tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835029508104208722024-02-02T12:26:15.082-05:00Pet CareThis blog is dedicated to all furry family members in need of the love and care of a professional pet sitter when their mommy's and daddy's have to be a way from home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502950810420872.post-53894989703511706162012-06-22T17:29:00.000-04:002012-06-22T17:30:46.491-04:00Adoption or Puppy/Pet Store?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt;">Deciding to bring a
dog into your family and home is a serious decision that should be
researched and contemplated at length beforehand. There are hundreds of dog
breeds and endless mixed breeds. With approximately 6 million companion
animals being dumped in shelters each year and 4 million more being euthanized
(statistics from The Humane Society of the US); clearly more thought needs to
go into this decision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have 3 rescue dogs
and 2 rescue cats; however dogs will be the focus of this post. There is no
doubt that sharing one’s life with a dog(s) brings much joy but
it also requires a tremendous commitment, both in time and in money. Dogs need continuous
attention and care.
It is
clear from petfinder.com and the shelter intake across the country
that many people do not realize this when deciding to bring a dog
home. The only way we will ever end the horror of puppy mills and the
overpopulation in shelters across the country is through education. I have
learned from speaking with my clients and others that many people are unaware
that when they purchase their new puppy from a pet store they are not only
taking a huge risk in having a dog with multiple health and/or genetic issues,
but they are investing in and perpetuating the pain and suffering of dogs in
puppy mills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realize this is a
very difficult concept to grasp, especially when you see the cute puppies
in the window of a pet store or online. My sister paid $1000+ for a
Siberian husky puppy from her local puppy store. He is a lovely
dog that has become part of her family; however he is epileptic and most
likely will be on meds his entire life and at 2 had already had a 3K dollar
surgery on one of his knees. When she first told me where she bought
him I shared my concern but what she said made me realize just how
difficult ending the mass suffering of puppy mills will be. She saw that puppy in
the window of that pet store as in need of a good loving home and she
was correct. What she wasn't aware of and what most people aren't aware of
is that there are millions of great dogs across the country in desperate need
of a loving home. Not all are full bred puppies with papers, but there are
great dogs nonetheless. If a full bred dog is desired; one can more than likely
be adopted from a local rescue organization. There are rescue groups for
every breed, including non-breed specific groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A common concern is,
if everyone stops buying the puppies from puppy stores what will happen to
those puppies? They will go to shelters and rescue groups where people can
adopt them. Several cities across the country have made it illegal for pet
stores and retail outlets to sell puppies from puppy mills. However, they are
permitted to offer shelter dogs for adoption. Until all dogs have homes
adoption should be the only option. By adopting you will save a life and the
monetary donation you make will save others. Plus the space that becomes
available at the rescue or shelter will open up for another dog in need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When considering bringing
a dog or puppy into your life; please consider adopting from your local shelter
or one of your local rescue organizations. These organizations are made up of
extremely special people who will help you find the right dog for your
lifestyle and family.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502950810420872.post-85531812184389490892011-12-30T13:29:00.001-05:002012-05-26T20:24:32.156-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Living with animals can be a wonderful experience, especially if we choose to learn the valuable lessons animals teach through their natural enthusiasm, grace, resourcefulness, affection and forgiveness." — Richard H. PitcairnUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502950810420872.post-6947116352622010042010-04-27T14:53:00.009-04:002012-03-12T16:21:26.954-04:00The Advantages of Using a Professional Pet Sitter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVADXGQhmizN3O914u0zinnjElnl0fuKRYftJ1rIUqc8O2KGraUSVFq4b0yoYs-DJzPsv0586OCgxZCXUE-zRA91sT15eJJj4omIRigcybV5lYEi3YOrKCRuNJUc-eQDaq6xwdcRpjZ1Q/s1600/Sissy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVADXGQhmizN3O914u0zinnjElnl0fuKRYftJ1rIUqc8O2KGraUSVFq4b0yoYs-DJzPsv0586OCgxZCXUE-zRA91sT15eJJj4omIRigcybV5lYEi3YOrKCRuNJUc-eQDaq6xwdcRpjZ1Q/s320/Sissy.jpg" /></a></div>
The Advantages of Fetch! Pet Care</span><br /><br />If you share your life with an animal or animals, chances are that you will need a pet care service now and again. In fact, many pet owners use our services on a continuous basis, while they are at work, or other times when they are not at home and their faithful family pet needs some attention, whether that be a walk, a frisby or ball catch, or some good ole belly rubbing and hugs and kisses. Some prefer to have their dogs walked on the weekend, while they are spending time traveling or enjoying local activities with friends and family. No matter what category of pet owner you fall within, there are many advantages to having Fetch! Pet Care provide care for your pet when you are unable too. The following advantages are just some of the many reasons as to how Fetch! Pet Care can be of assistance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Allows You to Go to Work without Worry</span><br /><br />One of the benefits to using Fetch! Pet Care is in the case of the workweek. Many individuals need to obtain someone to care for their pet, and/or walk their dog while they are at the office. Since many people work outside of their homes and may have a long commute as well, it is not always an easy feat to get home whenever your baby may need to go outside. This is where Fetch! Pet Care comes in extremely handy. We will have a professional, responsible pet sitter care for your pet while you are at work and any other time you may need a little help with your best friend.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Allows Your Dog to Get Regular Exercise</span><br /><br />Even if you work from home you may still want your dog to get out and about more often. Dogs need to have regular exercise and most of the time this simply is not possible when stuck on conference calls or on the computer inside all day. Fetch! Pet Care can also help in this instance and provide a way for you to keep working at home, while your dog gets his/her much needed exercise and takes care of other necessities outdoors.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Peace of Mind is Fetch! Pet Cares Motto</span><br /><br />In addition to caring for your pet while you are at work and taking your pet outside for some exercise, Fetch! Pet Care will provide you with peace of mind in knowing that your family pet is being well cared for. We are insured and bonded and all of our Independent Contractors have been background checked. No longer will you have to worry how your pet is doing and whether or not he/she needs to go outside. With Fetch! Pet Care on the job you can rest assured that your pet will get outside when needed and you will feel more relaxed knowing that a reputable company is caring for your best friend and furry family member!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502950810420872.post-11731174052221318232009-12-31T12:27:00.038-05:002012-03-12T15:49:49.746-04:00A Tribute to My Sweet Beautiful Casey and A Thank You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCwFIdT5ByIj0jkcwnYnPMPO08EI6Eh9_3XimjCFe2MijrmtraFlaQhj2xFnwhEgpRofLdvs8VqWdbk-MewQbTEcFxEjBzgMdsTL-k0RtNQAxzP4FS-QLuF00gIh9u6HBbrFFiwgFRWNb/s1600/Me+and+Case+5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCwFIdT5ByIj0jkcwnYnPMPO08EI6Eh9_3XimjCFe2MijrmtraFlaQhj2xFnwhEgpRofLdvs8VqWdbk-MewQbTEcFxEjBzgMdsTL-k0RtNQAxzP4FS-QLuF00gIh9u6HBbrFFiwgFRWNb/s320/Me+and+Case+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719098544622479730" /></a><br /><br />What can I say? My heart is broken into what feels beyond repair but at the same time I feel like the most fortunate person ever to exist having had the privilege of spending the last 14 years with you. Words cannot describe the depth of joy and peace you brought to my life, my sweet, beautiful Casey.<br /><br />Who would have guessed that when we plucked you from the pound on that snowy February day in 1995 that you would become the center of my universe. My daughter in every sense of the word. My constant, loyal companion....my best friend. Oh how I adore my sweet, beautiful Casey.<br /><br />It's ironic how certain events unfold. I certainly wasn't looking to take on the responsibility of caring for a puppy when a customer brought to my attention that you had not only been abandoned once, but twice. First by some cruel inhuman human who left you, a three month old puppy who definitely couldn't fend for yourself, out in a snow storm in the middle of the night, and second from the customer who fortunately told me about you. He had said he abandoned you at the pound because of your breed. Boy was that the stupidest decision he ever made, but at the same time the luckiest for me.<br /><br />I couldn't stop obsessing about you after he told me he had taken you to the pound. I couldn't tolerate the thought of a little innocent frightened puppy all alone in a cold, dark cage after that harrowing experience of being dumped in the middle of a snow storm. Because I knew I couldn't walk into the pound without leaving with every abandoned animal, I asked a friend to come with me to retrieve you from that place. We said you were already ours, that you had gotten lost, because I didn't want anyone else to adopt you.<br /><br />I already loved you before I ever even saw you Casey. I justified rescuing you because I had been told you were a Chow Chow, and I was aware of the Chow Chow Rescue League from my dad who had a Chow Chow, so I was telling myself and others that I would take you to the rescue league so that they could place you in a forever home. However, thinking back, I now know that I had no intention of relinquishing you to any organization or to anyone for that matter. So when you jumped onto the console between the seats of my car and licked me all over my face with your purple and pink tongue and I realized that you weren't a full bred Chow Chow and therefore involving the Chow Rescue League was no longer an option, it made no difference. You were mine and I was yours, we were meant to be, destined for each other.<br /><br />The first time I laid eyes on you will be burned in my memory for all time. You were the cutest, sweetest, most beautiful creature I had ever seen, and just as beautiful inside as out. Your big, innocent, intelligent brown eyes pierced into my soul and I knew at that moment we were soul mates. There was an immediate connection between us that will last for all eternity. I needed you as much as you needed me and so our 14 year love affair began. Your name wasn't always Casey. It was Cookie the first couple of days and then one night in the middle of the night it occurred to me that you weren't Cookie, you were Casey and that is when you became my sweet, beautiful Casey girl...and I proceeded to call you that for the rest of your life and now I will refer to you as that for the rest of mine. Because that is exactly what you were....my sweet beautiful Casey girl, or Cay Cay on occasion as my niece affectionately nicknamed you.<br /><br />Making the decision to end your life on December 18th was the most excruciatingly difficult decision of my life. I felt as if I couldn't endure the pain. It was only through the understanding and kindness of others that got me through the unbearable pain of losing you that day and I am learning very slowly and very painfully how to live without your physical presence.<br /><br />It was the way you looked at me on the morning of the 17th that made me realize it was time. I was attempting to stay in denial, but that was getting more difficult by the day. After the diagnosis of cancer in early November things did deteriorate fast. I just couldn't accept the prospect of losing my girl. It still doesn't feel real to me.<br /><br />I can still smell you and hear you snoring in the middle of the night. I can still hear you drinking out of your water bowl. I see you lying in all your favorite spots and can still feel the softness of your fur. I loved petting you and hugging you close and miss it terribly. I loved that beautiful reddish brown fur of yours and the upside down bluish purple heart on your tongue. You were so precious Casey.<br /><br />When I think of you my heart feels unbearable pain I miss you so much but at the same time it feels as if it will burst from the overflow of love and adoration I feel for you. I am so glad I have you back home with me again. It was excruciating that last morning as we lay together on the kitchen floor knowing that you would be gone within hours and I wouldn't be able to hold you again. It was extremely difficult to cut some of your beautiful fur to keep with me forever, but I am glad I did. I am going to plant some of your remains with a dogwood tree, so that I may watch it grow with you over the years. I am also going to keep some so that when I die, they can be mixed together and sprinkled somewhere we both loved so that we can spend all eternity together.<br /><br />As painful as receiving that cancer diagnosis was, it did provide me a six week period of time to show you how deeply I loved you and to take in and appreciate every, single second we had left together and that is exactly what I did. I think I always showed you how much I loved and appreciated you, but probably not as profoundly as when I knew the end was near. I hope I didn't upset you by crying as much as I did. I know you understand. You always did understand me.<br /><br />I enjoyed nothing more than our walks and our rides, and everything we did together over the years. My favorite was our road trip adventures upstate, just me and you in a strange place, exploring and having fun. That was so exciting. And our late night walks in the midst of a snowstorm, that was so amazing. You were always so cute in the snow. You would run and jump and put your nose in it and throw it up in the air. I loved watching you. I never bored of it. Also our many, many hours, days, weeks and years at home together with the kitty's. I will treasure every memory of you my beautiful Casey until I no longer can remember.<br /><br />We had a wonderful life together my sweet girl and I can't thank you enough for sharing your life with me. I can say for certain that the 14 years we spent together were the best years of my life. I hope I gave you 1/10th the happiness and joy you gave to me. No other can ever replace my sweet girl and no other ever will. Although, one day I do hope to love and share my life with another abandoned canine soul. I know you would want that too. There are so many in need of love and a home. Thankfully I still have my three rescued adorable, sweet feline souls, Jasmine Jasper & Hannah, who have helped me immensely in this time of grief. They miss you too girl, especially Jasmine, your surrogate daughter. She still looks for you.<br /><br />Rest In Peace my sweet, beautiful Casey, you will live forever in my heart. Until we meet again.....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502950810420872.post-47810644712347558672009-06-17T10:27:00.002-04:002012-03-12T16:06:31.665-04:00Private Boarding or Kennel?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgH0IMJDP1pIS55-593NQrx3XbfKbrYd6fQxfFFm2j1rMAQt4ey8ztBV7bpNmwLAAutnOtLBLqcK1hDrA7TzyzqL1UYD21j5lmkiKFZQd-dClErtcrtd9_3WK4W3wGi8uQ4WPJS8ZnpBl/s1600/Sissy+Casey%2527s+Bed.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgH0IMJDP1pIS55-593NQrx3XbfKbrYd6fQxfFFm2j1rMAQt4ey8ztBV7bpNmwLAAutnOtLBLqcK1hDrA7TzyzqL1UYD21j5lmkiKFZQd-dClErtcrtd9_3WK4W3wGi8uQ4WPJS8ZnpBl/s320/Sissy+Casey%2527s+Bed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719104435742176610" /></a><br /><br />A question all of us as pet owners ask ourselves at one time or another is, "What am I going to do with my pet(s) when I go on vacation, or when I need to be out of the house for an extended period of time?" I know I have asked myself this question many, many times over the years & for years the answer was always the same, either impose upon a friend or family member, or stay home. For kenneling was absolutely out of the question. It wasn't even a consideration. However, even though imposing on friends and/or family is an option when it comes to vacationing, what about those nights when you are expected to stay late at the office? This situation can pose a complicated problem for those that live alone or commute long distances to their place of work.<br /><br />I am thrilled to be able to put this relentless dilemma behind me thanks to the National Pet Care service FETCH!. Finally, a remedy & I for one, even as a FETCH! owner, am a very relieved pet owner. I always felt uncomfortable imposing upon my family & friends & after awhile they began to let me know just what an imposition it was.<br /><br />Now pet owners can avoid this problem altogether by utilizing the most professional pet care company in the country & calling their local FETCH! Pet Care franchise. All they need to do is go to the FETCH! website & input their zipcode & WAMMO...problem is solved. :) Don't get me wrong, initially it can be a difficult decision. It certainly was for me. However, once I met my local FETCH! owner & my sitter I felt 100% confident that I made the correct decision.<br /><br />They can rest assured that they are hiring the most experienced, professional pet care service available for all of our sitters are professionally trained, criminal history background checked, bonded & insured, & maintain detailed policies & procedures in order to ensure pets & their parents receive consistently high quality service. Satisfaction guaranteed!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502950810420872.post-8794347922378863492009-06-15T17:21:00.001-04:002012-03-12T16:17:30.497-04:00A Dream Come True!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmygYcCwpDP19aJmRprnRtEs1zW8yTQ3ZUj0YWh7B4CKefSYaDsfX19_81ROPs8WGxBubHocqE8z6F_yuC5WQzbn_kdXqiH1Jpe37vRh3yJDnylTKQnX9Hs8kV833wuJaU5DHRj6kfRsRK/s1600/J+%2526+J.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmygYcCwpDP19aJmRprnRtEs1zW8yTQ3ZUj0YWh7B4CKefSYaDsfX19_81ROPs8WGxBubHocqE8z6F_yuC5WQzbn_kdXqiH1Jpe37vRh3yJDnylTKQnX9Hs8kV833wuJaU5DHRj6kfRsRK/s320/J+%2526+J.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719107320757489458" /></a><br /><br />I have just embarked (no pun intended) on the most exciting endeavor of my life. I purchased a FETCH! Pet Care franchise! After months of research & years of soul searching I finally made a decision to follow my passion & at the age of 43 have finally decided to dedicate my life to providing my community with the best, most reliable pet care service available.<br /><br />How did I arrive at this decision? Read on.... :)<br /><br />Last summer I began considering starting a pet-sitting business and began to do research. The more I learned about the pet care business the more intrigued I became. As destiny would have it last October I was going away for several days & for the 1st time ever I needed to hire a pet-sitter to care for my pets. I have a 13 & 1/2 year old Chow/Akita mix (Casey) & 2 tabby cats (Jasper & Jasmine). Up until this point either a friend or my sister would care for my pets when I had to go out of town. However, it had become quite apparent that this had grown tiresome to these people & you can hardly blame them. It is a HUGE imposition to burden a friend or family member with caring for your pets. Therefore, if I was to be able to go out of town from time to time I needed to find a qualified pet-sitter.... qualified being the key requirement.<br /><br />After several phone calls & conversations I made arrangements to meet with the local FETCH! Pet Care franchisee & a sitter. Believe it or not, I knew from the initial telephone conversation that this was the company I would be entrusting my most precious possessions with. You see, like many families these days, my pets aren't just pets to me, they are actual family members & I want the best for them.<br /><br />Not only was I going to have to trust that these strangers would be responsible enough to care for my pets as I instructed, but I needed to feel comfortable allowing them to enter my home when I wasn't there & as soon as I met them any and all fears that I had completely melted away. They were not only entirely professional, they assured me that all franchisees & sitters must have thorough background checks before being considered for a position at FETCH! Andrew (the owner) directed me to the FETCH! website where I was able to verify this claim and I must admit I was very relieved. Susan, my designated sitter, has been caring for my pets regularly ever since. What a God send!<br /><br />Therefore, after months of research & much consideration I decided that a FETCH! franchise was the business for me. I mean seriously....how much better can it get than to be blessed with the privilege of providing such a valuable service as PET CARE to one's own community. I feel like I struck GOLD & I that is exactly how I intend to treat my customers..both pet & parent!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1