Category Archives: Madison Mutts

Keep up with what’s happening at Out-U-Go Madison.

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!

Featured Madison Pet Sitter, Meagan

Meet OUG!’s Featured Madison Pet Sitter, Meagan

I’m in charge of: Hanging with your “kids” while you’re off on an adventure!

My furry family: None as of now. All the more reason to hang out with yours!

Super power: Flying. I hate airports.

Hidden Talent: I can do a mean Irish Jig.

Best Thing Ever: Thunderstorms in the middle of summer where the rain is warm. Best. Ever.

Life Philosophy: “Never, never, never give up.” -Winston Churchill

Madison Events: Mounds Dog Fest

Madison Events: DogFest 2013

Out-U-Go! Madison joined over 100 other pet friendly vendors at Mounds Dog Fest this year, which took place on June 9, 2013 from 10:00am – 4:00pm. The pet-friendly Madison event was held at Angell Park in Sun Prairie (315 Park St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590). Over 7,000 people were in attendance! If you missed it, be sure to attend next year!! Photos from the event are posted on Mounds’ web site.

Mounds annual Dog Fest features paws-on activities, rescue groups, dog friendly businesses, pet food vendors, demos, contests and more!

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!

UW Veterinary Care: Madison, WI Vets

Best Vets in Madison, WI

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 Madison, WI vet to care for your pet in sickness and in health. We’ve put together a list of some of the best vets in Madison to help you get started in your search for Fido’s perfect match!

  • A Breed Apart Animal Hospital: A Breed Apart Animal Hospital was established in 1997 by Doctors Kate Peterson and Claudia Meyers. They envisioned a clinic that promoted close relationships with clients and their pets. Dr. Kate Washabaugh shares this vision and joined the practice in 2007.
  • Odyssey Vet Clinic: Madison, WI Vets

  • Odyssey Vet Clinic: Odyssey Veterinary Care is all about providing the best care for Fitchburg and Madison area best friends. Whether your visit is for a routine wellness exam, an ongoing health issue, or an urgent veterinary condition, their highly-trained staff of professionals is ready to treat your beloved four-legged friend with the respect and compassion that they deserve.
  • UW Veterinary Care: UW Veterinary Care has more specialty services and specialists than any other clinic in Wisconsin. Their faculty and staff are dedicated to providing the very best care for your companion or farm animal. Diverse specialty services include 24/7 Emergency Care, Anesthesiology, Wildlife and Zoo Animal Medicine, and our world-renowned Food Animal and Production Medicine Service.

Best of luck choosing a great veterinarian in Madison!

Through Vilas Park is one of our favorite dog walking routes in Madison WI

Top 5 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in Madison

Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in Madison 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!

  1. Picnic Point:
    Picnic Point, a nearly mile-long peninsula along Lake Mendota’s south shore, is among Madison’s most distinctive features and is probably the most popular destination in the Preserve. Each year thousands of students and Madisonians visit the Point for outings. In a hectic world of university life or city living, it’s nice to know that this natural area is just a short distance from where you live.
  2. Vilas Park:
    One of Madison’s oldest parks, Vilas Park, curves along the northern shore of Lake Wingra, offering a sandy beach for summer swims and numerous fishing sites, including two accessible piers. This expansive park is a great place to walk, pausing on one of the beautiful arched bridges to watch for blue herons and other wildlife that thrives in this urban green space. Vilas Park also has a bike path.
  3. Heritage Sanctuary:
    At peak trillium bloom in mid-May, Heritage Sanctuary is unequaled. Under an oak forest canopy lies a wildflower carpet more typical of a maple forest. The winding trail takes you through this unusual woodland community.
  4. Owen Conservation:Update March 14, 2021: Dogs no longer allowed.
    On a hilltop overlooking Madison’s west side, Owen Conservation Park was the farm and personal retreat of former University Professor Edward T. Owen. Today, prairies and oak savannas have risen like a phoenix to reclaim the landscape. Coneflowers, goldenrod, and bluestem are among the many plants that yield a harvest of ever-changing color and texture throughout the year. Please note, we have received word from a blog reader that Owen Conservation Park no longer allows dogs.
  5. Hoyt Park:
    Quiet, and slightly removed from the congested thoroughfare of Madison traffic, Hoyt Park is an ideal location for either a substantial, social gathering or a peaceful stroll through forest and prairie habitat. Truly, there is something for everyone to value. The naturalist will enjoy the lush mix of young, and old growth vegetation that is laced by a network of paved and unpaved hiking trails.
Meet Madison Pet Sitting Superstar, Robin!

Meet Madison Pet Sitting Superstar: Robin!

Learn a little more about our Madison pet sitting superstars! Robin, specializing in cat care, is already becoming B.F.F.’s (your Best Friend’s Friend) with Madison area pets.

  • I’m in charge of: Kitty Care! I dispense treats, chin scratches, and lots of love while pet parents are away!
  • My furry family: 13 year old Zoe, who keeps my head warm at night, and Gracie, a 2 year old Snowshoe who loves to play tag with us!
  • Super power: I would love to be immune to tickling.
  • Best thing ever: A long walk on a warm summer day.
  • Life philosophy: There is no problem so great that a good truffle cannot solve.
  • My hidden talent: Decoupage.
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!