MaddieZ's Critter Quotes:

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog that comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog and I will become as generous and loving as they are."--C. Zuccaro

Pet Sitting News: End Fireworks Anxiety. How? Through a Dog's Ear

After many years of pet sitting I have come to dread the 4th of July and New Years Eve. Why? Because of all the stress and fear the fireworks cause to our pets. The LOUD noises occurring at irregular and unpredictable times send many of my pet sitting clients into states of acute anxiety. Many end up shivering uncontrollably, hiding under the bed or running panicked around their house while  panting; all sure signs of severe stress.

Buddy

What Can You Do?
Until recently, the only options pet owners had available  were sedation, taking their pets out of town, using Thundershirts or  trying  to calm them using what ever tools they had at hand. My pet sitting experience has shown me that often none of these methods are enough to calm a frightened pet. Now there's another option clinically proven and very effective in relieving our pet's anxiety weather caused fireworks or something else.

The Answer is Through a Dog's Ear
Dr. Susan Wagner, board-certified veterinary neurologist,  Joshua Leeds, a sound researcher and authority in the field of psychoacoustics and Lisa Spector, a concert pianist and Julliard graduate have teamed up to provide relief from anxiety through music designed specifically for that purpose.

The music produced by Through a Dog’s Ear is summed up in just two words— simple sound and refers to the process of minimizing the complex auditory information present in most music. Through a Dog's Ear is intentionally selected, arranged and performed to provide calming auditory assimilation.

A great deal more information regarding the research behind and production of this music is available on their website: www.throughadogsear.com   where you can also obtain CD's and downloadable tracts.

Whether you're a pet owner or pet sitting, Through a Dog's Ear has developed an invaluable tool to help reduce and alleviate  our pet's stress and anxiety.

Written by Nickie Zavinsky, Old friends Pet Support

Pet Food Recalled: Natura Recalls Innova, EVO, California Natural and other brands yet Again

On June 18, 2013 Natura Pet Products recalled six different brands of dog, cat and ferret food, biscuits, bars and treats because of potential Salmonella contamination.

The pet food was recalled after a U.S. Food and Drug Administration test returned positive for Salmonella bacteria. All of the products recalled were packaged in the same production facility.

Natura Pet Products manufactures pet food and pet treats all of which are marketed as “natural” and “holistic.” Products included in the recall are dry dog food, dry cat food, and biscuits and treats branded Innova, EVO, California Natural, Healthwise, Karma, and Mother Nature. The expiration dates of the products are prior to June 10, 2014.

Natura has released a statement through its website apologizing for the contamination and states that additional testing procedures have been implemented for its products. 

For further information on the recall or for product replacement or refund, call Natura toll free at 800-224-6123, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CT.

To receive email alerts about current dog food recalls visit the Dog Food Advisor site and sign up for their email alert.

MaddieZ's Critter Quotes—SantaCruzPets.com

"Some people don’t understand why I let a dog sleep on my bed. When a dog is family they can sleep anywhere."
~ Anthony Douglas Williams
Old Friends Pet Support

Woe is me!

Last night mom had pasta with Parmesan cheese. I didn't get ANY! Then she explained that until we figure out my allergy problems I can't have Parmesan cheese...NO PARMESAN CHEESE!!!???!!!! I LOVE Parmesan cheese! It's a sad day indeed for this Little Brown Dog .

Friday, June 21st is Take Your Dog to Work Day!

Me and Mom taking
a play break!

Me and Mom are very fortunate, we work together every day but not all dogs are so lucky.  We're often hired  for pet sitting because people work long hours and they want their pets to have some company and a break in their day. For many lucky dogs this Friday will be different. Why?

Brian and Scooby at
foxxr in Capitola, CA

It’s Take Your Dog to Work Day!

Take Your Dog to Work Day, now in it’s 15^th year, was created by Pet Sitters International to celebrate the dogs in our lives and to raise awareness of shelter animals in need. Employers who don’t normally allow pets in the workplace are encouraged to open their doors to their employees’,  furry family members. Businesses can also partner with their local shelters and rescue organizations for a day of fundraising and with a bit of luck, a few shelter animals will find their forever homes.

Mia is the official greeter at
Santa Cruz Record
Management in Soquel, CA

A Win Win Situation for All!

If you’re an employer and think this would prove disruptive to your business, think again.

Nearly 20% of all businesses in the United States allow their employees to bring their pets to work. It’s good for both employer and employee. Amazon, Ben & Jerry’s, Clif Bar and Company, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Google, and Hitachi Data Systems are just  a few, companies that allow pets in the workplace. Having a pet at work ensures your employees take breaks, they benefit from the inherent relaxing effect pets provide, are happier, and report they are more productive. A recent study conducted by Central Michigan University showed that dogs in the workplace increases collaboration between workers. So, give it a try this year. While there may be less pet sitting work, you, your employees, and their pets will all benefit!

I Met My New Doctor!

I Started Getting Itchy 
Once again my skin started to itch and mom was pretty sure my ear was getting infected so she made me an appointment to see the doctor. Her name is Sheena Longothetti and she works at Westside Animal Clinic in Santa Cruz. I really like her! She spent 2 whole hours on me and even worked through her lunch hour because of my skin! 

Was I Scared?
Mom wasn't sure how I would be when I got to the vet but she didn't have a thing to worry about. I was so excited to meet all the new people and smell all the new smells that I could hardly contain my self! Turns out I do have an ear infection but I'm on meds for it now so I should feel better in no time at all. 


Now My Skin is More Complicated 
Since I've been itchy since I was born Shenna took some slides and a scraping to see what was there. I had some bacteria and yeast on my skin, both secondary infections to the itching. (Except for the redness where I was scratching and itching you couldn't see anything.) She thinks I might have an allergy to some foods and/or something in the environment. So now, I'm on 3 meds to clear up my skin and stop the itching and a special food made of hydrolyzed protein (sounds yucky but turns out it tastes good!) Yay! She said it might take a couple of months to figure it out so I just have to be patient. Mom and I will keep you posted. 

Me and My Flying Squirrel!

Hi everyone! Here I am at the beach with my favorite toy, my flying squirrel!

MaddieZ's Critter Quotes—SantaCruzPets.com

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." ~ Milan Kundera

Pet Sitting the Fab Four

The Fab Four, Need At Home Pet Sitting

Charlie, Chappy, Katie and Skye, fondly known as the four little doggies, belong to a wonderful woman named Betty who has set up her home to accommodate their various needs making  pet sitting them a breeze. Charlie and Chappy are both mixed breed rescues and Katie and Skye are West Highland Terriers, or Westies. All four of them are love bugs and I always enjoy taking care of them. I actually get to do their pet sitting! Charlie and Skye are both special needs dogs and with a four dog family, at home pet sitting works best for them. Staying at their house is fun and works well all around as both care for the home and pet sitting needs are met at the same time.

Multiple Pet Sitting Skills Required!

Charlie, the little Doxy was born completely blind. I sometimes forget he is blind because he gets along so well. He has his home memorized and as long as the furniture isn’t moved and there are no unexpected things on the floor, he manages very well. When pet sitting him, actually, when dog walking him, he knows instinctively where the curbs are (something which just amazes me), but I do have to pay attention to bushes, fences, etc. so he doesn’t bump into them.

Skye is a senior gal. She needs a slower paced walk and has mini staircases she uses to get up on the couch and bed. (Yes they all four sleep in the bed too!) She also requires medications and all four dogs are on various and different supplements so feeding time is a challenge. Katie and Chappy are the rambunctious ones. They get their dog walks separately from Charlie and Skye as they bark, pull, and go into a fun, fast and furious frenzy when we meet another dog on our walks. So there are a few things to remember when  pet sitting the Fab Four, including, DON'T rearange the furniture!!!     http://www.santacruzpets.com

MaddieZ's Critter Quotes—santacruzpets.com

"Poets generally love cats--because poets have no delusions about their own superiority."

 ~ Marion Garretty

MaddieZ's Critter Quotes—Old Friends Pet Support

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans."

~ James Herriot

Rosie Loves at Home Pet Sitting

My name is Rosie and I am an older gal, twelve to be exact. I have a cushy bed to sleep on and my mom always has a quilt on it. My favorite place to sleep is on the bed, under the quilt. I have a yard too and that’s nice for sunning when it’s warm outside. Most of the time I stay indoors and under my quilt where it’s always warm. I like having someone pet sitting me I because my mom works and can be gone a long time. Nickie 

's our pet sitter. She owns Old Friends Pet Support and comes over four times a week. She gives me a nice cuddle and a good head rub. The other reason I like pet sitting is...

My Pesky Sister

I am a big fan of pet sitting as it gets Belle out of my hair, Yipeee! Belle is my younger sister. She’is a ten year old Bichon Frise and she’s really cute. The problem with Belle is that she is pesky when it comes to me. She likes to chase me and I do NOT like that. She thinks it’s fun and it just makes me mad. Fortunately mom has set up a special room for me with a gate to keep Belle out. I can escape there if she gets too annoying. Nickie takes her out for a dog walk each day and they’re gone for at least a half an hour. A lot of times Nickie will take Belle home with her too. Then she’s gone for a couple of hours and I’m really happy. When my mom goes on vacation Nickie comes to the house and stays with us, it’s called in home pet sitting. Then we have our own personal pet sitter! She feeds us, lets her sleeping with her and gives us lots of TLC. Most importantly she keeps Belle out of my hair! Yes, I do love pet sitters!

For more information about pet sitting and Old Friends Pet Support visit our website: http://www.santacruzpets.com

MaddieZ's Critter Quotes—Old Friends Pet Support

"Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm
to ask for what you want." 

~ Joseph Wood Crutch

MaddieZ Video Picks Sad Cat Diary

MaddieZ'z Rating: 2 Paws Up! Give this a watch, It's really, really funny!"

MaddieZ's Critter Quotes—Old Friends Pet Support

"By and large, people who enjoy teaching animals to roll over will find themselves happier with a dog."  

 ~ Barbara Holland

MaddieZ's Critter Quotes—Old Friends Pet Support

"I have heard of a dog that barked at every stranger who approached his master’s premises with clothes on, but was easily quieted by a naked thief."

 ~ Henry David Throeau

A Wheel Chair can Save your Dogs Life!

It’s not unusual for dogs and cats to become disabled just as people do. Dogs and cats become paraplegic and quadriplegic for many different reasons, but the good news it that you no longer have to put them down because of it. Today, owner care and pet sitting disabled animals is easier than ever before.

A Successful Solution for Disabled Pets

Doggie wheel chairs are now readily available and are a very simple and successful solution for disabled pets. Their mobility and dignity is restored and they go on to live happy and long lives as they should. Usually your dog will adjust to their new chair in just a minute or two. And the good news…they are very easy to use.

Pet Sitting a Disabled Animal

In home pet sitting or at home pet sitting is the best choice for a disabled animal. They have someone with them most of the time and are able to take their regular schedule walk in their own neighborhoods or parks. They are at their home and in their normal environment, so they tend to have less stress while you are away.
When pet sitting a disabled animal a little more knowledge and care is required on the part of the pet sitter, but overall it is really not that much different from pet sitting a non-disabled animal.

   

Finding a Wheel Chair for Your Pet

If you have a disabled animal or know someone who does your veterinarian probably knows where you buy a wheel chair for your pet.  I also recommend looking into Eddie’s Wheels. The owners, Ed and Leslie Grinnell have been living with dogs with disabilities for 20 years. Ed is a former mechanical engineer and his design for animal wheelchairs, has won the accolades of veterinarians and canine physical rehabilitation practitioners worldwide. His design protects pets from some of the common side-effects created by canine carts such as skin breakdown and loss of core muscle tone. Each wheelchair is custom built here in the US and their prices are comparable with other manufactures. Their website address is: http://eddieswheels.com/