Category Archives: Oak Park Pupdate

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

Meet Featured Oak Park & Chicago Pet Sitter: Anna!

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We are so lucky to have Anna on staff!! Anna works in our Oak Park location every Saturday morning during the school year and helps out in Chicago over the Summer.

Oak Park & Chicago Pet Sitter Anna

My Furry Family: Lucy, a 12 year old, three-legged black lab. My family has had her since she was 3 months.

My Favorite Animal (other than dogs & cats): Penguins and Owls

Best Gift Ever: If I’m thinking recently, then it would be an orchid from one of my students. It totally brightens up the room and makes me smile when I see it.

My Superpower Would Be: Definitely telepathy. Communicating by reading someone else’s mind would be awesome.

Life Philosophy: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. ” From my favorite book The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Summer Safety: Dogs and Hot Cars Don’t Mix! [Infographic]

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Hot Car Safety DogsThe Dog Days of Summer are (finally) here! We are always super careful to be sure your pups are safe out on a walk with us. We look for shade on a hot day, watch out for excessive heat, and make sure each pup has plenty of water.

While there is no better season to be a Pet Sitter (strolling through our beautiful city with your cute pooch?!?!) Summer does come with some safety hazards. Please remember your car is NOT the place for your pooch in the Summer! Temperatures in a parked car quickly escalade to dangerous degrees, so keep dogs out of hot cars!

Thanks for letting us kick back on Summer days with your #1 pal! Woof!

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

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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!

One of our favorite dog walking routes in Oak Park passes the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Top 3 Scenic Dog Walking Routes in Oak Park

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Finding great, scenic dog walking routes in Oak Park 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. Elizabeth Court: Our Pet Sitters love to walk down Elizabeth Court, that short windy street between Forest and Kenilworth off of Erie. It’s a beautiful, quiet street with the added reward of enormous gorgeous houses at the other end on Kenilworth.

    2. One of the best dog walking routes in Oak Park passes Thatcher Woods (River Forest)

  2. Austin Gardens Park: Our Pet Sitter, Stephanie, takes Cooper for a walk starting at Superior Street and Forest Avenue and heads south down Forest Avenue and ends by Austin Gardens Park. This is a great route to take because you see some of the most beautiful houses. It’s also a tourist hot spot: she always sees people on Frank Loyd Wright tours taking pictures of the houses! A block north of Superior Street and Forest Avenue is the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio which is very awesome to see.
  3. Thatcher in River Forest: Our Pet Sitter, Christy, loves walking Kelly & Keiko down Thatcher, watching Thatcher Woods change throughout the seasons, and of course spotting the occasional wildlife!!
Meet Oak Park Pet Sitting Superstar, Owen!

Meet Oak Park Pet Sitting Superstar: Owen!

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Meet our featured Oak Park pet sitting superstar, Owen! Owen dog walks mostly in Forest Park, where is he B.F.F. (Best Friend’s Friend) to many of your happy pups!

  • AKA: Ozone
  • My favorite game: Balderdash
  • My superpower would be: Telekinesis
  • My furry family: My Pharaoh Hound and Lab mix Luca; she’s two years old.
  • Life philosophy: We’re all human and we’re each trying to make it in our own way, so respect the unique ways in which one another lives their lives.
Schedule your Memorial Day Dog Walks

Schedule Your Memorial Day Oak Park Pet Care Visits!

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Sooo, it’s been raining, huh? Flooded basements, muddy paws, traffic jams, thunderstorms. My, oh my! We are ready for some fun in the sun! And we’re in luck: Memorial Day, the official kick-off to Summer, is near!

We’d love to visit your furry family while you are enjoying the Memorial Day Weekend away from home.

We fill up fast, so act soon! Deadline for Memorial Day Weekend Chicago Pet Care visits is Thursday, May 23.

OUG Earth Day

Happy Earth Day, Living Beings!

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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!

Carlson Animal Hospital in Oak Park, IL

Best Vets in Oak Park, IL

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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 Oak Park, 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 Oak Park to help you get started in your search for Fido’s perfect match!

  • Elmwood Grove Animal Hospital: While a little North of where we walk dogs and visit kitties, we sure do love Elmwood Grove! Dr. Fox has been taking care of OUG! dogs and cats for YEARS! Located at 8035 W Grand Ave River Grove, IL, Elmwood Grove Animal Hospital is open Monday – Saturday and can be reached at phone number 708-456-6700.
  • PetVets: Our friends at PetVets are amazing! We see them at least three times a week as we host our Play Group in the back of the clinic, located at 342 W. Harrison Oak Park, IL. PetVets is open Monday – Saturday and can be reached at phone number 708-445-9988.
  • Carlson Animal Hospital: Right in the heart of Oak Park, many of the dogs and cats we love receive wonderful care here! Located at 414 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL, Carlson Animal Hospital is open Monday – Saturday and can be reached at phone number 708-383-3606.
  • River Forest Animal Hospital: You can’t miss this hospital! It is located at 7515 W. Lake Street, River Forest, IL – right by Jewel! Through the years, many Out-U-Go! Pet Sitters have worked at this Hospital too! River Forest Animal Hospital is open Monday – Saturday and can be reached at phone number 708-366-8370.
  • The Cat Practice: For those kitties that would rather NOT encounter a dog at the Vet (isn’t getting in the car stressful enough?!?!?) there are The Cat Practice vets in Oak Park! Located at 323 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL, The Cat Practice is open Monday – Saturday and can be reached at phone number 708-383-5997.

Best of luck choosing a great veterinarian in Oak Park!

Best dog parks in Oak Park, IL

Best Dog Parks in Oak Park, IL

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Dog parents understand the importance of finding a great local dog park.  Dog parks are a great resource for your furry friend to run to his heart’s content, interact with other dogs, sniff new things, and buddy up to humans in attempts to gain cookies.  It is also a great place for pet parents to meet like-minded neighbors and share fur-children stories!  We’ve put together a list of the best dog parks in Oak Park, IL, to help you find a spot with the amenities, space, and cookie-dispensing humans that your pup is looking for!

  1. Maple Park Dog Park: Maple Park Dog Park is a dedicated dog off-leash area located in the Northwest corner of Maple Park (Harlem & Lexington).  This new dog park in Oak Park offers 12,000 square feet of crushed granite surface, benches, an electronic entry system, and a water spigot for the pups!  Maple Park Dog Park is open from sunrise to sunset.
  2. Ridgeland Common Dog Park: Located in the Southeast corner of Ridgeland Common Park (Ridgeland & South Blvd), Ridgeland Common Dog Park is about 8,700 square feet.  The dog park is open from sunrise to 10pm.
  3. Dog Park Plus: Dog Park Plus is the total fenced-in area of Ridgeland Common.  The entire area includes the above-mentioned Ridgeland Common Dog Park, plus additional fenced park land such as baseball fields and a ski hill.  Since these included areas of the greater Ridgeland Common are often in use for other purposes, Dog Park Plus is open select hours only.  The hours are infrequent and subject to change, so check out Park District of Oak Park’s Dog Park Information first to see if there’s an upcoming morning your dog can run free in the extended space.

Have fun exploring!

Spring for the Animals Luncheon – May 1

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The Oak Park community is so fortunate to have the Animal Care League. To keep this fabulous organization up and running the ACL holds an annual luncheon. This year it will be held at the beautiful Oak Park Country Club, 2001 North Thatcher Avenue in River Grove.

Entertainment will be provided by the Festival Theatre of Oak Park.

Adoptable ACL cats and dogs, a silent and live auction, gift bags, and of course the sumptuous buffet will all be going on!

100% of all monies collected for the luncheon directly benefit the ACL. If you would like to buy some 50/50 raffle tickets, purchase a ticket to the luncheon, or donate an auction item, please contact the ACL at 708-848-8155.

On an Out-U-Go! note, Maverick, Oak Park’s Top Dog Dog was adopted from the ACL on April 16, 2008. Sara, Oak Park’s Top Dog, is so grateful to the ACL for bringing The Mav into her life.

ACL Alum, Maverick