Zapponians love their pets, so much so that we held a Pet Photo Contest to show off our furry best friends. If you follow us on our Facebook page, you know that we even feature customers’ pets as “Fan of the Week”.

So without further ado, here are the adorable winners for each category:

Most “Zappified” Pet:

Fiona B. and her Chihuahua pups Ozzie (left) and Bell (right)

Funniest Pet Photo:

Megan R. w/her high-fiving dog, Savannah

Pet-Owner Look-Alike:

Kiersten and Kohta

Clockwise: Rocky, Fiona, Fiona with her new mom and dad: Pam and Jerry!

We had a special treat today here in the office. The Animal Foundation brought in five adorable dogs that need a forever home.  We also had a Pet Photo Contest among our employees and will share the cute and furry winners on the blog soon!

1. Oakley Ribbed Tank Top, 2. Nike Rally 2 Graphic Capri, 3. My Minis!!!,  4. UGG Rylan Slippers, 5. Lacoste Striped Jersey Robe

Sometimes there’s nothing I enjoy more than a nice, quiet day at home with my Minis (my two adorable doggies!). When I’m just lounging at home, comfort is an absolute must! Give me a comfy pair of sweatpants, cozy slippers, a cotton tank, a soft robe to bundle up in, and of course, my Minis, and I’m one happy girl!

What are your plans for this weekend?

I considered myself a mom long before I found out I was pregnant.  While these “kids” of mine are covered in fur, they are no less important to me. For the last four years, I have been owned by two great dogs – an Italian Greyhound named Ava and a Spaniel mix named Jackson. They have taught me so much about caring for another living being, that I credit them for making me into the mother my soon-to-be-born son is going to have.

As this is my first pregnancy, there has definitely been an adjustment period for all of us – dogs included. There are new routines and new ways of doing things that everyone had to get used to. While I believe my dogs are quite in tune with me, it’s hard to make them understand what all these changes mean. They still have demands and they still have needs that I need to tend to while trying to navigate all the changes that are happening with me. It can be hard to balance it all, but it is possible!

Here are my five tips for balancing pregnancy and pet ownership:

1. Know that your pets know. My dogs knew I was pregnant before I did. I was wondering why their personalities changed so drastically (Jackson became very clingy to me and Ava became very playful – out of character for her) and when I found out I was pregnant, I realized the change came at the same time. You won’t fool your pets – they will know a huge change is coming.
2. Allow for some sniffing. As your pets realize there are changes occurring with you, they will try to use their best sense – their sense of smell – to get themselves acquainted with the new you. While it may seem awkward to allow your dogs to sniff you all day long, it’s how they learn and it’s important for their adjustment.
3. Have patience. Pregnancy brings a lot of hormonal changes and your patience may be in short supply, but if you are to have patience with anything, let it be your pets. They are going to be a bit anxious sensing the changes and not knowing exactly what is to come next. Losing your patience with them will make the adjustment that much harder.
4. Incorporate pets into an exercise regime. Pregnancy fatigue can cause you to want to do nothing but sleep, but that is not the healthiest of decisions. Pets – dogs, especially – can force you to get up and get some exercise. Use them to help you stay healthy.
5. Start new routines early. Things are going to change when the baby comes, that is undeniable. You can help ease everyone into the new routine by starting it long before the baby forces you into it. For example, if you plan to have the nursery a pet-free zone, start implementing the new rule right away. If you plan to walk the dogs while pushing a stroller, start doing so as soon as you bring the stroller home.

I have been able to really allow my dogs to investigate and acknowledge all the changes that are taking place with me and our family dynamic, and by doing so, they have taken everything more easily that I could have imagined. They still become anxious at times, especially during a new phase of the pregnancy, but with a little patience and understanding, they are able to adjust and take it all in stride.

Next phase: introducing them to the baby they have been sensing for the first time.

*Guest blogger Heather Reynolds is a pet lover and internet journalist at Trupanion, North America’s fastest growing pet insurance company. Trupanion offers 90% coverage of veterinary bills with no payout limits. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they become sick or injured.

Ruff Wear offers a full line of innovative performance dog gear. In addition to collapsible bowls, the company produces a full line of dog-related equipment designed to enhance the interaction between humans and dogs.

"We want to enhance the experience of all dogs and their two legged companions," Patrick says. "We’ve always been oriented toward products that will enhance and assist the interaction between dogs and humans. And that has always been and will continue to be our motivation."

Spoil your fuzzy pets with something new from Ruff Wear. You can find the full line of Ruff Wear products for your furry friends on Zappos.com.

A lot of us have our sweet little pets waiting for us to get home from a long day of work, and there is nothing more wonderful than their excitement to see you!

At Zappos, we take our pet-ownership very seriously ! And we would like you to be able to show your love for your pets, along with your love for Zappos at the same time. Just because your pet lacks a thumb and a bank account, that doesn’t mean that they can’t also be a fan of Zappos, right?

If you take a photo of your pet with some kind of Zappos box, shirt, hat or any kind of Zappos.com gear or schwag, email it to pets@zappos.com and we’ll put it up here:

http://about.zappos.com/our-unique-culture/zappos-furry-customers

Be creative with that kitty or puppy or elephant or aardvark, whatever wild beast that you have, send it over!

Meow! Arf!

Jerry and Liz always try to create a little fun around the office for all their fellow Zapponians, as well as the guests that visit Zappos on a daily basis.

They recently brought their new pets to the office to share with everyone.

At Zappos, we love our pets. And here is a story of the Mayor of Zappos and his new doggy.