Decorate With Us!

Creating a Safe, Cozy Holiday Home for Pets

By Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit (with a little help from Meowmie, Dr. Azure Holland)

Hello, friends! It’s us — Pecan Pie and Blueberry Biscuit.
We are the official holiday decorating supervisors in our house. The holidays begin the moment the storage boxes appear… and so do we.

We know your pets are probably just as curious as we are. So we wanted to share a few tips — from a pet’s-eye view — on how to decorate for da holidays in a way that feels safe, calm, and cozy for everyone.

1. Begin With a Calm, Cozy Environment

Before you hang even one ornament, your pets are already taking it all in. Boxes. Tape. Furniture moving. New smells. It’s a lot.

For cats like us:

We love a designated perch nearby — a soft blanket, window seat, or cat tree where we can watch the action unfold..
A favorite toy or scratcher helps us redirect our zoomies away from the tree.
Let us supervise from a safe distance; we’re very good at su-purr-vision.

For dogs:

A long-lasting chew or snuffle mat keeps them happily busy while you rearrange things.
Let them stay where they can see you but not be underfoot (or under-tree).
Senior or anxious pups may appreciate a quiet, cozy corner.

A calm setup helps us feel safe before the big, sparkly tree even arrives.

2. Bringing the Tree Inside — Without Pets Sneaking Out

When the tree comes through the door? That’s chaos… and we love it. But it’s also the perfect moment for a cat or dog to slip outside.

Here’s how to keep us safe:

Create a Pet “Holding Zone”
Before opening the door, tuck us into a comfy room with:

A favorite bed or blanket
A familiar toy
Maybe a treat puzzle or chew
Soft background music

Use Barriers Wisely
A baby gate or exercise pen adds an extra layer of security between us and the open door.

Give Us a Job (Enrichment) Before Tree Time

Dogs: snuffle mat, frozen Kong, or chew
Cats: a quick play session, lick mat, or our favorite a Churu snack

Tired brains = less interest in door-dashing.

Teamwork Helps
If one human carries the tree and another keeps an eye on us, everyone wins.

Keep ID & Microchips Updated
More visitors, more deliveries, more open doors — updated tags and microchips are an important backup.

When the tree is finally inside and the door is closed, don’t forget to tell us we’ve been dis very good helpers. Treats appreciated.

3. Christmas Tree Safety Once It’s Inside

The tree is up. The room smells different. Everything is new. We notice.

For cats:

Please anchor the tree so it doesn’t tip if we investigate.
Avoid putting chairs or tables right next to the tree — they become perfect launch pads.
If you have a live tree, cover the water or skip additives; we shouldn’t be drinking from it.

For dogs:

Many dogs love to sneak sips of tree water — a secure cover is best.
Tuck away dangling cords so they’re not chew toys.
Sweep up fallen needles often so they don’t get stuck in paws or tummies.

Whether the tree is real or artificial, stability + supervision = happy, safe holidays.

4. Ornament Safety: What to Use & What to Skip

We admit it: shiny, dangly, jingly things are… irresistible and sometimes our paws can’t help but play.

Safer Choices:
✔️ Shatterproof ornaments on lower branches
✔️ Lightweight decorations that won’t hurt if they fall
✔️ Secure hooks that don’t pop off easily

Best to Avoid at Pet Height:
✖️ Tinsel (especially dangerous for cats if swallowed)
✖️ Fragile glass ornaments at tail-level
✖️ Edible ornaments like salt dough or popcorn garlands

Put heirloom and delicate ornaments higher on the tree, where they can sparkle safely out of paw’s reach.

️ 5. General Holiday Décor Safety

Once the tree is done, the rest of the house starts to sparkle too — and we notice all of it.

Flameless Candles, or Real Candles Out of Reach
Real flames are scary (and dangerous around tails, whiskers, and curious noses). Flameless candles give the same cozy glow.

Hide or Secure Electrical Cords
Especially if you live with a puppy or a cat who likes to chew, tucking cords away keeps everyone safe.

Go Easy on Strong Scents
Potpourri, simmer pots, and some essential oils can bother our airways or make us feel sick.

Place Tabletop Décor Out of Reach
If it’s glittery, chewable, or breakable, assume we will investigate. Higher shelves and secure placements help us all enjoy the décor without accidents.

From our paws to yours:
Decorating doesn’t just make things beautiful — it makes your home feel like a purr-fect nest. With a little planning, you can keep it festive and safe… so we can all curl up together and enjoy the glow.

Love,
Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit

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

Dr. Azure Holland has been reappointed by NC Governor Roy Cooper

Update: August 2024, Dr. Holland has been elected and reelected President of the board July 2022, 2023, 2024 and reappointed by Gov Cooper July 2023.

Raleigh, NC – On July 1, 2018 Dr. Azure Holland, owner of Azure Holland Mobile Veterinary Service was appointed by North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper to the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board.

The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB), a state regulatory and consumer protection agency, was created in 1903 by an act of the State Legislature. Their mission is to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the people and animals of North Carolina.

The Board is responsible for governing the practice of veterinary medicine. Its primary responsibilities are examination of applicants, issuing and renewing licenses/registrations, formal complaints, practice name approvals, and inspections of all veterinary practices throughout the State.

The Board consists of eight (8) members; these members are appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore, and the Commissioner of Agriculture.

“It is such an honor to be appointed and I look forward to serving the people and animals of North Carolina.” Dr. Azure Holland

About Dr. Azure Holland
Dr. Azure Holland is from Bailey – a small town in Eastern North Carolina. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Animal Science and attended the University of Tennessee Veterinary School, graduating in 2007. Dr. Holland has been in private practice in the Triangle area since that time.

About Azure Holland Mobile Veterinary Service
Azure Holland Mobile Veterinary Service focuses only on in home pet euthanasia and veterinary hospice. We believe this is the most compassionate option for pets because it offers the comfort and familiarity of home for dogs or cats as well as privacy for families. Because comfort, familiarity, and family mean everything. Once you have made the difficult decision to let your pet pass on peacefully, our doctors can provide the kindest and most compassionate way to say goodbye.