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Keeping Our Dogs Healthy and Active: Celebrating Canine Fitness Month this April
As the season begins to warm up and flowers start to bloom, April presents a perfect opportunity to reflect on our furry companions’ well-being. April is recognized as Canine Fitness Month—a month dedicated to promoting the health and vitality of dogs everywhere. Just like humans, our canine friends thrive on exercise, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation. Let’s explore why keeping our dogs healthy and active is essential, and how we can celebrate this month (and all year long) with our pets! Why Canine Fitness Matters Physical Health: Regular exercise is vital for a dog’s physical health. Engaging in daily activities helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of obesity, and supports overall cardiovascular health. Dogs that get adequate exercise are less prone to various health issues, including joint problems and diabetes, which can arise from a sedentary lifestyle. Mental Stimulation: Dogs are incredibly intelligent creatures that require mental challenges to stay engaged. Physical activities like fetch or agility training not only provide exercise but also stimulate their minds. Incorporating puzzle toys or training sessions can further enhance their cognitive skills and bond with you. Behavioral Benefits: A well-exercised dog is generally a happier dog. Regular physical activity helps to reduce signs of anxiety, boredom, and destructive behavior. Dogs that lack adequate exercise may become hyperactive or engage in negative behaviors like excessive barking or chewing. Keeping your dog active can lead to a more relaxed and well-balanced friend. Stronger Bonding: Spending time outdoors and engaging in activities with your dog strengthens the bond between you. Whether it’s going for long walks, playing fetch in the park, or enjoying an obstacle course together, these shared experiences enrich your relationship and create lasting memories. Fun Ways to Celebrate Canine Fitness Month Let’s put a spotlight on canine fitness by actively engaging our dogs in various fun and healthy activities. Here are some exciting ideas to keep both you and your furry friend moving: Daily Walks: This may seem obvious, but it’s essential! Try to increase the duration and frequency of your walks. Explore new trails, parks, or neighborhoods to keep the experience fresh. Dog Parks: Take advantage of local dog parks where your dog can run, play, and socialize with other pups. It’s a fantastic way for them to burn off energy while enjoying new experiences. Agility Training: Invest in some basic agility equipment or create your own with household items. Teach your dog to weave through cones, jump over small barriers, or navigate tunnels. This can be a fun way to exercise their body and mind. Playdates: Organize playdates with other dog owners. The joy of socializing with fellow canines can energize your dog, providing both physical and mental stimulation. Interactive Toys: Incorporate toys that challenge your dog mentally. Puzzle and treat-dispensing toys can keep them entertained while rewarding them for their efforts. Join a Class: Look for classes that focus on fitness activities, such as doga (yoga with dogs), obedience training, or flyball. These classes offer both physical exercise and opportunities to socialize. Canine Sports: Explore various canine sports like dock diving, agility competitions, or obedience trials. Participate in local events to showcase your dog’s talents, or simply enjoy the training sessions together. Wrap-Up Canine Fitness Month is a reminder that our dog’s health and happiness depend significantly on our commitment to keeping them active and engaged. As we end the month of April, let’s pledge to prioritize their fitness through regular exercises, mental challenges, and, most importantly, love, all year round. As responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to ensure our furry friends lead healthy, active lives. Celebrate Canine Fitness Month by creating a personalized fitness plan that suits your dog’s needs and personality. By keeping them active, we enrich their lives and create a stronger, more fulfilling bond!
April Firestarter Lake Jackson – 2025
Community Lake Jackson Month April Name Kathy Morgan Position RA Fun fact about Fire Starter She likes to mud hog How he/she got into senior living Wanted to do something that made her feel needed Favorite part about working with seniors Spending quality time with the residents Favorite part about Sodalis family Everyone loves being with the residents Hobbies/Interests outside work Mud hogging and refinishing furniture
April Firestarter Largo – 2025
Community SODALIS LARGO Month APRIL Name PROTALCO FERREIRA Position HOUSEKEEPING Fun fact about Fire Starter ENERGETIC QUICK START AND WILLING TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT IS REQUIRED OF THEM How he/she got into senior living CAME OFF THE STREET LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY AND JUST LOVED BEING WITH SENIORS Favorite part about working with seniors BEING ABLE TO PUT A SMILE ON THEIR FACES Favorite part about Sodalis family HOW GREAT THE COMPANY IS WITH THEIR STAFF Hobbies/Interests outside work GARDENING MUSIC
April Firestarter Milton – 2025
Community Milton Month April Name Valarie Busby Position Med-Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter She’s very funny How he/she got into senior living Cared for a loved one and new this is what I want to do Favorite part about working with seniors Hearing their life stories. Favorite part about Sodalis family We aren Family here and evryone is easy to talk to. Hobbies/Interests outside work Beach,collecting crystals
April Firestarter Stone Oak – 2025
Community Sodalis Stone Oak Month April Name Valerie Cabral Position Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter I like to entertain How he/she got into senior living Right at of highschool I got my CNA, I love what I do Favorite part about working with seniors Making them feel comfortable and happy Favorite part about Sodalis family The residents I feel appricated
April Firestarter Temple – 2025
Community Sodalis Temple Month Apr-25 Name Cheryl Drummond Position Med-Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter She loves the 49ers Football, Bedroom and Christmas Tree are fully decorated red and gold. How he/she got into senior living Was an EMS. She came to front desk to visit resident, and ask about job openning and filled out application and was hired. Its been 6 good years. Favorite part about working with seniors Getting to love on them. Being a part of their every day life, caring is the most important thing. Favorite part about Sodalis family The teamwork, people from all shifts will come in early or stay late to help, We can talk to the managers and good communication and teamwork. Hobbies/Interests outside work 4 grandkids, youngest boy is playing baseball, loves 49ers.
April Firestarter Victoria – 2025
Community Victoria ALF Month Apr-25 Name Sadie Ford Position Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter Loves to help out, has 2 grandkids that keep her on her toes, twin grandkids How he/she got into senior living She feels like she was born to do this, been doing this for a long time just feels like I need it. Favorite part about working with seniors Residents keep me busy I love to see them smile, and be happy Favorite part about Sodalis family my residents and my team Hobbies/Interests outside work I love gardening.
April Firestarter Deer Park – 2025
Community Deer Park Month April Name Shanique “Lil Bit” Cromier Position Resident Assistant Fun fact about Fire Starter Likes helping people How he/she got into senior living Grandmother Elizabeth 68 years old Favorite part about working with seniors Making people smile Favorite part about Sodalis family Teamwork Hobbies/Interests outside work Shopping
April Firestarter College Station – 2025
Name: Alexis Lewis What made you decide to enter the medical field: Personal experiences with my grandma who passed from Alzheimer’s. She inspired my to want to take care of others. What is your favorite thing about your position: Building a strong bond with each resident. What do you cherish most about your position here with Sodalis: That I can come to work every day and put a smile on residents’ faces and to know they trust me with taking good care of them.
April Firestarter Texas City – 2025
Community: Sodalis Texas City Month: Apr-25 Name: Travis Prien Position: Maintenance Director Fun fact about Fire Starter: I was a single dad that raised my daughter by myself How he/she got into senior living: My wife works in senior living and asked me to apply for the maintenance position at her location Favorite part about working with seniors: Love their smiles Favorite part about Sodalis family: Love the people, we all get along and make each other laugh when someone is havingt a bad day Hobbies/Interests outside work : Making things by hand, spending time with my family.