Operation Freedom Paws Dog Daycare & Boarding

12/24/2024

It's a very merry Tongue-Out-Tuesday!

12/23/2024

Medical Monday: This is worth a reshare. As you gather with friends and family for the holidays, we hope you'll keep these tips in mind to ensure it's a safe and joyful holiday for everyone. Thanks to Boogie fo demonstrating!

Mentoring Monday: As we approach the busy holiday season, it's important to remember that the holidays can be a time of increased interaction between children and dogs. With new sights, sounds, and extra energy in the house, these interactions can be very stressful for our furry family members.

To help ensure both a child and dog have safe, positive experiences together, please take a moment to review these important safety guidelines. Please, please, PLEASE conduct a training session with the kids in your life before the holidays.

👉 No direct eye contact – Dogs may feel threatened by prolonged or intense eye contact.
👉 No leaning over the dog – Leaning in can be perceived as a sign of aggression.
👉 Approach with a hand out – Let the dog sniff your hand before petting. It builds trust and comfort.
👉 Start by scratching under the chin – Dogs typically prefer this over head scratches, which can feel intimidating.
👉 Respect the dog’s body language – If the dog’s posture is stiff, don’t approach. They may be stressed or frightened.
👉 Never hug a strange dog – Hugs can feel restraining or threatening to a dog, especially if they’re unfamiliar.

This is especially crucial with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We hope this info helps to ensure a safe and happy holiday season for everyone in your family.

12/21/2024

Our Q4 Newsletter is out, offering an in-depth look at the impact your support is making! Alexis, a veteran and client, shares how her OFP family and service dog, Mulan, brought light to her darkest moments. Rosanne highlights her vital work with OFP therapy dog Riggins in the community. Director of Operations Renee expresses gratitude for the team and customers who keep our kennel running 24/7 in support of our mission, while our Founder Mary reflects on the progress made together in 2024.

Plus there’s still time to support OFP through Target Circle! Your last-minute holiday shopping can make a real impact if you live in Salinas, Sand City, Capitola, Gilroy, Hollister, Morgan Hill, Scotts Valley, or Watsonville. Voting ends 12/31/24.See how to vote and read more in our Q4 Newsletter! https://operationfreedompaws.org/.../2024-Fourth-Quarter...

12/21/2024

2.7 million veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD, and every day, we lose more of our veterans and first responders to su***de.

The holiday are an especially difficult time for many veterans and first responders, when service-related physical and psychological wounds can feel overwhelming. We remain committed to combating veteran and first responder su***de, and the need for your support in this fight can’t be overstated. The lifesaving impact of service dogs and program resources can’t truly be measured either—how do you measure a life saved or a family made whole again?

Today, we launch our "10 Days of Giving" holiday campaign with exciting news! Piedmont Moving Systems - UniGroup Logistics, and anonymous donors, have generously pledged a Match Gift Challenge, empowering you to DOUBLE the impact of your tax-deductible donation in the lives of veterans, first responders, children, and other individuals with disabilities—up to $12K!

Today, give more than a gift, give a lifeline. Donate now to make your donation go twice as far!
Online: https://giftalifeline.givesmart.com
Mobile: Text giftalifeline to 76278
Or click the donate button on this FB post

12/20/2024

Abigail does a great job with her dad Bruce helping serve the well-being of our community in crisis and joy as an OFP Therapy Dog. She's also been a beloved member of the OFP Daycare and Boarding family for years.

Abigail definitely made Santa's nice list! And there's only one thing she's got her eye on for Christmas, more tennis balls!

12/20/2024

Tis the season for comfort (especially when there’s a couch around), joy, and wet puppy kisses for our Elf on a Shelf, Holly!😘

12/19/2024

What a satisfying day! Full of adventures, but still enough time to pose for some adorable photos too. Moments like these remind us of the simple joys and the connections that make life special. Here’s to more adventures and cute photo ops ahead! Enjoy these sweet moments and have a great night friends and pawrents.💖

12/18/2024

Look at these smiles! 😃 These pups are spreading the holiday joy, and truly making the season bright!

12/18/2024

Welcome to Waggin' Wednesday friends and pawrents!🐾 It's crunch time for our Elf on the Shelf, Holly, and she's busy getting to know all our furry friends. And some of these pups are feeling a little bit more naughty - than nice. Plus, the reindeer games are in full swing!

12/17/2024

Looks like someone "lined-up" the perfect photo bomb behind her brother. Pretty sneaky sis! 📸😂

12/16/2024

Medical Monday – When It Rains, It Pours!

We've had some very intense rain over the past few days in the Bay Area! 🌧️ Here are a few tips for walking your pup in the rain:

Take it Slow – If your pup isn’t a fan of the rain, go slow. Use a soft, encouraging voice, give lots of praise, and gradually increase the distance. Make it a positive experience!

Dress for the Weather – Wear weather-appropriate and visible clothing for both you and your pooch. Reflective gear can make a huge difference when visibility is low.

Avoid Your Pup Drinking from Puddles – Not every puddle is clean! Dirt, debris, and oils can collect in standing water, and leptospirosis (a bacterial infection) can be contracted if your pup drinks from it. Make sure they don’t lap up rainwater!

Dry and Rinse Muddy Paws – If your pup isn’t wearing rain booties, make sure to dry and rinse off those muddy paws before heading back inside.

Stay Away from High-Traffic Areas – Avoid busy streets or places where cars may be splashing. Keep your walk safe and calm.

Stay Safe in Lightning – If there’s any sign of lightning, stay indoors until it passes. Lightning can strike even if the storm seems far away, so always err on the side of caution.

Enjoy the Moment – Once the storm passes, get back outside and enjoy the fresh air! Outdoor time together is a great way to bond, appreciate the rain, and soak up some clean, crisp air.

Rain or shine, enjoy the adventure—and stay safe out there! ☔🐾

12/13/2024

Happy Friday! Who's ready for the weekend? Woof!🐾🎉

12/13/2024

Our friends are the gift that keeps on giving all year long—making us smile, laugh, and even making our hearts grow three sizes bigger like The Grinch. And that’s saying a lot, since our kennel techs already have such big, amazing hearts! 💖💖💖

12/12/2024

The elf is off the shelf! And in the play yard! You’d think with Holly around, everyone would be on their best behavior. But she's really brought out our friends' playful spirits and inspired a few shenanigans too. But isn't that part of the holiday fun? 🎉

12/12/2024

We heard OFP Daycare and Boarding's Elf on the Shelf, Holly, will be making an appearance tomorrow. In the meantime, she's asked Echo to check in on her friends and report if they've been "naughty or nice." We're happy to report Echo's put everyone on the "nice" list ... so far😂

Goodnight friends and pawrents, until tomorrow!

12/11/2024

Our friends definitely know how to spread the joy of the pawliday season!💖

12/11/2024

Tongue Out Tuesday: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. "On Donner, On Dasher, On Jingle-Belle!"🎅🎄🐾🔔

12/09/2024

Mentoring Monday: As we approach the busy holiday season, it's important to remember that the holidays can be a time of increased interaction between children and dogs. With new sights, sounds, and extra energy in the house, these interactions can be very stressful for our furry family members.

To help ensure both a child and dog have safe, positive experiences together, please take a moment to review these important safety guidelines. Please, please, PLEASE conduct a training session with the kids in your life before the holidays.

👉 No direct eye contact – Dogs may feel threatened by prolonged or intense eye contact.
👉 No leaning over the dog – Leaning in can be perceived as a sign of aggression.
👉 Approach with a hand out – Let the dog sniff your hand before petting. It builds trust and comfort.
👉 Start by scratching under the chin – Dogs typically prefer this over head scratches, which can feel intimidating.
👉 Respect the dog’s body language – If the dog’s posture is stiff, don’t approach. They may be stressed or frightened.
👉 Never hug a strange dog – Hugs can feel restraining or threatening to a dog, especially if they’re unfamiliar.

This is especially crucial with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We hope this info helps to ensure a safe and happy holiday season for everyone in your family.