5 Fun Things to Do with Your Dog

The weather is changing.  Here are some ideas to get you and your wet nosed companion outside.

1. Head on over to your local lake and bring your dog’s favorite toy, just make sure it can float. Your dog will stay cool and have a blast retrieving his toy from the water. This does not apply to Bulldogs as many of them cannot swim.

2. Call up some of your friends and plan a play date at your local dog park. While you and your crew catch up your dogs can do the same. Visit www.dogpark.com to find your local dog park.

3. Throw on those rollerblades and allow your dog to pull you along. This can also be done with a bicycle but steer clear of uneven and cracked sidewalks as this can be a safety hazard.

4. Plan a day trip to a wooded area and have a picnic while your dog sniffs around. Don’t forget to bring toys and food for your dog as well.

5. Go to an indoor agility track and show your dog how much fun weaving, jumping, and teetering can be. For agility classes in Dallas, visit www.dallasdogsports.com or www.dogcitytrainingcenter.com

No matter what activity you and your dog choose to do remember to be safe and always keep an eye out for potential hazards to your pet and yourself.

Should You Hire a Pet Sitter for the Holidays

Pet Sitters are a much needed necessity if you have are leaving your dog or cat for the holidays. Pet sitters are an alternative to boarding and kenneling which allows home dog sitting, where the dogs stay in a comfortable environment, or the neighborhood kid down the street you don't know very well.

Though more and more vacation lodging includes both dog and cat hotels, it is less stressful on both the dog and their human if they can stay home instead of traveling around the world. In Dallas, dog walking can be a part of the pet care services which can be chosen as part of your vacation package with a professional pet sitter.

Regardless of whether you use a franchise service like Fetch! Pet Care which is located nationwide or an independent contractor, please make sure they have insurance and well as bonding all their staff. Pet Sitters are not all created equal. Many are members of NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) or Pet Sitters International. Some are associated with both vet and other pet services.

Home dog and cat sitting allows the animals to enjoy the holidays with someone who loves pets, takes care of your home, as well as takes the dog walking or plays with the cats on a daily basis. Many pet sitting services will also take care of reptiles, birds, rodents, and even the occasional tarantula. Don't leave your pet with a neighbor who may be too busy to check on them daily. Hire a professional pet sitter who is there for you 24/7 regardless of whether your flight makes it back on time or your car gets a flat.

And once the holidays are over and you and your pets have developed a report with your pet sitter, consider hiring them for dog walking or pet visits to keep your pet company while you work those long hours until your next vacation.

Libby Mitchell is the owner of Fetch! Pet Care of NE Dallas.

A Dog's Purpose

This was posted from one of my pet care networking sites and I wanted to pass it along.

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their
little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for
a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we
couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia
procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure.. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 'S family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time,
that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes,
Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty
or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering
aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.
I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try
and live.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life --
like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''

The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they
don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
Ecstasy.
Take naps..
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them
gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

'Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for companionship, to teach
us, and to heal us. They deserve our very best efforts in caring for them.'

Dr. Ihor Basko, DVMExcerptWe can learn so much...just from the daily lives of those around us.