Category Archives: Downers Grove Diary

Keep up with what’s happening at Out-U-Go Downers Grove

Get Out & Go! pet photo contest

Enter Our “Get Out & Go!” Pet Photo Contest!

Whether you walk, run, jump, or swim with your pet, being active together is a great way to stay happy and healthy! We also know some of the best photos come out of a pet play session. That’s why we’ve created the “Get Out & Go!” photo contest. Entering is simple: submit a photo of you and your pet getting fit. The winning photo will receive a $100 gift card to use at Out-U-Go! The deadline for submissions is September, 13.

Sound easy enough? Click here to enter! And follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest in adorable and informative pet news and photos.

Back to School Pet Visits

Dog Walking & Cat Sitting Back to School Schedule Changes

Back to school means dog walking & cat sitting schedule changes for many furry families; it is also an exciting but challenging time for furkids! After a full summer of sleeping past noon, kitty litter zen gardening, and cannonballing at pool parties, it takes extra motivation to get classroom ready.

One way to get your four-legged child prepared for teacher’s pet status is to send him off with the tools needed to succeed. A few necessities to include in Willie’s doggie backpack are:

  • A balanced and nutritious kibble sack lunch
  • Art supplies (even though some of the most creative projects will be homework)
  • An awesome toy or two (what cures the first-day-of-school jitters better than sharing a laugh with a new friend?!)

If your furry family’s schedule is changing this fall, schedule your dog walking and cat sitting visits here (existing OUG! pet parents) or request more info about our awesome pet care here (new pet parents)!

Class is in session!

OUG! <3’s BBQ: Best Barbecue Recipes for this Summer!

Fire up the grill, pet parents!

We sniffed around for the best barbecue recipes and ideas this summer, and found these delicious Honey Chicken Kabobs! Sure to be a hit among your human friends and family, this recipe is perfect for outdoor summer gatherings! As with all culinary pursuits, take care to select your cook wisely

HONEY CHICKEN KABOBS WITH VEGGIES

Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes
Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Ready in: 2.5 hrs | Serves: 12

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 8 skinless & boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 5 small onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 2 red bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces
  • skewers

Directions:

Best Summer BBQ Recipes & Ideas

In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Before adding chicken, reserve a small amount of marinade to brush onto kabobs while cooking. Place the chicken, garlic, onions, and peppers in the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (the longer the better).

Preheat the grill for high heat.

Drain marinade from the chicken and vegetables, and discard marinade. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until chicken juices run clear. Turn and brush with reserved marinade frequently.

Bone appetit!

Best Vets in Downers Grove - Elmhurst Animal Care Center

Best Vets in Downers Grove, IL

Keeping your four-legged child bright-eyed and bushy-tailed is of the utmost importance to loving pet parents. At home, you can ensure that your furry baby is happy and healthy through everyday activities, such as:

  • Taking long walks on the beach (or sidewalk)
  • Giving zillions of belly rubs
  • Feeding delicious & nutritious meals
  • Falling asleep on the couch together watching Lassie reruns

In addition to the above, it is essential to find a great Downers Grove, IL vet to care for your pet in sickness and in health. We’ve put together a list of some of the best vets in Downers Grove and its surrounding area to help you get started in your search for Fido’s perfect match!

Elmhurst Animal Care Center

Location: 850 S. Riverside Drive in Elmhurst
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Sunday: Closed
Other Info: You can make an appointment with a specific vet or walk in and take the first vet that is available. Elmhurst Animal Care Center regularly hosts adoption events supporting local shelters

Hinsdale Animal Hospital

Location: 218 W Ogden Ave in Hinsdale
Hours: M-F 7am-8pm (Doctors start at 8am), Sat 7am-3pm (Doctors start at 8am), Sun Closed
Other Info: Hinsdale Animal Hospital has a super friendly staff! I’ve heard a lot of good things from several OUG pet parents that Dr. Ashamalla is amazing.
24 hour emergency care and home visits by appointment

All Creatures Great and Small

Location: 4945 Forest Ave in Downers Grove
Hours: Mon-Thu 8 am – 6 pm, Fri 8 am – 4 pm and Sat 8:30 am – 12 pm
Other Info: All Creatures Great and Small offers services for exotic pets. Doctor available by appointment.

Best of luck choosing a great veterinarian in Downers Grove, IL!

One of our favorite dog walking routes in Downers Grove is through downtown!

Top 4 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in Downers Grove

Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in Downers Grove is something we’re always sniffing around for. While Sherlock’s nose is to the ground (searching for squirrel clues, of course!), it’s a treat for parents to take in such sights as unique architecture, local history, or beautiful natural landscapes. Our paws have done some walkin’, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite routes across town for you and your pups to check out!

    Illinois Prairie Path

  1. Illinois Prairie Path:
    The Illinois Prairie Path runs through Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard and many other Western Suburbs. The trail is very peaceful and scenic. It is common to see deer and other animals deep in the woods. Many spots of the trail have overpasses, which makes for a safe walk. The trail is also very clean with tons of garbage cans. You will also find water fountains, bathroom stations and benches along the path.
  2. Bemis Woods:
    This section of the Cook County Forest Preserves is located in Western Springs at the corner of Wolf Road and Ogden Avenue. Dogs and their pet parents walking the various trails are a common sight at Bemis Woods. If you are not in the walking mood, there are several groves where you and your pet can hang out and have a picnic.
  3. Downers Grove Geese

  4. Patriot’s Park and Barth Pond:
    Patriot’s Park is located in Downers Grove on 55th street, between Main Street and Fairview Ave. The park features a walking path that circles around Barth Pond. Frogs, geese and ducks are some of the wildlife you will see hanging out in the pond. Parking lots are located at both the east and west side of the park.
  5. Downtown Downers Grove:
    Downtown Downers Grove stretches from Burlington Ave to Maple Ave along Main Street. Many shops and restaurants that line the street are pet friendly, offering bowls of water in the summertime and belly rubs year round. Your pup’s favorite spot will be the Happy Dog Barkery, which bakes doggie cookies and cakes and offers an array of pet products.
Meet Downers Grove Pet Sitting Superstar Jeanine

Downers Grove Pet Sitting Superstar: Jeanine

Jeanine started with Out-U-Go! Downers Grove in March of 2011. She has been an important asset and a Downers Grove Pet Sitting Superstar since day one. Her knowledge and compassion for the pets she takes care of is super special and truly amazing.

Outside of caring for our OUG! pups and kitties, Jeanine is often a foster mom for the Hinsdale Humane Society, having fostered numerous tiny kittens that have needed extra love and attention. Jeanine is also a writer, currently finishing her first novel and regularly updating her blog titled “Pocket of Poo, Pocket of Praise“.

Here she is with one of our OUG! pups, Stanley. These two are inseparable!

For more info about me & Ivy, paw through our spiffy new staff profiles!

Two pups walk in Hinsdale Humane Society's 24th Annual Pet Walk

Hinsdale Humane Society Pet Walk: 24th Annual Pet Event

Come woof “hello” to Out-U-Go! as we help support the Hinsdale Humane Society Pet Walk! This is the organization’s 24th annual Pet Walk, taking place on Sunday, June 2nd from 9am to 1pm at Katherine Legge Memorial Park in Hinsdale.

The event is their largest fundraiser, a walk-a-thon for people and pets, helping homeless animals and celebrating the joys of pet ownership.

OUG Earth Day

Happy Earth Day, Living Beings!

Every day is a great day to think and talk about our environmental conservation efforts, but the celebrated Earth Day is coming up on Monday, April 22. Skip the usual case of the Mondays and opt to have a smart and fun eco-experience with your four-legged children!

  • Talk to your cat about responsible paper towel use. Many pet-induced messes call for a fresh square or two, but consider using a cloth or rag next time Mittens “accidentally” pushes your drink glass over the moment you stop scratching her chin.
  • Teach your fur-children about climate change through participating in World Wide Fund for Nature‘s (WWF) Earth Hour. Since bedtime seems to be when pups practice their Olympics tryout material and kitties reenact American Gladiators episodes, this earlier hour free of non-essential lights on Earth Day will earn you some additional sleep and the last laugh.
  • Plant a tree with your pup! He will surely be willing to assist with the daily maintenance, and as a bonus, he will feel philanthropic in watching it grow from a tiny seedling into a structure that houses his squirrel arch-nemeses.

Learn more about how we minimize our carbon paw prints every day through Out-U-Go! Cares!