My good friend Janie is one of those amazing, tireless dog lovers who not only knows her stuff when it comes to dogs, but goes out of her way to help dogs in need. She is now a writer for The Examiner, and she's posted some great, informative articles about dogs, including her most recent article on dog safety for Halloween.
Check it out here: Howl-O-Ween Safety Tips For Your Pets!
The photos attached to her articles are hers as well, and in a recent article she shared some tips on pet photography (well worth the read!) She's a genius with the camera. We all know how difficult it is to capture a truly good photo of a pet - they turn their heads at the last minute, they don't sit still, and their eyes tend to shine unnaturally when the flash goes off. But Janie manages to capture great photos of dogs in all poses and states of movement. You can see some of her photographic work on my FaceBook page.
One of the great advantages of sharing your life with a pet is that you're in good company with other pet lovers. There are so many people I've met in my area through pet-related events and I'm proud to call them friends.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Pet Safety - Be Prepared!
Here's a great article I saw today about pet safety. It reminded me that you can never predict when an emergency may happen, so preparation is key!
I completed my Red Cross pet first aid training to help prepare for first aid emergencies. And I keep a Pet First Aid kit in my car always! The National Association for Professional Pet Sitters offers a FREE 20 page Disaster Preparedness Guide (pdf document) for pet owners that takes the mystery and fear away from emergency planning and gives you everything you need to know to prepare for disasters before they happen.
The article is here: AP Poll - Pet Owners Willing to Go Mouth-to-Muzzle
Check it out!
I completed my Red Cross pet first aid training to help prepare for first aid emergencies. And I keep a Pet First Aid kit in my car always! The National Association for Professional Pet Sitters offers a FREE 20 page Disaster Preparedness Guide (pdf document) for pet owners that takes the mystery and fear away from emergency planning and gives you everything you need to know to prepare for disasters before they happen.
The article is here: AP Poll - Pet Owners Willing to Go Mouth-to-Muzzle
Check it out!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Autumn in the Poconos
This is a beautiful time of year to live in Northeast PA. The leaves are changing color, and every day you can see their progression.
Animals are everywhere. In just the past 2 days I have seen deer, turkeys, 2 bears, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, chipmunks, geese, possum, groundhogs, and a vulture, all on or near the road, eating as much as they can for winter. It makes it challenging to drive on these twisty mountain roads. I love watching all wildlife, but the bears were a treat to see. One was crossing the road in front of me, and I pulled over to watch it. I saw something in my side mirror - another bear was crossing the road behind my car! They both looked me over, but wanted nothing to do with me, and they headed off into the woods. When I know there are bears around, I walk dogs close to the house, never straying too far. Bears are unpredictable and you can never assume you're safe when one is around.
The holidays are approaching - time to make arrangements for your pet's care if you plan to do any traveling! And Presents 4 Pets is here too - I'm collecting donated items for shelter pets such as food, leashes, blankets, cat litter, and more! If you live in the local area and would like to arrange a pickup, please give me a call!
Animals are everywhere. In just the past 2 days I have seen deer, turkeys, 2 bears, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, chipmunks, geese, possum, groundhogs, and a vulture, all on or near the road, eating as much as they can for winter. It makes it challenging to drive on these twisty mountain roads. I love watching all wildlife, but the bears were a treat to see. One was crossing the road in front of me, and I pulled over to watch it. I saw something in my side mirror - another bear was crossing the road behind my car! They both looked me over, but wanted nothing to do with me, and they headed off into the woods. When I know there are bears around, I walk dogs close to the house, never straying too far. Bears are unpredictable and you can never assume you're safe when one is around.
The holidays are approaching - time to make arrangements for your pet's care if you plan to do any traveling! And Presents 4 Pets is here too - I'm collecting donated items for shelter pets such as food, leashes, blankets, cat litter, and more! If you live in the local area and would like to arrange a pickup, please give me a call!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Adopting A Shelter Pet
About a year ago, my husband and I started looking for a second dog. The time was right, and we knew our puppy Loki needed a pal. We needed a new pal, too.
I think, many years ago, when someone wanted a pet, you either checked for free puppies/kittens in the paper, or you went to the shelter, answered a few questions, paid a small fee, and brought home a dog or cat. It's not like that now! In fact, our search took many months and was much harder than I expected. We really wanted the right dog for our family, not necessarily a specific breed (although we had an idea of some breeds' traits that would be a better fit for us than others).
We found Fiona on Petfinder.com (a site I highly recommend for those looking to adopt a pet or learn more about rescued pets). She's a little mutt, part Italian greyhound, part something else, and after months of searching, something about her caught my eye. We learned all we could about her to determine if she would be a good fit for us, and us for her. The woman who rescued her answered all of our questions, asked us lots of questions, and offered great advice. The day we met her, Fiona bounded into the room and leaped right into my husband's arms. It made me laugh out loud - could it have been more perfect?
The months of researching, learning, and looking were well worth it. Fiona integrated quickly into the household (only a few minor spats with Loki, and the woman at the rescue helped us through - she was a great resource!) Now she and Loki are inseparable. They run together, chase each other, and wrestle, wrestle, wrestle. And when they finally wear each other out a bit, they often curl up together in the same doggie bed.
I think, many years ago, when someone wanted a pet, you either checked for free puppies/kittens in the paper, or you went to the shelter, answered a few questions, paid a small fee, and brought home a dog or cat. It's not like that now! In fact, our search took many months and was much harder than I expected. We really wanted the right dog for our family, not necessarily a specific breed (although we had an idea of some breeds' traits that would be a better fit for us than others).
We found Fiona on Petfinder.com (a site I highly recommend for those looking to adopt a pet or learn more about rescued pets). She's a little mutt, part Italian greyhound, part something else, and after months of searching, something about her caught my eye. We learned all we could about her to determine if she would be a good fit for us, and us for her. The woman who rescued her answered all of our questions, asked us lots of questions, and offered great advice. The day we met her, Fiona bounded into the room and leaped right into my husband's arms. It made me laugh out loud - could it have been more perfect?
The months of researching, learning, and looking were well worth it. Fiona integrated quickly into the household (only a few minor spats with Loki, and the woman at the rescue helped us through - she was a great resource!) Now she and Loki are inseparable. They run together, chase each other, and wrestle, wrestle, wrestle. And when they finally wear each other out a bit, they often curl up together in the same doggie bed.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Here's one you'll like...
This is a beautiful article about 2 border collies found running loose in England - one dog is blind, and the other is it's guide dog.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/norfolk/8168311.stm
Dogs amaze me every day. *wipes happy tear*
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/norfolk/8168311.stm
Dogs amaze me every day. *wipes happy tear*
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Pennsylvania Nature
I can't seem to go a day without seeing beautiful animal babies everywhere. Most notably are the fawns, sometimes singly, sometimes in pairs, following their mothers around as they nibble on the abundant grass. I've tried taking some pictures, but I can't seem to get close enough to get good ones.
I'm seeing lots of turtles too, snapping turtles and red-eared sliders. The snapping turtles were laying eggs a week or so ago, which explains why they've been everywhere. I remember a few years ago seeing a gigantic snapper in the middle of the road. I didn't want her to get hit by a car, so I decided I'd help her across the road. At the time, I didn't know that snapping turtles have long necks and can reach almost all the way behind them. I thought I'd just gently lift her shell and help her across... Fortunately, something in me thought "maybe not a good idea". I tried to inch closer to her in the hopes that she'd move of her own accord, but she was fearless (unlike ME!) In the end, I realized there wasn't much I could do without putting myself in danger, or putting her in further danger, so I got back in my car, and sure enough, she started moseying to the side of the road. I'm glad I didn't act on my initial instinct to pick her up - after doing some research I saw that they have a vicious bite and it is definitely not recommended to mess with them at all.
I try to learn about all of the wildlife I encounter in my travels. That information always comes in handy.
I'm seeing lots of turtles too, snapping turtles and red-eared sliders. The snapping turtles were laying eggs a week or so ago, which explains why they've been everywhere. I remember a few years ago seeing a gigantic snapper in the middle of the road. I didn't want her to get hit by a car, so I decided I'd help her across the road. At the time, I didn't know that snapping turtles have long necks and can reach almost all the way behind them. I thought I'd just gently lift her shell and help her across... Fortunately, something in me thought "maybe not a good idea". I tried to inch closer to her in the hopes that she'd move of her own accord, but she was fearless (unlike ME!) In the end, I realized there wasn't much I could do without putting myself in danger, or putting her in further danger, so I got back in my car, and sure enough, she started moseying to the side of the road. I'm glad I didn't act on my initial instinct to pick her up - after doing some research I saw that they have a vicious bite and it is definitely not recommended to mess with them at all.
I try to learn about all of the wildlife I encounter in my travels. That information always comes in handy.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Life of a Pet Sitter
June is a WONDERFUL time to be a pet sitter in Northeast PA! I thought I'd share a little bit of what I do, to give an idea of a pet sitter's typical day.
I wake up early every day, even if I don't have early morning pet sits. Today I didn't, so I spent the morning answering a few emails, and playing with my 2 pups, Loki and Fiona. Then it was time to head out!
My first sit was for a pack of dogs, all as different as dogs can be! they all got a potty break in their large fenced-in yard, and I spent time with each of them, to pet them, play with them, and make sure they were all doing well today. I see this gang frequently and I know them well - their little quirks and mannerisms, likes and dislikes! They are a joy to sit for because no 2 visits are the same, and they are so fun and affectionate.
From there I drove through beautiful wooded areas to my next sit, where I walk a pair of dogs separately. There is nothing like being out in the fresh air and sunshine with blue skies up above, and a good dog at your side. We take a nice long walk through the woods, it's beautiful. Today, one of the dogs took a long drink of water then jumped up to give me a big, wet kiss - lucky I had a towel handy! Pet sitters get used to that kind of thing, and learn to appreciate those signs of affection, even when they are kind of sloppy. After our walk, it's cuddle time, which both dogs really enjoy.
After that, I went to take care of a pair of Labrador puppies that are as cute as can be. Getting puppies outside to potty quickly is the name of the game here. Once they've relieved themselves and we clean up, it's PLAYTIME, and these pups love to play! I can't keep a straight face around them. They wrestle, and make squeaky growly noises, and they fall all over each other tangling up their legs. Their owners are already teaching them to sit, so I have them do a few "sits" for me, and praise them like crazy when they do. Because they're puppies, they get a second walk before I leave, so there's less mess for their mommy and daddy to come home to. It's hard to leave such a beautiful pair, but by the time I left today, they were fast asleep. Awww...
So there's a little slice of my life as a sitter. On days like today, when the weather is perfect and the pets I'm seeing are all friends to me, I think pet sitting is the best job in the world. (Keep reading this blog to find out what it's like to be a pet sitter in January!)
I wake up early every day, even if I don't have early morning pet sits. Today I didn't, so I spent the morning answering a few emails, and playing with my 2 pups, Loki and Fiona. Then it was time to head out!
My first sit was for a pack of dogs, all as different as dogs can be! they all got a potty break in their large fenced-in yard, and I spent time with each of them, to pet them, play with them, and make sure they were all doing well today. I see this gang frequently and I know them well - their little quirks and mannerisms, likes and dislikes! They are a joy to sit for because no 2 visits are the same, and they are so fun and affectionate.
From there I drove through beautiful wooded areas to my next sit, where I walk a pair of dogs separately. There is nothing like being out in the fresh air and sunshine with blue skies up above, and a good dog at your side. We take a nice long walk through the woods, it's beautiful. Today, one of the dogs took a long drink of water then jumped up to give me a big, wet kiss - lucky I had a towel handy! Pet sitters get used to that kind of thing, and learn to appreciate those signs of affection, even when they are kind of sloppy. After our walk, it's cuddle time, which both dogs really enjoy.
After that, I went to take care of a pair of Labrador puppies that are as cute as can be. Getting puppies outside to potty quickly is the name of the game here. Once they've relieved themselves and we clean up, it's PLAYTIME, and these pups love to play! I can't keep a straight face around them. They wrestle, and make squeaky growly noises, and they fall all over each other tangling up their legs. Their owners are already teaching them to sit, so I have them do a few "sits" for me, and praise them like crazy when they do. Because they're puppies, they get a second walk before I leave, so there's less mess for their mommy and daddy to come home to. It's hard to leave such a beautiful pair, but by the time I left today, they were fast asleep. Awww...
So there's a little slice of my life as a sitter. On days like today, when the weather is perfect and the pets I'm seeing are all friends to me, I think pet sitting is the best job in the world. (Keep reading this blog to find out what it's like to be a pet sitter in January!)
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