Thanksgiving of course is all about being thankful. One thing I am thankful for is all my animals. Horses, Goats, Dogs and Cats. Love them all. They bring peace and stability to my life. With that thought we all must remember they are work. Extra work in the winter. We need to provide for them. Fresh food and water. Proper vet care. Shelter and of course lots of love. But many animals don't have that. They live on the street and search daily for food, water and shelter. Our animal shelters and rescues are full, and they cant save them all. THEY NEED HELP. How can you help? Many ways. The first way is to make sure your pets are spayed and neutered. Don't breed when shelter animals are dieing. Then next way, would be to adopt. Go to your local shelters and rescues and adopt a pet, giving them there forever home. There is a perfect pet out there for everyone. Can not adopt, well then foster. Fostering SAVES LIVES. The pic here shows two of four puppies and momma dog came from the shelter, from death row, pregnant!! I fostered her, she had her pups and now we foster all five. Soon we will be finding new home for all of them. Now not everyone can foster a pregnant dog and soon to be puppies, but there are older dogs, younger dogs, big dog and little dogs......AND cats!! Kittens and adults, big and small. They need a temporary home to settle them in while a forever home is found. Maybe you could help? Cant foster, well how about volunteer? The shelters and rescue always need help-AND IT IS FUN!! Go sit in there cat rooms, and love and brush a kitty. Walk a dog so it not only gets exercise but gets out and about and receives some much needed one on one love and time. If none of these things are doable for you, then donate. Donate money or food or toys, blankets etc.....just show up and drop them off, or mail a check to your local favorite group or shelter... Happy Thanksgiving everyone!    

Halloween is a very fun time for kids and adults alike....but might not be very fun for your pets. Follow some simple rules and common sense to keep your pet safe and happy. Keep all candy and chocolate up and away from pets....it can end up being a deadly mistake if a pet eats treats. Costumes.....make sure if you are going to dress up your pet that the costume is safe & fits well so it does not trap, strangle or hurt your pet. Maybe also put the pet in a safe room during the time you have trick or treaters....you do not want your pet to escape and you do not know if a costume scares your dog, they could bite, trying to protect you or out of fear. October 31 is a good time to keep all pets secure, safe and if possible, inside, especially black cats...it is sad to say they could fall prey to a not so nice human who has some not so nice Halloween plans for them...If you are planning a party at your house, maybe find a friend or a pet sitter who can care for your pet during the party. If you are going out and returning late have a pet sitter stop by to potty and play a little with your pet and then tuck them in, safe and sound for you. Well everyone have a great Halloween.....and remember....adopt!! If you cannot adopt then foster!! If you can not foster, then volunteer!!! If you can not volunteer then show your financial support to a local shelter...  

Now is the time to get ready for the holidays. If you are going to travel during the holidays you need to plan early for the care of your pets. Are your pets staying in town while your away? Then you need to contact a local pet sitter or boarding kennel. If you want them boarded, take time to go tour the kennel facilities. Ask for references. Do they let you bring your own food? What vaccinations are required. How often are they allowed out of kennel to play? If you plan on keeping pets at home, especially if you are a multi-pet family with dogs, horses, cats fish, etc....A pet Sitter is the way to go. Call and make appointments with at least two local pet sitters. Have them come out and meet with you and your pets....this initial visit usually is and should be FREE. Ask if they are bonded? Who is there vet? If they got sick or injured, who steps in for them to care for your pets? Ask for references! For those of you who are starting your own Pet Sitting business, now is a great time to get out there and post flyers, talk to local vets and get the word out you are available. Be ready for any kind of weather while clients are away...and most of all HAVE AN AWESOME HOLIDAY SEASON!!

So it is that time a year again when winter is sneaking up in us... Prepare your pets for winter...Make your animals life better and your life easier by being prepared....first heated water buckets or troughs ....they are awesome.... I have five gallon plug in buckets for my dogs and drop in heaters for my horses....many people think that water is not as important in the winter as the summer!!!! oh my that is so wrong....animals need water almost more in the winter because drinking it keeps there systems working and allows there bodies to HEAT THEMSELVES!!! So no fresh UN-frozen water could mean a freezing animal...not good... Also consider setting something up now to shelter your pet from wind rain and snow...another deadly combination... A dog house is a good way.... If you do not have one consider what one of my clients did.... Put a tarp over there picnic table and put benches on top of that then toss blankets under it.....sheltered from rain wind and snow!!!! What are some of your winter ideas to make your pet more comfy in the winter ??

Want to become your own boss? Have fun all day long and hang out with all types of animals? Make money doing what you love? Well now is the perfect time to start your own Pet Sitting service! I have done this for over 15 years and have built a awesome business with great clients and pets. GET THOSE FLYERS OUT! Hang them up everywhere. Post on Facebook and let people know your ready......oh not ready? Well then, get my forms and the policies and procedures and get started....be ready.....need help, CALL ME! I offer phone consultations.

I was asked the other day how to stop a puppy from chewing...the short answer is YOU CAN'T ..... BUT you can work to resolve destructive chewing. First we need to remember dogs chew because: they are bored, they like the taste/smell of the item or they are teething ....my first motto is this .... "do not set the dog up for failure "... So you need to do your part.... Remove temptations from there area like garbage cans with great smelling trash, leather shoes etc.... Then limit there area.... You can even crate for short times if needed....my favorite area is a small fenced area in garage that has a dog door to backyard or play area or outside kennel etc....then stimulate the brain,,, entertain them.... With special toys or good solid chew bones....you can "refresh" there toys... Like I used to once a week go collect all the rope type toys and boil them in broth....chicken, beef, whatever... Let them dry overnight and when you give them back....it is like a new toy.... Also before you leave the pup for a period on there own.... Get them exercised.... Nice walk before leaving for work, or some fetch.... Get them tired.... If you have a high energy dog - and you are gone several hours a day... Look into a dog day care..... Remember set them up for success!!!!!