Upcoming Animal Events

Yeah! With spring comes great events that are pet and family friendly!

Here are a few that we will be attending. Please be sure to visit our booth to get your pets picture taken for our website and newsletter, and to sign up to win free pet and home care!

April 23- Paws in the Park- Gaithersburg, MD http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=577&TOC=107;84;99;577;

May 7- Kentlands Day- Gaithersburg, MD http://www.kentlandsday.com/index.html

May 7- Furry Scurry- Washington Park, Denver, CO http://support.ddfl.org/site/TR?fr_id=1090&pg=entry

May 21- Strut your Mutt- Bethesda, MD http://strutyourmuttbethesda.org/ (this website not up to date with this year but you can click here for more info http://events.linkedin.com/Strut-Mutt-Dog-Parade-Festival/pub/573558)

We hope to see you and your furry family there (non furry are welcome too!!)

Furry Friends Need Fun Too!

It seems like the most natural thing in the world—our pets need food, water, medical care and lots of love. But dogs and cats have other needs, too. Our furry friends need ample physical exercise and mental stimulation to lead truly full and happy lives.

“They need jobs,” says Kristen Collins, CPDT, ASPCA Animal Trainer. Dogs and cats need to stay busy and engaged, but unfortunately most pets are unemployed—daily they sit at home, chronically bored and waiting for their humans to return from work. And as we all know, an idle pet can quickly turn into a naughty pet when restlessness becomes overwhelming.

“With nothing to do, dogs and cats are forced to find ways to entertain themselves,” explains Kristen. “Their activities of choice often include behaviors we find problematic, like excessive barking or meowing, gnawing on shoes, raiding the garbage, eating houseplants and scratching furniture.”

To prevent behavior and health problems, Kristen recommends the following physical and mental workouts—both when you’re there to join the fun and when your pet is home alone.

  • Move it! Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day. Jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great ways to burn excess energy.
  • Engage in structured games, like fetch and tug-of-war—they’re not only great exercise but also teach your pet impulse control and strengthen the bond between you.
  • Keep your dog occupied when he’s home alone by giving him a food-stuffed puzzle toy, likethe Kong, or some tasty chew toys.
  • Like their canine counterparts, cats also need plenty of aerobic exercise. Get kitty fit with rousing play sessions, such as chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice.
  • Encourage your cat’s favorite home alone activities, including bird watching, exploring paper bags or boxes, watching cat videos or spending time in secure outdoor enclosures.
  • Teach your cat new tricks! Felines are quick studies and can learn practical skills like coming when called, sitting up, rolling over and even using the toilet!

Kristen adds: “The bottom line is that you’re responsible for enriching your pet’s life. Providing opportunities to exercise your cat or dog’s mind and body will keep her healthy and happy—and enhance your relationship, too.”

Article from the ASPCA http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/keep-your-pet-entertained.aspx

And a sure way to make them happy and keep them active and engaged is to enrol them in regular pet care! A visit from one of our sitters while you are gone is a great way to show them you care. We will give them the care, attention, and exercise they need when you can’t.

Doggy Day Care is another great way to keep them playing all day! Our doggy day care bus will come to your house in the morning to pick up your friendly pup, we will take them to our pet resort with their friends, where they will play and exercise all day! Our staff is there to throw balls, give love, brush them, snuggle them, play tug of war, and give them fresh water. Then when play time is over, we will bring your exhausted happy pup back to your home.

Give it a try! You and your pets will thank us!

Rest in Peace Klem

Klem was one of the sweetest pups we have taken care of. So loving and gentle, we will miss you forever!! Here is a poem for you and your family:

Rainbow Bridge Poem

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together…

*Author Unknown*

Pet Tip!

Do you have a hard time getting your cat or small dog into a pet carrier? Here is what I do for my very frisky, fully clawed, full grown tabby..

Put the cage on its back end so that the door is facing the ceiling, open the door wide. Do this away from your pet so they do not get suspicious. Find your pet, say hello kitty or puppy or whatever cute words you use with them. Pet them, love them, and gently pick them up, keep petting and talking so they are distracted. Then bring them into the room with the cage and lower their body into the cage- back legs first. So you are essentially gently dropping them in so they land on their hind legs. quickly close and lock door and put cage slowly on the correct side.

Voila! You are ready for your car ride!