Things are looking up! October 20, 2009

The weather has been beautiful, even with the snow…  I’m truly a New Englander at heart!  The Pumpkin Fest was a great weekend, Chocolate is as spunky as ever dispite his old man status now, Rich Bitch jewelry has a second location in Milford (at True Hair Studio on Lorden Dr), and I’ve found not only one, but two jobs as a groomer!!

First, I’ll be working at Petsmart in their North Nashua store salon, next to Panera Bread and Target.  Definately on the weekends, and at least two other days during the week.  I’m really excited to be in there and to have my own clients and style and be able to make dogs and their people happy with Petsmart!  It wouldn’t be a first choice aside from the benefits of insurance and also that they will build a customer base for me.

Second, I’ll be a little farther south.  A mobile grooming rig, The Woof Wagon is based in Fitchburg, MA, and I’ll be working with the owner to start and eventually taking the truck out on my own.  I rode around with Meghan on Monday and had a great time!  I’ll be with her to start for two days a week, depending on my schedule with Petsmart, and hopefully after a month I’ll be driving around by myself.

I’m so excited about all this, but as anything else it’s bittersweet.  With all the commitments I have grooming, I won’t be as reliable as a petsitter.  I can’t guaruntee to not leave pets for less than six hours as I have been able to do in the past and that is very important to me.  I hope everyone understands, and I will definately miss it!  But I’ll still be sure to post my adventures with canines, although in a different capacity, here!  At least I’ll try…with a busier schedule than ever it might be hard!  I’m definately excited to have a schedule and something to work around, I never thought it would be true but that’s how I work best.

For now, enjoy the weather, the leaves and soon the snow!

Back from Kentucky, and back to house sitting! September 7, 2009

Dara and I returned Thursday from a whirlwind tour of Kentucky, including Jamestown RI and Niagra Falls USA (we forgot our passports! boo). We were vendors at a five day show at the Kentucky Horse Park with Rich Bitch. We met some great people and had some good sales as well. Staying with Latifa was alot of fun, and I’m looking forward to seeing her again on Tuesday when she gets here for her tour of the area…check her out at animalscantalk.com!

Things are starting to book up through October, and although I won’t be around for Thanksgiving (it’s a big family holiday for me), I’ll be here for the rest of the fall!

Crazy Days August 20, 2009

Oh my…it’s been a while! With the long days and warm nights I’ve barely seen a computer screen! I’ve also been jumping from house to house having a wonderful time taking care of everyone’s pets. Last minute calls are always keeping me on my toes, and luckily I’ve been around for most you to make sure the dogs enjoy the summer too!

Over the past month I’ve spent a week in Maine, had a friend visit from Rhode Island before her big move to Michigan, and my boyfriend has left for school in Pennsylvania as well. I’m currently looking for a place to groom, I’m no longer working with Carol at Bark Easy, and Dara has a new set of hands in her shop…she’s convinced I’m destined for bigger and better things than being just a bather!

For now though I’m just a pet sitter, with more time on my hands than ever! Rich Bitch has a big show coming up, and Dara and I have had a great time getting ready for it, along with doing custom orders with animal and non-animal themed jewelry.

I’ve also had a birthday in between, not quite as momentous as last year…but 22 can be fun too!

Beach Bum July 15, 2009

This past weekend I was invited to go up to Old Orc hard Beach in Maine with my boyfriend and his family.  This was the second year we went for his sister’s softball tournemant, whose team his dad coaches.   Unfortunately she won’t be playing next year…so it won’t happen again

We stayed at the Wild Acres Campground right off rt 95, and it was just as nice as last year.  Angel (the family golden retriever) joined us, and I was pleased to see lots of dogs walking through the grounds.

Most campgrounds in the area are dog friendly, as well as several hotels we drove by, boasting the pet friendly sign.  Also, the beach is open to dogs in the morning and evening, before 10am, and after 5pm…giving plenty of daylight and time to run and frolick in the water.  There is no specified leash law, just an assumption that you will keep your dog under control.

Boy was Angel a happy dog!  As soon as the clock struck five we were on the beach, and Josh’s mom had took her for moring walks as well.  We saw dogs of all sizes; a little shih tzu bounces in the waves after a ball, and a mastiff lumbering along on the sand. 

So if you’re looking for a beach side vacation that’s not too far from home with the pooch,  (being under two hours, it could make for a nice overnight!)  be sure to check it out

Home sweet home June 28, 2009

Well…not for long actually!  I was only home one night after being abroad for two weeks before I went to a house to stay with pets.  It’s like a second vaction though…this time without my parents!

I was so grateful though that they took me along to Paris and Rome over the past two weeks.  We started out in Paris, and although we got off to a rocky start (my mom and I encountered a rainstorm while waiting for the hotel shuttle at the airport), I quickly fell in love with the city.  I was completely submerged in culture, art and history and enjoyed every minute of it.  A week wasn’t enough to see it all, and I look forward to returning one day. 

Next was Rome.  The weather was predicted similar to what the east coast had been seeing…rain.  But like in Paris, it was sunny and gorgeous, perfect for seeing the ruins and crumbles that remained in the ancient city.  It was an amazing experience, we attended the audience with the Pope on Wednesday at the Vatican and toured the Colosseum, but it wasn’t quite Paris.  I was happy to come home!

So I’m back in full swing, sorting out pictures that I will post soon, and booking houses for the rest of the summer and even the beginning of Fall!  Dara’s Bark-B-Que at the Pine Valley Mill was a hit today and the rain held off for us, the music played loud all day long.  Rich Bitch will pick up right where I left it, with custom orders from the open house and a commission for wedding jewelry we look forward to planning with the excited bride.  I believe a craft fair is in our future in Dublin, NH, and of course Kentucky is coming up quick!  Keep an eye out on the blog for events, and come back soon for pictures from my adventures in Europe!

Such Excitement! June 13, 2009

With the Rich Bitch event this past weekend (which went very well, check out the blog!), staying at houses non-stop (which is awesome!, meeting new clients, and keeping up with training as a groomer (very exciting!), friends, family and boyfriend…I’ve been quite the busy lady.

The Whisker Walk was last weekend, and I have to thank Dara for pulling me in on Rich Bitch because it was a blast.  I love meeting new people and am really passionate about our product and designs.  Take a look at the gallery on the Doggie Bag’s new website, and be sure to keep an eye out for us at craft fairs and dog events this summer!

These past two weeks I’ve been staying with Louie, and boy is he alot to keep up with!  Constantly full of energy, he runs fast, plays hard and loves to tell you all about it!  His long fluffy coat makes swimming a problem for grooming, but he sure does enjoy it

Over the past month or so I’ve met a bunch of new clients and continued with walking Tigger and stopping in for emergencies for other regular clients.  I absolutely love being able to provide that helping hand and ease of mind while people are out and about, because I certainly know the stress of worrying about getting home to let the dog out!

With work at Bark Easy and lending a hand to Dara in a crunch, I’ve managed to finally begin to practice all the techniques I’ve observed.  Starting at a slow pace, doing one or two dogs a day on my own at Bark Easy, and usually one of the pair I’m helping Dara with, I’m picking up the skills very quickly.  I’ve definitely got the grooming bug!

In the midst of all this craziness, I’ve been gathering and getting things together to travel to Europe for two weeks.  My dad is being sent to Paris for work, and my mom and I are tagging along to see the sites while he works.  After a week there, we’re traveling to Rome to have a real vacation.  I’m so excited and so blessed to have this opportunity I can barely believe it’s real.  I’ll be sure to check out the canine culture over seas…and bring back the biggest doggie fashions from France!

Leave comments here, or send emails, I will try to check over the next two weeks, but I can’t make any promises…I’ll be quick to respond when I get back!

Out later than expected? May 6, 2009

This is a bit out of the norm, but it does happen to all of us!  In this past week alone I’ve had two clients call with last minute trips, and asking for mid-day visits because their day is running longer than planned.

Not a problem!  This is why for regular clients I like to keep an extra key (or know the garage door code!) so that if you’re ever stuck and worried about the little one at home with his legs crossed, I can ease your mind!

With summer coming and the nice weather already here, there’s nothing better than a spontaneous night away, so don’t think it’s impossible if your pooch can’t join you…there’s always a chance I have that night free.  And if you’re stuck all day at work, or want to spend the day at the beach, one or two visits during the day out to potty and for some extra attention would be just fine to make sure your pets are comfortable at home while you play!

Book Early! April 25, 2009

If the weather hasn’t given you the hint yet… Summer is coming!!

And I couldn’t be more excited!  Hot days, warm nights, camp fires, and swimming, it doesn’t get any better!  And there isn’t a better time to go on vacation…and if you’re thinking of heading out of town without the pets in the back seat, be sure to give me a call soon.

I’m thrilled to be so busy already!  Not quite to the end of April and I’ve already booked at least one week of each month this summer.  And with my personal vacations in the mix, the dates I’m free are becoming  fewer and fewer.

Be sure to give me a call soon to make sure you pets and your home is taken care of while your away!

It seems as though everyone goes on vacation at once… April 6, 2009

It started a week from last thursday… I was on a whirlwind of taking care of everyone else’s creatures!  As always, I’ve been walking Tigger in Mont Vernon twice a week, which was great when the weather was nice.  On top of that, last weekend, starting Thursday I stayed with Loui on Osgood Rd.  What a wonderful little dog!  He sleeps in in the morning, grazes all day (he doesn’t have a specific feeding time), cuddles with me when the tv is on, and has endless energy to play and play and play!  With the snow melting in the back yard there was plenty of room to throw the ball around and wear him out.  Monday, before mom and dad came home I brought him down to Dara’s shop to clean him all up so he was nice and fresh for their return.

The day before however, (Sunday night), I began my stay will Molly Pepper and Montreaux across town.  Being my second time with them, they were very comfortable with me there, and the two cats, Clousseau and Austin even warmed up to me!  We were lucky enough to have a few beautiful days before the rain set in, so Montreaux and I enjoyed walks around the neighborhood.  Thursday afternoon was particularly nice, and I found a spot in the back yard to enjoy my book while the dogs lingered around and basked in the warm sun.  With three such well behaved dogs and the two affectionate but independant cats, it was a wonderful week.

This week I’ve got a chance to relax a bit and enjoy my own room, back my own creature Chocolate.  Work at Bark Easy continues, and Dara has finally gotten me under her wing to start training me as a groomer.  I’ve started learning to wield the mighty clippers.  A few weeks ago I proved my worth when my cousin Erica came in with her three pups for baths; I got a bit carried away with my enthusiasm and fulfilled their desperate need for a hair cut.  Dusty, the youngest, a shih tzu-poodle cross went home feeling like velvet!  They were great first clients for me, and I’ve had a few chances since with the clippers, hopefully more to come soon.

Also, as you’ll see on Dara’s blog, I helped her out at the grooming seminar at the Animal Rescue League in Bedford.  It was a great day with an awesome turnout, and a wonderful demonstrator, Hercules.

Hopefully, through all this rain, coming up fast is summer!  I’m so excited for the pool to be open and to break out my beloved birkenstocks…part of Erica’s birthday festivities included pedicures, and I’m definately ready to show it off!  But I just wanted to let you all know that as the warm weather approaches, my calendar is steadily filling up.  Please send a comment or email my way, or give me a ring to reserve dates for the summer months to make sure your pets and house gets the best of care!

Dirty Dogs March 24, 2009

It has become apparent to me that Bark Easy specializes in two things: golden retrievers, and dirty dogs.  At least, that what I’ve seen most frequently!  The bathing system they have and the white tubs let you see all the dirt coming off the dogs.  It’s very rewarding to be able to see how clean you are getting them, but disgusting to realize that just as much dirt would come off Chocolate too…he needs to visit Dara soon.

I say Bark Easy specializes in golden retrievers because in one day, there were four of them! Out of twelve dogs!  It is a rare day at work when I don’t see one…I’m grateful they’re such a great breed

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