They are in the attic. Behind the desk. Between the walls. Inside the closet. Under the covers. Anywhere you don’t typically look, they live. The unfortunate creature that dares to invade their habitat will suffer greatly, if not die. They are the brown recluse spider.

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Theobromine has been used as a blood-vessel widener, urination aide, and heart stimulant. Even before its medical properties were found, the foods it is discovered in where miracles to the Europeans. Today, it is present in many treats and meals. It is sold very well during holidays and brings in a significant amount of money. It is even present in most households and can be found in the fingers of small children. It is everywhere, commonly taking form in chocolate.

 

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When asked to identify Kevin Richardson, most women will remember younger days of squealing over new albums, dancing to songs, and attending wild concerts. Unfortunately, there is a three year difference between the eldest Backstreet Boys’ musician and the zoologist, and no, the zoologist cannot sing ‘I Want It That Way.’

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This morning I received the newest newsletter from “Dogster”. I found that very interesting article by Maria Goodavage, stating that Military Dogs are on the verge to be considered more than “just equipment”, provided the bill will pass.

I was thrilled to read that. Just like the human military members, those dogs are heroes and they certainly have deserved better!

Here is a snipped from what Maria rode:

 ”Legislation introduced this week would finally take U.S. military working dogs (MWDs) out of the category of “equipment” and make them bona fide “Canine Members of the Armed Forces.” If it passes, these loyal four-legged heroes who risk their lives for the safety of our troops would at last be officially recognized as the intrepid warriors and lifesavers they have been for war after war.

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While browsing the World Wide Web, I discovered a touching story about a woman who decided that today would NOT be the day she would lose her beloved friend. Posted by Cowboy Magic, here is the story:

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http://www.lifesabundance.com/Home.aspx?realname=40021936&cat=0&hdr=&Ath=False

Second only to upper-respiratory illness, digestive disorders are the chief reason for feline veterinary visits. Cats with digestive problems exhibit symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea, to weight loss, constipation and excessive gas. While the causes are many, feline IBS and IBD are two common digestive disorders. On many occasions, they are mistaken for one another, which is unfortunate because they call for very different treatments. In this post, we’ll cover the basics and try to clear up the confusion surrounding these disorders.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, also affects humans. For us, symptoms of this disorder include lower abdominal pain, excessive gas and a marked change in stools, among others. All of these need not occur simultaneously, although they sometimes do. Causes range from suffering from excessive stress, taking a newly prescribed medication and the development of dietary sensitivities. In response, the intestinal tract repeatedly and painfully contracts, like a spasming muscle, leading to stool changes. If you or anyone you know has endured these symptoms, you’ll know that IBS is no walk in the park. Read the rest of this entry »

Being the owner and family of an animal has difficult moments. Not everyone can handle the stress, but often our critters can suprise us in amazing ways. Not only can they warm our hearts, but they can give us a good laugh.

 Pick this morning, for an example. With a migraine and a sore throat, I had no choice but to stay home. After taking  medicine and preparing tea, I set about the task of feeding six hungry pets, two of them having already gathered.  I assumed it would be a standard day, but they suprised me.

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The Purrfect Nanny

I made it a priority to talk about the difference between professional pet sitters and those who are simply not that professional in my last BLOG.

There is a reason why I keep pondering the issue! Unfortunately, in this uncertain economy with high unemployment rates, many have turned to halfhearted efforts to make a few $$$ as fast as they can without being serious - or even worse, those con-artists who make you believe to be professional - who are a far cry from that!

As I  learned recently , there was an incident in Scottsdale Arizona, which did not end up as “purrfect” as the case The Purrfect Nanny was involved in. Read our story on our BLOG.

Now back to the case in Arizona. It was probably an easy decision to hire Amanda. Amanda, who represented herself as a professional pet sitter to the owners of four lovely dogs. Those owners trusted Amanda with the life or their dogs and the safety of their home. What could possibly go wrong? Amanda presented herself as a trustworthy individual with a professional website. I’m sure those folks thought they found the perfect person to take care of their pets. Instead they ran into a con-artist. Be aware, there is nothing easier nowadays than to create a website, many companies even provide free templates! A website alone, does not mean you are dealing with a professional!

Amanda did not do what she was supposed to do. Indeed, she is suspected of having locked out two of the dogs in the yard during the night, resulting in their horrible death.

Read the story, published by AZ Family below!

But before you do that, let me tell you what is an essential part of the hiring process, so you can make an educated decision, whether or not the company you are hiring is a professional pet sitting service.

  1. Ask family and friends for recommendations.
  2. Do a web search and find out as much as possible about the company you are planing to hire.
  3. Invite the pet sitter for a complimentary visit and find out if you and the sitter are a fit.
  4. Ask the company if there has been a background check performed on the sitter.
  5. Ask the company for insurance and bonding. If you are not 100% sure you can trust them - let them show you prove of the aforementioned.
  6. Check if the company is a member in good standing of professional associations, such as NAPPS and ASPE.
  7. If you feel good about the pet sitter and the company they represent, don’t be shy to ask for references. Any company with good client relations will be able to provide you with at least 3 client recommendations.
  8. Make sure you get a call, text, or e-mail a day or two before your sitting starts - confirming the sitting  one last time.
  9. Make sure you read the company policies and pay your bill if the company requires payment upfront.
  10. Ask your sitter to keep you update on your pets well-being while you are gone.

And now, read the story and let me know if you will follow my advise next time! Read the rest of this entry »

Maltese

Imagine you are prepared for your trip out of the county. Everything is taken care off, you made sure your passport is up to date, the tickets are ordered and last not least it’s time to pack your luggage and leave for the airport.  You know you are leaving behind your best friend, your little dog and you think he’s well taken care of. You leave him behind with someone you feel he’s safe with - a friend or a cheap pet sitter found on Craigslist with no professional background. You can also call it a “one man band” Think twice!

Today I want to tell you about the importance to hire a professional pet sitter - instead of leaving your pet in the hand of a friend, neighbor, or unprofessional person.

We at The Purrfect Nanny, as well as most of our fellow pet sitting company owners in the Atlanta area are aware of the great responsibility which comes with taking care of our client’s pets. Many, just like The Purrfect Nanny have a great backup system, where we can check daily if our sitter made it to your home, or if we have to send someone else to back up for the sitter assigned to your pet. You might wonder now, why I’m writing this particular BLOG.

Let me tell you a story and you will understand! A few days ago we received a call from North Side Hospital in Sandy Springs, just outside Atlanta. We were asked by a nurse if we could back up for someone who has been in the hospital for 4 days and he now revealed to them, that he is currently house and dog sitting for a lady who is on a trip outside the US. Read the rest of this entry »

Pets are very special to the lives of many people. It is understandable that we would want the best care for our critter family, but sometimes this isn’t so easy. What happens when a vet cannot help your best friend, or you recieve medicine that doesn’t do exactly what it’s supposed to do?

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