PetBox Time!

Our much anticipated PetBox arrived this month and it was received with piggy drool and puppy nibbles. Even the cat checked it out, from up on the counter, of course.

Each month, I try to choose something that is a little different than the mainstream products available at just any pet store. PetBox has a variety of unique items and I love going through and selecting which might work out for Coccolino.

The PetBox this month included the following items:

-AVD Camo Twisty Ring
-Bumper Mouse
-Grow Your Own Pet Treat
-Cat Planter
-Dynamo Dental Bone

Because PetBox is always refreshing their stock and adding new items, some of the contents of our package do not have links.

Some features of the AVD Camo Twisty Ring:

~ Alternative to a frisbee
~ Very lightweight
~ Soars through the air for a game of fetch
~ Four squeakers

This toy was a winner. It has been played with, chewed on, squeaked incessantly and flown far distances. It has survived it all in tact, much more than any other toy.

The kids always love the toys, especially squeaky toys, so they can engage the pets and play along with them. I’m sure you can all see why this frisbee-like toy has put every other toy to shame. It is plain FUN.

Oh, and Cocco had fun with it too. Though I think the kids had more fun trying to get Cocco to have fun. Poor piggy. One shake and it was off, much to the kids’ chagrin. Nothing can stop the snout.

Some features of the Bumper Mouse:

~ Motorized mouse toy to chase and follow
~ Life sized toy
~ Erratic movement to keep your pet enthralled
~ Turns on and off with a switch
~ Has a pivoting wheel to make the mouse turn in circles or in a new direction whenever it hits an object

The best part about this toy is that it just doesn’t stop unless you want it to. If it hits a wall, it turns around. If it bumps into a chair, it switches direction. It’s the mouse that keeps going and going despite the swats the cat and dog doled out.

Cocco couldn’t quite understand this thing but he is timid in nature and didn’t go after it. Pizzico and Pixie had to fight each other off to get at the mouse. It is played with every day, sometimes giving Pizzico a little one on one time with his favorite prey.

Some features of the Grow Your Own Pet Treat:

~ Priscilla’s Special Blend Of Grains: Barely, Oats Wheat and Rye
~ 100% Natural
~ Refill Seed Package contains enough seed to plant 1 square foot of Priscilla’s 100% Natural Kitty Grass
~ Instructions for growing included
~ Provides your pet with a tasty source of vitamins and nutrients

I wish I had an “after” picture of this. I will have to wait until spring to get this going as our soil is buried under many feet of snow! Coccolino will absolutely love this treat and I cannot wait to watch him devour it though I will try to rescue the last bite for Pizzico to try.

Some features of the Cat Planter:

~ Decorative planter
~ Designed to fit the Kitty Grass container (4 – 4 1/2″)
~Keeps the grass steady while being consumed

I love this planter. I think it’s sweet and cheery. I chose it for the kitty grass but I can find many uses for it after, too. I will share a picture on Facebook as soon as it is full.

Some features of the Dynamo Dental Bone:

~ The perfect bone to make teeth cleaner and breath fresher
~ Plaque-fighting scrubbing power
~ Loaded with fruits, vegetables, herbs and vitamins for an action-packed treat
~ As they chew, a unique textured surface helps remove plaque and tarter buildup and promotes healthy gums

I was excited to give this bone to Cocco. It is all natural and a good teeth cleaning via a bone to chew on is just what he needs every now and then. And he really loved it. He loves to be able to chew and it’s nice to give him something that is also cleaning his teeth and gums.

Off to pack our next month’s PetBox. It is a lot of fun to review these items; almost as much fun as getting them in the mail ;@)

Check out PetBox and all their products PLUS get a 10% discount on a subscription by using code MINIPIG – definitely a fun treat for every pet, including pigs!

~ Katie and Coccolino, PetBox Brand Ambassador Piggy

I received the PetBox at no charge to me in exchange for an honest and fair review. I will only accept and review items that I believe are relevant to this blog and our lifestyle, and most importantly, the readers of this blog.

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Pigs and cold weather

Pigs and cold weather don’t mix. Pigs and rain don’t usually mix. In Coccolino’s
case, pigs and mud don’t mix. So what goes well with a pet pig? A warm blanket

This winter has been brutal. In our area, February was the coldest month on
record since record keeping was started here. Not only the amount of snow here
has been incredible but the frigid finger numbing cold has been unbearable. Cocco has been hiding under blankets the whole month.

I have not been able to stop thinking of all the poor animals that have no
choice but to confront this cold. My heart breaks for those pets that have not
been appropriately prepared to go out in the cold or that are left out too long
(as in a minute lately!).

Don’t tell my husband but I was seriously thinking of cracking open the door to our snow-laden treehouse for them to find some comfort and reprieve from this weather (no, I didn’t, and I do logically understand that outdoor animals in the northeast are able to adapt to this weather but emotionally I watch the deer make their way through the snow and I just want to feed and warm them).

So, back to my point. Pigs and cold weather just do not mix.

I have received more emails this past month than ever before from pet pig
parents that are beyond frustrated with their pigs. They are having more
accidents than ever. After being potty trained, they are actually reverting to
peeing in a corner or pooping behind the chair.

You know what I tell them? I’m with them. Coccolino has had more intentional
“accidents” this month than I can remember in one period. It is infuriating,
even though I understand why he doesn’t want to go out. And Coccolino is lucky.
He might go outside to potty but his area is completely covered and free of snow. He just has to contend with the cold and he’s a bit too spoiled to be inconvenienced that much. Here is a view of his spot, covered on all sides with snow but nice and snow-free inside:

Breaking a pig of this bad habit is just as hard as finding his puddle of pee. I
almost have to go back to step one, and that’s what I advise those helpless
piggy parents who are emailing me.

Let your pig out to pee or poop often! Like every 30 minutes when you can. Put a
little soiled reminder where they should go to encourage them to go (pigs can’t
resist their own potty smell!).

It is a frustrating process but it’s understandable. So, piggy parents, dress
them for the weather even as they scream, take them out often, and reward them
when they go! Potty basics 101 for pig parents in cold weather.

Hopefully spring is around the corner. We will reach a balmy high of upper 30s
this week. Cocco is salivating thinking of chomping on watery spring grass.
Until then, I will be on Cocco like a pig on a garbage pile (thanks to Pixie’s height and prowess).

Stay warm!

~ Katie and a very chilly and potty stubborn Cocco

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Animals hit the podium in New York Pet Fashion Show

From birds to dogs, animals from around the country gathered at the Hotel Pennsylvania for the 11th edition of the New York Pet Fashion Show at Fashion Week in New York.

1. Rule New York Pet Fashion Show Number: You only have one entry, so you better work.

 

This is not a hoax Paris contradanza track. This is the New York Pet Fashion Show - the most revered of all pet fashion shows - in fact the only fashion show for pets that matters in the world. You think we're just going to walk through the door? DO NOT. Want to turn your head? You better sit your ass in a shopping plush seat, engages in the best of velvet and gold, and beat upon that crown. You are a queen among queens. And you are there.

2. New York Pet Fashion Show no room for nerves to leave the elevator

Eric Thayer / Reuters

Of course, the ribs are high. This is the fashion of New York hotter. But you have in your game at any time. Once the elevator doors open, that is.

3. The proper context is always essential for the perfect pose.

 

Guess What? This dog has its own crazy throne. You want people to take you seriously? It is best not to walk on a red carpet and expect people to just have a throne for you is. Bring your own royal seat and then work.

4. Essentially various modes are required.

instagram.com

How do we know how fabulous every dog ​​is if man is not so fabulously dressed?

5. Everyone is free and should be treated as such.

AP Photo / John Minchillo

It is good to refer to any and all models that you find as "Her Royal Highness" and any lower than what is considered offensive name.

6. Two is always better than one.

Look, a dog with a coat and tall hat with sequins is beautiful. But two dogs in a small jacket and sequined hat? Perfection.

7. Frenemies are real.

BuzzFeed

Of course, they smile. They are looking at each other in the face. They're like "Hey, look at us, we look at how we get along." But basically, these two are channeling some fierce contempt Naomi-model Tyra. And we live for this.

8. The best cars to enforce.

BuzzFeed

He looking your best is not enough. A couture dress fantasy only get you so far. But these two know how to demand attention: Sit in a luxury car and surround yourself with flashing lights. BOOM. You are now the center of attention.

9. And so does the most beautiful hairstyles.

Eric Thayer / Reuters

Nobody is going to turn his head to a dog with a bare noggin. Slap some feathers and bows on the scalp, if you attract the cameras, honey.

10. The crowns are number one accessory.

 

Yes, of course, we are all looking for a good plug here and there. But nothing says, "Look at me I'm a dog fashion show .." As a crown of jewels.

Corona Tip 1: The operator of a crown should always keep your head above shoulders, to ensure that all problems can be seen in his glory.

 

Corona Rule 2: A dog wearing a crown should consider those looking in it is worth looking over his crowned head.

Eric Thayer / Reuters

Corona Tip 3: A crown allows the user to do whatever the hell he wants, because he wears the crown.

Eric Thayer / Reuters

 

Pig and puppy bonding

As our perpetually nonstop weeks progress, so does the pig and puppy bonding.

Pixie is at Coccolino’s every beck and call; she simply wants him to acknowledge her and she isn’t afraid to make him. The second she sees him in the morning, she doesn’t leave his side. He has grown rather tolerant and even lets her tag along on his food scrounging missions. Don’t be mistaken though – he is in charge. He gets the food and she only gets to lick his yummy lips.

I usually swoop in and rescue Cocco from the “playing” because he just wants to stop and enjoy some sun. He hasn’t been able to do that without his little black and white shadow, shadowing his piggy body and stealing his sun.

Sometimes pig even follows puppy. She went into her little tent (door kept open for her to go in and out) and they just stood together until she started to try to play.

Right after this photo was snapped, I heard the unmistakable sound of urine hitting the floor of the tent. As I was about to grab Pixie and run her out, I glare in frustration at Cocco as he looks at me during his minute long marathon pee. I can’t pick him up mid-pee because he will pee all the way until he gets outside, leaving a lovely trail. Oh Cocco…

He made up for messing her tent by joining her on a children’s chair during showtime. They squished in together and got comfy.

Even though Pixie is right in Cocco’s face most of the day, even he can’t refuse the warmth of her sweet face resting peacefully on his back.

Bringing you pig and puppy progress in big batches!

~ Katie

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Pig or dog or baby bed?

With this new D-O-G in our house, I am having trouble identifying which bed is intended for a pig. You see, there are some new cage-like things around. I never got to use one of those cages except in the car, and you better believe I decorated it quite well each time, if you know what I mean.

I should probably just cage the dog up, she is very jumpy after all, but they are surprisingly cozy so I might as well take them for my own.

Now this baby bed is really throwing me off . . .

. . . but I might as well give it a sniff, considering she liked it.

Nah, not quite right for me. I’ll leave this one for the puppy.

Hmm, this looks like a better option.

Especially if she wants it.

I’ll just make myself comfortable in that case and she can keep bouncing or pouncing or doing whatever it is those crazy puppies do. Ahh, this isn’t too bad, even if it’s a little airy.

Now this one, this is what I’m talking about. A real snug fit. I arranged it to my liking with the bed covering me up in a cagey sandwich.

This is it. I’m claiming it. Sorry, pup, go play with the music toy on the baby seat.

~ Coccolino the top pet of the house

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Cat, pig, dog progress!

Thank you all so much for your kind words and helpful tips on life with the puppy – and cat and pig. And two young kids. Yes, I do have my hands full

Pixie the pup is learning the ropes in her new home. She is playful but submissive. Maybe a little too playful for Pizzico and Coccolino. She barks at them and pounces and jumps just as any puppy would but she is already almost bigger than both of them. And cats play differently. And this pig just doesn’t play. Period.

Coccolino and Pizzico have put Pixie in her place. Cocco almost bit her a few times the first couple of days. I stuck my hand in front and my fingers intercepted his strong teeth one time. Ouch. He immediately opened his mouth when he felt my hand and I know he was just acting like the prey animal he is, using the only defenses he has. I don’t think he means to harm Pixie but I think he is frightened by her frisky energy.

I am glad Coccolino is top pig, only perhaps deferring to Pizzico. It’s actually hard to tell who is top pet around here. Pizzico and Coccolino seem like such equals without Lacci the top cat around. They seem to huddle together and wonder what this other animal is all about. One thing is for sure: Pixie is at the very bottom of the animal hierarchy. She seems to be fine with this.

I am sure I will have many stories to share about life with three very different animals though of course time is my one major limit between the kids and my Coccolino Creations business. I feel very guilty posting without getting around to visit my other blogging friends so I try to limit my posting to when I do have time to get around (and even then sometimes I can’t manage it).

Here is where I would ask for help from everyone reading this post. This blog started as a way to chronicle life with a mini pig. It has evolved to also include life with kids and pets as well as forming relationships with relevant brands that I enjoy because I love to do reviews. Now that we have yet another pet, one that will surely be upfront and center in our life as Coccolino is, I would like to hear your opinions.

Would you please respond to this poll? I will not be offended at any result (and ahh I have no idea how to make it anonymous, sorry!). I just want to make sure I am sticking by my readers.

Thank you so much for your help.

~ Katie and the species three

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Mini pig scratches his bottom over and over on video

So there is no other way to put this: pigs like their ahem, butts, scratched. It is a little vulgar for me to write that but there is really no way around this . . . or the video if you watch (a little inappropriate and comical but full pig butt scratching behavior at its finest!).

I had never seen Coccolino or a pig scratching his bottom like this before. Usually Coccolino will rub up against the wall for his scratches but this time the carpet seemed to do it. Pigs are unable to get around with their heads to scratch their behinds and they are well known for enjoying that feeling.

If a pig scratches too much, it is an indication of mange, a common problem that pigs face (lots of excessive scratching from mites that might even cause bleeding). Thankfully that is not the case with Cocco; he was just enjoying an opportunity for the jute rug to scratch his itch. I have never seen him do it so to be able to record it for the first time and share with you is just priceless

Enjoy our otherwise sweet and (somewhat) proper pig enjoying his butt self-scratched!:

~ Katie and a happily scratching Cocco

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