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