Pet Corner

Q: What’s a good rainy-day activity for my energetic dog?
A: When it’s too wet to hit the trails here in Madison, indoor games like hide-and-seek with treats, puzzle toys, or short training sessions can help burn off energy. Teaching a new trick is a fun bonding activity that also keeps your dog mentally sharp!

Q: How do I help my pet deal with storms or fireworks?
A: Many pets here in Madison struggle with loud booms, especially during spring storms or event fireworks. Create a safe space with their bed, favorite toys, and soft music. Products like calming vests or pheromone diffusers or supplements can also help. And if anxiety is severe, consult your vet for treatment options.

Q: What's the best way to prep my yard for a pet-safe spring season?
A: As we head into gardening season here in Madison, make sure your yard is pet-friendly. Avoid toxic plants like azaleas, lilies, and sago palms. Opt for pet-safe mulch (avoid cocoa mulch) and check fences for gaps or weak spots. Flea and tick treatments are essential this time of year, especially with all the greenery and critters emerging.

What's Cooking at Costco

If you're craving a taste of New Orleans right here in Madison, look no further than Beignets & Brew, located at 12120 County Line Road, Suite C. This charming café serves up hot, fluffy beignets dusted with powdered sugar, bringing a bit of the Big Easy to our backyard.​

Their menu features classic beignets as well as specialty options like Nutella, Cinna-Swirl, and Turtle beignets. For those who prefer bite-sized treats, they offer 24-count and 72-count boxes of beignet bites, perfect for sharing with your krewe.​

Pair your sweet treat with one of their signature coffee drinks, such as the Biscoff Cookie Butter Latte or the Matcha Lavender Bliss. If you're in the mood for something cooler, try their frozen lattes or smoothies. And for a unique twist, their Power Fizzies offer a plant-based energy boost with flavors like Blue Razz Sour Apple.

Beignets & Brew is open Monday through Thursday from 6 AM to 9 PM, Friday from 6 AM to 10 PM, Saturday from 7 AM to 10 PM and Sunday from 7 AM to 9 PM. Whether you're looking for a morning pick-me-up or an evening indulgence, it's a delightful spot to satisfy your sweet tooth.​

For more information or to place an order online, visit their website.

Spring Flowers And...

Spring in Madison brings more than just flowers... it also kicks off nesting season for native birds like cardinals, bluebirds, and mockingbirds!

If you’re a backyard bird enthusiast, now’s the perfect time to clean out your birdhouses or hang a new one. Make sure it’s placed in a quiet, shaded spot away from predators. Adding a birdbath or shallow dish of water will also attract visitors to your yard.

And here's a fun local tidbit: Madison sits right along the migratory path for dozens of bird species, so keep an eye out for colorful spring visitors like the indigo bunting or scarlet tanager. If you want to help them out, consider planting native species like coneflowers, bee balm, or black-eyed Susans... they’re beautiful and bird-friendly!

Are You Prepared?

When severe weather strikes, early warnings can save lives. That’s why every household in Madison should have a Midland Weather Radio. This device provides instant alerts from the National Weather Service, even when power or cell service is down. With features like automatic severe weather updates and a battery backup, you’ll stay informed about tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flash floods. Here in Alabama, where unpredictable weather is common, having a Midland Weather Radio on hand offers peace of mind and essential protection for your family. Don’t wait until the next storm to get prepared! We've been hearing that they continue to sell out at local stores. Order yours today.

You can go here for instructions on how to set it up.

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- Robert

The NOAA weather channel number for Madison, Alabama is 162.400 MHz.