This is a sponsored post. While YBC was compensated for the post, all opinions - as always - are our own. We are committed to working only with brands whose missions we believe in and whose products we love. Thank you for supporting the companies that support YBC.
When I was in my second year of teaching, I was working at an inner-city middle school that was rough. I was exhausted every day and emotionally drained. One Friday, I had just finished a long week of work and had to stay after for a meeting. After our meeting, I was driving home when I received a phone call from my boyfriend at the time, Greg.
"I just wanted to let you know someone is here," he said.
"What do you mean?" I asked, irritated. My energy was zapped and I didn't want to entertain guests.
"It's a surprise, you'll see," Greg said, and hung up.
Annoyed, I arrived home and opened the door.
It was immediately slammed in my face, and then Greg opened it about two inches and peeked around the corner.
"What is going on?!" I said.
"Well, he just woke up," Greg said.
I thought for sure it was his brother or my dad or something, but I thought it was weird they'd be asleep in the middle of the afternoon.
Husky puppy
But then he opened the door to reveal the sweetest little husky I ever did see.
Loves acro yoga! Just kidding - I was not actually putting any weight on his legs.
This dog instantly became a member of the family and seven years later, my sweet Buckles has traveled with us when we moved to and from Germany multiple times, to and from Los Angeles, to and from Florida, and to and from the Czech Republic. He makes me laugh daily and I don't think I could love him more. I know my fellow pet people feel the same way about their little fur children.
So today we're hosting a giveaway and shining the spotlight on three small businesses in the US that make exceptional products for our pets. With any shopping, I prefer to shop small if I can because I like knowing that my money is going to support people and not a giant corporation. If you feel similarly, I hope you'll consider these companies in the future.
1. Rear seat cover - This seat cover from 4Knines is absolutely genius. One end hooks around the back seats and the other end hooks around the backs of the front seats so that your dog feels safe and secure in the car. In the off-chance you have to brake unexpectedly, the seat cover prevents your pup from falling onto the ground. Buckles loves it and lays down in the back all the time because of it, whereas before he would sit and kind of tuck himself into the corner, always alert and nervous about every turn or tap of the brakes. Currently on sale for $68.99 down from $99 and the owners of this business are awesome. For every product sold, they give back to ASPCA.
2. Hip and Joint Treats - These chicken breast jerky treats are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip and joint health. I love that there are no fillers, wheat, corn or preservatives and are 100% USA made and sourced. That's so rare to find, so I really applaud Bixi for their efforts. Buckles absolutely loves them! The Colorado-based company is owned by two brothers who love their pets as much as I love mine.They come in chicken breast, beef liver, salmon and pork and you can use coupon code yogabycandace for 20% off your order until August 31, 2015.
3. Squeaky hemp carrot toy - This carrot toy is durable like no other! Buckles normally breaks all squeak toys within minutes but this has lasted for over a week (and still going strong)! The hemp material is eco-friendly, and the toy has double layering of organic cotton and hemp canvas to protect the squeaker. It's topped with sturdy hemp braid 'leaves' and is machine washable. This simple pet toy company is dedicated to sustainability, based in Indiana and gives 5% of all sales to no kill/rescue shelters. Retails for $18.95. Use coupon code thankyouCandace for 20% off until September 1, 2015.
To Enter
This giveaway is open to people in the US. To enter, just leave a comment telling us a favorite or funny story about your pet. Bonus points that count for nothing if you add a picture to your post because pictures speak a thousand words. Once you do that, just make a note in the rafflecopter widget below that you've left a comment. If you have an email account you use for promotional content, use that one because by entering you'll be signed up to receive the YBC weekend newsletter and to receive occasional promotional emails from the three companies above. A winner will be announced next Monday.