Fall Enrichment Idea: The Great Outdoor Leaf Box

“Hello, hoomans! It’s us — Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit — here to tell you about our favorite fall activity: the Great Outdoor Leaf Box.

In the fall, the whole yard turns into dis giant crunchy playground.
Crisp leaves, new smells, sparkly sunlight, cool breezes — everything is exciting for kitty noses and whiskers. Exploring outside gives us:
✨ Sniffy-sniff enrichment
✨ Big brave kitty confidence
✨ Warm sunshine & fresh air
✨ A chance to practice our tiny wild cat moves

We love pouncing through leaves, stalking crunchy sounds, and pretending we are forest tigers (but smaller… and cuter).

And guess what? Enrichment doesn’t have to be fancy — sometimes it’s just stepping outside with your favorite hooman and enjoying the season together.”

Indoor Version — for Our Cozy Couch Lovers:

“But we know not every kitty or pup wants to explore the Great Outdoor Leaf Box. If you prefer to stay warm and snuggly inside, Meowmie can bring dis whole leaf box experience into your home — no breezes, no jackets, no yard patrol needed.”

How to Make an Indoor Leaf Box (Kitty-Approved)

A message from the kitty babies:
“A leaf box is like bringing fall right to your paws. It’s perfect for indoor-only royalty, senior pets, shy babies, or anyone who likes their adventures soft and cozy.”

What You Need:

A shallow box or basket
Clean, dry leaves (from safe, no-chemical spots)
A few favorite toys or treats
Optional: a sprinkle of catnip for maximum joy

How to Set It Up (We Tested It Ourselves):

Gather Safe Leaves
Meowmie should pick only dry, clean leaves — no moldy or stinky ones, please.
Fill the Box Lightly
Just a few inches! Enough crunch for fun, but not so deep we disappear like tiny woodland creatures.
Add Fun Surprises
Hide some treats, toys, or a crinkle ball.
For our doggie friends: a mini chew or scent item works great.
For cats: catnip or silvervine = yes please.
Let Us Explore
Put the box somewhere calm. We’ll sniff, dig, crunch, and investigate at our own pace.
Keep It Short & Sweet
A few minutes is plenty for older or sensitive babies — enrichment shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
Refresh Often
Swap the leaves every few days to keep things clean and fun.

Why We Love It:

Indoor leaf boxes give pets:
✔ Crunchy, sniffy sensory fun
✔ A safe way to “forage” like a wild cat
✔ Confidence boosts for shy babies
✔ Easy enrichment for older or mobility-limited pets
✔ Cozy seasonal bonding time with our hoomans

“Fall is full of magic,”
— Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit
(Official Leaf Inspectors)

Do your kitty babies love the Great Outdoor Leaf Box too?”

A Meow-lloween Message from Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit

(The official feline correspondents for Azure Holland, A Mobile Veterinary Service)

Hello, spooky friends!

It’s your favorite feline duo — Pecan Pie (the wise, fluffy foodie) and Blueberry Biscuit (the mysterious blue queen of sass). Halloween is creeping closer, and while humans are busy decorating with pumpkins and cobwebs, we’re here to make sure your pets stay safe, cozy, and totally un-spooked.

Because trust us — one unexpected “BOO!” and we’ll be under the bed until Thanksgiving.

1. Keep the Treats for the Humans

We know it’s tempting to share a little candy love, but chocolate and artificial sweeteners like xylitol are a serious no-nofor pets. Even small amounts can be dangerous.
Our tip: Stick to pet-safe goodies! Pecan loves a crunchy cat treat, and Biscuit swears by a little pumpkin purée snack.

2. Watch the Door (and the Monsters Who Knock)

Halloween means doorbells, costumes, and strangers — basically, a cat’s worst nightmare.

Our tip: Give pets a quiet space away from the action. A soft bed, calming music, and maybe a few extra treats will help everyone keep their cool.

If your pet tends to bolt when the door opens, make sure they have up-to-date ID tags and microchips — just in case they decide to join the neighborhood ghost parade.

3. Costume with Care

We’ll admit it — we’ve been known to rock a pumpkin hat or two (for the ‘Gram, obviously). But costumes should never be too tight, restrictive, or itchy.

Our tip: Let your pet try it on early. If they freeze, flop, or give you that look — maybe skip the outfit and go for a festive bow tie or bandana instead.

4. Decorations Can Be Tricky (Literally)

Those flickering candles, string lights, and fake cobwebs are fun until someone (we won’t name names) tries to eat them.

Our tip: Keep décor out of reach, use battery-powered candles, and skip anything with dangling strings that look like toys.

5. Create a Calm Zone

For sensitive pets — especially seniors or those with anxiety — Halloween can feel overwhelming.

Our tip: Create a cozy “safe zone.” Use a familiar blanket, a diffuser with calming pheromones, and maybe even some gentle background noise (our favorite is a “Rainy Cat Nap” playlist).

From Our Porch to Yours

Whether your Halloween plans involve haunted houses or cozy couch cuddles, remember that this night should be fun, not frightful for your furry family.

We’ll be celebrating with a candlelight nap, a warm blanket, and a few pumpkin-flavored cat treats (because obviously, we’re festive).

Stay safe, stay snuggly — and may your night be filled with more treats than tricks!

Love and purrs,
Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit
@pecanpie_and_blueberrybiscuit

Finding Balance in the Skies and at Home

Self-Care in Veterinary Medicine: Finding Balance in the Skies and at Home

By: Dr. Azure Holland

At the very top of my self-care list is connection with my two therapy cats, Pecan Pie and Lady Blueberry Biscuit. No matter how busy or emotionally heavy the day has been, they always bring me back to center. Cats are remarkable companions in that way—they absorb our energy, sense our moods, and ground us with their quiet presence. Simply sitting with them reminds me to breathe, reset, and let go.

In veterinary medicine, compassion is our calling—but it can also take a toll. Long days, emotional goodbyes, and the physical demands of the work can leave even the most dedicated professionals drained. That’s why self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

And this truth isn’t unique to veterinary medicine. Whether you work in healthcare, education, business, or any other demanding profession, self-care is the foundation that allows us to continue showing up with energy, focus, and compassion.

Why Self-Care Matters

Prevents Burnout: Taking intentional breaks allows the mind and body to recover, reducing stress and exhaustion.
Improves Presence: When we’re rested and centered, we can show up fully for patients, clients, and loved ones.
Sustains Compassion: Protecting our own energy prevents compassion fatigue and keeps empathy alive.
Models Healthy Balance: When professionals set boundaries and practice self-care, it empowers teams and colleagues to do the same.

Flying as Active Meditation

Alongside time with my cats, one of my other favorite forms of self-care is flying.

When I’m in the cockpit, there’s no space for worrying about what’s for dinner or running through the to-do list. Flying demands full focus. It’s about survival, discipline, and presence.

Pilots have a saying: “Fly the plane.”

It’s a simple yet profound reminder that no matter what distractions or stressors are pulling at you, your first priority is the task at hand. For me, that singular focus becomes a form of active meditation. The hum of the engine, the stretch of horizon, the rhythm of the sky—it’s where I find my balance.

Bringing Self-Care Into Everyday Life

You don’t have to be a pilot or live with therapy cats to find this kind of grounding presence. Here are some simple ways to bring self-care into your daily routine:

Take micro-breaks: Step outside, stretch, or breathe deeply—even a few minutes can reset your perspective.
Move your body: A walk, yoga, or light exercise helps release tension.
Seek connection: Pets, loved ones, or community can restore your spirit.
Hold boundaries: Protect your downtime just as seriously as your work commitments.
Practice mindful focus: Try an activity that demands your full attention—gardening, painting, cooking—something that keeps you present.

A Final Thought

In caring professions—and in life—it’s easy to pour endlessly into others until we’re empty. But when we protect our own energy and well-being, we’re able to give more freely, more joyfully, and more sustainably.

For me, that means curling up with Pecan Pie and Lady Blueberry Biscuit, or remembering to “fly the plane.”

For you, it may look different—but whatever restores your center, make space for it. Because taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to care for others.

Additional Resources you may enjoy

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About By: Mel Robbins

Epsoak Epsom Salt

Foot Roller

Face Mask Ice Pack

Pecan Pie’s Tips for Surviving the Holidays. Literally.

This time of the year more than most I hear a lot of my friends having to make unnecessary trips to the Vet’s office which is not a fun place most of the time, however, since my Meowmie works there, I don’t mind visiting.

The tree is a lot of fun and many friends have had trouble keeping away from those light cords. I have asked my parents to unplug the cord just to be safe while they are out.

My Meowmie tells me that during the holidays she sees more ingested items such as ornaments, parts of presents and other decorations which can lead sick pets and expensive treatments and surgeries. To keep me safe she doesn’t put anything ingestible on or under the tree.

I personally love this time of the year most for new food items to sample, but I am told they are not good for me and that I need to stick to my cat food. Human food can be high in sugar, salt and fats and can lead to tummy aches, diarrhea and pancreatitis. My Meowmie knows that I’m happiest when I’m feeling well.

So stay safe out there, and resist all efforts to be put in a costume! As you can see I have not been successful.

By Pecan Pie (with interpretation from my Meowmie Dr. Holland)