The Holmstead

05/15/2026

04/16/2026

Our “chicks” are big girls now! 😍 And yes, she is standing on me. Lol

04/03/2026

Pretty pictures from today. 🥰 Feel so blessed to be able to live here!

04/01/2026

“Xylitol is now being labeled as birch sugar.”

Sounds harmless, right?
Almost… natural.

That’s what makes it scary.

Because while it’s fine for us
for dogs, it’s extremely toxic.

Even small amounts can cause:
• Rapid drop in blood sugar
• Weakness, vomiting, seizures
• In severe cases… liver failure

And here’s the part most people don’t realize
it’s showing up in more places than ever:

Peanut butter
“Sugar-free” snacks
Protein bars
Gum, mints
Even some baked goods

Sometimes it won’t say xylitol at all.
Just “birch sugar.”

So here’s your quick rule:
If you see birch sugar → treat it like xylitol → keep it far away from your dog.

We check every label.
Because what looks like a small ingredient…
can make a big difference for the ones we love most

If this is new to you, you’re not alone share this with another dog parent who needs to know.

03/29/2026

5 years difference! Love our olives and redish browns we have now 😍💚🤎
Always chasing that egg rainbow! 🌈