SACCO STUDIOS
A PAWS-ITIVELY AWESOME BLOG
Product Review: Fi Collars
Product Review Fi Collars: A few weeks ago, some friends and I were headed out, and right across from our house, I saw a little dog sniffing a bush. There were no owners present, and it had just been raining, so the dog was soaking wet. I stopped the car. As soon as I tried to approach the dog, I realized I knew the owner! There are neighbors behind us who have three fluffy white dogs, and this one looked just like them.
I slowly approached the dog, not trying to scare it. It saw me and ran across the street. As my friends corralled the dog, I ran over to my neighbors house. After a couple minutes of knocking, someone finally came to the door. The person looked like a dog sitter, as I had met the other family members. She had no idea a dog escaped. Fortunately, we were able to get the dog safely home.
If my dog escaped, I would have known within minutes if he was missing. Unfortunately, if he did get lost, there would be no way of finding him. While he is micro chipped, the only way you can locate them is if someone brings him to a shelter or animal hospital, where they can scan the chip and know his exact address.
But what if no one returned him to the shelter? What if the person who found him just decided to keep him? Or he was sent to a shelter but no one thought to scan his chip?
Well, Fi Collars is here to help you solve this problem. A relatively new company, the owner wanted to keep track of his young pup, especially when they weren’t together.
So, he created a smart collar. Inside the metal box, attached to the collar, is a GPS tracking device. This is so you can see exactly where your dog is located at all times.
I was fascinated by this collar, so I reached out to see if I could try it out for a few weeks on my dog. Luckily, they were happy to oblige and sent me one!
As you can see in the photo, I received the following contents: a base charger, instructions on how to use the collar, and the collar itself.
I was impressed with the packaging. It was sleek, well designed, and very appealing. It makes you excited to open it.
First, you download the app on your phone. After that, the set up is fairly easy. You enter all your info and your dog’s, including their name, age, gender, breed, weight, and then a profile picture of your dog.
Then, you need to create your dogs “Safe Zone”. This is the area that your dog is “safe and at home”, and not lost. I made it our house and a little of our surrounding neighborhood.
Next, you need to plug in the base. They recommend you plug it in where your dog spends the most time (living room, next to a window if you they’re always in the yard, etc). I put mine in the center of the house, since Gant is all over the house, and it can sense him there. Then you need to connect it to WiFi. This part was fairly easy for me to set up.
Then, you need to charge your collar on the base for a little while. This is a bit of drawback, especially if your dog is a flight risk and you’d like to use it immediately. However, the battery lasts for WEEKS, which is really great, especially if you keep forgetting to charge things (like me…). However, a drawback is if you take your dog to a different location, you need to take the base with you and reset the “safe zone” so it recognizes THAT location as a the dog’s safe zone.
After all the setting up and your collar is fully charged, you’re ready to use it! This is what your dog’s profile looks like. As you can see, your dog’s picture is shown, where he is located, where he is throughout the day, and how many steps he has taken. Right now you cannot customize your dog’s steps, but the spokesperson for Fi Collar said they are working on that for the future.
I also realized, soon after, that the GPS part is NOT included with the collar. It is a separate, yearly subscription plan. As you can see below, you get a few features with the free plan, but you do not get the lost dog emergency alert features or 24/7 GPS tracking. In my opinion, you should get the paid plan, as the collar is not as useful without it. (They gave me a free subscription for a month to try it out, so I can see how the GPS worked).
The app also tracks the exact routes you go each day. I really liked this feature, and think it’s very useful for owners who use dog walkers or sitters, so they can make sure their dogs are getting all their required walks.
The app also texts you when you or another person is leaving with the dog. This is especially helpful when you leave your dog with a sitter or walker. You can also add another owner (I added my husband, for example), so they can track everything. They have to download the app as well.
One thing I noticed is that on occasion, the app would text me that “Gant was not with his owner” even though he was right next to me.
If for any reason (hopefully never!) your dog does get lost, you can use their Lost Dog Mode, which is included with their subscription. You press the red alert button your phone, and it immediately contacts Try Fi Headquarters to help you find your dog. I did not use this feature, but I’m curious to see how it works. I like that there’s someone else helping you find your dog.
After using it for about a month, here are my overall Product Fi Collar Review thoughts:
Design: 4 stars. The collar is sleek, comes in cool colors, and the GPS tracking device is nice and small. However, the collar seemed to big for my dog, who is 25 pounds. It was a bit too loose. I think it’s perfect for bigger dogs. Fi Collars told me they are working on smaller collars in the future.
Ease of Setup: 5 Stars. The Fi Collar app is very easy to use. It tells you exactly what to do, with clear steps on how to set it up.
Use of App: 3.5 Stars. It’s easy to use. I like how you can see the routes you’ve walked, see a log of where your dog has been, and that it texts you when your dog is with or without its owner. However, like I said above, the app told me a few times that “the dog was not with my owner”, even though he was right next to me. But most of the time, it was accurate. I also want to see you be able to customize the step goals.
Base: 3.5 stars. The Fi Collar base is nice and small, and can be easily moved anywhere in the house. But you do need to remember to take it with you if you head out of town with your dog. And, if you have a bigger house, you may need two bases.
Battery Life: 5 stars. I barely had to charge this collar. It was really great that I didn’t have to worry about it.
Overall rating: 4 stars. If my dog was off leash all the time, it would be a great accessory. But because he really doesn’t go off leash (unless at a dog park), or is mostly with me everyday, and we rarely leave him with a sitter, I don’t think I am the audience. However, this collar is perfect for larger dogs who are always off leash, or a flight risk, or you use a dog walker and want to track their steps. I can’t wait to see all the new things they develop in the future.
Additionally, they are extremely communicative, and always were there to help me with any questions. I think this is a very promising product for dog lovers!
To purchase, head to https://tryfi.com and use code SACCOSTUDIOS for $25 off your purchase!
Collar: $150.00.
Update: Now you can customize your dog’s step goals on the app!
This post may have affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission. However, all opinions and reviews are my own and not influenced in anyway.
Do you have a product you’d love me to review? email me!
Sacco Studios is a company founded by Lindsay Sacco, where dog (and cat lovers!) can find paw-sitively awesome products like greeting cards, art prints, apparel, and so much more! Check out her shop here.
Dog-Friendly Outings in Central Florida
Ever since we moved to Central Florida almost a year ago, my husband and I have been discovering new ways to include our dog on outings. While you can’t always take your dog, it’s so much less stressful when you can. Not only do you not have to worry about getting home at a certain time for a bathroom break, but their minds are stimulated in a new environment. Studies show that socializing dogs is one of the most important preventative measures for eliminating behavioral problems. So today, I’m going to give you my favorite dog-friendly outings in Central Florida. These have been tested, so you can trust our reviews.
Restaurants
Quantum Leap Winery – 1312 Wilfred Drive, Orlando
Phone: (407) 730-3082
Not only are their wine selections great, but they have a great dog-friendly patio for your pup to relax while you enjoy the $6 tastings. Can’t beat that! (You can also check out my post about this place here.)
A&B Oyster Bar – 358 N Park Ave B, Winter Park
Phone: (407) 636-7021
After you head to the Spice and Tea Exchange (description next), get some delicious oysters at this fun spot. Tucked in a little hidden area, you’ll feel like you’re in an oyster oasis.
Pig Floyds Urban Barbakoa – 1326 N Mills Avenue, Orlando Florida
Phone: (407) 203-0866
Craving some brisket? Amazing ribs? How about mouth-watering tacos? Head over to this funky BBQ joint in the bustling Mills neighborhood.
Shopping
The Spice and Tea Exchange – 309 Park Avenue North, Winter Park
Phone: (407) 647-7423
Winter Park is incredibly dog-friendly, with tons of dog owners walking around, enjoying the shops and array of awesome restaurants. One of my favorite stores is The Spice and Tea Exchange, where you can find unique and fun spices for future recipes. Our dog was greeted with lots of affection and love by the staff!
Public Events
Winter Garden Farmer’s Market – 104 S Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden
Phone: (407) 656-4155
Every Saturday morning, we go here to get fresh fruits and veggies. Our dog loves smelling all the produce, in addition to getting little bits of our delicious lunches we get from the local stands. There’s also poop bags everywhere, just in case!
Summerport Park – 14442 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd, Windermere
Phone: (407) 656-3299
One of my favorite dog-friendly outings in the Central Florida area!
Take lunch outdoors! After a nice walk, head to the covered picnic area, and then let Fido run around with some new friends at the nearby dog park.
This post will be updated frequently as I find more fun dog friendly places. All opinions are my own. No sponsorships were part of this post. Check back soon!
Small Business Interview: My Whiskey Girl
Do you ever scroll through Instagram, just captivated by beautiful dog portraits? Then click on their account because every single one is just so breathtaking? If you head to instagram account @mywhiskeygirl, you’ll see why I not only drool over her photos, but why she has over 100K followers. Today, I get the pleasure of interviewing Adele, the amazing photographer, and her adorable dog, Whiskey. Enjoy!
Tell us when you started @mywhiskeygirl.
4 years ago, I was working on “a photo a day project”. When I got Whiskey, every photo was of her, so I thought I would create an Instagram account. This way, I wouldn’t be overwhelming all my friends with too many photos! Since Instagram gives you the choice whether or not to follow an account, I feel guilt-free posting photos! Originally, I didn’t want an account, but my husband convinced me, so here we are!
Tell us about where you live and introduce yourself.
My name is Adele, and I live in Vancouver, BC Canada. I absolutely love it, even though it’s expensive to live here! The nature is unbeatable in terms of being in a big city but still having such close access to both beaches and mountains
(As for me), I had been working in the Visual Effects industry for over a decade before quitting to pursue photography full time and other businesses. It’s not been easy, but it’s so much more rewarding. I’ve been taking photos since I was a child. I developed film in black in white, as well as color and enlarged and printed my own photos in darkrooms while also working in the digital world. I’ve worked in television and film since high school.
Tell us a little about your 5 year old Vizsla, Whiskey.
Whiskey is an unusual Vizsla in that she’s calmer than most. She’s a gigantic cuddle bug at home, as long as she’s had her walks (usually 3 walks a day!), which includes one hike (around 3 hours outside off-leash). She loves soft toys and socks, and will greet us at the door with one, while wiggling her bum and squealing. Whiskey loves to “work”, so it’s easy for her to pose for pictures, retrieve sticks and balls, finding and pointing prey, and keeping mom company on long hikes.
Why did you choose a Vizsla? What is it about this breed that appealed to you?
We were really careful in choosing a breed. I absolutely respect people that rescue dogs (we have a rescue cat). However, I knew I wanted some very specific traits that had been bred over generations, so I chose a breeder. I wanted a dog that was medium sized, short haired, interested in pleasing humans (not too stubborn), ranged close enough for hiking off leash, not too friendly to strangers, a drive to work, cuddly, healthy (long overall life expectancy with little genetic physical and mental problems), great in mountains, and could do really long hikes.
Did Whiskey love traveling at a young age or did you have to coax Whiskey to enjoy the adventures?
Whiskey was carsick as a puppy! It was terrible! We didn’t own a car so she was vomiting in all our rentals and I was so scared because I knew we wanted to do roadtrips later on. Thankfully she outgrew her sickness (she was in a car everyday almost!). We took her to the mountains as soon as we had her. We would go to a ski slope in the summer and just let her run around while we ate dinner. She was scrambling on cliffs really young (nothing too long or extended as it’s bad for their growing joints). She was always fearless like her dad.
What is one of Whiskey’s favorite places you’ve been to?
Whiskey is so used to going to new places that she doesn’t even get excited! The only thing she loves more than anything is fields with game birds. She absolutely loves to find and point grouse, ptarmigan, and chukar (this is what she’s bred for). A bunny chase is always fun too!
When did you start traveling? Did you travel before Whiskey or did he/she inspire you to start?
We’ve always traveled, and before we had Whiskey we did alot more traveling by plane. I’ve lived in Italy and Australia and we’ve adventured in so many places! We’ve swam with humpback whales in Tonga, dived with Great White Sharks in Mexico, camped under the northern lights with our dogsled teams in the Yukon, and roadtripped through the outback in Australia during the summer! After we got Whiskey, we stuck to more drivable trips so we could take her with us and we’ve gone all the way past the arctic circle with her, and as south as Utah.
It looks like you travel all over British Columbia. What’s your favorite spot you’ve been to so far?
Oh…that’s so hard! BC is absolutely varied and gigantic. A local spot that I keep going back to is Seymour mountain. It’s always different in each season and weather, it’s just a local mountain but I think it’s incredible.
The photography is incredible. How did you start getting into photography? What camera do you use? Do you have a favorite photo you’ve taken so far?
Thanks so much! I’ve always been making art since I was a child. I sew, paint, sculpt, draw, photograph, and anything in between. I work in film, and can work most aspects of it (editing, visual effects, shooting, produce, direct, etc).
I’m using a Canon 5D mark 4 but I’ve been thinking about making the switch to mirrorless. Photos, for me, are always about the moment.
I love this one so much because we all cracked up laughing at Whiskey’s expression. It was at the end of a long day of shooting and we were all so exhausted and Whiskey just helped us all get through the end of it.
What are your travel essentials?
- My phone and battery pack if I’m heading out alone (I always have a map and gps on my phone)
- Treats! We train almost everyday and treats are essential for keeping up a bomb proof recall and staying out of trouble (freeze dried or dehydrated raw food or one ingredient meat is best)
- Baby wipes– the dog life is a dirty one and I can’t live without wipes
- Blankets – Whiskey loves blankets and soft things to lay her head on, plus we are always camping or venturing out where blankets are always helpful!
- Merino wool clothing– keeps you warm even when wet. Organic material so there’s little footprint, and stink-proof!
What are Whiskey’s travel essentials for when it’s cold or warm outside?
We never get too warm here! When the summer comes, that means the snow melts enough to hit the peaks (so then we’re just walking our way up to cold!) Whiskey will need a jacket if it’s cold or wet, or we won’t get far! Rule is that if I need a jacket, she needs one (Vizslas only have one coat and get cold easily). We love Voyagers k9 apparel and chillydogs.ca
Hurrta or Canine equipment boots for days when it’s much colder than freezing.
Rexspecs for sunny winter days when you’re getting majorly snow blinded or when the wind is blowing so hard you need goggles yourself (dogs are better in the elements than humans but in extreme environments for long periods it’s good to have protection)
Where do you hope to travel to in the near future?
I really want to go back to the arctic and Alaska. The tundra is amazing and the land is just so wild. I also want to travel further down south, revisit Utah and keep going to Arizona and see where else! Honestly there is so much on my list still in my own province. I could be trying new peaks every weekend for the rest of my life here!
This interview was edited for length and clarity. Special thanks to Adele for taking the time to speak with me and provide these beautiful photos. You may repost this blog post, but please do not reuse the photos without the artist’s permission. Thanks!
Flying with an Emotional Support Animal
If you’ve been flying lately, you’ve probably seen at least one dog on your plane. They’re usually in a carrier and under the seat. Often times, you may not even know there is a dog there until the plane lands!
I have also seen large, 50 pound dogs laying on the floor!
You’re probably wondering…”Why are they flying without a carrier?” or “That dog weighs 80 pounds?! How are they allowed on the plane?”
Usually, these are service dogs. They are allowed to go anywhere with their owner, as they provide life-saving services.
There’s also another other kind of dog – the Emotional Support Animal (ESA), that is allowed on planes and typically aren’t in a carrier.
Our family travels a lot over the summer, and we wouldn’t be able to go to as many places as we do without our dog, Gant. He has become a seasoned traveller, and a certified ESA. Today, I’ll be giving a comprehensive guide on traveling with an ESA on a plane, what an ESA is, and tips and tricks for having a smooth flight. I also had the pleasure of interviewing Licensed Therapist John Stiteler of Total Health Guidance, where they provide counseling services, as well as ESA certification.
What’s an Emotional Support Animal?
“An emotional support animal is an animal that helps affect someone’s emotional state, by offering physical and relational support”, says Stiteler. “An ESA is beneficial in that it helps those struggling with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Having a reliable unbiased companion help manage many of the symptoms associated with these issues. “
Gant provides stress and anxiety relief when I fly, by remaining calm, sitting on my lap, and letting me focus on petting his ears.
How is it different than a Service Animal?
Service animals go through extensive training to become a certified service pet. “A service animal is trained to support with specific tasks like mobility, moving and collecting items,” Stiteler explains.
Does your dog qualify to be an ESA?
Is your dog even-tempered? Calm? Does he detect when you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed? Stiteler says, “In order to qualify, the pet owner must meet some diagnostic criteria for a mental illness as defined by the DSM5. It could be depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, or any other mental illness. That illness must impact some area of their life and the animal must provide some level of relief of symptoms.”
Typically, you must have a medical professional evaluate and be able to confidentially say your mental health needs require a support animal. This is usually done through a psychological evaluation. Total Health Guidance evaluates the person during a 1-hour session, to confirm and establish the need for an ESA.
Ok, so my dog is approved to be an ESA Animal. How do I start the flying process?
First, book your flight. I recommend doing a non-stop flight (if your dog can hold it) if the duration of the ride is 5 hours or more. The maximum number of hours your dog can fly is 8. Any overseas or flights longer than that are typically denied. Check with your airline in advance.
Typically, after you book your flight, you need to indicate you are bringing a service animal. Either you go into your reservation “under Manage Reservations” on the site and check “Special Assistance Animals”, or you submit the forms needed to be approved (more on that below). For Alaska Airlines, as an example, you need to check “Special Assistance Animals”, when making your reservation, and then you need to submit forms within 48 hours of your flight for approval. Once approved, you are ready to go. I also recommend bringing a health certificate from your veterinarian.
With Southwest, you book your flight, and then bring a letter from a licensed professional proving your are under their care, the animal is well behaved, and their license information.
What are these “Special Assistance Forms” I need to submit?
These forms prove you are allowed to fly with an ESA animal on their flight. Forms typically include one that you have to sign, stating you are responsible for your pet, that they are well behaved, and they are healthy enough to travel. Another form will be one your therapist or a licensed professional has to sign, providing information on their license(s), how long they’ve been under your care, etc. Some flights also require your veterinarian to fill out a form stating your pet is healthy enough for travel. Delta Airlines seems to have all three of those forms, while Southwest, as mentioned above, just need one letter. It really depends on where you’re going. I have included forms from Southwest and Alaska as examples:
IMPORTANT: You do NOT have to resubmit again for your return flight, if you bought a roundtrip ticket. If you do separate tickets, then you have to do the process each time.
Ok, my flight is booked, my ESA animal is approved. What’s next?
Good job! You and your adorable ESA animal are ready for travel! Here’s what I’d recommend:
- Treats to keep them happy. Sometimes they won’t want to eat regular food, and it’s better to keep them hungry to prevent accidents, so treats throughout the day are a good option to keeping them sustained throughout the flight.
- Poop bags. After a long flight, my dog has on occasion just pooped in the middle of the terminal. Make sure you have your bags handy! While there are some relief areas inside the terminal, your dog may not go because he is trained to go outside. When I do a connecting flight, I do take him outside if there’s enough time in between. But you do have to go through security again.
- Blanket. My dog sits on my lap the whole time, and afterwards I’m covered in dog hair! Bring a thin blanket or towel to keep you both comfortable.
- This is optional, but I did buy a little ESA Animal Vest, just to show the airlines he’s “official”. You can get them here.
The Day Of Travel
Ok, you did all the hard work – you got your tickets, submitted your forms and got approval, and all the supplies needed for your a safe and healthy travel with your dog.
If your flight is early in the morning (before noon), I recommend not feeding your dog. This will decrease accidents during the flight. I do give treats throughout the day to keep him sustained and happy. If your flight is in the early afternoon or evening, feed them once, and make sure they go RIGHT before you head to the airport. Try not to give them too much water as well.
I recommend arriving at least 2 hours before your flight, just in case. You are usually not able to check in online prior, so you give yourself ample time to wait in line. You go up to the counter, give your forms (if not submitted already online), tickets, and then head to security.
My dog is on leash the whole time. If your dog is not comfortable, you can leave them in their carrier. TSA asks me to put my baggage through the conveyor belt, and then hold my dog while walking through security checkpoint.
TSA is usually very friendly when you have a dog. On more than one occasion, they pull out their phone, show me their dogs, or ask to pet him. It does make the security process much more pleasant.
I basically walk him all around the terminal, and right onto the plane. Sometimes I pick him up because he gets nervous actually boarding the plane. Then he is on my lap the whole time. Most passengers love being around dogs, but I always like to ask. If I am alone, I have asked my fellow passenger to hold him or at least make sure he doesn’t get off the seat when I have to go to the bathroom.
Afterwards, I tend to immediately head outside, even if I have bags checked, as he cannot hold it any longer. There tends to be relief areas right outside airports.
I hope this information was helpful! Please let me know if you have any other tips and tricks for ESA animals, and if I left anything out. And thanks to Therapist John Stiteler of Total Health Guidance, who provided more info on getting a ESA animal certified.
Podcasts for Dog Walking, Part III
Podcasts are essential for my dog walks. I get outside, enjoy the fresh air, put on my headphones, and let the stories take me to other places. I listen to so many, I made two other posts about some of my favorite podcasts. You can read them here and here. Here are some buzzworthy podcasts I can’t stop listening to, part three.
For Crime Enthusiasts
The Shrink Next Door, Wondery. Click here for link.
Therapists are supposed to be helpful, supportive, and keep your information confidential. What happens when that therapist crosses the line? Learn about a therapist who conned his way into patient’s wills, in their homes, and boasted about having celebrity clients. You’ll want to binge the whole thing in a day.
For fans of NPR and CBS Sunday Morning
Mobituaries, Click here for link.
Mo Rocca, one of my favorite NPR guests, has a fascinating podcast about forgotten histories. Topics include death of sitcom characters, Alabama football rivalries, and Sammy Davis, Jr. His curiosity, great questions, and narration make each story unique and fun to listen to.
For the 90’s nostalgic
American Girls Podcast, Click here for link
Did you grow up in the 90’s? Were you obsessed with American Girls? Are your kids all about the cool cafes? Join Mary and Allison (who happen to be friends of mine) as they explore each American Girl, book by book, with relevant pop culture references that’ll make you LOL every time. Their podcast chemistry is undeniable.
For those who love Scandals
The Drop Out, Click here for link.
If you haven’t heard of the Theranos scandal, you must be living under a rock. Either way, this story is just so ridiculous you can’t believe how much the founder got away with. Listen as they investigate Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, which was supposed to be revolutionary in blood drawing and testing. Listen as a Stanford drop-out manages to get millions from high profile investors, and then crash and burn at the end.
For Fans of Queer Eye
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, Click here.
If you can’t get enough of Queer Eye, and love Jonathan’s fierceness attitude, then get your extra dose with Getting Curious. Yes, he interviews the other Queer Eye guys, but he actually goes deeper and learns more about various issues effecting us today, such as “Why is immigration a Queer Issue”, interviewing journalists, or “How Are You Fighting for Gender Equality” with Melinda Gates. A great listen for anyone who wants to learn more.
Do you have other podcasts I need to listen to? Comment below!
Dog – Friendly Spot: Yellow Dog Eats
Whenever I’m out, I’m always checking to find dog-friendly spots. I hate leaving my dog at home for hours, worrying about getting home too late. On the days when we want to explore and enjoy the whole day, it would be MUCH easier (and more enjoyable for him!) for the three of us to enjoy the day together!
That’s why I was so happy to find Yellow Dog Eats. If you’re local to the area, you’ve probably heard of this place. It’s funky decor, selection of local brews, and great food make this a popular destination.
When you drive up to the restaurant, you see a large, wooden house. It has two stories, with a red door. You’re not sure what to expect – is the restaurant have two floors of dining? Is it actually someone’s house? (I had that thought for a few seconds…)
The outside
The entrance is hard to find, but once you get there, you know you’re in for a treat. They have a huge, unpaved lot, with string lights for navigating during the evening.
After that, you see this red van, parked right at the entrance. There are images of three iconic musicians – Jerry Garcia, Jim Morrison, and Jimi Hendrix, all seem to be saying “What’s up”.
Then you walk to the entrance, into a beautiful outdoor patio. It’s covered, which is perfect for the crazy Florida weather!
Indoor Patio
Local bands play here frequently, adding to the fun vibe. String lights, cool signs, and an awesome outside bar makes this a one-of-a-kind place.
In addition, the food is just as good as the decorations, if not better! They specialize in delicious smoked pulled pork and off the charts sandwiches. They’re perfect for all diets, as they have a vegan/gluten-free menu.
While the outside is completely unique, the inside is also just as fun. The walls are filled with pictures of dogs – some from customers, from the owners, staff…anyone who has a dog!
Inside Bar
Therefore, if you’re needing some delicious food, great entertainment, and a very unique vibe, head to dog-friendly spot Yellow Dog Eats!
Menu here. Open Sun – Wed 11:00 – 9:00 pm, Tues – Sat 11:00 – 10:00 pm. Serving sandwiches, nachos, wraps and desserts. Most entrees under $15.00.
To find more awesome local spots, check out here.
Orlando Event Planner – Overeasy Events
This week I’m so excited to be interviewing Orlando based event planner Overeasy Events !
Overeasy Events is located in Orlando, Florida area, founded in 2013 by Lora DeLorenzo. I had the pleasure of interviewing her to find out about how they started this business, how she makes your event amazing, and advice for dog lovers who want to include their pooch on their special day!
Tell us a little about yourself, and how you came up with the name “Overeasy.”
Though event concept, design and coordination are my specialties, the drive to start this company came from years of falling in love with the people and culture in the Orlando community.
After graduating from Johnson and Wales University in 1995, I began working in the hospitality industry, which led to another love: wine! I earned my 2nd level Certificate from the International Sommelier Guild. Next, I fulfilled my dream to open a restaurant, operating a 100-seat full-service bar at Lake Eola (Florida).
I also developed my passion for helping children in need, so I co-founded the local non-profit Bridges of Light.
This passion for food, wine and people inspired the creation of Overeasy Events. I wanted to offer an event planning company that managed every detail, from site selection to budget development, menu planning and entertainment.
The unique elements of Overeasy Events are portrayed in our aesthetic name and logo, which pictures a pleasing and stimulating color palette that correlates with the ideals behind the company: Stress free, fun events.
What services do you offer?
Overeasy Events is a full service wedding and event planning company. We specialize events in the Orlando area, where clients can plan all types of events; from a wedding to a milestone celebration to a corporate luncheon to a baby shower.
In addition, we provide event design services, and are happy to assist with the process of recommending and securing trusted vendors and venues.
Tell us about your two adorable pups, Charlie and Flash DeLorenzo!
Flash and Charlie are Overeasy Owner Lora’s fur-babies! They are happy to provide services at your event upon request! You can frequently find them enjoying a ‘mocktail’ at The Alfond Inn in Winter Park.
Posted with Permission
Posted with Permission
In your recent blog post, you talked about how to incorporate pets in various ways on your special day. Can you tell us about a time when a couple did a great job highlighting their dog?
Just like our human guests, pups have to be entertained too! One of the most successful incorporations of man’s best friend into a wedding was accomplished by our preferred catering vendor, Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine and Events at a local venue a couple of months ago.
The happy couple had not one, but two furry companions that were very important to their wedding day! This idea could be a recipe for disaster, but instead all four-legged guests were entertained with a “doggie bar” that cleverly exclaimed “Bone Appetite!”. A chalkboard read, “all you need is love…and at least one dog” because the more furry friends, the better!
The setup was complete with an assortment of doggy treats, tennis balls and a picture of the happy couple with their two adorable pets.
www.StevenMillerPix.com | Steven Miller Photography Orlando
Posted with permission
” If you want to make an event all-around pet-friendly, we recommend featuring a similar setup that will keep pups entertained and look amazingly aesthetic along with your décor. We have not seen disaster strike with pets at an event, but we tell clients to remember that their pup’s unpredictable behavior is just part of the fun!“
I’ve also seen dogs being included in the “getting ready” portion, with either the bridal party or the groomsmen. Can you provide any advice for those who want to have their dog during this time?
For couples who are interested in having their pets involved in the “pre-wedding” festivities, like getting ready with the wedding party, we do have a few recommendations:
- Make sure that someone who is not in the wedding (or the bride or groom!) are responsible for the pets; their food and water, going out to use the bathroom, and transportation to and from the venue.
- Make sure that the photographer and event planner both know about the animals and their timeline. If they’re supposed to be in pictures, make sure that everyone is on the same page about where and when those will take place!
- Make sure that the pets stay on their leashes, even if they’re usually very well behaved. There is a lot of activity and excitement before a big event like a wedding and the number of new people they’re meeting may overwhelm pets.
- Keep valuable items and expensive clothing up off the furniture and floor if pets are around. You would hate to have paw prints on that wedding gown or for a bouquet to turn into a snack!
Can you recommend some great local venues that are either dog-friendly or can accommodate dogs?
A surprising number of venues in the Orlando area would love to welcome your sweet dogs into your events; after all, they’re family too!
East End Market in the Audubon Park Garden District can accommodate 10-200 guests and has a beautiful outdoor Courtyard for guests and animals alike to enjoy. The Courtyard is set amidst the gardens and uses materials such as wood and touches of local florals throughout making it a one-of-a-kind venue.
Quantum Leap Winery in the Mills 50 District is contemporary, yet rustic and is an urban winery conveniently located near downtown, ideal for private events large or small with space for your furry friends!
Finally, the Winter Park Farmers Market is both unique and historic and has a wonderful outdoor patio perfect for the amazing Florida weather that your pets can enjoy. The venue requires little décor as the gorgeous setting speaks for itself, ideal for wedding receptions and corporate events.
www.StevenMillerPix.com | Steven Miller Photography Orlando
Posted with permission
When a couple comes to you and wants to include their dog during their special day, what are some of the first questions you ask them? Or things they must consider?
Of course, we first have to consider the venue and make sure the dog can be just as involved as the family!
After confirming a pet-friendly venue, we have to loop the photographer into our ideas for highlighting the pooch and preparing fun photography concepts (and preparing them for any unpredictable puppy behavior!).
“I also like to have a conversation with the client about their dog’s personality, will he or she be comfortable with a large crowd? Does the pet prefer to be on a leash or held by a friend to put him or her at ease?
We love to recommend that the client lets the guests know the pet will be a star at the event through the save-the-date cards, just to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Most importantly, Overeasy Events wants their clients to feel at ease! If possible, we recommend a pet-sitter for the special day so our clients can relax and not worry about their pet!
Are there any other cool ways you have seen couples show off their dog(s) in events?
www.StevenMillerPix.com | Steven Miller Photography Orlando
Posted with premission
Our team is full of dog lovers so any event where a client wants to feature their furry friends is an exciting challenge for us!
We want to make sure that our clients’ visions become a reality, so if that vision includes your pets, we’re here to make it happen!
We’ve loved pets in engagement photos, pets at weddings, pictures of pets used in the décor, and more!
If you can dream it, we can do it.
What percentage of your clients are dog lovers? Have you seen an increase recently in people wanting to show off their dogs? If so, why? If not, why?
Speaking from personal experience, when Flash is assisting me with greeting clients in the office, nearly everyone loves dogs! Now more than ever couples want to include their pets in weddings or special events, our dogs are so important and bring us so much joy. Nationwide couples are using four-legged ring bearers and fluffy flower girls.
We always want to help our clients make their events personalized, and more often than not the most personal aspects about us are our pets. Some venues and catering companies have even started baking gourmet dog treats for these special guests!
We want to show off our dogs because they are our family, and Overeasy Events understands that more than anyone. Sometimes Flash cannot help with the nitty gritty of client relations, but he sure can bring a smile to everyone’s face!
What are some of your future goals for 2019 and beyond?
Posted with premission
For the future of Overeasy Events, we’re focused on continuing to provide amazing service to our clients.
We also hope to build relationships with new clients and vendors across the Central Florida community and beyond!
We are always looking for new partnerships that will enhance the event experience for our amazing customers and new ways to share pictures and information about the work that we’re doing behind-the-scenes.
Check out Overeasy Events here:
Facebook, Instagram, Blog, and Website!
Dog Breed Gift Guide: Great Gifts for the Labrador Lover
Today, I’ll be featuring awesome gift ideas for the Labrador lover!
It’s no secret that Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular choices for family pets. They’re friendly, love children, are intelligent, and have all the affection to go around for anyone who wants a lovable and larger pet to join the family.
I’ll include all types of labs: black, chocolate, and yellow. Enjoy!
Art for the Bathroom
The perfect addition to every bathroom, especially when your lab comes in to “get clean”! Comes in a variety of sizes starting at $12.99. Click here to buy.
Wedding Greeting Card
Are your chocolate lab loving friends or family tying the knot? This adorable card will make it in the wedding scrapbook. $2.97. Click here to buy.
The Perfect Addition to Your Home Decor
A fun, whimsical pillow that will add style to any space. Dog hair not included. $57.50. Click here to buy.
A Stylish Art Print
One of my best-selling prints, this yellow labrador print will always remind you that Love really is a four-legged word. (Only one LEFT!) $10. Click here to buy.
Add some flair to your front door
A perfect way to welcome guests! Choose from a variety of ribbons so it matches your decor perfectly. $50.00. Click here to buy.
Fun Women’s Apparel
A stylish addition to any Labrador Lover’s wardrobe. Starting at $24.99. Click here to buy.
A stylish (and functional) way to beat the heat. From $18. Click here to buy.
The Perfect Summer Addition
Stressed? Just listen to this lab and CHILLAX by the pool! Starting at $38.44. Click here to buy.
Do you have other awesome gifts for lab lovers? I want to know! Sound off in the comments below! And be sure to include links! FOr my other dog breed gift guides, click here.
This post is not sponsored in any way. These opinions, comments, and views are my own.
Product Feature: Gant’s Favorite New Collar
One of my favorite things to buy for Gant are collars. I have one for every season and mood. Is it Spring and he’s feeling preppy? Bring on the argyle! Feeling tropical? Got one with palm trees. Disney? Oh you know we got a mickey mouse one!
Recently, I came across a horrible video about animal testing from The Beagle Freedom Project. They were rescuing Beagles from animal testing facilities. Now, I know that animal testing happens. You can’t sell your products in China without testing on them.
That’s why I was so excited to come across Geopetric Pets. They not only sell cool collars, but they sell leashes, harness, bandanas for dogs AND cats.
They have the coolest designs! Zig Zags, Stripes, Diamonds Pattern, you name it! Find the one that goes with your dog’s coloring, and they’ll be the handsomest dog (or cat) on the block!
And why did I mention animal testing? Well, these products are vegan and cruelty free! They even are made from recycled materials, like plastic bottles.
And as a special gift to my readers, use code GANT20 when checking out! You’ll get 20% off with EVERY order! Woohoo! Send it to your friends, family, any dog-lover you know! So check it out now here!
You can also recycle your old dog gear! Check out their program here.
And don’t forget to show me your adorable pooch wearing their Geopetric collar! You can also purchase Gant’s collar, pictured, here.
This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. Thank you for supporting my blog and small business!
Wedding Inspiration for Dog Lovers
It’s that time of year… wedding season!
I love weddings. They’re a great excuse to see everyone in one place, dance to your favorite 90’s hits (Oh, cause you KNOW they’ll be playing Britney!) and dress to the nines.
What’s also so fun is how each couple does unique touches on their special day. Whether it’s having it in your own backyard, or doing a sketch from “Who’s on First” from Abbott and Costello (yes, this actually happened, and it was amazing), to wearing sunglasses for the first dance (We did that!), it’s always memorable. One of my favorites was one of my childhood friends had a taco bar. A TACO BAR. At the end of the night. HOW GENIUS? We had way too much wine and needed to soak it up with some carne asada.
Next week, we’ll be flying to Pittsburgh, where our friends will be tying the knot. They are bringing their dog, Daisy, who will be included in the wedding preparations.
I feel like I’m seeing this more and more nowadays. I’m sure people included their pets in their weddings, but lately I’ve seen so many more people want their pooches on their special day. There are dog-friendly hotels, AirBnB’s, and photographers who are experts at making Fido smile during the shoot.
Today, it’s all about wedding inspo, for dog lovers! If we got our dog, Gant, when we were getting engaged/married, I would have totally done one or some of these adorable photo shoots.
Engagement and Save the Date Ideas
From costumes to beautiful wreaths and signs, so wearing matching t-shirts to announce the save the date, it is JUST SO CUTE!
Maybe they can’t be included in the special day for a number of reasons, so save the dates are much more chill, relaxed way to include them.
Wedding Day Ideas
If they are lucky enough to be included, these are some ADORABLE ways to have them be part of something super special. I love the dog of honor bandana!
I am also excited to be partnering with wonderful wedding planners, both local and around the US. Katine Laines of Katie Laines Design and Coordination sent me the two right photos. They are an awesome planning service in the Bay Area. They do amazing work, as well as recommend my save the dates to dog loving couples.
Overeasy Events, another amazing planning service in Florida, wrote a great blog on many ways to include your dog in your wedding, whether or not they’ll be there on the actual day. Click here to check it out!
In the next coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing Overeasy Events on more awesome tips and tricks to include your dog(s), so stay tuned! And soak in all this amazing wedding inspo!
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- Dog Breed Gift Guide: Great Gifts for the Labrador Lover
- Product Feature: Gant’s Favorite New Collar
- Wedding Inspiration for Dog Lovers
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