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 

Remember to visit Team Toby on social media:

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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/On-Tobys-Terms/209331272432608?ref=ts&fref=ts

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https://twitter.com/hammondgroupbiz

Winter activities for you and your dog

Winter's Here. 

What are some of your favorite activities to do with your dog during the long winter months?

How about the fun photos with Santa Paws?

Toby with Santa PAWS at Stella Dog Animal Academy

How about creating fun videos on Jib Jab?

http://www.jibjab.com/view/QHRa8gBcRpSivbBPCRXR4A

 

 and how about this one?

http://www.jibjab.com/view/VYXJvujNRKON0BPAcBT_aA

 

 

 Or maybe... Skijoring...

 Toby's other favorite game is to hide his KONG in the snow then go dig it out.

What's you pet's most favorite snow and winter activity?

 

Dogs that Inspire

It was a sad day this week to hear of the passing of Nelson Mandella, a teacher of kindness, forgiveness, unconditional love and standing up for your beliefs!   Mom's writing this blog today because he was a big inspiration for her in life, love and business.

 

There are many people who come into our life to make a moment matter, teach us a lesson or to simply be there for us. While I never met Nelson Mandella, he was always in the background of my life through his powerful quotes and stories, and the ways in which he lived his legacy.

For a long time I have believed that people (and animals) come into your life for a reason. We saw that firsthand with Toby Sr... he came into our life to shake it upside down..... literally.... and to teach me to be a better person. 

Charmaine Hammond and Toby Sr. 

And now Toby's legacy will be carried on by our furever pup Toby Jr (TJ) who is the first "Ambassadog" for Team Toby.   Toby Jr had his first presentation with me to a group of incredible youth... our local Girl Guide Club.  While the girls loved Toby, what I enjoyed most was watching Toby show up as himself, showing curiosity towards his new friends, and then deciding when his appearance was officially over so he could play.  Recently I had the opportunity to talk about Toby's story, and his new book Toby the Pet Therapy Dog Says Be a Buddy Not a Bully, which just won Mom's Choice Awards, and the Parent Tested Parent Approved Awards. You can listen to our conversation on the Inspiration Show:
http://www.mindmovies.com/inspirationshow/index.php?16934&episode=252#!

Order From www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

It's the holiday season and we have put together some great book specials for the workplace and the family, you can order here: www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

Order from www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

Natural and Holistic Healthcare for you pet...

What is holistic health for animals?

What does natural health mean?

Why would you explore this route of care for you pet?

How do you find natural health and holistic doctors for our pet family members?

 

Dr Shawn (photo credit: Dr Shawn Messonnier)

These were all questions that our guest, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM, answered on PAWsitive Radio Show.  Mom interviewed Dr Shawn who was a 1987 graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, opened Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in 1991. His special interests include exotic pets, dermatology, cancer, and internal medicine. In addition to serving clients, he has written for numerous veterinary and pet publications including Animal Wellness, Body + Soul, Veterinary Forum, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, Dog World, Fido Friendly, Whole Dog Journal, Whole Cat Journal, Whole Living, Total Health and Wellness. 

He is the author of several books, including The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, The Arthritis Solution for Dogs & Cats, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets.

http://store.petcarenaturally.com/

 

...by the way, the dog and cat at the top of his web page are Dr. Shawn’s dog Rita, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and his Ragdoll cat, Dysa!

 Here’s what I learned from Dr. Shawn:

1)      Animals who are under the care of a holistic Veterinarian may have a longer life span, Dr. Shawn mentioned that there is a reduced dependency on drugs, and reduced cost for the pet family, and that pets could live 1-2 times longer. WOW! This is PAWSome!

2)      Dr. Shawn reminded pet families to read labels, do their research, don’t believe broad statement outrageous  claims, and, to have a meet and greet with your Veterinarian and animal health care provider to make sure they and their approach are a good fit. 

3)      Dr. Shawn has created his own line of products for us, for pets!  From shampoos to health products, Dr. Shawn has clinically tested the products. 

4)      And… remember to take good care of your pet’s health just as you do your own.

Dr Shawn’s thank you for listening to our show go to Dr Shawn's website enter code "drshawn" at my natural products web store, www.drshawnsnaturals.com, to save 10% on all your future purchases!

Listen to more of Dr. Shawn's great information and tips here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby

    


Check out Dr. Shawn's books here:

        

Check out my books here... PS  Toby the Pet Therapy Dog series received the Mom's Choice Award Seal of approval, and were named among the best in books and products for children....


        
Another book to read:     

Wise Words about Bully Prevention from an 8 Year Old Author

Smile.

Cheer someone up if they are feeling down.

Listen to people.

These were three PAWsitive tips that Hannah, age 8, shared on PAWsitive Radio during Bully Prevention Week!

Not only did Hannah offer great advice about how to reduce bullying, be a good friend, and, create more kindness in the world, she is an author! That's right. The Loving Tree is Hannah's newly released book and is available at  http://www.seanliv.com/_/Hannah_Rose.html .

We also had the opportunity to speak with Sean, Hannah's mom, who shared some sage advice for families. Sean reminded listeners of the importance of modelling unconditional love and acceptance, having family meetings to keep the lines of communication open, and, to do a family report card!  What a spectacular idea.

You can listen to the conversation with Hannah and Sean on PAWsitive Radio. 

Until next time,,,, let's be kind to one another!

PS.  The PAWlidays are just around the corner.  Visit www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com to order your gift set today.

This year, give the gift of success. Team Toby has put together gift book sets, there is something for everyone: For every set purchased, we will donate a copy of Toby The Pet Therapy Dog Says Be a Buddy Not a Bully to a school or children's organization. Thanks for helping PAW it Forward!
Check out the booksets here:

 

 www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com makes it easy for you to purchase your set of books.

Women in the Pet Industry

A Blog from a dog... Life through Toby's eyes

Us dogs make great connectors for you humans... You are always talkin' about us and swapping pet stories. I figure there should be a place where you all can hang out, we have the dog park and offleash parks. Mom joined a group called Women in the Pet Industry Network. I'm going out to find my kong, she'll fill you in.

..............

Charmaine here... Always nice when our dog passes the blog to me so I can have a turn writing... Shawna Schuh is a CSP professional speaker and leads the Women in the Pet Industry Network, which is the only cross category network serving all levels and types of pet professionals in the world. 

Their members are everyone from pet product manufacturers to pet sitters, groomers, authors and pet loss experts and retailers.  They represent all kinds of animals and all types of people so the network realty is a diverse, interesting, supportive and fun network.  WIPIN’s philosophies are to grow (ourselves and each other and the network), to give to each other, which is the focus our pets teach us, and to connect in various ways for mutual benefit.  www.Womeninthepetindustry.com

Building a strong business is one of the themes Shawna sees in members, as well as the desire to be connected to others in the same industry but in different niches.  The network has annual events, learning opportunities for members, and an extremely active group on facebook. Members also receive a member profile page, here is an example..               http://womeninthepetindustry.com/directory/authors-writers-publishers/charmainehammond/

I have found that there is an incredible amount of information shared about events that are taking place around the world such as pet expos, blogger conferences,  and offers connections to other associations in the animal world.

I'm back, no one to play fetch with, so I come inside to get mom.   You can listen to mom's conversation with Shawna on November 26 on PAWsitive Radio. 

It's national Bully Prevention and Awareness Week!

It's national Bully Prevention and Awareness Week!

Mom is writing this blog today as I am busy being kind and planning my next random act of kindness....


Change begins with a conversation... and a great conversation was what Caroline and I had on PAWsitive Radio.  

Caroline shared some of the many activities the Society is taking on to make a PAWsitive difference, and create safe places for students. Caroline talked about the language we used, how to start these important conversations, why conflict resolution is such a vital life skill, and, what schools and students can do to make a difference and be part of the change!

Caroline is with the Society for Safe and Caring Schools & Communities ... an organization making a big difference in the world. You can listen to our conversation here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2013/11/17/bully-prevention-awareness-special-safe-and-caring-school

Creating a safe and kind workplace:

- Create an accepting culture: reduce the workplace drama, communicate with clarity, accept without judgement, and allow new employees the opportunity time and space to fit in.  

- Engagement people through communication: introduce new employees to co-workers, provide new employees with a tour, orientate them to the company and team routines and structures, give people a chance to learn, and set them up for success!

- Create a ripple of kindness: just like negativity can come through a workplace like a tidal wave...so can kindness. Seek opportunities to model kindness and see what happens next.

 At Team Toby, our approach is called BARK (don't Bite) TM

Be

Accepting

Respectful

Kind 

 

 Keep the conversation by following us, liking us, commenting and sharing:

PAWsitive Radio (all things Pets)   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeamToby2

 Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/charmainehammond

 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hammond-International-Inc/161986823865485?ref=ts&fref=ts

 Facebook: https://twitter.com/hammondgroupbiz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalTeamToby

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/teamtoby1