- Listen to the quiet..Ranking for signal to noise ratio http://t.co/GN7JmQea
- These are all GREAT! 7 Of The Most Shared And Innovative Marketing Youtube Videos From 2012 http://t.co/DdQah0GT via @zite
- New Blog Post: Does Your Cat or Dog Need a New (and Unique!) Companion? Check This Out! http://t.co/ZwJEWWfB
- Yummy food comes with a price..Nearly All Restaurant Entrees Exceed USDA Nutrition Recommendations http://t.co/voUkpa7x via @zite
- If you buy large bags of pet food, pour the food into a storage bin, then throw the bag away, take a picture of... http://t.co/85glCiz6
Traveling this holiday without your pet? Here are some benefits to using a pet sitting service!
Jessie, the pampered pooch who prefers all of the comforts of home: If your holiday plans this year involve traveling but don’t involve taking your pet, then consider the amazing benefits of using a pet sitting service as opposed to simply boarding your dog somewhere or entrusting your lovable, but sometimes forgetful, Aunt Gladys to stop by daily to check in on your dog or cat.
First of all, if you have a licensed and bonded pet sitter come to your home, your pet will be taken care of in familiar surroundings and this will greatly reduce his stress. After all, they are stressed enough because of your absence.
When cared for in his own home, your pet can readily stick to his diet and daily routine. No interruptions.
There’s no need to traumatize your pet by loading him up in the car and taking him somplace, only to drop him off and say, “Goodbye!” What if you never return to get us???? Oh, the drama!
Keep us at home and reduce our exposure to illness. What pet owner wants a sick dog upon coming home from a vacation?
With a pet sitter, you have a reliable person to tend to your dog in accordance with your instructions. There are no worries that your somewhat irresponsbile next door neighbor or nephew will forget to stop by at the pre-determined times. Consistency will be maintained with a responsible pet sitter.
So, if you live in the Kansas City area, consider the trusted folks at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services. Your pets will love you for it! (And, no, I have not been paid to say this, unless, of course, you count that doggie treat earlier in the day! Yum!)
*Thanks to petsit.com for some of this information! Thanks to me to making you aware of in-home pet sitting services and the amazing benefits!
Hiring A Petsitter
Are you planning to travel during the holidays and are looking for someone to care for your pet while you’re gone? If so, a petsitter can be the way to go.
It’s important to do your homework when hiring a petsitter. Here are some points to consider:
- Be sure to schedule a get-acquainted visit. Your pet sitter should require it, if not, request one. This visit will give you a chance to meet the person that would be caring for your pet. Observe how the prospect interacts with your pet, and gauge your pet’s reaction to the individual. Pets are usually pretty good judges of character!
- Leave contact and vet information. The prospective sitter should request this information from you. He/she should ask for your best contact info, vet info for your pet, and an emergency contact in the event you couldn’t be reached.
- Bonded and insured. Ask if the prospective sitter is bonded and insured. If they are not, that should be a red flag and you should interview other prospects.
- Status updates. Good sitters usually volunteer to provide you with updates on how your pet is doing. Communication methods vary, but commonly updates can be email, text message, or phone call. You should receive a written report, too, upon your return that spells out how the visits went with your pet.
- Ask questions. Ask the sitter what services are included in each visit. If you have special requests, such as mail pick up or watering plants for example, those are very often included. Be sure your sitter knows where all pet supplies are located, along with any unique behavioral traits your cat/dog may have.
- Schedule in advance. Especially during the holiday season, pet care providers have full schedules, so contact prospects well in advance. If you’re looking at pet care for Christmas, it’s time to contact prospects now.
Help Your Pet Sitter Help You
Do you plan to hire a pet sitter to care for your pets when you go on vacation? If this will be the first time hiring a pet sitter, keep these tips in mind to ensure they can provide optimal care for your pet:
- Be sure to leave your contact information and your pet’s vet info as well as an emergency contact
- Let the sitter know where your pet’s food, leash, treats and any other essentials are located
- Leave a flashlight for after-dark walks
- Provide your sitter with any special instructions regarding feeding your pet (pet won’t eat if sitter stands in feeding area, for example)
- Be sure to advise your neighbors that a sitter will be caring for your pets
- Notify your alarm company that a sitter will be in your home in the event the alarm is accidentally set off
- Check to be sure any food, cleaning products, or other items you want out of your pet’s reach are stored so your pet cannot access them
- Let your sitter know of any behaviors that may be important such as hiding places or tendency to run out of door if opened
- If your pet takes medication, be sure to show the sitter the dosage and how you normally administer it to your pet
- Be sure the sitter is aware of your expectations regarding your pet’s care (for example, scooping litter box daily, providing fresh food/water each day/visit)
Enjoy your vacation! If you tend to fret when away from your pet, ask the sitter to notify you to let you know how it’s going. The sitter should be happy to satisfy that request!
We Wish You a Happy Holiday Season! Discover the Real Joy of Living As You Appreciate Your Blessings!
Bo and Jessie here! Yes…we decided to mutually (and amicably!) compose this message today. In the spirit of the holidays, we just wanted to convey to you our sincerest wishes for a fabulous holiday season and blessings for a wonderful New Year. If you are thinking of giving your beloved pet a gift for the holidays, toys and such are nice, but a real treat would be a nice massage and lots of tender, loving care! Heck! Amidst the hustle and bustle, even YOU need a break, so why not take your critter for a walk (or two or three, especially if pesky Aunt Edna wears out her welcome and is getting on your nerves!). While we pets appreciate a fun new toy or a safe and wholesome nibble, we cherish most the times spent with our owners. That is the best gift of all! And, if you need an idea for that pet lover in your life, then consider a gift certificate from Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services. If you live in the Kansas City metro area, this is the service upon which to call. They know pets. They love ‘em, too!
Happy Holidays, from your favorite cat and dog! (And this was not a paid endorsement…Bo wanted to stress that fact!)
Preparing Your Pets for Holiday Visitors and Guests
Bo, the sociable cat: Okay, so you have Aunt Edna and Grandpa Herman coming over for the holidays. You also have pets at home. Will cranky Edna and grumpy Herman be able to tolerate your furry, four-legged companions? Better yet, will your pets be able to tolerate THEM?
Some pets naturally take to visitors. After all, it’s a new lap upon which to sit, a new face to lick, and a new treat to potentially obtain from someone who is unfamiliar with the current treat rules of the house! Other pets may exhibit varying behaviors as they greet visitors. Take our Yorkie-Poo buddy, Bolt. If you are not careful, he will pee on you when you come through the door. He can barely contain his enthusiasm, so to speak! His Wheaten Terrier roomie, Naismith, is a bit more aggressive. He will bark incessantly and might even take a snap at you!
Be prepared for how your pet will react when that doorbell rings. Keep those aggressive and fearful dogs in a quiet room, away from all the fuss, with fresh water and food at the ready. It is also a good idea to brush up on their obedience manners, both for the pets and the guests. Advise the guests of any problems concerning your pets and if you do not want Spot to have any nibbles from the table, let your guests know. We don’t want Spot to develop annoying new habits simply because Cousin Robbie did not like his peas.
Also, advise your visitors that you do have a pet. Some folks may have allergies, which could pose a problem.
If your pet simply cannot tolerate the extra commotion at this time of year, opt to have him stay at a friend’s home or even consider boarding your dog for a few days, or, for THE BEST alternative, contact Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services for the best care in the Kansas City area for your pet! It is a great alternative to annoying Aunt Edna anyway! There is nothing better than a responsible and reliable pet sitter!
(Thanks to peteducation.com for this great insight!)
The Times They Are A-Changin’
I have a couple of pet sitting clients who both lost their dogs this year, one to cancer and the other to old age. Both cases were sad in different ways and as a caregiver to both pets, I talked to their owners before and after the pets passed away.
In both cases the owners now have new puppies. I’m caring for one now, and will be meeting and sitting for the second next week. I’ve been reflecting on how different the sitting experience is now compared to what it was with the former pets.
These puppies are active, curious about everything and very engaged in the world. The ones before were in shut down mode, not their fault, just the circumstances. The before and after dogs need lots of care and attention for very different reasons. Lots of play and walks now vs. frequent vet visits, potty breaks and helping navigate the terrain because of limited mobility.
Both owners have experienced other changes in their lives recently and as a caregiver to their pets, I’ve shared a bit of that change with them. Although they loved the former pets, there wasn’t much to be happy about with age and disease having their way. Now they laugh and marvel at the antics of their puppies.
As a pet sitter, it’s very cool to be able to care for pets……and be a part of the life of their owners.
Ever been afraid of a vet’s bill?
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.)
Beggars Can’t Be Choosers: How to Deal with a Dog that Begs
Jessie: I am posting this entry today because the human to my good friend Bolt, an adorable, yet precocious Yorkie-Poo, has expressed concern about Bolt’s annoying begging habits during the human’s meal times. It seems that Bolt’s human cannot begin a meal without Bolt begging, whining, jumping up and down, employing whatever tactic he can think of in order to get just one tiny morsel of food from the human’s plate. We even highly suspect that Bolt has engaged in some form of counter-surfing behind his human’s back, jumping up on the larger dog’s back at his home and scouring the counter for goodies that way. It is a group effort, so they bigger dog is at fault, too.
As for me, I never beg for food. The only one who begs in this household is that stinky cat, Bo. He has to beg for mercy, that is, if he ever wants any care and consideration from me!
Begging is one of the most learned behaviors in dogs that one can see as endearing or annoying. At best, begging is actually a form of communication. Some pet owners even train their dogs to beg in order to get a piece of food or a treat.
However, on the other end of the spectrum, we have dogs that simply will not leave their humans alone during meal times. Like Bolt, he may jump on the owner’s leg, paw the owner, or bark incessantly. The dog realizes this has worked in the past, so he continues to engage in this behavior. Dogs do not only beg for food, either. They may beg for toys or for attention.
Because it is a learned behavior, the obvious solution is to not teach it to the dog in the first place. Pet owners who do not have to contend with a begging dog have simply raised the dog by not feeding it table scraps or by simply not encouraging such behavior in the dog in the first place. The dog receives his meals at the same time each day, in the same place, each and every day.
For dogs who beg, they are merely thinking, “It works, so therefore I beg.”
Here are a few tips to discourage the begging dog in your household:
1.) Have a set feeding regimen for your dog, and do not vary this at all.
2.) Crate train your dog during your meal times so he is not able to beg. Be sure to give him a toy or something to occupy him during this time, however.
3.) Realize that your dog will soon stop trying to do something that no longer works.
4.) Do not use punishment as a form of control here. It confuses the dog, and the only thing he learns to avoid is the punisher.
As the owner, you have to be in charge and take control. Your dog, the faithful friend and follower, will appreciate your lead! Just don’t leave a trail of bread crumbs as he follows behind you!
(Information for this post was found at http://www.petplace.com/dogs/delaing-with-dogs-that-beg/page1.aspx)
What to expect from your pet sitter
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.
Dog vs. Husband….You Decide
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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