Red, White and Blue

Independence Day is next week!  A patriotic day of picnics, family fun, and of course, fireworks! 

Fireworks are fun, but can be frightening for your baby or pet.  Consider leaving them at home with a sitter, or watching the fireworks on TV. 

Photo from http://www.boatinglocal.com/

On July 3^rd at 7:30 pm there will be a live concert at the Town Beach.  The fireworks on Block Island are at 9 pm on Crescent Beach.  There are plenty of other events on the 4^th that are more family friendly for babies and pets.  The 4^th of July parade begins at 11 am at Legion Park and ends at the statue of Rebecca in Old Harbor.  The theme is “Favorite Block Island Past Time”, and there will be floats and live music.  There will be red, white and blue all over Block Island – stop in at Wags & Giggles and show us your best patriotic outfit!

Photo from charmingpetproducts.com

Stop in from 9 am to 9 pm on the 4^th and celebrate our country’s independence!  We have red white and blue party collars, onesies, bows and accessories.  Celebrating the Independence Day on Block Island is sure to be a day to remember!

Beach Babe

It is a beautiful day on Block Island – perfect for the beach!  If you are traveling to the beach with your baby, here are a few tips about what to bring.

It is important to have a shady place for your baby to play – a beach umbrella is an easy way to create shade.  You can rent an umbrella at the Public Beach – they are cheap and you won’t have to worry about transporting it to and from the beach.

Sunscreen is another must.  Mild, unscented, and hypoallergenic sunscreen is best for babies.  Sunglasses are another good (and adorable!) idea – the sun can be very bright for a baby’s sensitive eyes.

Babies have sensitive skin, and the sand can be very hot.  Make sure to bring a blanket, towel, or booties for your baby to keep their feet from touching the hot sand.  A sunhat can also help keep their scalp from getting burned by the direct sunlight.

If you are properly prepared for the beach, you and your baby will have a fun day playing in the sand.  What better way to enjoy a summer day on Block Island?

image from totsonthego.com

Recent Store Shoppers

We've had a lot of dogs stop by to pick up new collars, toys and treats - check out two of our furry shoppers!

Meet Prince, a one year old teacup chihauhau.  Prince is a big fan of the Patriots who stopped in at Wags & Giggles to pick up a scarf to show off his Patriots pride!

This is Luger, a young German Shepherd who visited Block Island with his family.  He tried on a few collars before settling on a Sails and Flags collar.  He also picked up a Block Island dog biscuit to munch on while he explored the island.

Race Week

Are you traveling to Block Island for Race Week?  Race Week is from June 18th – 22nd, and there are plenty of things to do here if your baby or pet is with you!

Photo from www.blockislandraceweek.org

Block Island is very pet friendly.  There are many outdoor places to stretch your dog’s legs and play ball – hiking trails and beaches are a great place to bring your dog.  Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, such as Juice ‘N Java.  Always call ahead to a restaurant to double check that your dog can join you for your meal.  Your dog is even welcome in some stores to escape the heat – stop in at Wags & Giggles and let your dog pick out a treat or a toy! There are hotels and rentals that will let you have your dog with you as well – and pet sitters available if you are going out without your pooch (check out www.sittercity.com for listings).

Photo from Allpetnews.com

If you are here with a baby, there is plenty to do!  First, stop in at Wags & Giggles to pick up some Little Twig Extra Mild Sunscreen (SPF 30+) to protect your baby’s skin. Your baby will love playing in the sand at the beach, or stopping in at the Island Free Library for a children’s program or event. The Abrams Animal Farm is a great kid-friendly attraction – they have emus, camels, goats, and even lemurs.  There are plenty of air-conditioned restaurants and cafes where you can sit in the shade with your baby and cool off.

Photo from Abrams Animal Farm's Facebook Page

Stop in during Race Week (or any time this summer!) to say hello and browse our adorable pet and baby items!

Animal Shelters and Adoption Centers

Did you know that 25% of the dogs that enter shelters are purebreds? Or that 1/3 of pet cats are originally strays?  There are many animals in the United States, and in the world, in need of a home.  From volunteering at a shelter to fostering or adopting an animal, there are plenty of ways to help.  www.petfinder.com has listing of shelters all over the country where dogs, cats, and other animals are waiting for a new home.   Adoption fees are very reasonable and the joy of having a pet is priceless. 

Photos and facts from www.aspca.org