LSUS basketball players donned red Santa Claus hats and spread holiday cheer with presents up and down the halls of St. Mary Pediatric Hospital on Tuesday. The fluffy white tops of some hats nearly scraped the ceiling – James Ellis is 6-foot-11 and Kenyal Perry is  6-foot-6 – but all of the LSUS men and women likely appeared like giants to the children at St. Mary. 

Blankenship was asked how the team was playing by one father – the Pilots are 7-0 and ranked No. 7 nationally headed into Thursday’s road trip to Our Lady of the Lake (Texas). Blankenship wanted to send the family tickets to a game once his daughter’s health improved. 

Senior guard Jalen King, who is in his first season as a Pilot, said he enjoyed an event where the men’s and women’s teams can spend time together off the court. 

“It feels good to give back in times like this,” King said. “I know I’d love this if I were in a hospital room, and it’s great to be able give something because there are kids out there who might not get a Christmas present. 

“It’s also a great opportunity to build chemistry with our team and with the women’s team. I love this opportunity to help build that.” 

A pair of LSUS women’s basketball players join men’s basketball coach Kyle Blankenship as they visited a 13-year-old patient at St. Mary Pediatric Hospital on Tuesday.

By HAILEY LAWSON

Get ready for a howling good time because Halloween is the perfect holiday to dress up our furry friends in silly, funny, and scary costumes. Whether you own a dog or a cat, dressing them up in costumes is always a delightful treat. From bats to pumpkins to sharks, there are endless possibilities for turning your pets into the life of the party. Not only does it add to the fun and craziness of Halloween, but it also gets your four-legged family members involved in the festivities. With a broad range of costumes available in various styles and sizes, you can transform your Persian kitty into a precious princess and your Labrador into a magnificent lion.

Did you forget to order a Halloween costume for your pet? Don’t worry, here are some easy DIY pet costume ideas that you can whip up in no time:

DIY CAT COSTUME: Give your friendly feline a flower face with this simple DIY project. All you need is felt material, scissors, elastic, and glue. Measure your cat’s head circumference and cut a piece of elastic to fit comfortably around their head. Cut colorful felt petals about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide and glue them onto the elastic in a flower pattern. With treats in hand, try the flower on your cat and watch them bloom.

DIY DOG COSTUME: Transform your dog into a batty pup with these DIY bat wings. You’ll need black felt, a wire coat hanger, a piece of wide material for a strap, and glue. Cut two pieces of black felt in the shape of bat wings and a piece of the coat hanger to fit between them. Place the wire between the two wing pieces and glue them together to make one side. Repeat for the other side. Glue the wings together on the wide material strap and fasten around your pet’s chest. Your Batdog is now ready for a trip in the Batmobile.

It’s always fun to dress up your pet for Halloween, but it’s important to make sure they’re comfortable and safe in their costume. Your furry companion will be the cutest pumpkin in the patch with their new attire! Happy Halloween to you and your spooky pal!

By HAILEY LAWSON

As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to live happy and healthy lives. One important aspect of their well-being is environmental enrichment. Environmental enrichment refers to the process of providing animals with stimulating environments that promote their mental and physical health. It’s especially important for cats and dogs, as they spend most of their lives indoors. Many pet parents believe that food, water, and shelter is enough for their pets. However, just like humans, our four-legged friends need mental stimulation to thrive.

Here are some key points to consider when it comes to the importance of environmental enrichment for pets.

Mental Stimulation

Just like humans, pets need mental stimulation to stay sharp. Providing them with interactive toys, puzzles, and games can help keep their minds active and engaged. For cats, consider getting a scratching post or a cat tree to climb on. For dogs, try playing fetch or hiding treats around the house for them to find.

Physical Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health in pets. Dogs need daily walks and playtime to keep them physically fit, while cats benefit from toys that encourage them to run and jump. You can also consider taking your dog to a dog park or teaching your cat how to walk on a leash outside.

Stress Relief

Pets can experience stress and anxiety just like humans. Environmental enrichment can help reduce stress levels by providing them with a sense of security and comfort. For example, cats may feel more secure if they have multiple hiding spots around the house, while dogs may benefit from having a designated space where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed.

Behavioral Issues

Environmental enrichment can also help prevent and alleviate behavioral issues in pets. Dogs that are prone to destructive chewing may benefit from having plenty of chew toys available, while cats that are prone to scratching furniture may be more likely to use a scratching post if it’s placed in a prominent location.

Overall Well-Being

Ultimately, the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of our pets depends on environmental enrichment. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our cats and dogs have everything they need to thrive – and environmental enrichment is a key part of that. With a little imagination and effort, you can promote a healthy and joyful life for your pet.

Here are a few reasons why someone might consider getting a dwarf hamster as a pet:

Small size
Dwarf hamsters don’t take up a lot of space, making them a good option for people who live in small apartments or people who don’t have a lot of extra space in their homes.

Lifespan
They have a relatively short lifespan of about 2-3 years, although some may live longer with the correct care.

Low-maintenance
Dwarf hamsters are relatively low-maintenance pets, making them a good choice for someone who wants a pet but doesn’t have a lot of extra time. They don’t require daily walks or grooming like some other pets, and they’re generally self-sufficient.

Entertaining
Dwarf hamsters are cute and fun to watch, especially when they’re running on their wheel or playing with toys. They can provide entertainment and companionship for their owners.

Affordable
Compared to some other types of pets, dwarf hamsters are relatively affordable to purchase and care for. They don’t require expensive equipment or specialized diets, and their veterinary care is typically less expensive than that of larger pets.

Educational
Caring for a dwarf hamster can be an educational experience, especially for children. They can learn about the responsibility of pet ownership, as well as the behaviors and habits of these interesting little animals.

Ultimately, if you’re considering getting a dwarf hamster as a pet, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re prepared to provide them with the care and attention they need to thrive. This medium-maintenance pet is a wonderful option when making the big decision to get a pet. But remember, they are active creatures, meaning that they love to explore and play, and they thrive in an interactive environment. This means you will be an essential part of their life and they will develop a relationship with you. They are small, adorable, and entertaining animals that can fill life with extra fun, joy, and companionship.