Choosing the righ Pet Sitter for your pet...

You are going away on holidays... your dog really does better in his/her home environment.... Who do you call?

A pet sitter!

Where do you find a pet sitter?

What about an organization like Pet Sitters International?

Beth Stultz- PAWsitive Radio Guest  (photo credit Beth Stultz)

Beth Stultz was a guest on PAWsitive Radio talking about Pet Sitters International and provide some great tips for pet families when planning to be away and how to choose the right pet sitter. Beth is the Marketing & Communication Manager for Pet Sitters International.  She has worked int he pet industry for close to ten years.  Pet Sitters International is the world's largest educational association for professional pet sitters and represents more than 7,000 pet sitters in the US, Canada and abroad.

You can listen to Beth's tips here:


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2013/12/31/pet-sitters-international-and-setting-goals-for-the-workplace 

Here's the highlight of Beth's tips for pet parents:

1. When researching a pet sitter, make sure that there is a good fit between your pet and the pet sitter.
2. Meet the pet sitter ahead of time.
3. Ask about the pet sitter's training and what associations he/she is a member of.
4. Ask if the pet sitter is bonded and has insurance.
5. Ensure proof of clear criminal record.
6. Ask for a service contract (details are important!)
7. Notify the pet sitter of any medical needs  your pet may have or concerns you have

Want to hear some more tips?  Listen to Beth's conversation at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2013/12/31/pet-sitters-international-and-setting-goals-for-the-workplace 

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Hot Dog! How to keep your pet safe in the hot summer months.

Summer’s here. It’s hot outside and if it’s hot for us then it’s definitely hot for our pets.

Our dog Toby on one of his many book PAWdographing tours.  This photo
was taken in Burlington, Ontario Canada close to where I grew up.
Toby is the star of the best selling book On Toby's Terms
(being turned into motion picture - http://www.ontobysterms.com/).
And he was one hot dog!!  He attracted attention wherever he went.

Sharon McRill of the Betty Brigade was my guest on PAWsitive Radio, she provided some excellent tips to keeping our pets cool and safe.  Sharon is founder and president of The Betty Brigade, an expanding personal assistance and concierge company based in Ann Arbor, MI. The Betty Brigade helps busy professionals with moving, home staging, organizing, event planning, pet care, errands – virtually anything clients need done but have no time to do themselves.  Now 9 years into the business, The Betty Brigade cares for more than 350 pets in the Ann Arbor, MI area. They mainly have dogs and cats with a sprinkling of birds, fish, bunnies and other furry friends.


Check out some of her helpful tips in this article:
http://www.annarbor.com/home-garden/dog-walking-dog-walking-dog-walking-the-dog-organizer-pet-tips/


Sharon reminded listeners to remember to carry water for their dog, and suggested the collapsible water containers like the one shown below (we had one of these for Toby. It was convenient for walks, travelling in the car, and for the days he volunteered at the hospital).  Make sure you are not overwalking or overworking the dogs in the summer, it is like us working out in a fur coat. Take breaks, find shade and don't force a dog to keep going if he/she is hot or tired, especially older dogs And, Sharon advises to have a good leash, and always be present and focus on the dog and the surroundings you are walking in. And of course, never get in the middle of a dog fight. 

If you are planning your summer vacation, Sharon recommends that you call pet sitters, dog walkers and kennels with lots of advance notice.  You can listen to Sharon's great tips here on PAWsitive Radio:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond/2012/07/28/guest-sharon-mcrill

To sum it all up, I share a quote I love (from dogquotes.com)....."Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well." by
Bonnie Wilcox 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'

On August 11 on PAWsitive Radio, I'll be interviewing Steve Latham, the producer of the wonderful new PBS series, Shelter Me.  On August 4 I interview Steve Gamlin.  You can listen in, follow the shows or download them later to listen to.  Share them and enjoy them.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond

CALLING GREAT RESCUE AND SHELTER PET STORIES
I would welcome you to comment to this blog sharing your heartwarming and best great rescue pet stories. I will choose one of them to feature during my radio show with the Producer of Shelter Me!!  And you can also post them on Facebook.com/ontobysterms or email to charmaine@hammondgroup.biz