What FriendshipCollar Loves: November!
Happy November, friends! The weather is getting colder, the leaves are turning all sorts of gorgeous colors, and, last but not least, the feast of all feasts happens this month!Want to spend Thanksgiving somewhere warm this year? Look no further than Tampa, Florida!
Why do we love Tampa this month? The answer is simple! Not only is this city one of the most pawpular places in the sunshine state, but it’s also incredibly dog-friendly!Don’t live nearby, or can’t travel all the way to Tampa? Don’t worry; we’ve still rounded up some Thanksgiving goodies for you below!
Events & Activities
Race for first place!
Tampa has a Turkey Day celebration you won’t soon fur-get! Trim those extra Thanksgiving pounds at Tampa’s annual Goody Goody Turkey Gobble races![caption id="attachment_120356" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Photo source[/caption]All proceeds benefit the LIVESTRONG® program at Tampa’s YMCA, which supports members of the community affected by cancer. Your dog can participate in the 8K and 5K runs, or the 1-mile walk with you; he just needs to be on a retractable leash no longer than 6 feet.
Doggy spa!
Don’t feel like running before stuffing your face with a heavenly Thanksgiving meal? We don’t blame you! If a trip to the doggie spa is more your speed, you should definitely head to Wag Natural Pet Market!
A trip to this doggie heaven is an event in itself! You can buy tons of premium pet products here, pamper your pal with a little grooming, or ask about the obedience classes available. Wag Natural Pet Market also hosts events, so be sure to check their Facebook page when planning your visit.
Places to Stay
Need somewhere to rest your weary heads? Just west of downtown, you’ll find the Tahitian Inn and Spa, which is nothing short of a pet-friendly paradise! [caption id="attachment_120355" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Photo source[/caption]This boutique hotel has everything you and your BFF need to relax, unwind, and enjoy some mutts-needed pampering this Thanksgiving.
Eats & Treats
While you’re in Tampa, take your darling dog on a dinner date at the Mermaid Tavern! Enjoy some succulent seafood, or try something new and opt for one of the vegetarian or vegan options. Your BFF can dine with you in the Florida sunshine at the outdoor seating area.[caption id="attachment_120372" align="aligncenter" width="417"]
Photo source[/caption]
Easy Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Not in Tampa? Chef Loki’s got your pup covered with a tasty Thanksgiving treat!Mashed sweet potatoes (or yams) are not only a quick and easy treat for your BFF, but they're also incredibly nutritious! Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are great for your pup's digestive system, eyesight, muscular strength, and coat![gallery ids="121318,121319,121320"]Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes or yams
- Water
- Boil water, cut yams into quarters.
- Boil yams until they are soft when you touch with fork.
- Remove yams from water and place in bowl. Wait to cool slightly before removing skins with a fork -- they should just slide off! (Dogs love the skins as a fun treat.)
- Then, use a fork or potato masher to mash the yams into the desired consistency! You can also use a food processor or blender if you want the mash to be super smooth.
Must See
No trip to Tampa is complete without a day at the beach! If you want to enjoy the surf and sand with your BFF, you’ll want to head to Davis Island Dog Beach. Locals boast that this is a puptastic beach with plenty of room for your furry friend to roam!
Want to do something a little more adventurous? Stop by the Big Cat Rescue in Tampa! (Your BFF will need to sit this one out, though.) This sanctuary has saved big cats from abandonment, abuse, and even slaughter!
These are just two of the cuties you’ll see on a tour of this sanctuary! Why anyone would want to hurt or abandon them is beyond us. But we promise you'll feel good when you see how well-treated they are now!
Movies
Spending Thanksgiving at home watching films and wearing pajamas? Sounds like a good Turkey Day to us! Is there anything better than curling up on the sofa with your BFF and watching a feel-good film? Grab the popcorn and get comfy!
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
[caption id="attachment_120353" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
© Charles Schulz[/caption]Who doesn’t love Charlie Brown? Relive your childhood with Linus, Snoopy, and the gang in this pawpular holiday special that you can enjoy with every member of the family, fur babies included!
Garfield’s Thanksgiving
[caption id="attachment_120354" align="aligncenter" width="475"]
© Jim Davis[/caption]You wouldn’t want your feline friend to feel left out this Thanksgiving! If your kitty is just as grumpy as Garfield, this one is right up your alley! Curl up on the couch with your cat and enjoy this purrific classic.
No matter what you have planned this month, whether it’s a getaway somewhere warm or a day at home surrounded by family and fur-iends, we wish you a very happy November full of love, friendship, and good food!PS -- Keep an eye on your inbox for some more Thanksgiving treats later this month!