
Dr. Jane Bicks has some good points here in her article about “Why do cats purr?”
Most people believe cats purr when they are content or happy. While cats do purr when they are content, researchers attempting to uncover the answer to this 3,000-year-old mystery are finding the answer more complicated than previously thought. All domestic cats purr, as well as many wild cats, like pumas, ocelots, lions and cheetahs. Purring can occur in a variety of situations. When cats purr in the presence of other unknown cats or kittens, the behavior may serve to convey submissiveness or a friendly greeting. While it is true that cats purr contentedly while on their pet parent’s lap, they also purr when they give birth, when they are frightened, severely injured and even while dying. Because kitties clearly cannot be content in all these situations, contentment or friendliness cannot be the only reason they purr.
So why else would they purr?
Continue reading here!
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The summertime is coming and for many of us the question arises what’s the best solution for our pets while we are on our well deserved vacation.
Sometimes I’m still surprised that some pet owners are not aware that they have the possibility to leave their pets at home in the loving care of a professional pet sitter. This is not only an advantage for your pet who is happiest at home but also for the security of your home. Fact is, your home will have a lived in look with all the activity going on. Make sure to hire a pet sitting company who does not advertise their service on the car which will park frequently in your driveway - because that’s an indicator that a service company and not the homeowner or family members go in and out. Most pet sitters, like The Purrfect Nanny team will be happily bring in your mail, rotate blinds, turn lights off and on and more - for no additional charge.
For additional information please contact us at 678-999-3958 or visit us at The Purrfect Nanny
Please also read the informative article from NAPPS, the National Assosiation of Professional Pet Sitters. Read the rest of this entry »

Today I saw a report at Fox Five Atlanta about the healing power of dog saliva. That dogs are good for our soul is nothing new but it seems they are good also for us to heal.
I did a little research and found a few interesting article about it and I want to share one with you.
Before the dawn of antibiotics and other medicines designed to heal wounds and rid the injury of bacteria, dogs did just fine by nursing their injuries to health with the use of their tongue.
For centuries people have noticed that dogs always lick their wounds when they get injured. Although the following idea may not appeal to you, research has shown that a dogs’ licking can be good for people to!
Keep on reading at Puppies and Big Dogs

Probiotics have received a great deal of attention lately, and this focus is absolutely justified. An increasing number of products, from yogurts to pet foods, contain probiotics. Often referred to as “healthy” and/or “friendly” bacteria (or microorganisms) in the media, their proper notation is “direct fed microbials” when used in pet foods. Basically, probiotics are helpful bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract. In fact, every digestive system contains millions of bacteria, both those with a healthful purpose (like probiotics) and some that are not so beneficial. While some kinds of bacteria can be harmful, many (like direct fed microbials) actually help the immune system adapt to internal changes within the body and thus naturally support good health.
Most people do not realize that located within the digestive system is one a very important group of immune cells called the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT), which communicate with the immune cells located throughout the body. In some respects, the GALT is the first line of defense against unhealthy microorganisms in the body. Whereas most of the cells in our body receive nutrition from the blood, this is not true for the GALT – it receives the majority of its nutrients from these helpful bacteria. Read the rest of this entry »
Have you ever had the feeling that services nickel and dime you? In earlier years, it was common for me to receive a trim for my bangs for free at my regular hairdresser. Nowadays, I am charged for that small service. When we drove up to the gas station years ago, a friendly employee came out and cleaned the windows while we were waiting for him to fill our car with gas. Nowadays, we might not even see an employee. I am sure you can think of many more examples of excellent customer service and small courtesies that make the difference. In the pet sitting industry, you find the same thing. Have you ever looked at service offerings where you can add on services? Suddenly you find yourself looking trough the pricelist as if you were reviewing a laundry list at the cleaners. Do you have to pay for small services like giving a pill to your pet or sprinkling food in your fish tank?
You can be sure, when you hire The Purrfect Nanny for your pet sitting services that those little acts of kindness are included in your basic fee. Yes, we will give your pet a pill for free. Yes, we will sprinkle food into your fish tank for free. Yes, we don’t mind feeding your bird while we take care of your other pets for free. At The Purrfect Nanny, we understand the importance of excellent customer service and small courtesies that make the difference.
Check out our next BLOG about “what makes us stand out from the competiton”
Your Child’s next Birthday Party could bring fun and awareness to your child and friends and help homeless animals. Have you next birthday party at Marietta based, Our Pal’s Place. Our Pal’s Place is an animal advocate organization with a pet adoption facility and education center. Their mission is to provide solutions that improve the future for animals.
When your guests arrive, they give a tour of their main facility where homeless pets who are awaiting their “forever home” are housed. Pictures are taken of your guests and their favorite dog for a take home remembrance of your party. From here, your gathering can include games, food/drink, spending time with the dogs, dog walking…
You can even request that your guests bring gifts for the doggies.
To find out more about Our Pals Place and their parties visit their website:
www.ourpalsplace.org

Operation Second Chance- what a beautiful concept, dogs that were scheduled to be euthanized at Atlanta area Gwinnett County Animal Control have some strange new digs and a new opportunity at life, in jail.
For a touching view of the story check out the CBS Atlanta Story

Watch the news story here.
Read more at the Gwinnett Daily Post.
Today in honor of The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Atlanta area radio station Dave FM’s radio free lunch was dedicated to things dogs do.
What a cute idea, I had a lot of fun listening.
Check out the ideas that came through: Radio Free Lunch
We recently found out about Diningwithfido.com an awesome website based in Atlanta. Suddenly there is even more reason to be dreamy of warm sunny Atlanta weather. Dining With Fido lists Atlanta Restaurants by neighborhood that have Doggie Friendly Patios.
Check out Dining With Fido’s tips for Patio Ettiquette:
1.Always call ahead to make sure tables are available.
2.Nobody knows your dog better than you. To minimize frustration and embarrassment, be sure of your dog’s public manners and ability to be calm around food and strangers.
3.Exercise prior to a meal outing can be very helpful to keep your dog relaxed and well behaved.
4.Let your dog go potty before getting seated.
5.Sometimes it is a good idea to bring your own water bowl on hot days.
6.Bring a leash that allows your dog to be tied to a post, your chair, or under the table. Leashes too long can be dangerous for the servers.
Boy, I can’t wait for Spring!
It is so sad that Atlanta’s Mei Lan was called back to China, but what an interesting read her adjustment to her new life makes. It seems Chinese Zoo Keepers are looking for a tutor to teach Mei Lan Chinese?!
And while she will have some of her American Biscuits now, she will be transitioned over to Chinese ‘wotou’ (steamed bread made of corn and sorghum) and fresh bamboo. Read more in the AP Wire Story.
And check out China’s Panda Kindergarten!
I thought those were stuffed animals when I first saw them!
