Shocking! The First Christmas Card Was Scandalous.

The North Pole Pup Parade Holiday Pet Photo Contest!

It’s time to vote for a winner

• One winner will receive a $30 USD digital Amazon gift certificate. That could pay for a new blanket, an upgraded water bowl, or some treats.

• The winner will be chosen by you! Entries are added to this voting website daily. One vote per email and IP address. Real-time vote tallies are displayed after each vote.

• Entries will be accepted through December 15, 2024.

• Voting closes on December 15, 2024.

• The winner will be notified by email on December 16, 2024.

Culture

Cards, Cheers, Controversy: The Tale of the First Christmas Card

Before Christmas cards filled mailboxes (and covered countertops in glitter), there was the first Christmas card - I'm talking about THE first - a revolutionary invention for its time. Picture it: the year is 1843, and Sir Henry Cole, a busy Victorian gentleman with a knack for innovation, was feeling overwhelmed (can anyone relate?). You see, he had a lot of friends and family so writing holiday letters to all of them was basically a full-time job.  

Sir Henry needed a shortcut, and boy, did he find one. He approached artist John Callcott Horsley and said something along the lines of, “Let’s make one card, copy it, and send it to everyone.” The result? A festive illustration of a family enjoying Christmas dinner, framed by good deeds like feeding the hungry. Underneath was the now-iconic phrase: “A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to You.”

It was efficient. It was charming. It was borderline scandalous! Critics clutched their pearls at the card because it included a child sipping wine. But it lived on, and Sir Henry sent out 1,000 copies of that card. It caught on and a new tradition was born. His genius-with-a-hint-of-laziness idea evolved into a global phenomenon. By the late 19th century, improvements in printing technology made Christmas cards affordable for everyone. Designs grew more elaborate, featuring popup trees, jolly Santas, and adorable animals (because who doesn’t love a puppy in a Santa hat? We sure do in our Fido Family!). So the next time you complain about having to sign and address many cards to your friends and family, think of all the exhausting handwriting that Sir Henry Cole's invention saved you. Cheers to that! 🥂

Proud Parent

Paws Up, Dog Parents. 🐾 Join our Fido Family!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! We are glad you like Fido Fly and are part of this community who loves dogs. We would like to introduce you to a newsletter that digs deep into dog topics such as step-by-step training guides and vet-approved health information. Because our community is a dog-loving family, it’s called Fido Family, and gets delivered every Tuesday.

As a special treat, we’re offering an exclusive free trial to the Fido Fly community for a limited time. Don’t miss out. Come see what all the barking’s about.

Access your free trial here.

The thought of sending 1,000 Christmas cards by hand makes me feel tired and old. It’s time for a little “bring back my youth” boost.

Are you too young to think about how you’re aging? Probably not.

Starting in our 30s, some key cellular processes begin to slow down, making us feel tired and weak over time. This decline affects not just our physical strength and endurance, but significantly reduces our quality of life making everyday activities harder to enjoy.

Luckily, scientists have discovered a way to shape how we age. Mitopure®, by Timeline, targets the root cause of this cellular decline and is clinically proven to increase cellular energy, giving our bodies the energy they need to function optimally. The results? Double-digit increases in muscle strength and endurance without any change in exercise.

Take aging into your own hands. Fido Fly readers get 30% off with code NEWSLETTER30 for a limited time, while supplies last.

Cheater, Trained, and Twister

Neighbor therapy: As if from my own dog’s gestures
Now what: So good with the stairs
Interesting strategy: Likely a more efficient way

What’s Wrong With Your Dog?

Brrr-avo to Safety: How to Beat the Cold with Your Pup

Winter is here, and while we’re bundling up in layers, our furry friends need a little extra attention to stay safe in the cold. Let’s break down some tips to keep your pup comfy when the temperature drops.

1. Never Leave Your Dog in a Cold Car. If you wouldn’t sit in the car without a jacket for 20 minutes (who are we kidding - even 10 seconds), don’t expect your dog to either. And no, that blanket you left in the back seat won't cut it. And truly, how about just never leave your dog in a car, period. 

2. Use the Buddy System. Need to run errands? Bring another human along so one of you can stay with your dog in a heated car while the other shops. Aside from a warm car, you can also use a heated car blanket or have it on hand in case it is needed.

3. Dress for the Weather. If you absolutely must travel with your dog, consider a cozy dog sweater or jacket. My dog has coats from a company in Canada that makes coats for humans but they make a small version for pets. Booties can also protect their paws from ice and salt.

4. Plan Pit Stops. Leave your dog at home if your errand list involves long stops. It’s better to let them snooze in a warm, safe spot than to risk the chill.

5. Check the Temps. Always check the weather before heading out. If it’s below freezing, limit your dog’s outdoor exposure altogether.

With that said, cold weather doesn’t have to be a bummer for your pup. Take them for a brisk walk (bundled up), let them romp in the snow briefly, and snuggle up with them at home afterward. No matter how many pictures you want to get of your cute dog playing in the snow, just remember that their comfort and safety come first.  Let’s keep those tails wagging and those noses warm this winter! ❄️

Psst! Does your little one like to receive presents? 

To save you time, we scavenged through over 10,000 items on Amazon to find the best stuff. We were dismayed that many items are already gone so we stocked up in our own store to make sure you can find the perfect gift. We offer two ways to shop here.

And yes, we included a few goodies for you as well. Fido Fly is about boosting happiness for pet parents AND pups.

2025 will be an adventure and so we are planning happiness boosts to get you through with sanity intact. Please help us by sharing what you want from the articles and stories next year.

Chuckle

The fib is A. Sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins. By slowing their heart rates, sloths can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes, compared to a dolphin's 10 minutes. 

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