Cooper the funny Tallahassee cat

Meet Cooper

Tallahassee cat Cooper is the often misunderstood fur child of Out-U-Go!’s very own Pack Leader, Elizabeth Amrhein.

He is an outstanding specimen of Felis Catus AKA the domestic cat: a small, usually furry, domesticated (using the term loosely), and carnivorous mammal.

These scientific descriptions pale in comparison to the actual Cooper kitty, who enjoys sinking his fangs into his Mom’s bare feet while she brushes her teeth, hanging out in his dog brother’s car crate while looking like a whack job (see photo evidence), and having a pretty spectacular paper napkin fetish.

Along with these erudite pursuits, Tallahassee cat Cooper enjoys mumbling to himself while randomly flinging his body into walls. Is this behavior really that weird, or is he exhibiting specialized behaviors that his Neolithic ancestors used to get humans to fall under their spell and love them to distraction? Something to think about……

Mickeys Lakeside Cafe in Tallahassee FL

Mickey’s Lakeside Cafe in Tallahassee FL: A Wag of the Tail and 4 Paws!

Do yourself a favor and swing by Mickey’s Lakeside Cafe in Tallahassee FL at the Cottages at Lake Ella.

The food is top notch and….wait for it….it’s pet friendly! Sit on the patio with your furry pal while enjoying a panini or fresh garden salad and relax with a glass of wine or a beer.

I ask you, does it get any better than this? I think not! Well, maybe its even a smidge better with the dessert of the day!

Check them out on Facebook!

Grant Bark Park dog park in Chicago IL South Loop

Join Out-U-Go! in Chicago’s South Loop for Grant Bark Park Play Date!

Hang with your Top Dog, Pack Leader, and some of the gang on Sunday July 28th from 9am to 12pm at Grant Bark Park! Human refreshments and pup treats will be provided while we enjoy the beautiful Chicago weather!
Feel free to R.S.V.P. to southloop@outugo.com for any weather or time change updates!

Sierra kitty entertains herself on the computer

Sierra Kitty

Ms. Sierra keeps us entertained at each visit, but more importantly, this silly Naperville cat keeps herself entertained. A cat who surfs the web? Absolutely!

What a fun girl she is, and boy oh boy she can play fetch as good as any canine around!

Thanks for being such a great kitty, Sierra!

Meet Featured Oak Park & Chicago Pet Sitter: Anna!

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]

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!

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!

Best Vets in Naperville - Welcome Waggin

Best Vets in Naperville, 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 Naperville, 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 Naperville and its surrounding area to help you get started in your search for Fido’s perfect match!

Best Vets in Naperville - Danada

  1. Danada Veterinary Hospital
    10 W. Loop Rd.
    Wheaton, IL 60189
    630-665-6161

    Hours:
    Mon – Fri (7am – 7pm)
    Saturday (7am – 12pm)
    Sunday (closed)

    Danada Veterinary Hospital is a full service companion animal hospital providing comprehensive medical and surgical care for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other small animals. Danada Veterinary Hospital prides itself on superior medicine in a timely manner within a friendly, clean environment.

  2. Best Vets in Naperville - Ness Exotic

  3. Ness Exotic Wellness Center
    1007 Maple Avenue
    Lisle, IL 60532
    630-737-1281

    Hours:
    Mon – Thurs (9am – 8pm)
    Friday (9am – 6pm)
    Saturday (8am – 2pm)
    Sunday (closed) 

    Ness Exotic Wellness Center provides comprehensive services for birds and exotic pets as well as holistic pet care for dogs and cats. They offer Chiropractic and Acupuncture, along with herbal therapy, homeopathy and various other therapies. They will work with your conventional small animal veterinarian to complement their traditional western therapy with the array of holistic modalities that they offer.

  4. The Welcome Waggin’
    630-699-3113

    Hours:
    Flexible weekday and weekend hours are available by appointment. To schedule home veterinary services, call 630.699.3113 or send an email to: service@thewelcomewaggin.com.

    The Welcome Waggin’ was founded by Dr. Lisa McIntyre with the goal of providing exceptional care and service in your pet’s home environment.
    By minimizing the stress of travel, reducing the likelihood of disease transmission, and observing your pet in its natural surroundings, they are able to help maintain your companion’s optimal health and well-being. Home veterinary care is ideally suited for working professionals, busy parents, multiple pet owners, the elderly or disabled, and owners of animals that become anxious in a hospital setting.

Best of luck choosing a great veterinarian in Naperville, IL!