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Grieving over the Loss of Your Pet

Posted on July 14, 2015 at 3:59 PM

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Coping with the Loss of Your Beloved Pet

The loss of a pet can be as devastating, and in some cases more so, than the loss of a human loved one.

As a pet sitter and dog walker, I take care of many client's pets. I love them as if they are my own pet. Over the past three years, I have had to say goodbye to quite a few animals. It is never an easy thing to cope with. I cry and grieve, just as I would for my own pet.

People grieve in many different ways.You can experience different emotions like, anger, sadness, depression, denial, and then eventually, acceptance and peace.

Being sad and emotional after losing your pet is perfectly natural. Never feel ashamed about the way you feel.

Here are a few tips of coping with the loss of your furry family member:

Reach out to others who have lost their pets. You can reach out to your church. Most of them have support groups. Friends and family are typically helpful. There are grief hot lines.
Seek professional help if you need it. Sometimes, when you talk to a neutral party it is easier. They don't know you and they will not judge you.
Rituals can help the healing. Hold a memorial service or funeral for your pet. Today, there are many pet cemeteries.
Legacies. You can plant a tree on behalf of your beloved pet. Create a nice scrapbook with photo's and different memories that you and your pet shared. Make a donation to the local Human Society on behalf of you and your pet.
Taking care of yourself. Grief will run you down. That alone can make you feel depressed. Get out of the house! Exercise! Surround yourself with happy and positive people. That can do wonders for anyone.

Those are a few tips that I can share with you that have helped me in the past. Time will always heal your wounds or at least, make it a little less painful.

I met an interesting man the other day when I was out walking. His name is, Richard Cole. He is a pet loss counselor. Works with individuals and families that are dealing with the loss of their pet. If you would like to contact him, the phone number is: 239-398-9104.

Desert Tortoise

Posted on April 13, 2015 at 12:38 PM

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My New Best Friend

Recently, I had the pleasure of pet sitting a Desert Tortoise. Abandon by the previous owner, my clients adopted him and made him part of the family. He is at least 20 years old.

The desert tortoises live approximately 50 to 80 years; they grow slowly and generally have low reproductive rates. They spend most of time in burrows, rock shelters, and pallets to regulate body temperature and reduce water loss. This guy did come out of his burrow for me. I fed him lettuce right out of my hand. He is a friendly guy. They are most active after seasonal rains and are inactive during most of the year. This inactivity helps reducing water loss during hot periods, whereas winter hibernation facilitates survival during freezing temperatures and low food availability. Desert tortoises can tolerate water, salt, and energy imbalances on a daily basis, which increases their lifespan.

It was nice to see nature up close. Can't wait until my next visit!

The Rottweiler and The Stuffed Monkey

Posted on April 13, 2015 at 12:00 PM

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Leta and The Monkey

There is nothing more sweet and endearing than seeing a full grown Rottweiler walking down the pathway with a stuffed monkey in her mouth. Leta is proud of that little monkey. Her daddy bought it for her at a garage sale. She saw a basket of stuffed animals and decided, this little monkey is the best!

I pet sit for Leta a couple times a year and she amazes me. She is the most loving and loyal dog I know. When she takes her walks with daddy and they pass by my door, Leta pulls her dad to my front door so that we can visit. Leta never forgets me.

Here is a little information that I found on Wikipedia.

Rottweiler is good-natured, placid in basic disposition, very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work. Their appearance is natural and rustic, their behaviour self-assured, steady and fearless. They react to their surroundings with great alertness.

Rottweilers are a powerful breed with well-developed genetic herding and guarding instincts. Potentially dangerous behaviour in Rottweilers usually results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization and training. However, the exceptional strength of the Rottweiler is an additional risk factor not to be neglected. It is for this reason that breed experts declare that formal training and extensive socialization are essential for all Rottweilers. According to the AKC, Rottweilers love their owners and may behave in a clownish manner toward family and friends, but they are also protective of their territory and do not welcome strangers until properly introduced. Obedience training and socialization are required.

A 2008 study surveying breed club members found that while Rottweilers were average in aggressiveness (bites or bite attempts) towards owners and other dogs, it indicated they tend to be more aggressive than average toward strangers. This aggression appears correlated with watchdog and territorial instincts.

Homemade Snack Recipes for Dogs

Posted on March 12, 2015 at 11:44 AM

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I found this great recipe on Allrecipes.com for homemade doggie biscuits.

Please read over the ingredients before you make them in case your doggie is allergic to any of the ingredients.

DOG TREATS I

Ingredients:

Original recipe makes 4 dozen

1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup margarine
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons white sugar

2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
3 cups whole wheat flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, margarine, and boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes. Grease cookie sheets.
Thoroughly stir in cornmeal, sugar, bouillon, milk, Cheddar cheese, and egg. Mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a stiff dough has formed.
Knead dough on a lightly floured surface, mixing in additional flour as necessary until dough is smooth and no longer sticky. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2" thickness. Cut with cookie cutter (I prefer bone shaped), and place 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Cool before serving. Store in a loosely covered container.

Spring Break

Posted on March 4, 2015 at 2:08 PM

comments (648)

Spring Break 2015

Have you started making plans yet for Spring Break?

There is always so much to think about.

Number one, of course, is where you will be heading? If you are planning to stay at a hotel or bed & breakfast you, and you are planning to bring along your furry family member, you will have to check to see if it a pet friendly place. Not all hotels and motels accept animals.

With that being said, sadly, you now have found out that you cannot bring your beloved pet. What are you going to do? You have a couple options.

#1. Boarding: Of course, you can always board your animal. Boarding an animal can be costly and stressful on the animal and the owner. A one day stay at the Pooch Hotel can run up to $100.00 just for the day. You also have to ask yourself, are they going to get the one on one attention that they need? Are they going to be comfortable? Also, you have to be in charge of transporting them to and from the facility you choose.

#2. Family.Friends: This is an alternative a lot of people try because it is cheap or you do not have to pay at all. However, a lot of times you will have someone agree to take care of your furry loved ones, and then guess what happens? They are called away on an emergency and can't get back to your pets. Or, maybe something better comes up and they decide to go away as well. Now what are you going to do? You have that great trip that you paid lots of money for and you have to cancel. Bummer!

#3. Pet Sitter Service: A better alternative is to hire a dependable pet sitter/pet sitting service that comes out to your home to pet sit your furry family member. They will be so happy to stay in their own environment where they have familiar scents. There is scientific research that suggests dogs, associate the smell of their owner with pleasure and happiness. It makes them feel more secure. There is nothing better than having a healthy and happy pet. Also, they have their own toys, blankets, pillows, beds, and food dishes.

If some emergency arises with your animal or home, your pet sitter is there to help. We are there for you! We are bound in writing to take care of your furry family members no matter what arises. Leave it to the professionals.

Whatever your choice is, make sure you really think hard on what is best for your furry family member.

Thank you for reading my blog. Make sure your post some comments.

Whiskersandtailspetsitting.net

10 Ways to Exercise With Your Pet

Posted on January 23, 2015 at 11:49 AM

comments (612)

10 Ways to Exercise With Your Pet

The Pudgy Pet Problem

Dogs may be the best workout partners ever, but too many of them aren't getting enough exercise. Nor are cats. Experts estimate that nearly 35 percent of pets today are overweight, which increases their risk for many serious conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems, and heart disease.

Blame the pudgy pet problem on too many treats and not enough leash time. According to our friends at Active.comand celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson for Petfit.com, here are some great behavior modification tips to help make sure you and your pet are getting the exercise you need!

1. Interval Walk

"So many pet owners consider walking their pets a chore, like making the bed," says Peterson. "Instead, think of it as a way for you both to get exercise, as an essential part of your pet's good health." A quick walk down the block to pee and back isn't enough activity, he says.

Multiple short walks a day may be best for very young, very old, or physically challenged dogs, but for other pets, take longer strolls that increase your pet's heart rate (at least 15 to 20 minutes), which will boost his metabolism.

2. Fetch Tease for Abs

Crunch and tone your tummy while your dog sprints to play fetch.

How to: Grab your pet's favorite fetch toy and get down on the floor in sit-up position. Hold the toy as you do a sit-up, and pretend to toss it as you reach the top. Fido will chase after it, only to realize you still have his toy. Do another sit-up, and pretend to toss the toy again. Try to get in as many reps as you can until your dog stops chasing and playing along.

3. Squat Tease

Firm your butt and thighs while your dog gets his jump on.

How to: Stand with legs shoulder-width apart. Squat and tap your dog with his favorite toy. As you rise, lift the toy above your head; your dog will jump up for it.

4. Dogstacle Course

This is circuit training for you and your pet.

How to: Place fitness gear throughout your backyard, as though you're creating an obstacle course (only do this in a fenced-in area). Think fitness step, bosu ball, jump rope, hula hoop, etc. Place your dog on a leash and briskly walk through the course together. At each station, stop and do a specific exercise, like modified push-ups on the step or balancing moves on the bosu ball. Some well-trained dogs may sit still while you work out, but if he doesn't, no biggie. If your pooch runs off, that's part of the fun — you'll both get a good sprint when you chase him to bring him back. Your dog will love the quality time with you and the fast-paced walking between your stations.

5. Dog Tag

Just like the game you played as a kid, this is good sprinting exercise for you and your pooch.

How to: You're it: "Tag" your dog, then start running around your backyard and let him chase you. After a few minutes, you'll both get your heart rates soaring.

6. Fetch Races

Your dog won't be the only one playing fetch in this game.

How to: Head to your backyard or a park and throw your pup's favorite toy — only this time, race her to pick it up (a great way to get your blood pumping). Then wrestle the toy from her grasp, toss, and race her for it again.

7. Dog Stairs

Climbing steps together will sculpt your legs and help your pup burn off his breakfast.

How to: Leash your pooch and pick a long staircase, either in your house, or perhaps the bleachers at a nearby school. Go up and down the stairs with your pet by your side, and vary the way you step for a more challenging workout: Take steps two at a time, widen your stance so you step up in a "V," run up the steps sideways, and more.

8. Cat "Light" Abs

We didn't forget about your kitty — she needs to stay active too. "Getting a feline to frolic can be hard work," says Cruz. "As cats leave their mischievous kitten stage of life, learning what makes your cat frisky can take some trial and error."

This move tones your tummy and gets your cat up and at 'em.

How to: Do sit-ups with a mini flashlight in each hand. At the top position, tighten your ab muscles while waving the flashlight beams back and forth on the wall — your cat will chase them.

9. Cat "Light" Cardio

A mock jump rope exercise with flashlights will get your heart pumping as your cat chases the light.

How to: Hold a mini flashlight in each hand, about 10 feet away from a wall. Pretend to jump rope (you're not actually holding a rope, just mimic the motion with your arms and legs). The light will bounce on the wall in front of you, and your cat will get a short burst of exercise as she tries to catch the light.

10. Curious Cat Curls

Sculpt your biceps while your cat jumps and stretches.

How to: Tie a light toy with a string to your dumbbells. Fluffy will go crazy trying to catch the toy as you curl up and down.

NOTE: Remember that pets can't sweat (they pant to cool down), so the best time to exercise outdoors is morning or evening, when it's not too hot.

Sounds obvious, but smaller or short-legged pets are probably not your best marathon training partners; they're not born to run long distances like Labs or retrievers. Instead, try shorter interval walks with sprints.

Watch for signs of exhaustion or overheating. Provide an ounce of water for every pound your pet weighs. If your pooch pants excessively or hyperventilates, his tongue and gums turn brick red, or he can't keep up and stands or lies listlessly, stop exercising and seek immediate veterinary care. These may be signs of a heat stroke, which is potentially fatal. Now you know the basics, so let's get started!

2015-Staying in Shape for You and Your Pet

Posted on January 23, 2015 at 11:10 AM

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2015 is the year to be happy, healthy and fit. There are some great ways that you and your pet can stay in shape;

Walking.
Jogging.
Swimming.
Yoga
Going to dog parks.

The San Diego Humane Society is having two events this weekend that can help you achieve your goal.

"Get Fit with Fido" Adoption Promo: Between January 23 and 25, the adoption fee for all adult dogs is just $15! Let love back into your life by visiting any of our campuses to adopt a new furry best friend - and workout buddy.

World Record-Breaking Yoga Event: On Sunday, January 25, we're teaming up with Leash Your Fitness to host the largest dog-friendly yoga event that ever existed. More than 250 people and their canines are expected to participate in this unique event, which will break the Guinness World Record for the most people and dogs doing yoga together in one place. Adoptable dogs from San Diego Humane Society will be present to lend a hand - er, paw - at setting a new world record.

There is no registration fee for event participants, however, there is a suggested donation amount of $10, which will benefit animals at San Diego Humane Society.

DATE

Sunday, January 25, 2015

TIME

Registration: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Yoga Class: 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

LOCATION

Carmel Valley Rec Center

3777 Townsgate Drive

San Diego, CA 92130

I cannot think of a better way to get fit and your pet will be happier and healthy as well.

Happy New Year.

A Day and the Life of a Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

Posted on November 21, 2014 at 12:14 PM

comments (766)

Day and Life of a Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

I love my job. What job can be better than being a Pet Sitter/Dog Walker?

My day consists of visiting the most sweetest, intelligent, and fun clients. I never have to worry about someone being rude to me or yelling at me just because they think I looked at them the wrong way. Animals show nothing less than love and kindness. Sometimes, I will get a bark or a meow to let me know it is time to show them some more attention or they are hungry.

We are their voices. They cannot tell us when something is wrong. Nothing upsets me more, then when I hear or see a pet owner being cruel or yelling at their animals. You have to remember, they are not humans, but precious animals. They are domesticated and we need to be kind to them and treat them with the respect they deserve.

In my job, I get great daily exercise and fresh air. Sometimes, my dog clients do walk me instead of me walking them.

I do not have to sit at a desk and watch my back end spread. Lol. I can also where shorts and tennis shoes if I want.

There is nobody to report to except to myself and a daily pet report card to the pets owner. I do not have a micro-managing boss (sometimes I can be a bit demanding on myself).

I do have a schedule and can never call out sick, but who would ever want to call out sick. When you know you have these sweet animals waiting to see you, that is all of the motivation you need. They are waiting for me with joy in their little hearts and of course, they do have to go potty. Ha Ha Ha.

I love my business and I wouldn't trade it for any other job. In fact, I enjoy being a pet sitter/dog walker so much, it doesn't even feel like work.

I hope you enjoyed reading this humorous Blog.

Whiskers and Tails is always on the job!