My Blog

What Do Cat Sitters Do At Every Visit, Anyway?

03/02/2012 19:14:00

Of all of the questions I am asked about what life is like as a professional pet sitter the one question that continually pops up is, "What do you do when you visit cats, anyway? It must be the easiest job ever!"

Well, yes, it is pretty easy to visit cats but some forget that cats are just as social as dogs are (if not more) and expect to get their needs met at each cat sitting visit. For example, Xlavia, my current 7 month old client, needs plenty of exercise her purple feather toy keeps her entertained for awhile until

she decides she needs a peaceful form of exercise, yoga, and promptly starts her session in her favorite pose, the cobra. I daresay, she has that form down pat (pun intended), doesn't she?

And speaking of having forms down pat, Xlavia entertains herself by making sure I use the correct form as I change the litter box. Of all of the cat sitting tasks I perform, changing the litter box is not one of my favorites but no matter how unpleasant it is, it needs to be done at each visit.

Of course, Xlavia and her 19 year old sister, Wiggy, needs to have their food and water bowls refreshed daily. Often pets are less enthusiastic about eating and drinking when their owners are away from them so it always warms my heart to see my clients eat when I'm nearby.

And it always warms my heart when cats old cats like Wiggy stand on tiny arthritic paws to beg for more treats, more pets, and more kitty talk.

But when cat clients refuse to let me leave by sitting on my gloves and cat sitting forms my heart is broken but I take comfort that I have fulfilled their needs for one day until I visit them again.

Having Trouble Affording Your Pet? Pet Food Pantries and Pet Care Financial Aid Can Lend A Hand!

02/25/2012 10:17:00

What is a pet owner to do when their budget is stretched so tight that he cannot afford to buy food for his pets? Many pet owners have been known to skimp on meals for themselves in order to feed their furry companions while others had to make the painful decision of giving their pets up for adoption. What pet owners may not realize is that there are pet food pantries across the country who are more than willing to lend a hand for those who have been hit hard by the economy.

In New Hampshire, pet owners have found relief from Elderpet a small organization whose mission is to provide dog and cat food for income qualified individuals. Simply by completing a Pet Food Application Rockingham and Strafford county residents receive an ample supply of pet food (as shown above)every 4-6 weeks.

In addition to food assistance, Elderpet has an established no-interest loan fund for responsible pet owners who find themselves with unexpected (not routine) veterinary expenses. The way that it works is if your pet needs care that you cannot afford, Elderpet pays the veterinarian the amount that you cannot cover.

If you are in need of pet food and emergency care assistance and live outside of New Hampshire, don't worry. I've done my research for you as well! Here are a few links to get your paws on:

- United States and International Pet Food Banks

- Petco Food Bank Program

- Angels 4 Animals, services range from financial aid to complete treatment to those pets and pet owners in need.

I hope this information has eased the minds of all of my readers who have been experiencing financial difficulties. If you know of any other pet food pantries or pet care financial aid organizations, please share! Thank you and good luck to all!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow Dogs Bark

09/02/2011 15:06:00

A pet sitting client of ours recently asked me what I thought the afterlife was like for pets because she been concerned about her aging collie's health and just wanted to be prepared for the inevitable.

During our conversation I was not so sure she appreciated that most my Rainbow Bridge expertise came from a place called Blogville but as I continued talking she became less skeptical and more attentive because my description of Rainbow Bridge was so poignant and comforting for her.

I explained that Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful bridge that her dog Rocky will cross over when he dies and while on the bridge he will be restored to full health and vitality for all eternity. My client loved learning that when her time comes she will reunite with Rocky at the Bridge and they will remain together forever.

While the idea of Rainbow Bridge seems a bit over the top (no pun intended) I choose to believe in it because it makes me feel comforted because, as a pet sitter, pet lover, and pet owner, I need a fairy tale to get me through each horrible loss.

What about you, dear readers? What does Rainbow Bridge mean to you and pets? Do you really believe pets go to Rainbow Bridge when they die? If not, what happens to pets when they die?

The Dog Days Of Summer Are Better At Long Hill Dog Park In Dover, NH

09/01/2011 06:35:00

Have the dog days of summer gotten you down? Then I suggest you take your dog for a ride to one of the coolest summer retreats ever; the local dog park.

To keep my coon hound,Daisy,and I cool we headed to the best off-leash dog park we could find, Long Hill Dog Park, located just inside Long Hill Memorial Park. This new and lovely dog park can be found by clicking here for directions.

As soon as Daisy was released into the wild she couldn't stop talking about how much she appreciated the grassy areas for fetch and the wooded areas for shade. I was also thrilled that picnic tables were available for owners who wanted a comfortable spot to enjoy while overseeing their pooches at play.

And the pups were thrilled thatLong Hill Dog Parkprovides kiddie swimming pools for those who need to quench their thirst

or to cool off!

As far as Daisy and I are concerned, we are going to be frequent guests at this park and we hope you will check it out FUR yourself soon!

Long Hill Dog Park is open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from April 1 to Sept. 30, and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Oct. 1 through March 31.

Dog Tails Are Waggin' At Wagon Hill Farm in Durham, NH

08/31/2011 17:44:00

As a new resident and pet sitter serving clients in the Dover, NH, area I am finding a lot of dog friendly areas to stroll through and Wagon Hill Farm in Durham, NH, is no exception.

The locals told me that I couldn't miss Wagon Hill Farm if I tried because, of course, there is an old wagon to greet me at the entrance but these lovely people residents have no idea I can miss just about anything put in front of me!

So for those who share my blonde roots or for those who are simply new to the area the directions from Dover to Wagon Hill Farm are as follows:

Cross the bridge on Route 4 West which brings you into Durham

From the lights at the 4 way intersection with Route 4, Black River Road, and Cedar Point Road, travel 0.5 miles

Turn left onto the access road and immediately after passing the field with the wagon perched on the hilltop

There is a lower lot on the left, about 0.05 miles in with room for about 12 cars

Or continue for another 0.05 miles to arrive at the upper parking lot on the left where there is room for about 8 cars

This is possibly the most beautiful, well-kept preserved farm and trail in the Seacoast. There are three walking areas – one along the bay, one through the woods and another through the fields. History buffs will find the family cemetery plot down near the swimming area (no lifeguard). Rural views of this 130-acre farm are sure to win your dog's paw of approval, fur sure!

Wagon Hill Farm is a 140 acre farm, which was purchased by the town of Durham to preserve this beautiful resource. Enjoy the many habitats, including a grassy field, wooded forest and salt water with your four-legged friend today!