Tips On Traveling With Your Pets

MT.PLEASANT, Mich. – Warmer weather means more time spent in your car, heading on vacation with your family. Sometimes your family includes those of the four-legged variety. Whether it is to the beach, the lake house, the campsite, or just the vet's office, it is always important to make sure that furry-friends are comfortable and stay stress free! Here are some tips on traveling with your pets, to make sure everybody in your family has a safe and enjoyable summer!

• Pack a frozen bowl of water that your pet can lick to keep cool. This is a great way for them to stay hydrated without you having to worry about water spilling all over the car. No mess = happy dog owner! 

• DO NOT leave your pet alone in the vehicle! Even when the windows are left down on a warm day, the temperature inside of a car can rise within a matter of minutes.

• Bring along a comfort item for your pet. A familiar item like their favorite blanket, bone, or toy will help them to relax during a long ride.

• If you're headed out on a long trip, we suggest looking for pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, or dog parks on your route. Just like us, our pets need a break from time to time, so it is important to find locations where you can take them out of the car for a short walk, drink of water, and a snack.

• Heading out on a long road trip? Exercise your pet beforehand! He or she will be much more inclined to rest during the drive, so get out there and play fetch with Fido for a stress free outing!

• If you are headed out on a long journey, be sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations to protect them against any possible threats. Especially if you plan on driving through different climate zones. For example, if you live in the Midwest and you are driving to the South, make sure your dog or cat is up to date on all heart worm and flea/tick medications!

• Dogs and cats should not roam around the vehicle; use a crate, carrier, or harness that can be anchored to the vehicle. This is the best way to avoid distractions for the driver and to protect your pet in the unfortunate event of a crash. 

By following these easy tips, you and your pooch or feline will have a relaxing drive, no matter where you go! Do you have any tips on traveling with your pets that you would like to share? Post them on our Facebook or Twitter, and use the hashtag; #GraffPetTips ! At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.comFollow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube

Why Do Americans Celebrate Cinco De Mayo?

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - Why do Americans celebrate Cinco De Mayo? The Mexican holiday, celebrated on May 5th, is usually thought of as the "Mexican Independence Day", but that is false. The Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th of every year, so what exactly is Cinco De Mayo and why is it a large celebration in the United States?

The holiday in Mexico is called El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (English: the Day of the Battle of Puebla), and surprisingly is only a minor holiday that is celebrated almost entirely in the Mexican state of Puebla. The battle took place in 1862, which was smack dab during the American Civil War going on at the time, and was between the Mexican Army and the French. The French presence in Mexico at the time was a strategic move by Napoleon - by potentially gaining a foothold in Mexico, the French could then support the Confederate Army.

This defeat of the French by the Mexican army though small, was very definitive in the retreat of the French Army from North America at the time.  This gave time for the United States Union Forces to make strategic advances that would lead to their success in the Civil War. Thus Cinco De Mayo can be seen as a turing point in the U.S Civil War, and was first celebrated in Southern California in 1863 as a show of solidarity with Mexico against French rule.

So why do Americans celebrate Cinco De Mayo? Piggybacking off of the celebration of the Day of the Battle of Puebla, many Mexicans living in America also used this day to celebrate their culture, and thus the Americanized Cinco De Mayo celebration was born! We as Americans celebrate by honoring the Mexican culture, celebrating Mexican food, and of course, another excuse to drink all day (similar to St. Patrick's Day).

Does your family celebrate Cinco De Mayo? Do you have any favorite Mexican dishes that your family makes during this Mexican celebration? If so, share them with us on our Facebook wall! At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.comFollow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube

Easy Grilling Recipes

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - Summer is RIGHT around the corner, can you believe it's almost May!? Holy cow! Nothing feels better than inviting over the family and getting out the grill to cook up an amazing meal! Sometimes it is difficult to find new and fresh grilling recipes, so we did the hard work for you. We scoured the Pinterest boards, and found the most mouth watering, easy grilling recipes we could find! 

Grilled Tomatoes with Oregano and Lemon

These look so delicious!

Grilled Salmon Kabobs

Salmon is usually difficult to grill, however this makes it so easy!

Mexican Grilled Corn on the Cob

After eating this...nothing will ever be the same. 

Charred Eggplant with Miso Dressing

Care to spice up your grilling game, try this!

Grilled and Marinated Skirt Steak 

Steak. Grill. Classic.

Bahn Mi Asian Burgers

Why make boring burgers when you can MAKE BAHN MI ASIAN BURGERS? 

Are you drooling now? Cause we definitely were! These easy grilling recipes are sure to be the talk of your next family picnic or get together soon, we promise! Do you have any go-to or favorite grilling recipes? Share them on our Facebook page! All of these recipes, and tons more, can be found on our Pinterest board, go check it out! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.comFollow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube