Alex Phippen – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com Here today, better tomorrow. Wed, 15 May 2019 15:49:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.3 https://wp-media.familytoday.com/2020/03/favicon.ico Alex Phippen – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com 32 32 13 vines featuring kids who are too funny for their own good https://www.familytoday.com/family/13-vines-featuring-kids-who-are-too-funny-for-their-own-good/ Fri, 16 Sep 2016 06:30:07 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/13-vines-featuring-kids-who-are-too-funny-for-their-own-good/ I dare you not to smile while looking through these.

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FACT: Kids are the world's greatest comedians of all time.

Period.

Guys like Jim Carrey, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Jim Gaffigan (apparently the name Jim/Jimmy is requisite to being funny) can all make us laugh, but they have nothing on the creative ability of a 5-year-old.

Here are 13 vines of kids who are just too funny for their own good.

1. Good morning

2. What are those?!

3. If only it was this easy with teenagers..

4. Apparently, she's a cupcake

5. At least she has a great follow-through

6. And the Oscar goes to ...

7. Nap time

8. Thanks, dad

9. This never gets old

10. The truth hurts

11. When the beat drops

12. The struggle is real

13. His happy dance > your happy dance

Do all your friends a favor by bringing some laughs to their life and share this article!

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5 signs your guy is a keeper and 5 signs he’s a creeper https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/5-signs-your-guy-is-a-keeper-and-5-signs-hes-a-creeper/ Tue, 13 Sep 2016 06:25:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/5-signs-your-guy-is-a-keeper-and-5-signs-hes-a-creeper/ Find out if you're with a keeper or a creeper.

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So there you are. Your man just dropped you off after a night out together and suddenly you're hit with a whirlwind of different emotions all at once.

Amidst trying to process everything and decide whether or not you want to move forward with your relationship, one question comes to your mind: is he a keeper or a creeper?

Here are five signs to help you know which one he is.

If he's a KEEPER he...

1. Loves being with you but understands you have your own life and gives you your space

This kind of guy thinks you're amazing but he also realizes you're still your own person. He respects the fact that you have your own friends, a job and various other things that don't involve him constantly being right beside you every minute of the day.

2. Will trust you enough that he doesn't need to always know where you are, who you're with or what you're doing

Trust is crucial to any healthy relationship. A guy who's a keeper is definitely someone who you can trust because he'll trust you, whereas a creeper won't (hence his need to be creepy).

A keeper kind of guy will trust you enough that he won't need to know every specific detail of what you do, or who you're with outside of the time you spend with him. Likewise, you can place your trust in him without having to worry if he is being faithful.

3. Acts the same whether the two of you are alone or with other people

A keeper isn't a two-face. He'll treat you the same and act in a consistent way regardless of whom you're with or where you're at. For example, he'll behave the same way when he's with you and your friends as he will when the two of you are alone.

A creeper on the other hand will change the way he behaves or treats you depending on the setting you're in. These manipulative kind of guys are scary individuals who you should avoid at all costs.

The good guys are genuine people who don't try to hide or mask their behavior.

4. Will be intimate with you at a level you are comfortable with and won't try to rush the relationship along

This is one of the most obvious differences between a keeper and a creeper. A keeper won't push you to do anything intimately that you're not comfortable with. He won't try to speed the relationship along and will actually take the time to get to know you beyond a physical level.

A creeper is the exact opposite. These kind of guys will always push to be overly intimate to the point in which it makes you uncomfortable. This is their insecure way of rushing the relationship along so that it becomes harder to leave them once you decide you've finally had enough.

5. Will put your needs before his own

When a man consistently puts your needs ahead of his own then he is definitely a keeper. This shows he genuinely cares about you and that he wants the relationship to progress further.

If he's a CREEPER he..

1. Texts you non-stop and gets angry or assumes the worst when you don't respond back

Fortunately, this is a sign of a creeper that is easy to spot early on. If a guy is constantly texting you without you responding back then that typically means he's insecure. He will most likely further solidify his creeper status by trying to reach you via Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or through other means depending on how creepily desperate he is.

2. Openly lies to people about the two of you or other things

Lying should always be a red flag in any relationship. Among other things, a creeper will generally lie to people about his and yours relationship. He'll tell people things that aren't true and may even try to pressure you to do the same.

3. Often talks negatively about past girlfriends or exes

You can tell a lot about a person in the way they talk about and treat others. If a guy is constantly bad-mouthing past girls he's dated or been in a relationship with, then what does that say about how he's going to treat you?

4. Randomly shows up at your work, home or other places unexpectedly

Sure, at first it might seem like a cute and innocent gesture if your guy surprises you at work. However, it won't take for you to become annoyed and creeped out if this kind of behavior becomes a regular habit.

5. Constantly brings up or questions you about things, pictures, or people on your social media accounts

A creeper guy may even get angry or upset with something he sees on one of your social accounts. If a guy does this then he's too insecure to be in a relationship with you. This is also an obvious indicator that he's stalking you through social media.

Get out of a relationship if the guy you're with does any of the five last things mentioned in this article. Trust me; you'll thank yourself later when you're in a happy relationship with a keeper and not a creeper.

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16 funny thought bubbles that perfectly explain how we all feel about dating https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/16-funny-thought-bubbles-that-perfectly-explain-how-we-all-feel-about-dating/ Mon, 12 Sep 2016 06:30:01 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/16-funny-thought-bubbles-that-perfectly-explain-how-we-all-feel-about-dating/ Welcome to the dating game.

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Dating: An experience in which two people come together and engage in activities to try to convince the other person to fall in love with them. What isn't mentioned in this definition is the wide range of emotions that hit a person all at once during this sometimes awkward period of time in their life.

Further complicating the dating process is the fact that most of us spend half the time on a date trying to figure out what what the other person is thinking about. Well, we've taken the mystery out of that last question by filling out 16 thought bubbles of some not-so-hpothetical situations:

1. First date follies

2. I think this date is going to be cut short

3. Piggyback ride to die

4. Five star embarrasment

5. Flirtatious face touching

6. Some people just hate surprises

7. Icebreaker or dealbreaker?

8. Perspective

9. A picky picnic

10. Puppy love

11. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

12. Silence is golden, unless you're on a date

13. Post-Olympics date

14. And counting...

15. Ouch

16. Great minds think alike...occasionally

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The incredible story of one couple who lived through the 7.8 earthquake that struck Ecuador https://www.familytoday.com/family/the-incredible-story-of-one-couple-who-lived-through-the-7-8-earthquake-that-struck-ecuador/ Fri, 09 Sep 2016 12:35:39 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/the-incredible-story-of-one-couple-who-lived-through-the-7-8-earthquake-that-struck-ecuador/ 'During the quake, it felt like the building was going to come down because it was moving so much.'

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In June of 2013, Jorge and Anette Dennis moved from the United States to Ecuador. They left their home to work as volunteers for their church. Though they knew this move would be a life-changing event, they could have never predicted what was to come or just how deeply it would affect them and their relationship with God.

The couple lived in a fifth-floor apartment in the city of Guayaquil. Their role was to coordinate the volunteer efforts of more than 180 young adults who were housed throughout the surrounding cities and regions. Additionally, they were tasked with maintaining a level of protection for the volunteers in regard to their living conditions, expenses, transportation, etc.

Tragedy struck on April 16, 2016 as a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated the nation's western coast. This was the worst natural disaster to hit Ecuador in more than 60 years since the 1949 Ambato earthquake.

Jorge and Anette were at home in their apartment when the quake hit. Jorge was reading and Anette was using the computer as everything began to shake. The Dennises were used to feeling smaller quakes and expected the shaking to quickly pass. They soon realized things were different this time; and, in an interview with FamilyShare, described the scene as follows:

"During the quake, it felt like the building was going to come down because it was moving so much. It was hard to stand up. We could hear things falling and breaking in the living room."

The Dennises said the shaking got much stronger and lasted for about 45 seconds. Immediately after the quake, Jorge and Anette's thoughts instantly turned to the volunteers whom they were over. They desperately began trying to find out where the epicenter had been and how strong the quake was.

The quake's epicenter was 190 miles away from Guayaquil in a sparsely populated part of the country - 17 miles from the towns of Muisne and Pedernales. During the night of the quake and in the days that followed, the Dennises spent most of their time doing everything they could to make sure their young-adult volunteers were safe.

Several days after the disaster, Jorge went to see the damage and take supplies to some of the hardest hit areas. It didn't take long for him and his wife to see God's hand everywhere they went.

The first miracle they witnessed was the fact that none of their volunteers were seriously injured or killed. With the exception of one young woman who received a bruise on her leg, all of the volunteers were safe and accounted for within two hours after the quake.

This is quite remarkable since the disaster killed more than 670 people and injured 27,732.

However, the most incredible part of this story is the reason behind why the volunteers were all safe. In her own words, Anette recounted the miracle that occurred leading up to the quake:

"About two years before the earthquake, Jorge had two dreams within three months apart. He had a third dream about a month before the earthquake. The clear message that came with those dreams was that there would be some type of emergency, and we needed to prepare the young people we were responsible for.

"So, along with the group leaders and those who had been assigned to help with health-related issues, we began developing an emergency plan for each area where these young people were. Each one was also instructed to put together a 72-hr kit and review the emergency plans for their areas monthly. We also emphasized the importance of staying close to God and obeying his commandments so they could receive his protection.

"They [the volunteers] had been doing this during the two years prior to the earthquake, so after the earthquake hit, most of them felt at peace. They knew what to do and where to go, and they were able to use their emergency packs so they had what they needed during the two nights they spent in the shelters (at the churches), where they stayed before coming to Guayaquil. They knew they could call on God for his help and protection as well."

Though he speaks to each of us in different ways, God always speaks to those who are willing to listen. When we live our lives in the way he want us to, we can be assured that he will help us survive the daily "earthquakes" of our lives. The Dennises learned this lesson firsthand. They had this to say about all that they went through:

"This was a very traumatic experience, but for many, many people it served to turn them back to God and look at the changes they needed to make in their lives. It helped them put more attention on what matters most - their family and their relationship with God. We feel so blessed to have been able to be a part of this experience. It is something we will never forget."

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24 animal Vines that are so funny, they’ll give you a killer ab workout https://www.familytoday.com/family/24-animal-vines-that-are-so-funny-theyll-give-you-a-killer-ab-workout/ Wed, 07 Sep 2016 06:30:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/24-animal-vines-that-are-so-funny-theyll-give-you-a-killer-ab-workout/ There's something about animals doing weird things that never gets old.

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Of all the animals in the animal kingdom, humans are by far the funniest. But let's face it - we're only the most comedic because we have opposable thumbs and can post funny Vines of real animals on the internet.

Otherwise, the animals in these 24 Vines have us beat.

1. What a beautiful day it is today

2. This is how you know you've been to West Yellowstone too much

3. Trying to get past your mom when she already said you can't go out

4. Trying to impress bae be like ...

5. #petgoals

6. You really are your own worst enemy

7. When you come home from work early and catch your cat

8. Stretchhhhhhhhh

9. When your were a kid and refused to get in the bathtub until mom came chasing after you

10. When someone steals your last bite of food

11. My cat after watching Spiderman

12. The most dramatic sneeze of all time

13. When someone with bad breath talks too close to you

14. Meanwhile in Antarctica ...

15. "Honey, will you come in here and tell me if this dress makes me look fat?"

16. When the beat drops

17. I really need to stop letting my parrot listen to Beyonce

18. Be nice to your pets or else

19. When you're out in public and your jam comes on

20. Walked in on these two the other day

21. WARNING: CUTENESS OVERLOAD

22. These birds must be friends with my parrot

23. You know you live in a really sketchy neighborhood when you look out and see this

24. Who does it better?

or ...

Share this article with someone who loves animals or loves to laugh (or who loves both)!

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11 things to remember when you start to regret who you chose to marry https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/11-things-to-remember-when-you-start-to-regret-who-you-chose-to-marry/ Tue, 06 Sep 2016 06:30:04 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/11-things-to-remember-when-you-start-to-regret-who-you-chose-to-marry/ Taking the time to reflect and remember some of these things will help you put things back into perspective.

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Marriage is a huge decision that forever alters a person's life. It involves two people coming together and vowing to love each other through both the good and bad times that lie ahead.

But when the "bad" times come, it can be all too easy to start to look for a way out. You may have doubts about the direction your relationship is headed or begin to regret your decision of who you chose to marry.

Eventually, the word "divorce" might even find its way into your vocabulary. While some things can't be reconciled, separating from the person you vowed to spend the rest of your life with should always be a last resort.

Here are 11 things to remember when you start to regret your choice of who you married.

  1. You didn't marry your spouse because they were perfect. You married them for who they were and who they could become.

  2. It takes a lifetime to truly love and appreciate someone.

  3. Divorce isn't the only solution and most issues can be fixed if you are both willing to change.

  4. It is never too late to forgive. Never.

  5. Your spouse used to make you happier than any other human being in the entire world.

  6. Whether they've expressed it or not, your spouse probably has similar feelings to those you are experiencing. Try putting yourself in their shoes and look at things from their point of view.

  7. The most important things in life aren't things at all. Your husband or wife should always be more important than money, a career or any other worldly attainment.

  8. You too have flaws and do things that upset your spouse.

  9. Ultimately, only you and your spouse can make your marriage work-no program, counselor, therapist or anyone else can do it for you.

  10. Retaining your pride or "being right" is NEVER worth ending your marriage over.

  11. Your spouse was once the first and last thought you had in a day. They were your everything. Nothing meant more to you than they did-remember that.

Every marriage is going to have rough patches, of that you can be sure. But it's how you and your spouse handle these hard times that will truly define your relationship. Taking the time to remember and reflect on these 11 points can help put things into perspective. As you focus on the positive qualities your partner has, you'll see that your relationship is still worth fighting for.

Barbara de Angelis is an American author and relationship consultant. She does an exellent job in descring what marriage truly is.

"The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It's a choice you make-not just on your wedding day, but over and over again-and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife." -Barbara de Angelis

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The true story of how one man fought to keep his family from starving https://www.familytoday.com/family/the-true-story-of-how-one-man-fought-to-keep-his-family-from-starving/ Fri, 02 Sep 2016 06:30:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/the-true-story-of-how-one-man-fought-to-keep-his-family-from-starving/ Would you do for your family what this man did for his?

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What makes a great man great? Is it his wealth, power, fame, achievements or the high-profile individuals he surrounds himself with?

No.

A man isn't defined by his glamorous achievements. Instead, it is his devotion to his family that truly makes a man great. James Walter Braddock was one such man who understood the unequivocal importance of family.

Not the greatest but pushed for success #jamesjbraddock#jimbraddock#comeback#1920

A photo posted by Jim Braddock (@newyork192o) on

You might recognize Braddock's name if you've ever seen the 2005 Hollywood film, "Cinderella Man," starring Russell Crowe. Crowe played the role of James J. Braddock (the name Braddock fought under), a New Jersey boxer most prominently known as "Jimmy" or Jim Braddock.

The film is based on the true story of how Braddock became a boxing legend after making a comeback late in his career, and for his famous upset against Max Baer to become the world's new heavyweight champion.

Watching Cinderella Man - one of my favorite movies 🙂 #russellcrowe #reneezellweger #jamesjbraddock #jimbraddock #cinderellaman

A photo posted by Alexandra Mihaly (@alexandramihaly) on

But anyone who has seen the movie or further researched Braddock's life knows that the real story isn't just about what he did with his fists. It's why he did it and the motivation behind Braddock's miraculous feats in the ring that makes his story so inspiring.

Jim Braddock was a successful amateur boxer before entering the professional boxing circuit in 1926. In 1929, he got a shot at the light heavyweight title in a bout against Tommy Loughran. Braddock lost the fight by decision after 15 rounds. He would lose everything else two months later on September 3, 1929 when the stock market crashed, plunging America into the Great Depression.

With no work available, Braddock struggled to provide for his wife Mae, and their three young children, James (called Jay), Rose Marie and Howard. He continued fighting but lost 16 out off his next 22 fights. To make things even worse, Braddock was fighting injured during this period of time after he shattered his right hand in a fight.

Life continued trying to knock Jimmy down. In addition to lingering injuries to his hand, Braddock's boxing license was revoked due to his declining career. He was essentially forced to hang up his gloves and retire from boxing as the world around him seemed to be caving in.

But Jimmy wasn't a quitter and he never gave up the fight for his family. He swallowed his pride and filed for government assistance. He was also able to occasionally get some work on the docks as a longshoreman.

Braddock's ever persistent will to keep trying is described in the following excerpt from an article published by "The Art of Manliness":

"Daily he would walk the three miles to the docks of Weehawken and Hoboken to see if work could be found. If there was, he would spend the day unloading railroad ties. If there wasn't, he would walk another 2 miles to West New York. If there wasn't any work to be found there either, he'd walk home to try to find some odd jobs like shoveling snow. It wasn't unusual for him to walk 10-12 miles a day in search of a way to put food on his family's table."

Then, in 1934, the seemingly washed-up boxer was given a chance to fight again after a last-minute cancellation. Braddock shocked everyone by winning the fight against John "Corn" Griffin-an event no one could have predicted. He was then given another opportunity to fight and stunned both fans and critics once again by winning his next two fights against top heavyweight contenders.

#JamesJBraddock #tbt #TheBullDogofBergen #thePrideofNewJersey #PrideofTheIrish #CinderellaMan

A photo posted by Jonathan Sanchez (@jchez) on

During his time away from boxing, Braddock had stayed in shape from all the manual labor he did in order to put food on the table for his family. His injured right hand had forced him to use his left while he worked. His right hand was finally able to heal as he unknowingly strengthened his left, making it a powerful weapon in the boxing ring.

After beating Griffin and winning his following two fights, Braddock became the top contender to face Max Baer for the world heavyweight title. Baer had a powerful right hand and is considered by many boxing experts to be one of the hardest single punchers in all of boxing. He had even killed one of his opponents in the ring.

On June 13, 1935 Braddock fought and defeated Baer at the Madison Square Garden Bowl to become the new heavyweight champion of the world. Jim was a 10-to-1 underdog and his victory over Baer is considered to be one of the greatest boxing upsets of all time.

In an interview with NPR News, Ron Howard, director of "Cinderella Man," shared some further insights into Jimmy's amazing character. He spoke about letters Braddock's granddaughter had given him to read in which Howard said he gained "a real sense of the disappointment that Braddock felt at not being able to take care of his family."

Howard also talked about the significance of a line included in the film that was quoted by the real James Braddock. This dialogue came when Jim was asked about his unlikely winning streak: "Why do you think you're winning again, Jim? It seems to kind of come out of nowhere."

Jim responded saying, "I know what I'm fighting for now," to which he was then asked, "What's that?" "Milk," replied Braddock. Howard went on to say how the Cinderella Man expounded on this by expressing how he was tired of always seeing the empty milk bottles on the stoop.

This was a genuine answer from a family man whose aspirations went well beyond winning any kind of title.

Though he wasn't required to and as is seen in the movie, the real-life Braddock paid back the full amount of relief money he'd received from the government. He also really did buy his kids a turtle. This funny story occured while Jimmy was leaving the house to go and fight Baer and his kids asked him where he was going. He told them, "To get the title," though they thought he had said, "To get a turtle." So, he kept his word and paid up after defeating Baer.

James J. Braddock truly was an incredible man. But more than that he was an incredible husband, and a father who always put his family first. This is the accomplishment above all else that will always make a great man great.

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QUIZ: OK or No way! (What’s appropriate when it comes to raising your kids?) https://www.familytoday.com/family/quiz-ok-or-no-way-whats-appropriate-when-it-comes-to-raising-your-kids/ Thu, 01 Sep 2016 06:30:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/quiz-ok-or-no-way-whats-appropriate-when-it-comes-to-raising-your-kids/ Is it appropriate to spank your kids? We want your opinion on this and other hard parenting questions!

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Being a mom or dad is one of the toughest jobs in the world and it definitely isn't something for the feint of heart. Every day parents are faced with many difficult decisions on how to best raise their kids.

Some of these decisions include: Should my kid have a cellphone? Do I or do I not spank my children as a form of discipline? Though there isn't a one-size-fits-all perfect method of parenting, we all have our own opinions when it comes to what is and what isn't OK.

This quiz-poll asks some of those tougher, more divisive parenting questions in a very specific form. While the scenario for each question could depend on many factors or "what-ifs", this quiz forces you to take a stand and choose. So, we want to know what YOU think! For each question, decide whether each situation is OK or NO WAY!

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15 pet products to make your life easier https://www.familytoday.com/family/15-pet-products-to-make-your-life-easier/ Fri, 26 Aug 2016 11:46:34 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/15-pet-products-to-make-your-life-easier/ Want to make life with your furry friend even better? Look no further.

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Whether you're a cat owner or a dog owner, we all have one thing in common: We love our pets and can't imagine life without them. That being said, you could make your life a bit easier by testing out some of these amazing pet products below. The items on this list range from practical to downright hilarious and strange. So, without further ado, here are 15 epic products that every pet lover would love to have in their life:

1. Hands free retractable dog leash

The "Lishinu Retractable Hands Free Dog Leash" takes walking your dog to a whole new level. Now you can do all kinds of things like jog, answer your cell phone, carry items or tie your shoe without having to worry about holding the leash in case Baxter tries to make a break for it.

Cost: $39.99

2. Tennis ball launcher

You love playing fetch with your dog, but hate the part where you have to repeatedly pick up a ball that is drenched in saliva. Forget donning rubber gloves and get the "Hyper Pet K9 Kannon". This pet product launches regular size tennis balls up to 75 feet and is designed for hands-free pickup.

There are also other options for similar products if you want to spend a bit more money or find something of higher quality.

Cost: $16.92

3. Pet umbrella

Hate the smell of wet dog or the anxiousness of a wet cat? A pet umbrella is a simple invention that is exactly what it sounds like-an umbrella designed specifically for your pet. It has a built-in leash hook and a handle that is easy to grab. Your dog might not really care about this product all that much but you'll undoubtedly be your cat's hero.

Cost: $6.22 & free shipping

4. Pirate pet costume

Yes, this does exist and you need it. The "TOPSUNG Cool Caribbean Pirate Pet Costume" works for cats and small to medium sized dogs. This pet costume is better than most because the arms stick out and are positioned in a hilarious pose, unlike most costumes where the arms just dangle. This is a great item for holidays, parties and fun photo shoots.

Cost: $10.90

5. Dog water bottle

Bringing around a water bowl when you are out and about with your pet is annoying. Well, now you can ditch the bowl because the "Gulpy Water Dispense" makes it easy for your pet to get a drink on the go. Similar products work even better if you're willing to spend a little more.

Cost: $10.25

6. Collapsible travel pet bowl

The "Leegoal Folding Collapsible Travel Pet Bowl" is ideal for any dog who loves to roadtrip. This product can hold both food and water, is easy to clean and folds up for portability.

Cost: $3.98 & free shipping

*[Read: 4 things you eat after a breakup that tell the truth about your broken heart[(http://familyshare.com/health/4-things-you-eat-after-a-breakup-that-tell-the-truth-about-your-broken-heart)*

7. Pet tracker

This little device takes the worry out of tracking down a lost pet. The "Pawscout Smart Tag" attaches to your pet's collar and allows you to use your phone to locate your lost dog or cat within a 200 foot radius. The tag is waterproof and the app required to use the product is free.

Cost: $29.95

8. Pet peek

The "Pet Peek (Pet Fence Window)" is like a mini porthole for your dog. Now, they can see what's going on without jumping up or trying to climb over the fence. The product is made of a durable material that is easy to install and keep clean.

Cost: $112.98

9. Misting leash

This isn't your grandmother's leash. The high-tech "Hyper Pet Cool Down Doggie Leash" sprays an ultra-fine mist when you squeeze a trigger on the handle. The refillable 10-ounce water bottle attached to the leash makes this a must-have item for the hot summer months.

Cost: $5.99

10. SUP pup traction pad

Within the last few years, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) have become a popular hobby. Thanks to "Better Surf...than Sorry's Pup Deck SUP Traction Pad", you can enjoy this fun water activity without leaving your dog behind on shore. The traction pad fits on any sized paddle board and can even be used on regular surfboards.

Cost: $39.95

11. Dog life jacket

Now that you can take your dog with you on your paddleboard, consider purchasing a dog life jacket. The "EzyDog Micro Doggy Flotation Device" is a high-performance doggy flotation device for dogs less than 15 lbs. It is designed to have a secure and ergonomic fit around the canine body. For bigger sized dogs, check out the "Ruffwear K9 Float Coat."

Cost: $32.40 or $79.95 depending on the weight of your dog.

12. Inflatable unicorn horn for cats

If you cat isn't down to wear the pirate costume, look into getting him or her an "Accoutrements Inflatable Unicorn Horn for Cats". This is definitely one of those items that is both strange and hilarious...and totally necessary.

Cost: $5.64

13. GoPro Dog Harness

With the "GoPro Fetch (Dog Harness)" you gain an entirely new perspective as you look at the world from your dog's point of view. The harness is washable and has quick release bases to make mounting your GoPro a cinch. Straps allow the harness to fit on your dog's chest or back.

Cost: $35.29

14. Pet backpack carrier

Take your four-legged pal anywhere you go with the "K9 Sport Sack". These pet backpacks come in different sizes to accommodate various breeds and are great for any outdoor activity.

Cost: $59.95

15. Cat Hammock

This is the perfect item for anyone who is tired of their cat chillin' in weird places around the house (like inside your front-loading washing machine). The "Cat Crib" fits under virtually any chair and is the perfect place for your cat to relax after a long day of...relaxing.

Cost: $23.99

Show your pet some love and give one of these a try!

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Helping your kids cope with the death of a pet https://www.familytoday.com/family/helping-your-kids-cope-with-the-death-of-a-pet/ Fri, 26 Aug 2016 11:19:52 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/helping-your-kids-cope-with-the-death-of-a-pet/ "He went to heaven" is not going to cut it.

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Family pets are often the center of a kid's world. So when Toby decides to take a walk in the street one day and doesn't come back, it's a pretty big deal. To a kid, this tragic event is comparable to an adult who is suddenly faced with a mid-life crisis.

This "mid-childhood" crisis can happen without warning and is difficult for children to process.

What are you supposed to do as a parent? Casually saying, "Oh, he went to heaven" will only get you so far. Here are six real things you can do to help you kids cope with the death of a pet:

1. Tell the truth

Tell your kids the truth about their pet. Don't try to hide what happened. Of course you'll want to be sensitive and age appropriate. Being honest will take away a lot of the subconscious anxiety and stress that your kids are feeling. If your children know the truth, they won't constantly worry about what happened to their pet or wonder when he is coming home.

Though it might seem harsh, being honest is the best tactic. It will make things easier in the long run and can help prevent other potential problems.

2. Have a pet funeral or create a living memorial

Consider having a mini funeral for your family's deceased pet. Yes, this might seem cheesy but it can mean a lot to your kids. The funeral doesn't have to be complex. It can be as simple as burying the animal and having everyone in the family go around and say what their favorite memory was with the pet.

A similar option is to create a living memorial. This might include hanging a picture of the pet in your house or having your kids draw pictures of the pet or write letters about how much how much they loved Fluffy. Put the creations in a binder and place on a coffee table where everyone in the family can look at them.

3. Control your own reaction

It really doesn't matter whether you were deeply attached to the family pet or if you rarely noticed it was there. What's important is how your kids felt about the pet and how you react to the animal's death.

Keep in mind that your children will monitor and mirror your own reaction. If you were attached to the pet, control your emotions and be careful not to overreact. If the whole situation isn't that big of a deal to you, avoid downplaying the pet's death or brushing it off.

Your children will look to you for how they should emotionally respond to what has happened.

4. Listen

Take the time to listen to your kids as they voice their thoughts and feelings. This will create a sense of security and trust that will help them cope. Don't ignore them or say that you don't want to hear any complaining, crying, etc. Encourage your kids to be open and honest; use this as an opportunity to grow closer to them.

5. Buy a stuffed animal for your younger children

If you have a really young child then you might consider buying him or her a stuffed animal. A stuffed animal can be a comfort item your child can love in place of the deceased pet. It can help them find closure and move on.

This is a much cheaper alternative to buying a new pet and can be just as effective, depending on the age of your child.

6. Make a scrapbook/photo album

Similar to the idea of creating a living memorial, you can create a scrapbook or photo album that highlights your pet's life. Involve the whole family and help change the mood from sad to happy.

Losing a family pet is never easy. However, you can make the grieving process easier by trying these six things. Hopefully, you and your children will be able to remember all the joy your pet brought to your lives.

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