and one dog…often more! Having pets was just a normal part of my life…and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m thrilled to be raising my three children with some animals in their life. My hope is that Hudson, Sadie, and Belle develop a love and respect for animals…just like I did.
Hudson and Sadie are both animal lovers, but Sadie is obsessed with our cats, Henry and Sophie, and calls them both “kiki.” She’s becoming quite the “cat lady” and it’s the cutest thing ever. Both cats prefer to watch her crazy antics from a distance or hide from her….but every now and then Henry needs a little attention and he’ll venture out in the open. He’s pretty good with the kids but even he has his limits. Sadie is learning to be gentle with the kitties and pet them nicely. It’s still a work in progress, that’s for sure.
Sadie is learning that when Henry purrs, he is happy. So she’s always telling me “Henry purring!!!” even when he’s not. Poor girl. Or maybe poor Henry. I’m sure one day he’ll really love her. But for now he’s tolerating her. And that’s about as good as it’s going to get. Hopefully Sophie will start to come around the kids more too….but that might be a few more years!
As a pet lover, I love that raising your children with pets helps them to learn to care for and love something other than themselves. I believe that animals can teach children how to have compassion and treat all living things with kindness and respect. Caring for pets, cleaning up after them, exercising them, and taking them to the vet for regular check-ups helps kids learn responsibility. When I was little I was in charge of feeding our pets dinner every night and walking, brushing, and bathing our dogs. I’m sure I complained at times about the level of responsibility, but I wouldn’t change my experiences for anything. Having lots of pets was a highlight of my childhood, hands down.
Since Hudson and Sadie are so young, they really do not have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to their pets just yet. We are mostly focusing on brushing, being gentle, not yelling around them, and not pulling their tails.
I recently switched Henry and Sophie’s food over to Meow Mix® Original Choice Dry Cat Food because it has the perfect mix of real poultry and seafood flavors that they both love! Our cats love Meow Mix because there are so many different food and treat varieties in their wet food, dry food, and treats! Henry really loves the Meow Mix dry food that I found a Meijer.
As a special treat, both cats really enjoy Meow Mix Irresistibles® Treats too. I’ve been letting Sadie give Henry the treats and it has really helped him “warm” up to her!
We love our cats so much we want them to be healthy and that starts with good nutrition. Be sure to check out your local Meijer store for Meow Mix cat food and treats! Right now there is an awesome mPerks digital coupon for 30% off any 2 Meow Mix products at Meijer, now through January 27, 2018.
