Tag: raleigh nc

The 12 Days of Togetherness

By Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit

Holiday rituals don’t have to be big or fancy. From where we sit (usually somewhere soft), dis most meaningful moments are the quiet, familiar ones we share with you.

We thrive on routine, presence, and togetherness. The little traditions you create with us become comforting anchors year after year.

The 12 Days of Togetherness

Simple, heartfelt rituals that make the holidays warmer for pets and people alike.

✨ A Holiday Light Ride

One of our favorite rituals is going to see the Fieldstream Farm Christmas Lights.

Every season, Meowmie bundles us up, turns on da Christmas playlist, and drives us slowly through glowing displays.

Blueberry Biscuit curls into Meowmie’s lap like she’s settling in for a beditime story.
Pecan Pie watching every twinkle, whiskers forward and focused.

The window opens just a crack so we can smell the cold winter air.
The music plays.
The lights dance.                                                            

And the world feels soft and peaceful.

It’s not extravagant. It’s not complicated.

But it’s ours — a shining moment of togetherness.

✨ Day 2: Candlelight Story Night

Turn down the lights, switch on flameless candles, and read a holiday story while we curl up beside you.
We don’t need to understand the words — we feel the calm in your voice.

✨ Day 3: Holiday Music Snuggle Sessions

Soft music, warm laps, no agenda. Even five minutes of just being togetherness can reset everyone.

✨ Day 4: Pet-Friendly Treat Baking Day

While human cookies bake, whip up a simple pet-safe snack. We will gladly volunteer to taste-test.

✨ Day 5: Nightly “Tree Time”

Sit with us by the tree each night.
Lights glowing. Paws tucked. Deep breaths.
Dis is where the season settles in your heart.

✨ Day 6: First Frost Morning Walk

Perfect for dogs and adventure kitties.
A slow sunrise stroll or stroller ride on da first frosty morning — crisp air, new smells, shared wonder.

✨ Day 7: A Yearly “Memory Moment” Photo

Not posed — just a real-life snapshot:
a nap by the tree, a window gaze, a couch cuddle.
A tiny moment that becomes a sweet keepsake.

✨ Day 8: Bedtime Gratitude Ritual

A gentle ear rub or brushing while you think about what you love about us.
We feel every ounce of that love.

✨ Day 9: A Small Gift to Open Together

A simple toy wrapped in tissue paper is more than enough.
It’s the shared excitement that makes it magic.

✨ Day 10: Morning Coffee & Cats

A warm drink, a porch or window, and us by your side before the day speeds up.
A soft start to a bright day.

✨ Day 11: Let Us “Help” With Holiday Cards

If we sit on your envelopes or rest a nose on your arm…
we’re adding our artistic flair. You’re welcome.

✨ Day 12: Starry Night Pause

Step outside with us for a quiet moment under the winter sky.
Bundle up, hold us close, and breathe in dis cold night air together.
The stillness, the stars, the closeness — a perfect final ritual of togetherness.

Why These Moments Matter (From Us)

Holiday magic isn’t hiding in the busiest days or the longest to-do lists.

It’s in the small pauses:
the breath,
the warmth,
the stillness of knowing we’re together.

We don’t need grandeur.
We need presence.
We need you.

The traditions you share with us — big or small — become the memories that glow in your heart long after the season ends.

With love and purrs,

Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit

Paws, Presents & Holiday Traditions

 A Pet-Friendly Guide to the Merriest Season

By Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit (with Meowmie, Dr. Azure Holland)

The holidays at our house start with one sound:
tissue paper. 

As soon as we hear that crinkle, we arrive on the scene — nose-first into the gift wrap container.. Pecan Pie handles ribbon inspection. Blueberry Biscuit is dis head of “quality control,” which mostly means sitting on everything that needs wrapping.

If you share your home with pets, you know we don’t just live in your traditions… We help shape them. Here’s how to keep those sweet moments safe, cozy, and calm for all of us.

1. Pet-Safe Greenery & Holiday Plants

Holiday greenery looks beautiful — but some plants are not our friends.

Plants to Avoid or Place High:

  • Poinsettias – can cause mild tummy upset
  • Holly & Mistletoe – can cause more serious GI issues
  • Amaryllis – can cause vomiting, drooling, tremors
  • Lilies – extremely toxic to cats; even a tiny amount is dangerous

Safer Greenery Options:
✔️ Faux garlands
✔️ Rosemary topiaries
✔️ Pet-safe evergreens placed out of reach
✔️ Simple winter branches or dried oranges

Your home still feels festive, and we stay healthy — a Purr-fect combination.

2. Wrapping Gifts Without Worry

Gift wrapping is… thrilling. So many sounds! So many textures! So many things we think must be toys!

For cats like us:
Ribbon, tinsel, string, and yarn can be very dangerous if swallowed — they can cause serious intestinal problems.

Please:
✔️ Keep them stored securely
✔️ Pick up scraps right away
✔️ Consider fabric ribbons, decorative twine, or simple tissue instead

Pet-safe gift bags mean you still get the “pretty” without the hazards.

(Pecan Pie says: “If it wiggles, I boop it. Plan accordingly.”)

For dogs:
Dogs are gift detectives. They can sniff out food through wrapping paper.

Please keep out from under the tree:

  • Chocolate
  • Sugar-free items with xylitol
  • Raisins, nuts, jerky
  • Food-scented candles or soaps

Store edible gifts higher until it’s time to share them with humans only.

️ 3. Creating a Holiday Zen Space for Pets

We love the excitement… but we also need a break.

Guests. Packages. New smells. Music. Rearranged furniture. It’s a lot for paws and whiskers to process.

That’s where a Holiday Zen Zone comes in — a special, cozy spot where we can retreat, rest, and reset when the festivities feel big.

Build Your Pet’s Holiday Zen Zone:

  • A soft bed or crate in a quiet room
  • A favorite blanket that smells like “home”
  • Fresh water
  • A long-lasting chew or puzzle feeder for dogs
  • A simple toy or scratcher for cats
  • Calming music or white noise
  • Soft or dimmable lighting

For the extra spoiled pets who want to be part of the theme (hi, that’s us), these cozy hideaways make it feel like we’re decorating too — just with more napping.

A holiday scratcher house (like the Target Christmas-themed ones) for us to hide, nap, and scratch

Perfect for:
✔️ Senior pets
✔️ Anxious or noise-sensitive pets
✔️ Pets who need a break during gatherings
✔️ Puppies & kittens who get tired quickly
✔️ Any pet who loves a snuggly hideaway
✔️ The “I deserve my own holiday suite” crowd

A Zen Zone helps us feel grounded and safe — truly one of the best gifts you can give.




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





When Love Guides the Way: Recognizing Pet Cancer and Knowing When It’s Time

Each November during Pet Cancer Awareness Month,

we pause to honor the pets and families who have walked this difficult road. Cancer is something no pet parent ever wants to face, yet it’s more common than many realize — especially as our companions live longer, fuller lives.

At Azure Holland, we’ve helped many families navigate this journey — from the first signs of illness to the most tender goodbye. Understanding what to look for, and when to focus on comfort, can make an major difference in your pet’s quality of life.

 

Recognizing the Subtle Signs:

Cats and dogs can be masters at hiding discomfort. Often, early symptoms of cancer are gentle whispers rather than loud alarms.
Here are some of the signs we encourage families to watch for:

  • Unexplained weight loss or changes in appetite
  • New lumps or bumps, or changes in existing ones
  • Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing
  • Lethargy or decreased interest in play
  • Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move
  • Changes in bathroom habits
  • Unusual odors, bleeding, or discharge

None of these automatically mean cancer — but they are invitations to check in with your veterinarian. Early detection can sometimes open doors to treatment options or simply give you time to prepare and plan for your pet’s comfort.

Focusing on Quality of Life

A diagnosis of cancer is never just medical — it’s emotional, too. It’s natural to want to “fix” things for the ones we love, but sometimes the most compassionate choice is to shift from curing to caring.

Ask yourself gentle questions:

  • Is my pet still finding joy in their favorite things?
  • Are they eating, purring, wagging, or greeting us as they used to?
  • Are their good days still outnumbering the hard ones?

These reflections help you tune into your pet’s needs — and guide decisions with love rather than fear.

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

There comes a moment when medical treatment may no longer bring comfort. This is where end-of-life care — hospice and at-home euthanasia — can provide peace and dignity. Saying goodbye in the comfort of home, surrounded by family, allows pets to rest where they feel safest.

At Azure Holland, we believe this transition can be both gentle and sacred. It’s a time to slow down, wrap them in love, and honor every memory made together. Whether it’s a quiet goodbye on the porch, a final car ride, or one last cheeseburger picnic in the backyard — these moments matter.

You Are Not Alone

Facing a pet’s cancer journey can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our team is here to guide you — with empathy, clarity, and compassion — from diagnosis to goodbye and beyond.

Because every life deserves dignity.
And every goodbye deserves grace.

 

Pet Quality of Life Guide

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer and you’re unsure how to move forward,

reach out for an end-of-life consultation.

Together, we’ll explore your options for comfort care and support you in making the decisions that feel right for your family.



Pet Enrichment & Quality of Life

Simple Ways to Make Every Day Better

Featuring Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit — The Camp Kitties ️

As pet parents, we all want our dogs and cats to live long, joyful lives — full of comfort, curiosity, and connection. “Quality of life” isn’t just about good health or the absence of pain. It’s about creating moments that make tails wag and whiskers twitch.

Recently, my two cats — Pecan Pie and Blueberry Biscuit, affectionately known as the Camp Kitties — joined me on a little camping trip. Watching them explore the great outdoors reminded me how simple enrichment can deeply enhance our pets’ well-being.

1. Enrichment is About Joy, Not Just Toys

Enrichment means offering experiences that engage your pet’s natural instincts — exploring, sniffing, climbing, or simply resting in a new space.

For cats: set up a screened porch tent or window hammock where they can watch birds, listen to crickets, or feel the breeze.

For dogs: vary your walking routes, let them choose the direction sometimes, or hide treats for a little “sniffari.”

At Camp Kitties headquarters (our cozy tent!), Pecan Pie inspected every pinecone while Blueberry Biscuit claimed the softest blanket by the fire. Both were fully present — and that’s what enrichment is: being in the moment.

2. Engage Their Senses

Nature is the world’s best sensory experience.
Smells of pine and earth, the crackle of a fire, the soft rustle of leaves — it’s all enrichment.

At home, try:

  • Scented herbs in a pot (cat-safe ones like rosemary or catnip)
  • For dogs, a rotating “sniff mat” with new smells (lavender, mint, or treats hidden inside)
  • Play gentle sounds of rain or birds for calm days indoors

The Camp Kitties spent hours simply sniffing the breeze — proof that the simplest enrichment can bring the biggest joy.

3. Keep Minds Busy and Hearts Happy

Mental stimulation is as important as physical activity.
Interactive toys, food puzzles, and training games prevent boredom and support emotional health.

Quick ideas:

  • Hide kibble in rolled towels or boxes
  • Create a “camp scavenger hunt” indoors
  • Rotate favorite toys weekly for novelty
  • Teach new cues like “touch” or “spin”

At Camp Kitties HQ, even the zipper pull on the tent became a fascination. When pets problem-solve, their confidence grows — and that’s a beautiful thing to watch.

4. Rest is Enrichment, Too

During our camping trip, I noticed something sweet: between bursts of curiosity, the Camp Kitties curled up and rested deeply.

Sometimes, enrichment means simply giving your pet permission to pause.

Create cozy, safe spaces at home — soft blankets, a sunny window ledge, or a quiet corner free from household noise. Rest helps pets recharge and process all that new stimulation.

5. Quality of Life is Connection

At the heart of it all, enrichment is love in action.
Every cuddle, gentle word, shared adventure, or moment of stillness strengthens the bond we share.

Quality of life isn’t measured in days — it’s measured in the joy within those days.
Whether it’s a car ride, a slow walk, or a cat nap under the stars, our pets remind us: the simple things are the most profound.

From the Camp Kitties’ Corner:

Pecan Pie: “Camping is basically enrichment… with snacks.”

Blueberry Biscuit: “I prefer five-star tent service and a mountain view.”

However you spend your time together — at home or under the stars — know that your love and presence are the best enrichment your pet will ever have.

From the campsite of Dr. Holland and the Camp Kitties

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

A blog from Brad at Paws Remembered Pet Aquamation Service in Knightdale

 A Gentle Farewell for Your Beloved Companion

Losing a pet is one of the most heartbreaking experiences for any pet owner. In such moments, finding a way to honor and cherish the memories of your pet becomes essential. Paws Remembered Pet Aquamation Service offers a compassionate and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation, helping you say goodbye to your furry friend with dignity.

 

 

What is Aquamation?

Aquamation, also known as water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, is a gentle and sustainable process that uses water, low heat, and a small amount of alkali to break down organic materials. Unlike traditional cremation, which uses high heat and can release harmful gases, aquamation is a cleaner, more environmentally responsible option.

During the aquamation process, the pet’s body is placed in a chamber where it is exposed to a mixture of warm water and alkali solution. Over several hours, the body is naturally broken down, leaving behind only bone fragments. These bones are then processed into a fine powder, similar to ashes from cremation, and returned to the pet owner in a keepsake urn.

Why Choose Aquamation?

Aquamation is not only an eco-friendly choice, but it also provides a more gentle way to say farewell to a pet. The process is less traumatic compared to high-heat cremation, ensuring that your pet is treated with the utmost respect and care. Plus, it offers a greener solution, as it uses significantly less energy and produces no harmful emissions.

At Paws Remembered Pet Aquamation Service, we understand the deep bond between pets and their owners. Our team is committed to helping families honor their pets’ lives in a meaningful and respectful manner, making the transition a little easier during such an emotional time.

In a world where sustainability matters more than ever, aquamation offers a beautiful way to give your pet a final rest, all while leaving behind a smaller environmental footprint.



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.