Plus 006:

The March Madness Experience

See

It’s Play Time!

Pet selfies abound with your glorious contributions. Thank you for sharing with us!

See more

Hear

NBA Legend… and Kittens? Yep.

Dr. Kevin and Baron Davis take a walk and discuss dreams, leadership, dogs and kittens!

Hear more

Smell

GAME PLAY: Sniff & Seek

Hide your pet’s favorite toy while they are in another room. Let the fun begin.

Smell more

Taste

Basket Ball Bites

These soft, bouncy bites are designed for play days. Pet friendly for dogs and cats!

Taste more

Touch

Love of the Game

Play is not chaos. It’s communication. Here’s a short, fun ritual to play with.

Touch more

6th Sense

Happy Birthday, Pisces!

Your March Pet-o-Scope is here! Discover your Pisces pets’ true nature…

Sense more

Your Q&A

Ask Dr. Kevin Anything!

Every month, Dr. Kevin provides A’s to your pets’ Q’s. Approved by Tux, of course.

Ask more

March Madness is here.

That means an abundance of play, joy abounding (see what we did there?), and baskets full of energy in motion. Yep, we are stretching this theme into overtime.

Spring is here, ish. And with it comes that familiar spark of childlike excitement about what is possible. Everything that has been snuggling and sleeping through winter starts to wake up.

Our pets feel it first.
They stretch longer.
They ask to go out earlier.
They bring us toys with hope in their eyes.

This month at Palms & Paws+, we are celebrating PLAY.

Play as connection. Play as leadership.
Play as a way to become better humans through our relationships with the animals who already know us best.

March Madness, Palms & Paws+ style, begins now.

Hear

The PAWDCAST:

March Madness is HERE

Palms & Paws+ PAWDCAST - Ep. 006 - (running time: 23 mins)

NBA legend, entrepreneur, and two time All Star Baron Davis joins Dr. Kevin this month for the some March Madness fun.

Baron and Dr. Kevin sit down, and yes, Baron somehow makes Dr. Kevin look short (which is saying something), to talk about leadership, impact, and the moment when childhood dreams grew into lives of service.

They talk about discipline and joy.
About movement and mentorship.
About what it means to show up fully for the communities we love.

And of course, Baron shares about his love of dogs (and sometimes cats), because no great story is complete without four legs nearby.

 

Speaking of balls… Starting this month, we are introducing a new segment dedicated to training tips! 

We are joined by professional animal trainer Michael Chill of Animal Services Dog Training.

Michael breaks down the surprising do’s and don’ts of teaching your dog to fetch. SO HELPFUL!

Spoiler alert: Your dog was not necessarily born knowing how to do this!

Have a story or sound bite to share?
Submit it here & we may feature it next month!

Submit Your Pet Sound Bite

See

Community Pet Selfies

 📸  Pet Selfies abound!

Because in every photo, we see it.
The pride.
The personality.
The moment in mid zoomie.

This is what love looks like.

Click on each image to view full size

Submit your pet selfie to be featured next month!

Submit Your Pet Selfie

Smell

The Nose Knows

Game Play: Sniff & Seek

Ever wonder how your dog knows exactly which ball is theirs in a pile of toys?

Scent.

A dog does not see a tennis ball.
They smell their history with it.

Every chase. Every victory lap. Every slobbery celebration.

Cats use scent differently, but just as powerfully.
They rub. They mark. They claim. This toy is mine. This game is ours.

Try this game: Toy Hide and Seek

Hide your pet’s favorite toy while they are in another room.
Let them search.

For dogs, watch the nose work come alive.
For cats, watch curiosity take over.

This game builds confidence, focus, and joy.
It also tires them out in the best way.

Play engages the brain before the body.
That is the secret sauce. When the toy is found, reward them with their favorite treat, then hide it again!

Dog noseDog nose

Taste

Basket Ball Bites

These soft, bouncy bites are designed for play days. Gentle on the stomach, different from our other recipes, and perfect for active moments.

Click here to download your Palms & Paws + recipe and fill your home with love!

Basket Ball Bites (for Cats & Dogs)
 Ingredients:

1½ cups organic oat flour
½ cup organic plain pumpkin puree
¼ cup organic mashed sweet potato
1 tablespoon organic chia seeds
1 tablespoon organic coconut oil, melted
Warm water as needed

Always consult your primary care veterinarian if your pet has food sensitivities or allergies.

Instructions:

  1. Ask your human to preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, adding warm water one tablespoon at a time until a soft dough forms.
  3. Roll dough into small ball shapes.
  4. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  5. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.
  6. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes until set but still soft.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

Serve after play.
Small portions go a long way!

Touch

Love of the Game Ritual

Play is not chaos.
It is communication.

This month, try a short, intentional play ritual.

Set a clear start.
Pick up the toy.
Make eye contact.

Let your pet lead the first move.

For dogs, notice how they invite you in.
For cats, notice how subtle their signals are.

End play gently.
A calm voice.
A soft touch.

This teaches regulation, trust, and respect.

Play that begins and ends with intention builds confidence, not overstimulation.

Fun fact: Structured play helps reduce anxiety and improves impulse control in both dogs and cats.

6th Sense

Pet-o-Scope

Happy Birthday!
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Pisces pets are sensitive, intuitive, and deeply emotional beings.
They feel the room before they enter it. They notice shifts in tone, energy, and attention. These pets thrive when play feels safe, connected, and emotionally attuned.

Pisces dogs play with their whole hearts. Pisces cats are intuitive observers. Understanding their true nature can be the greatest birthday gift of all.

Download your Pisces Pet-o-Scope card and add it to your growing collection.

(we’d love to see if you color it in!)

 

AKA
(Ask Dr. Kevin Anything)

Ask Dr. Kevin!

Dr. Kevin, our head Palms & Paws veterinarian, is here to answer your questions – big and small – from both humans & pets. Thank you for submitting your questions!

Q: How much play is enough for my pet? (Lori, human)
Dr. Kevin: Every pet is different. Look for engagement and joy rather than exhaustion. A good rule is to stop while they are still having fun. This builds trust and respect.

Q: Are balls safe toys? (Suffix, dog)
Dr. Kevin: Choose a size that cannot be swallowed and supervise play. Avoid toys that can break apart. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian for guidance.

Q: Do cats really need play like dogs do? (Monique, cat)
Dr. Kevin: Absolutely. Play allows cats to express natural hunting behaviors, reduces stress, and supports physical and mental health. Indoor cats especially benefit from intentional play.

Q: Is it bad for my dog’s teeth to chew on certain toys? (Thomas, human)
Dr. Kevin: If you cannot bend a toy or make an indentation with your thumb, it may be too hard and could risk a cracked tooth. Some chew toys can support dental health, but selection matters. Ask your veterinarian what is right for your pet.

 

Ask Your Q

5% Paws it Forward

Every Palms & Paws+ membership helps support animals in need. Thank you for being part of a community that believes every pet deserves a forever home and a life full of love.
Receive your gift!Know a pet lover in your life who deserves a unique gift?
Give the gift of Palms & Paws+!

Thank you for playing with us this month. For throwing the ball one more time. For celebrating the buzzer beaters and laughing when the ball rolls under the couch.

Play points count (2 points!).

With full hearts and playful gratitude,
The entire Palms & Paws Pawsse

Please share this with someone who loves pets as much as you do!

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