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Posts Tagged ‘ kansas city pet sitters ’

Ever been afraid of a vet’s bill?

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Bolt, adorable Yorkie-Poo, guest commentator:  My humans took me to the vet a few weeks ago for my regular check-up.  During that visit, it was determined that I could benefit from a little extra “procedure.”  This “procedure,” however, would cost my humans roughly $500.00.  Now, it is not a necessary procedure, but is recommended.  However, it got me to thinking, “What if something major happened to me and my humans could not afford to have the vet take care of me?”  The horror of it all!  I would not be around to annoy the bigger dog in the house or to bark at the wind.

As such, I have confronted my humans about pet insurance.  I know for a fact they have medical insurance on themselves and those little rug rats running around the house.  I also know they love me as much (if not more than at times!) those pesky kids!  So, I have to ask myself before I present my case once again to the powers that be:

1.) Do my humans really love me?

2.) Do they want the best care possible for me, in the event I need certain medical treatment?

The answer better be a solid “yes!”  I know that with pet insurance, they can confidently take me to the vet knowing that all of my needs will be covered without draining their bank accounts.  (And I bet they will even have extra money for treats in the long run!  How cool is that?)

Every pet will need medical attention at some time or another.  With pet insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have help with those expensive medical costs for accidents, emergencies, or illnesses.

The only thing that worries me, however, is that this pet insurance might not cover any cosmetic procedures.  I was seriously thinking about getting my teeth whitened and perhaps getting a little liposuction.  Not that I need it.  I simply like to look my best.  Now that I am posting on a popular blog, my fans have certain, shall we say, expectations of me!

Well, this is all food for thought.  Speaking of which, the dog bowl is empty.  I better go figure out what that is all about.  If that big dog in the house has been messing around my stash, we are going to exchange some growls!  Gotta run!

(Bolt had some help with this post by researching some information at www.petplace.com.  He also recommends that you check out Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  They are the kind of insurance you need when you go out of town and have to leave your precious pets behind.)

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Posted in Pet Wellness, cats, dogs, pet care | 3 Comments »

What’s In a Name? How to Name Your Dog

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Bo, the incredibly well-named cat: You know how it goes…you get a new puppy and you go over a long list of potential names for it.  You land upon the perfect name, and three months later, you wish you had called it something else.  (Trust me, I have called the dog in our house many names before, but I cannot list those in this forum, as this is a family-friendly blog, and I do not want to lose my job or my credibility.)  Do you know that in your dog’s lifetime, it will be called by its name over 30,000 times?  Better think twice about that perfect name, and here are some tips:

*Embarrassing names are out of the question.  Do you want to hear yourself screaming “Stinky, come back!” as you chase your canine down the street after he has escaped once again!

*Some dogs outgrow their names.  Sure, your precious little Buttercup is cute and cuddly as a pup, but when that Great Dane is fully grown, she may be the laughing stock of the neighborhood when you refer to her as such.

*Keep the name short…one or two syllables max.  Dogs will learn it quickly and it will be easier to use when training.

*Pick a name that matches its personality.  No need to call your dog Dash if he sits in one place all day.

*Avoid the trendy names.  Do you know of anyone who has a dog named Disco?

*Do not name your dog after Grandma Sadie or Uncle Stu.  They might take offense to that moniker.  (The dog might, too, depending on the relative!)

*Ask your dog what he or she thinks!  Try the name on for size.  See how he or she responds.  (Funny, Jessie never responds to those other names I call her…wonder why?  I think they are fully appropriate.)

*If you have adopted an older dog, it is best to keep the name it already has.  No need to confuse it.  If you have to change it, however, find a name that is similar to or rhymes with the old name.

After you have given your dog its new name, be sure to pile on the extra love and affection.  Those go well with any dog.

And, for an added benefit…if you have to go out of town and do not want to leave your dog isolated in some boarding situation, call the trusted pet sitting experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  They want to know your dog by name.  They will treat him or her just like family, and when you are family, everyone knows your name.

Now, where did that little stink bomb go?  Oops, I mean Jessie.  I know that dog is around her somewhere.  I can smell her!

(Information for this post obtained at www.dog-names-and-more.com)

 

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Posted in Human Pet Connection, dogs, pet care | 2 Comments »

Does Your Cat Sulk?

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Jessie, the lovable pooch: 

I have to tell you.  I am so glad I am a dog.  Living with a cat is an emotional roller coaster.  At times I just do not understand Bo.  First he is up, then he is down.  I can’t keep pace with it all.  Do you ever wonder why cats sulk in the first place?  Are they depressed?  Have they given into the fact that dogs are the superior species?  What gives?  Well, I did some research and learned a few things, but don’t tell Bo this gets him off the hook for erratic behavior.

Humans are important to a cat.  When a cat is scolded or reprimanded, he gets offended and intimidated.  When you look down at him, he views that gaze as a look he associates with an enemy. For many animals, the eyes are a signal of power. (Note to self:  work on eye expressions later!) When compared to its size, a cat’s eyes are huge.  In hostile situations, a dominant cat will stare down his rival, who will most likely look the other way and retreat.  So, when your cat turns away after he has been disciplined, he is not ignoring you.  He is actually surrendering.  (Wow…I like that…maybe I can work on my disciplinary actions and get Bo to surrender to me!)

The experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services will not ignore you, but they will surrender to all of your pet sitting needs.

(Information for this post was found at www.sniksnak.com)

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Posted in Human Pet Connection, cats, pet behavior, pet care | No Comments »

What to expect from your pet sitter

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Bo, the cat:  Okay, you have just learned what your duties are with respect to hiring a pet sitter, but what does the pet sitter need to do for you and your pet before you leave town?

Jessie, the dog:  I would just tell the pet sitter to get rid of the cat.  It’s that simple.  Then, all of the attention could be showered upon moi!

Bo:  I was thinking more along the lines of the RESPONSIBLE things the pet sitter needs to do.  For example, the pet sitter will need to gather the client’s basic information:  how many pets, what types of pets, and where they are located.  The sitter will then schedule a get acquainted visit where the client will complete necessary paperwork, such as information on each pet, contact information for the client, an emergency contact, access instructions, and a release from their veterinarian in case something does happen to the pet in their absence and the sitter needs to take the pet to the vet.

Jessie:  Still…wouldn’t it be easier just to get rid of the cat?

Bo:  Go back to your corner, Jessie.  I have the podium now.  At the home visit, the pet sitter will meet the pet and determine its overall behavior.  Is it aggressive?  Destructive?  Sweet and lovable like myself?  The sitter will than ask for additional information as to what the client may want done during their absence.  Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City will get the mail, the paper, set out the garbage, water plants, and fill bird feeders, among other things.  The sitter will also need to find out where the pet food, toys, accessories, and leashes are kept and find out any type of daily ritual, such as walks and treat time.  Also, be sure to ask if the pet sitter is bonded and insured.  Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City is both bonded and insured.  Another point of interest:  observe how the sitter interacts with your pet on the get acquainted visit.  If, in fact, the sitter does decide to get rid of the cat, escort the sitter out.  However, if the sitter has designs on eradicating the dog, well, that is another story!  Finally, check to see if the pet sitting service is a member of a professional association, such as Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.  Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City is the premiere pet sitting service in the area.  They treat your pets like family.

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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!

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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.)

 

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Dog vs. Husband….You Decide

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

It seems like there are surveys for everything these days, and finding out what women want is on the list of such surveys.  In a recent poll conducted online, a whopping 78% of women indicated they would choose a dog over a husband.  According to one of the respondents, age 29, she would much rather have a pet and just date the men.  She believes overall that would be less stressful, and she really does not want to commit to getting to know someone over time, concluding that life is just too short for that sort of thing.  In a related survey by a mattress company, 55% of women noted that it would be preferable to sleep with their pet in the bed than with their partner, citing the partner as far more annoying than the pet!  Overall, 67% of the respondents noted they like to sleep with their pets.  Can we get the dogs to do the laundry and take out the trash next?

Pets provide a lot of Joy of Living for us.  As long as they make you happy, that is all that matters, right?  The pet sitting folks at My Joy of Living in Kansas City love all pets and will be happy to take care of them for you in your absence!  Unless, of course, your dog flies first class with you on the airplane!

(Information for this post was obtained at www.pets911.com.)

 

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It's Dog's Play!

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Jessie, the adorable canine:  If you want a perfectly behaved, well-mannered, socially-adept dog like myself, you have to play at it.  No, I did not mean work at it…I meant PLAY at it.  When you engage in fun activities with your dog, it is good for everyone around. Dogs have a better chance of learning manners, and they become much easier to live with.  When you play with your dog, you learn a bit more about him or her.  You make a connection.  Plus, you provide some exercise for your dog and reduce the boredom factor.  Did you know that a dog that exercises with its human will probably display fewer behavioral problems?  (Now I understand what is wrong with Bo, our cat!)  Plus, activities serve to stimulate both our humans and us!  It is a win-win!  I know my friend, Bolt, a Yorkie-Poo, has recently taking up running with his human.  He knows when it is time to leash up, lace up, and hit the road, and he will excitedly bark to let his human know it is time to go!  Despite his seven-pound frame, this dog runs like the wind and has the grace of a gazelle!  He literally has a smile on his face while doing this!  His human has noted how much more social he is and more notably, how much calmer he is when inside.  Plus, when it is time for bed, Bolt is fast asleep before his little head even hits the doggie bed!

If you want your dog to have some fun, and perhaps you don’t always have the time, contact the pet sitting experts at My Joy of Living in Kansas City.  Owner Karen Harrison will know just what to do to bring fun and excitement into your dog’s daily routine!  The Joy of Living will truly put the joy of living into your dog!  You will be happier, too!

Gotta run now!  Bye!

(Information for this post obtained at www.dogplay.com.)

 

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Cats and dogs living together

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Jessie the dog:  Most cartoons depict cats and dogs as  feverishly hostile towards one another, but is it truly that way?  Can we get along?  Much like our human counterparts, it all depends on the mix of the species and their personalities.  I am so likable that I pretty much get along with everyone, with one possible exception.  (Jessie shoots a look across the room to Bo the cat.)  As natural-born predators, we dogs like to chase those furry little things that scamper about our domain.  Just like humans, however, we are not completely ruled by nature.  We try to work things out.  It just takes some practice.

If a puppy is brought into a house with a cat, and all goes well, the puppy will most likely assume that the cat is just another domestic element.  (Or, like me, view the cat as the unwanted step child.)  Because cats are so highly territorial, however, it might be best to introduce a new kitty to a dog that is already established in the residence.  They say you should never bring a cat to a home with a dog that has been known to not only chase cats, but to actually hunt them down and kill them.  (No, I have never done that, but I can’t say the thought has never crossed my mind!)  On the flip side, you may have to protect a puppy from a rather demanding and territorial cat-monster!

In order to mix dogs and cats together, you have to learn and understand their nature (territorial, aggressive, friendly, passive, etc.) and act accordingly.  Or, you could leave well enough alone and just let us dogs enjoy our domain on our own!

When you put your pets in the hands of the pet sitting experts at My Joy of Living in Kansas City, you can count on most of us getting along just fine!  We love those pet sitting experts at My Joy of Living.

(Information for this post was obtained from www.petplace.com.)

 

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Is your cat "purr-fect?"

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

What exactly is that vibrating, humming sound that comes from cats?

While theories abound as to what produces a purr in cats, none have resolutely been proven.  Some scientists speculate that purring is the result of electrical impulses in the brain transmitted through the central nervous system to the muscles near the voice box and the diaphragm.  Those nerve impulses then cause certain contractions of those muscles as the cat breathes in and out with its mouth closed.  As the vibrations are felt along the cat’s body, they are audible near the nose and mouth.  Studies have shown that purring also releases natural feel good hormones in a cat!

Purring is also a form of communication.  Purring is used for social interaction when cats approach each other.  It is their form of a greeting to each other.  Sometimes kittens use their purring abilites to reassure each other that all is well.  It is a comforting technique.

Cats will also purr when sick, injured, or dying.  Some experts believe cats do this to alert others that he is not feeling well.  If your cat looks or acts sick or is behaving in an abnormal way, yet is purring, you should notify your veterinarian.

Overall, cats like to greet us with their little purrs, and it always causes us to snuggle closely with them and make us feel like all is truly well.  When you interact with your cat in this manner, you most surely feel that life is “purr-fect.”

If you want to hear joyous purrs from your cat, call the expert pet sitters  at My Joy of Living in Kansas City.  When you are away and your cat needs supervision, the pet sitters with My Joy of Living will make sure all of your cats purrs are happy ones!

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