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Celebrate World Animal Remembrance Month with Us!

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Bo and Jessie, resident cat and dog on the blog:  We both know that animals have a significant impact on the humans who love them and care for them….and we love you guys just as much!

With September being heralded as World Animal Remembrance Month, we just wanted to dedicate this month to all of the loving animals in this world who have not only found a home in which to live, but who, more importantly, found a home in the hearts of those people who loved them dearly.

If you or someone you know has lost a beloved pet, now is the time to remember those pets fondly and with appreciation.  To start the celebration of your late pet’s life, you can do a few simple things to remember him or her this month:

1.) Take out some pictures of the animals who have passed that you have loved and who gave you so much unconditional love in return.  Share these with others. Put one on your desk at work or on the wall at home.

2.) Share your memories of the special times you enjoyed with your pet.

3.) Talk about how your pet impacted your life, even if it all boils down to the simple fact that each day when you came home from work, no matter how nasty your boss was or how horrible the traffic was, your pet was there with a wagging tail and a wet kiss, just for you!

Ask yourself what lessons your pet taught you:  Did you learn about loyalty and responsibility?  Did you learn about unconditional love?

Jessie:  Did you learn how to clean up regurgitated cat fur balls off the carpet?

Bo:  Shsh!  This is a serious subject matter today.  In the next post, we can begin to mock you!

In short, begin this month with a dedication to the pets you have loved and lost, but also to the pets who live with you now.

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Thanks to ehow.com for the information for this incredible post! :)

Sunscreen for Dogs? Seriously?

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Jessie, the sun-kissed dog: Well, as summer begins to tailspin into fall, I still want to take every opportunity to worship the sun and maintain my sexy glow.  Now that the kiddos in the neighborhood are back in school, I have the pool side to myself.  Tried to get that darned house cat of ours to serve me some fun umbrella drinks, but he wants nothing to do with that.  Geez!  Is putting sunscreen on me really such a big deal?

What?  Are you freaked out about a dog wearing sunscreen? Just like humans, we need protection from the sun and its potentially-damaging  UV rays.  Dogs can, in fact, get sunburned.  In fact, dogs are quite sensitive when it comes to sun exposure, and those dogs with lighter-colored coats really need some protection from the sun.  If dogs are over-exposed to the sun, it can lead to serious sunburns, ulcerations, autoimmune skin diseases, and other problems. They can even get skin cancer.

As with humans, it is best to  limit time spent in the sun or just stay out of the sun between the hours of  10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Even in the winter…as snow reflects the sun!

When deciding on which sunscreen protection factor to use on your dog, you should take into consideration the length of his hair,  the color of his coat, and his skin. Lighter-skinned dogs, as well as those with shorter hair, will require a greater protection factor cream.  If you have a long-haired dog but cut its hair short for the summer, you will need to take that into consideration, as well.

Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about the proper sun protection product you can use on your dog.  To prevent any possible allergic reaction, opt for the fragrance-free kind. DO NOT USE HUMAN SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS!  Those may contain zinc oxide, which is toxic to dogs.

Use sunscreen on your dog whenever you would use it on yourself.  To apply it, use a sponge or your hands…and don’t forget the nose, tummy, and private parts!  If you are using a spray version, be careful not to let it get into your dog’s eyes!

Now, enjoy the sun, but be careful!  And be sure to tip that darned cat a dime or two if he brings you a soda and some dog biscuits!  We have to keep him around to do all the dirty work, you know!  Being a sun goddess takes time and energy!

(Thanks to vetinfo.com for this cool information!)

Remembering A Friend

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

I lost a friend the other day, Jack, one of my clients, lost his battle with cancer Friday at the age of six.

I nicknamed him the “devil dog”, not because he was a bad sort, but rather because of his devilish, mischievous sense of humor and adventure.  Never one to let an open door go to waste, once he ambled outside after I’d made the mistake of opening the sliding glass door.  A game of tag ensued with my saving grace being Jack’s need for a potty break.

Another day I arrived for our regular walk and he’d managed to push the gate aside to make his way into forbidden territory in another part of the apartment.  When I arrived he was attempting to get back to his appointed place, head down, sad look on his face at having been caught.

Jack was the adventuresome type, never deterred by circumstances like extreme weather.  Many were the times we’d walk in near zero temperatures, many inches of snow on the ground.  He liked “snow cones” and would inevitably be wearing a sprinkling of white on his black muzzle.

A very social dog, Jack never met a person or dog he didn’t greet with his friendly manner.  He had many dog friends in the apartment complex where he lived.  Although he considered dogs and people friends, squirrels were a different matter, many was the time he would attempt to hunt one that crossed his path.

He was quite a ham, before I took the picture that accompanies this post, I told him to smile and he did, allowing me to capture him at his most charming.

In the Pearl Jam song Just Breath there is a line, “Yes I understand that every life must end”.  Although it’s something we know, it doesn’t make the loss easier.

Take care, Jack, you will be missed very much.

Obstacles in the way!

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Bo, the fit feline:  In honor of our attention to pet fitness these past few posts, I just wanted to let our audience know that I take my overall health and fitness routine seriously.  I love a buff body and know I have a long life (or LIVES!) ahead of me.  Now, as for our lovable canine companion in the home, well, she needs to step up the workout routine a bit, and since she does not like to get too dirty outside, I have discovered a new indoor workout for her to try!  If you really want to have some fun with your dog, especially on a rainy or excessively hot day, then set up an indoor obstacle course.  It is so much fun for you and your dog to bond together in this manner, and even way more fun for the adorable house cat to sit back and watch.  Talk about entertainment!

Jessie, the adorable canine:  I thought we already had an indoor obstacle course, what, between all of your cat nip toys, the litter box, and your precious little cat pillows, I can barely get through the living room without hurting myself.

Bo:  The maid has been on vacation for the past couple of weeks.  What can I say?  Now, for this obstacle course, you can do things like put your dog on pet steps next to a footstool and create some low jumps by using objects in your home, like a cardboard box placed in the middle of a doorway or two chairs and a broom.  Have your dog fetch something as he goes up the steps and back and forth over that low jump.  Try to teach your dog to run through a tunnel, too.  Play fetch with him this way.  Use a child’s toy tunnel or a big cardboard box with both ends cut out and have him run through it. (Ideally, I would position the tunnel next to an open doorway that leads to the outside and just watch that puppy keep on running…and then SHUT the door! However, I do not recommend you try that at home.  That is just MY personal agenda that I may implement one day.)

(Information for this post was discovered at http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/19375291/)

Client Spotlight-Jack

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Jack is a handsome 5 1/2 year old Labrador Retriever that  loves to go for walks and enjoy treats afterward (frosted dog cookies are his favorite!).

He is quite the social fellow and loves to make new pet and people friends.  When out walking he is quick to greet everyone he meets.

Jack is lots of fun and is a joy to have as a client!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Jessie: 

Before you get all politically correct on us, just remember that I am a dog and Bo is a cat.  The same standards that apply to you humans do not apply to us.  Therefore, since Bo and I both celebrate Christmas and all of its inherent trappings, we just wanted to wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season, no matter what your race or creed.  This is the time of year to celebrate love, laughter, happiness, and joy….as in Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services.  They put the joy into your life all year long, so make sure you gift your special friend with a gift from Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  With them, it is easy to spread the Joy all year long.  Now, if you will excuse me, I have to finish wrapping my gifts and getting some milk and cookies out for Santa.  I just hope that Bo does not realize I stole his milk dish.  Better yet, I hope Santa does not realize he will be drinking from a cat bowl.  I better rethink that scenario if I want any cool gifts!  Catch you soon!

Buying a holiday gift for your dog

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Jessie, the adorable canine:  Well, the holidays are upon us.  I am so eager to find out what Santa will bring me this year.  My list was long, yet simple.  I have refined tastes and am quite confident that my wishes will be granted.

Bo, the cranky cat today:  If you consider a lump of coal in your stocking to be refined, then so be it.  I really don’t think you have been all that good this year.  As for me, on the other hand, my behavior has been stellar.

Jessie:  We will confront that issue later this week when you get a few precious moments to talk about gifts for cats during the holidays.  So, as I was saying, the holidays are upon us, and as you go about shopping like crazy for friends and family members, do not forget about your true best friend!  Here are some great gift ideas, as provided by www.associatedcontent.com:

**A kennel (And, no, I will not lock Bo in it, as tempting as that sounds!)

**A new dog bowl (Something that will deter the cat, too!)

**An extended leash (So I can run farther away from Bo!)

**Training classes (I don’t need these, obviously, but some dogs just might!)

**Premium food  (Ah, yes, for those of us with refined palates!)

**A dog sweater (I look so adorable in these.  I’ll take two…no, three!)

**Tennis balls  (I will throw them and see if Bo will chase them.  Wonder how far I can throw?)

**Rawhide bones (I love to chew on these things.  I deserve them!)

**A new dog bed (To sleep like a queen, that is my desire!  Bo can sleep on the floor, like all good kitties!)

**Another dog! (I just might need a partner in crime when I am up against Bo!)

Have fun shopping this holiday season!  Be sure to make your dog smile!  And also be sure to check in with the pet sitting experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  If you are going out of town this month and need some pet sitting services, give them a call!  They will make sure your pet does not miss a minute of love and attention!

Selecting the best cat collar

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Jessie:  Okay, I want to spread my knowledge about cat chokers…er, collars, here.  I want to make sure you understand how to properly select and adorn your beloved feline with a collar.  Just because I am a dog does not mean I don’t know a thing or two about putting a cat in a choke…er, collar…hold.  There are just a few freatures to bear in mind when choosing the right collar for your cat.  You will want to know the size, overall comfort, style, ability to clean, durability, and safety.  When choosing a cat collar, make sure it can pinch or prong or….

Bo:  WAIT A MINUTE!  I don’t think these folks will trust your communication here with respect to appropriate collars for us cats.  I believe I am in a much better position to pontificate about such delicate matters.  After all, I have been a cat for years.

(Jessie slinks off to find a rope and begins to form what looks like a noose.  We can’t be too sure, however!)

Bo:  As I was saying, I know cat collars, and I am here to educate you as to the appropriate way to select one for the love of your life, your cat!  The collars with either buckled or snap-together closures are perfect choices.  Test the snap-together ones to make sure the hold is strong.  Also make sure it has a quick-release feature in case your cat gets stuck on something.  You will also need to find one that adjusts as your cat grows, if you are starting with a kitten.  If your cat goes outdoors frequently, you might look into a collar with reflective features.

The ideal fit for a cat collar should allow you to slip one to two fingers between your cat’s neck and the collar.  This all depends on the size of the cat.  Those “slip,” “choke,” or “prong” type collars are for dogs.  Please keep those away from us precious kitties.  Some cat collars come adorned with bells that cats enjoy.  Just make sure that the bell is secure and does not come off and pose a choking hazard. 

Jessie jumps in here:  Be advised, however, that the constant ringing of the bell may annoy you if your cat plays a lot at night.  I need my beauty sleep, you know!

Bo:  Do not rely on your cat’s collar for identification.  If your cat becomes lost or loses his collar, he cannot be postively ID’d.  The best thing to do is to have a microchip placed under your cat’s skin to increase the chances of your cat being returned home.  Your veterinarian can perform this microchip service for you.

Jessie:  Bo needs a microchip in the brain just to stimulate it.

Bo:  Well, I am out of here.  I need to go see what collar I have that will look good with what I am wearing today.  (Treks off to the closet)

Jessie, shouting out to Bo:  Better find a collar that goes well with your inner dork!

For more information about your cat and its collars, be sure to inquire of the pet sitting experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  Owner Karen Harrison will be happy to help you out.

(Information for this article obtained from www.petproductadvisor.com)

 

Get your pet to help you with that post-holiday bloat!

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Bo:  Well, here it is…the day after Thanksgiving.  Many folks may be out shopping….or, many may be on the couch in a self-induced food coma from a bit of over-indulgence in the Thanksgiving feast of yesterday.

Jessie:  Is that why you are writing this post from your bed, computer on your belly, and drool coming out of your mouth?  If it were not for me, the spelling in this document today would be atrocious!

Bo:  Let it be said that both humans and pets need regular exercise, and it is so much fun to do that with your beloved canine by your side.

Jessie:  How lucky for you!  I have never even seen someone out for a run with a cat.  Guess this means you will be watching TV all day while you recuperate?

Bo:  As I was saying, if you want to have some fun exercising with your pooch, it will be a great way to work off some of that holiday bloat…and gear up for the next round of food festivities that strike us all in December.  Just like humans need to begin slowly with their exercise program, start walking or running your dog on soft surfaces like dirt, sand, or grass until his paws toughen.  Be sure to keep him on  a leash, too.  Also, consider your dog’s current physical condition.  Older dogs may do just fine with a leisurely walk.  Younger pups can probably handle a more rigorous romp.  Be sure to begin your exercise routine with short periods of activity and then gradually bump it up with increases in time, speed, and distance.

Jessie:  You might add that it is not wise to exercise your dog right after a meal.  That can lead to some tummy troubles…and I really do not feel like puking all over myself.  Take into consideration your local weather conditions, too.  When it is cold outside, dogs can get frostbite just like humans.  Likewise, if the pavement is hot, it can damage our paws, too.  We kindly ask that after we have been in the snow that you wipe off our feet to remove any ice, salt, and other debris that can harm or irritate our paws.

Bo:  Also, be sure to check with your vet before starting any exercise program for your dog, especially if your dog has a history of any medical problems. (Bo looks over at Jessie and ponders:  I wonder if this includes a history of MENTAL problems, too?)  Just remember!  Your dog loves to have fun with you!  Exercise is a great way to brighten his day and to get the blood pumping in BOTH of you!

If you have a busy schedule and want to have a trusted professional walk your dog, call the experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  They love to make sure your dog gets some exercise!  Your dog, in turn, will love you for it!

(Information for this post was obtained at www.purina.com)

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Your Beloved Pets

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

The smell alone of a wonderful Thanksgiving feast being prepared may put your dog into overdrive.  Think of all those delicious aromas drifting through the house, tempting him and making him act crazy.  What is a dog to do?

Although tempting, do not feed any bits of turkey to your dog.  Stick to his normal feeding routine.  Turkey can produce some unwanted side effects in dogs, such as pain, cramping, and diarrhea.  You don’t want that to ruin your holiday weekend.

Advise your family and guests to refrain from feeding food from the table to your dog.  Those things high in sodium, such as chips and nuts, as well as fatty foods such as poultry skin, beef, or port fat can contribute to an inflammation of the pancreas.  That can lead to pancreatitis, a life-threatening disease.

Be sure to throw away any aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or wax paper.  Your dog could get to these and lick off the residue and potentially swallow the covering, leading to an intestinal blockage.  On this note, secure your garabge.  Tie things up well.  Within a minute, your hungry pooch can get into your garbage, scarfing down anything and everything that could harm him.

Turkey bones pose  a significant threat, too. A brittle, spiky bone could get caught in the dog’s esophagus or cause an irritation to the stomach or intestines.

Minimize your dog’s stress by keeping to his schedule.  Keep with the flow of his daily exercise routine and feeding schedule.  Pay attention to your dog as much as possible so he does not feel neglected during this busy holiday season.

Keep a vigilant eye on his water bowl.  Make sure it is freshly supplied.  A busy houshold during the holidays can make one forget this important detail.

Allow some private time for your pet.  Get him away from all of the company and fanfare.  Let him find solace in a quiet room for awhile ,away from the noise.  He needs downtime, too.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday this year!  It is always a blessing to have healthy pets.  Be sure to contact the pet sitting experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  They will help to keep your pets happy and healthy during the holiday season and all year long!

(Information for this post found at www.doggienews.com.)