The ONIE’s Team Walking Soul Mates, and a Turtle Too!

Pets provide a variety of health benefits. Yup, these animals improve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Benefits range from keeping us active to connecting with other people.

For us at ONIE and our families, our dogs are walking and running soul mates. Meredith, Stephanie, Susie and I always have a buddy to go for a run or walk with us; they are always there for support. Having Beju motivates me to get outside when I just don’t quite feel like it; I know that he needs the exercise. Afterwards, I feel better. If I go in the morning, I feel focused and ready for my day. In the evening, it helps me wind down. Pets are not just walking soul mates for us at ONIE. Research has shown that children and adults who have dogs spend more time doing moderate to vigorous physical activity than those without dogs.          

Yall, Meredith & Jessie love a 5K!

Pets make it easier to connect with other people, and the neighborhood where we live. Our pets lead us into conversation with strangers, and foster feelings of mutual aid. During the tornado season last spring, a neighbor knocked on my door. He and his wife invited me and my pets to join them in their storm shelter. We did not “know” each other but were familiar because we passed each other on the street walking our dogs. We are good friends now. We also venture into places where we might not go because of our pets such as the neighborhood park, a dog park, or the lake.

We form a bond with our pets; pets of any kind, even turtles. Jade takes Porkchop, her pet turtle, on turtle walks. It is hard to even explain the attachment but we talk about our pets, we talk to our pets, and change our schedules to meet their needs. Spending time with pets has a calming effect. This bond is powerful. It reduces feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety, leading to lower blood pressure and risks of heart disease. While I don’t think about these health conditions on a regular basis, every day I enjoy the bond that I have with my pets.

Spring is approaching, and there is no better time to adopt a pet. There are pets of all kinds and sizes that are ready to become a member of your family. Check out your local animal shelter for more information. Here are a few in the Oklahoma City area: Oklahoma City,  Midwest City, Edmond, Moore, and Norman.

My beloved, Beju ,was adopted

Karla and the ONIE Project team. 

Fast and Fun Valentine Treats!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, 9 days to be exact. It is a special time to show the people we love how important they are to us. Everyone likes to feel special.  Showing love and affection are great ways to boost children’s self-esteem.  The ONIE Project Team has been working on some ideas to show the ones you care about how they are special on America’s favorite love holiday, Valentine’s Day.

Baggies of Love!

It is simple, easy, and creative. You and your family can do together.  It is as easy as filling a small plastic baggie with healthier treat and attaching a note. The note can have a theme that matches the gift. Popcorn, pretzels, animal crackers, or peanuts are great bag stuffers.

Materials, tools, and ingredients:   

Snack size baggies
Colored paper or stickers
Scissors
Marker
Tape

Instructions:

1. Fill each baggie with treats and seal.
2. Cut colored paper into 6” x 6” size strips
3. Fold in half
4. Write favorite theme with marker
5. Flip paper over and add To: & From:

Taping the note to the bag is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4… that is 4 pieces of tape. 

1. Put a small piece of tape on paper and attach to side of the bag
2. Repeat on the other side of the paper
3. Place the side that is not taped against the other side of the bag
4. Tape the two sides of paper together

 

ONIE Project Note Themes!

Popcorn themes: Popping with Love To a POP-ular kid My heart pops for you I don’t mean to be corny, but will you be my valentine	Nut themes: You hold me together like nuts and bolt Nutting will stop me from loving you I might be part squirrel… because I’m nuts about you I will crunch all the bad guys for you
Animal Crackers themes: Wild about you You drive me wild I like you from A to Zebra, Valentine	Pretzel themes: Let’s stick together Valentine Our class (Or My life) would Knot be the same without you I like you a bunch

These quick treat bags will be a big hit with your child or at school; Much more popular than a card, and you have helped your family and your child’s friends by giving a more nutritious option than candy.

Affectionate Fruits!

 Welcome back your child from school with a nutritious snack and a lovely note. For this craft, you’ll need the fruit of your choice and the same materials and tools as above, except for the small baggies.

Instructions:

Cut colored paper into various sizes and shapes (for example, hearts, rectangles, squares)
Write favorite theme with marker
Tape the paper to the fruit

Fruit themes:

I like you berry much
I go bananas over you
You drive me banana
“Orange” you glad you’re my valentine
You’re plum perfect
You’re the apple of my eye
We make the perfect pear
I love you no matter how you “slice it”

Happy Valentine’s Day y’all!

Veronica and the ONIE Project Team