Wow, can you believe it? It’s been five whole years since I joined my blended family of six! I was born in November. My Mom searched high and low for me until she finally found me 14 weeks later in a foster home on Prince Edward Island. When she and Dad came to pick me up, I was the most energetic King Charles of the litter, full of zoomies and excitement! My foster family thought I’d be the perfect match for a home with four boys, and they were right. Those boys kept me busy from day one! We all knew it was meant to be from the moment we met. They instantly fell in love with me, and I felt the same way. Mom always says I was the missing piece that made our family complete.
Now that I’m turning five, I’ve had plenty of time to figure out what I love the most because, let’s be honest, a pup like me knows what she wants! Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of getting extra belly rubs, finding the best snuggle spots, and convincing my humans to share their snacks (sometimes). With all this experience, I can officially say I have great taste. So, in honor of my big birthday, I’m sharing my top five favorite things because being five means I’m wiser, sassier, and even more spoiled than before!
This post is not sponsored, and none of the brands or companies mentioned have paid or requested to be featured. All opinions are my own.
1. Chicken – My Ultimate Favorite!
If there’s one thing, I can sniff out from a mile away, it’s chicken, even when it’s not cooked yet! Oh, and did I mention? I totally understand the word chicken. Whenever Mom says it, my ears perk up, and I’m ready to claim my share. Sometimes, she even cooks a special plain batch in the Instant Pot just for me, with no salt or spices, so I can enjoy a few pieces at supper time with my family.
But the love doesn’t stop there! My absolute favorite treats are the soft, chewy chicken treats from Nature’s Harvest, a Canadian company that makes grain-free goodies (only the best for me!). And guess what? I’ve trained my humans well. I get a little piece whenever I go outside to do my business. Genius, right? Plus, these treats fit perfectly in my favorite toys. Speaking of toys, that brings me to my next favorite thing, something I never get tired of playing with!
2. My Favorite Puzzle Toys – Brain Games for a Smart Pup Like Me!
Did you know that dogs can feel a little down sometimes, too? It’s true! My mom noticed I wasn’t quite myself when everyone returned to school and worked after the COVID-19 pandemic. I spent a few hours alone for the first time, and it felt weird. The house was way too quiet, I wasn’t going on as many walks, and I just didn’t have the same pep in my step.
That’s when Mom found a way to keep me busy: puzzle toys! She got me one from Nina Ottosson, a designer who has been creating games and toys for dogs and cats since 1990. Originally from Sweden, Nina Ottosson is famous for developing interactive puzzles that help pets stay mentally and physically engaged. Her toys are designed to challenge our problem-solving skills while keeping us entertained (and, let’s be honest, helping us get extra treats!).
Mom picked out one of Nina’s puzzle games, and let me tell you—it was love at first sniff! I must nudge, slide, and lift little compartments to find hidden treats (sometimes my favorite chicken treats!). It makes my alone time way more fun and keeps my brain as sharp as my nose. Now, I look forward to when Mom pulls out my puzzle!
And while I love my puzzle time, sometimes I want to relax and enjoy something else that makes me super happy… (Hint: It falls from the sky!)
3. Leaves – My Ultimate Obsession!
Okay, I am totally joking about relaxing because the second I see a leaf blow across the yard, I lose my mind! When the wind gets involved, forget it. I don’t hear anything or listen to anyone. My only goal? Catch. That. Leaf. At all costs. Run, Mom, run!
Autumn is the best because not only do I get extra-long walks (yay!), but I also get to strut my stuff in style. I love showing off my fancy coats while I prance through the crunchy leaves like a runway model. But looking good isn’t just about fashion; it’s also about comfort and safety! As a Cavalier, having the correct harness is super important to protect my delicate neck and keep me feeling secure on all my adventures. Let me tell you about my favorite harness and why it’s a must-have for a stylish pup like me!
4. The Perfect Harness – Stylish & Practical for a Cavalier Like Me!
For the longest time, my mom struggled to find the perfect accessories for me, practical and stylish (because, let’s be honest, I deserve both!). That’s when we discovered CAVOLOGY, a Canadian brand designed explicitly for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like me! They make high-quality harnesses, leashes, collars, and even adorable apparel that fit just right for my breed.
But here’s the best part: CAVOLOGY also creates matching accessories for humans! (Though, let’s be honest, the boys in my house definitely don’t want to match Mom. 😂) With so many styles and colors to choose from, I’m sure every pup and their human can find something that speaks to them. They even release seasonal collections and fresh new designs all the time!
Check me out in my stylish collar and harness. Oh yes, I definitely have the matching leash and poop bag holder, too. Fashion and function? I’ve got it all!
And here’s the best part: CAVOLOGY’s products are made especially for Cavaliers and fit any pup between 10 to 30 lbs. So, no matter your breed, you’re bound to find something that fits like a glove! Don’t just take my word for it; check out their Instagram, where many fashionable dogs are strutting their stuff in these stylish accessories. You’ll see pups from all walks of life rocking these gorgeous designs!
5. Ice – The Coolest Treat Ever!
Okay, let me tell you about one of my most unexpected obsessions: ice! It all started when I needed to go on a diet (yep, even I must watch my figure). My family was trying to cut back on treats, but they found a way to trick me… or did they? They started giving me ice cubes as a “treat,” and guess what? I loved them! Every time I hear the ice maker, I’m right there, tail wagging and ready for my crunchy, cool snack.
It quickly became a thing where the boys started giving me ice cubes multiple times a day, and let’s say, they totally spoiled me. Now, it’s a family tradition. The best part? They don’t even need to trick me anymore. I know exactly what I’m getting and am all in for it. Ice is the ultimate cool-down treat, and trust me, I’m living my best life with every frosty bite.
Ella’s Top 5 Favorite Things – Here’s to 5 Fabulous Years!
Well, there you have it, my top 5 favorite things as I turn the big 5! From chasing leaves like a mad pup to loving ice cubes and rocking my stylish CAVOLOGY gear, life is pretty paw-some when you’ve got so many fun things to enjoy.
As I celebrate my fifth birthday, I can’t wait for more adventures with my family, more yummy chicken treats, and more cozy walks in my favorite outfits. Thanks for reading about my favorite things. I’m sure you can tell I’m living my best life. Here’s to many more years of fun, love, and endless tail wags!
Here at Ella’s Blended Family, we’re all about creating happy memories and supporting each other. If you want to follow along on our journey or learn more about my life as part of this wonderful blended family, don’t forget to give us a follow! There’s always something new and exciting happening in our world, and we’d love for you to be a part of it.
