New York Dog Giving Away Huges

While I was going through Instagram after a great Christmas day with my family, I came across the cutes golden retriever who gives hugs to strangers. This little New Yorker sits on the street corner of 5th and 17th in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood waiting for anyone in need of a huge. 5-year-old Louboutina or Loubie, named after famous shoe designer Christian Louboutin, started her tradition around Valentine's Day in 2014, but it wasn’t hugging. Owner Cesar Fernandez-Chavez, 47, took Loubie on walks and within minutes she was giving had shakes, and a couple of years later it turned into loving hugs.

Cesar never trained her into giving hugs, he claims it is all her. She is a friend to all, human and canine. The duo goes for walks, but they don’t get far. Loubie is excited for strangers to come up to her, but she doesn’t hug just anyone. While she is generous with her cuddles, she hugs those she has a connection with. If she ‘feels’ you, she will wrap her forelegs around their knees if she feels a connection. According to Cesar, some people have cried after receiving a hug from Loubie.

This loving canine seems to have gathered followers on her Instagram account has more than 200,000 followers. Some of these followers have sent her artwork or pictures, she truly has touched the hearts of many strangers. Unfortunately, Cesar and Loubie were victims of a Christmas day apartment fire and became homeless. On December 25, 2017, their apartment building in Chelsea caught on fire and was ruled accidental, was ignited by unattended candles on the top floor of the six-story building, according to New York Post. Luckily no one died in the fire, Cesar and Loubie were out for a walk during the time of the fire. Cesar lost everything including items from Loubies fans. “I lost a lot of memories, a lot of pictures, drawings of Loubie that were done by fans . . . so a lot of sentimental value . . . it hurts me,” he said. A GoFund Me page was set up for them and had exceeded $75,000. Sadly, Loubie was unable to give hugs after being traumatized from being homeless. It took some time, but the love from others gave her the courage to hug again.

The Power of a Hug

This is a heartwarming story, and this duo is surely spreading the love in a world that needs it. Everyone deserves to feel loved, even from a furry stranger on a New York corner. You can expect the same love and care from our staff at Diamonds in the Ruff. We offer a spa-like experience your fur-baby will love and deserves. Contact us today to schedule an appointment by calling 325-695-2931, visiting our Facebook page, or clicking www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding for the best dog grooming in Abilene.

Furry Feline Facts

Furry Feline Facts

Cats are interesting animals. They have been around for a long time, there is no exact date as to when they became domesticated. These little fur balls are a very popular pet to own, next to dogs. They are affectionate, playful, low maintenance and add health benefits to your life. You can view thousands of cat videos and memes, and you’ll have to admit they are just too funny to watch. If you've seen the videos with the cats getting spooked by a cucumber, you’ll get it.

So You Know

Cats have an exciting history and fun facts that many people may not know. Here is an informative list that will help you get to know more about your furry feline friend.

• Cats can spend 15-20 hours a day sleeping. So that leaves them a good 4-8 hours to knock stuff off your table. 
• When a cat needs to climb down a tree, they have to climb backward. They can’t go head first because their paws point the same way and can’t grip. 
• Pope Innocent VIII condemned cats as evil and thousands of cats were burned. As a result, the rat population increased and worsen the effects of the Black Death. 
•  Cats can make about 100 different sounds, while dogs make only about 10.
• A cat’s back is extremely flexible because it has up to 53 loosely fitting vertebrae so they can fit through that tiny hole in the fence. 
• Cat’s are very popular in America, with over 30% of us owning one. There are 73 million compared to 63 million dogs. 
• Believe it or not, cats have better hearing than dogs. They hear higher frequency sounds up to two octaves higher than us. 
• A cat almost never meows at another cat, mostly just humans. Cats typically will spit, purr, and hiss at other cats.
• Nose prints are the equivalent of fingerprints for cats.
• Cats bring you dead animals like mice because they think you can’t take care of yourself.
• And last, a group of cats is called a clowder. 

Cat Boarding in Abilene

Knowing more about your pet can better help you care for them. A way you can help them is by taking them to a cat boarding facility in Abilene so they can spend some time with other felines while you are at work. Diamonds in the Ruff is the best place to take them, we offer tons of playtime, toys, regular feeding times, comfy cat condos, and the owners live on site providing extra peace of mind. Contact us at 325-695-2931, on Facebook, or by visiting us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com for more information.

Road Tripping with Pets

Road Tripping with Pets

This holiday season you and your family might be heading to your favorite family spot or extended family members home. You may also be taking your other furry family members too and why wouldn’t you. If your dog is anything like ours, they freak out by the mere mention of going for a ride anywhere and that excitement will last the whole ride. Unfortunately, their cute excitement can cause stress or become a distraction during the trip. Luckily there are a few things you can do during and ahead of time to make it a memorable trip.

Planning Ahead

You might be going on a short trip or one that will take a few days, either way, The Zebra has a list of a few helpful tips that can make it stress-free and maybe a few you didn’t think of.

• Invest in a travel crate. These crates are more spacious than carriers, allowing cats or dogs to get comfortable without risking your safety while you’re driving. They can also more easily house travel-friendly litter boxes for cats, compared to less-spacious carriers.
• Plan rest stops ahead of time. Pack a leash — for both cats and dogs — so they can get outside and explore without the risk of an escape.
• Check that microchips and tags are up to date. Even with the best preparation ahead of time, you’ll want to ensure your pets’ information is up-to-date should an emergency occur and you are separated.

During Your Trip

• Keep your pet secure. There’s nothing more dangerous than a scared cat or dog interfering with you while you’re at the wheel. For dogs, have a designated area for them in the back of your car. For cats, keep them in a travel crate, so they don’t sneak up to the wheel. If your pet is in a crate, make sure the space is well-ventilated to avoid overheating.
• Medicate in emergency situations. Car rides can be anxiety-provoking for animals, so if you know your pet is stress-prone, consider a vet-prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
• Stop for frequent bathroom breaks. Let your animal stretch out and use the bathroom every couple of hours. Make sure to grab those extra bags you packed for cleanup.

Visit The Zebra to read the full list of tips to help with your drive.

Reliable Pet Boarding in Abilene

If you can’t take your cat or dog on your holiday road trip, bring them to Diamonds in the Ruff. We offer pet boarding for short-term, and long-term stays. Message us today on our Facebook page, call 325-695-2931, or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to learn more about what we have to offer.