5 Things

Create On

My husband is a big fan of the Grateful Dead. It’s not really my type of music, but I’ve learned to appreciate through the years (and I even attended their very last show as the Grateful Dead in Chicago). I was intrigued when I received an email about a product for kids featuring the Grateful Dead but am here to tell you, it’s a great way to teach younger kids about an older generation’s music—and yes, I’m in the “older” category. But if the GD isn’t your thing, not to worry! Their Magna Tiles come in so many themes, from Sesame Street to Eric Carle to the Grateful Dead. They allow for creativity and make a great gift! CreateOn.com Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a Mad Lib? They are some good fun for kids of all ages! Not too long ago I found a Mad Lib book, and my teens and I had a blast and laughed ourselves silly. My sister happened to be in town with her grade school aged kids, and we spent hours doing Mad Libs with them, too, so it just makes sense that a Mad Lib book or two make the perfect gift. They have so many themes to choose from, and I’m excited about the Christmas Card Mad Libs. I hope my family is ready to receive some hilarity in the mail this season! Available at local retailers.

5THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Jack Frost’s Winter Blast

Last year when my mom was in town for a visit, we drove through the Holiday Lights display in Swope Park. We had a blast! This year they’ve not only added a second location near Legends Outlets, but have also have a brand new augmented-reality mobile game app. In this enhanced version of the real world, Jack Frost needs your help to save Christmas. Kids love this interactive, sensory stimuli experience! Pro Tip: Pair this game with a cruise through the holiday lights and experience the best of BOTH worlds! Available in Google Play and the App Store.

Car Wash

Toilet Paper

The list of what I dislike about winter is long. (I know, I know, this column is about things we love— I’m getting to that). One thing I can’t stand is how dirty my car gets from the slush, snow and grime. When I walk by it in the garage, I end up with dirt on me. Yuck! But that’s where GO Car Wash comes to the rescue! With 21 locations in the metro, they help my car stay clean, and your car can stay clean for FREE! KC Parent is giving away five car washes every Monday in December and January! Plus their holiday gift card sale (pg. 29) makes a perfect stocking stuffer! KCParent.com.

That’s right, I’m writing about toilet paper and suggesting it as a gift! It’s a running joke in my family that my brother had a fear of running out of TP. Not sure what brought on this fear, but when he’d come for a visit to our house, one of the first things he’d do is check my stock to make sure I had enough on hand. When Jingle Rolls came across my desk—rolls of toilet paper carolers that sing when the box is opened—it brought a smile to my face. This would have been perfect for him! But really, it’s perfect for anyone, and it’s sure to be a gift that gets a smile from the recipient and gets put to good use! BimBamBooPaper.com

We adopted a cat a month ago and she is fantastic and wonderful in every way. She does this odd behavior where she puts her front legs on my stomach when I am laying down and moves her paws up and down over and over for five minutes. Is she trying to tell me something or does she want something? – Kelly Albertson

This behavior is called kneading and it is a normal behavior where cats display their comfort in a rhythmic way with their paws. Not all cats knead, but most of them use the front two paws when they do it and many will purr while kneading. There are many theories on why cats do this, and feel free to surf the internet to learn about them because they are interesting, but what is important is that this is a behavior that makes cats feel good and they do it when they feel comfortable. She is not trying to get you to do anything or tell you anything, just doing something that feels good to her.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Dogs dig holes for many reasons such as trying to escape, hearing small animals in the ground, lack of key minerals in their diet, and trying to cool off. But the simple and probable answer is that digging is a lot of fun! I recommend giving your dog plenty of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and a designated spot to do his digging, like a sandbox, for his enrichment. You should stay outside with him until he learns where to and where not to dig.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

toys with her scent on them to make it a more familiar and fun place to be. I hope you and sweet furry girl have a great holiday.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

FEATURED PET FEATURED PET

I am traveling for the holidays, and was wondering how I can keep my dog calm in the car for the long drive. She has some anxiety and I am hoping you can share some tips on making this ride less painful for everyone. Thanks!

- Jessica Newport

GRace

My husky puppy will not stop digging holes in the ground and I am going bonkers trying to keep my yard looking nice. Why is he doing this and what can I do about it? Please help!

- Adam Swan

Start by going on short rides to fun places so she develops a positive association with being in the car. Many dogs have built a negative association with rides and going to the vet. Play games or work on a training session in the car to make it a fun place. Keep the air cool while you are traveling so she does not get overheated which can turn into motion sickness. There are some calming sprays you can use in your car or calming collars to help. Worst-case scenario, see your vet about medication if she is highly anxious. Bring treats and some

Grace is a two-year-old Shepherd mix who forms strong bonds with her favorite people. She is extremely happy, loving and loyal when it comes to her people. She will be an excellent companion for someone who is a homebody. She has great house manners, is housetrained, enjoys playing fetch and knows a bunch of commands already. She adores getting her neck scratched and being with her friends. Please contact adoptions@greatplainsspca.org for more information on this hidden gem!

This holiday season, donations will be matched up to $150,000. Help us reach our goal of

$400,000!

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine. Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Director of Animal Behavior & Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 4,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.