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

ew...

Long time No post! Till now… February 24, 2009

Hello out there!  It has been a while, and for good reason.  I’ve been BUSY!  With my business cards out there I’ve gotten more calls than ever before about petsitting, and have met lots of wonderful new people…working with Carol at Bark Easy has been great and really rewarding…stopping by to lend a helping hand to Dara has, as always, been great fun…looking into graduate programs has been like digging in the mud…and to top it off I’ve been at houses for the entire month of February, while trying to make my room at home a paradise to return to!!!  WOW!

This week I’ve gotten a chance to breathe a bit, Carol is on vacation with her family and is not in need of my bathing services.  Up till now I’ve been working with her Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays bathing, drying and prepping dogs for her to finish.  Apparently I’ve lived up to the raving recommendation Dara gave for me, and Carol seems very happy with my work.

Last week I stayed with Molly, a 13 year old Maltese, Pepper, a 13 year old Shih Tzu, Montreaux, an 8 year old Golden Retriever, and Clousseau and Austin, two cats.  It sounds like a handful, but boy was it a treat!  Molly and Pepper are two of the cuddliest creatures I’ve stayed with so far, and Montreaux would have been on my lap too if he would’ve fit.  Clousseau and Austin took a few days to warm up to me, but once they did they came by regularly for a friendly pat and scratch.  Karen and Alan have such a lovely home, I felt so welcome staying there with their pets.  I was sad to leave!  But look forward to staying with them again.  It’s such a great feeling to give an ease of mind to people while they’re on vacation, letting them know their pets are in good and capable hands.

Also, I’ve started daily visits with Tigger.  He was a bit nervous at first, someone new entering his house without anyone else home…but after taking him outside and being generous with treats, he was ready to play.  After a few more visits he’ll be much more comforable and ready to play as soon as I come in.

This week I’m staying with Bailey, a Yellow Lab with infinite energy.  With the snow we just had he enjoys romps through the back yard and catching snow balls with his teeth.  He’s a bit of a handful, but great fun.

Next week I will be headed out (finally!) on my trek through Pennsylvania.  I’m planning to stop at Bucknell University to check out the Animal Behavior program, which if impressed, I will hopefully be attending next spring.  Don’t worry, I’ll be home all summer and through this year’s holidays to take care of all your pets while you’re away!  Wish me luck on the drive, and I’ll be sure to tell you all about it upon my return!

I did mention up there that I’ve redone my room…actually, I’ve switched with my sister (who has been living and working in the Boston area for quite some time now) to have more room and a bigger closet!  It’s great and I really love it, and Chocolate is thrilled with the new fuzzy blanket on my bed just for him, and the chair in the corner that’s just the right size for him to curl up on   His short buzz cut is growing out nicely, but if it’s too cold out he’ll still wait for his coat to be put on!

What a week! August 22, 2008

Bailey fit! He left some hair behind, but thoroughly enjoyed a ride in my car resting his head out the window. Although there are a few extra teeth marks in my sandals, we had a good time. And he learned a new trick!

For those of you with problems getting a collar on your dog, (sometimes they like to try to eat it…) make them sit, take their collar and a treat, hold the treat in the middle of the collar and feed your dog the treat while you slip the collar over his head. Now his collar is on and he’s ready for a walk!

Bailey

Wednesday was a very busy day…Chocolate had an appointment with Dara to get his “Back to School” haircut. I call it that because he lives with my parents and while I’m not around during the school year, my Mom doesn’t like to have to clean dirty feet and brush him out as much. So…

We got up on the table for one last look at his locks...

Look at all that hair! Dara took off some length before he got in the tub for a mud scrub and blueberry facial

And then we were done! He blends right into the floor...haha

Now it’s been two days and it’s starting to grow on me. It will take some getting used to but it’s the best thing for his skin…which has been a bit dry this summer from allergies. Don’t worry though, when I get home he’ll grow out and be fuzzy again!

Later Wednesday I headed out to Brookline to stay with Vader. I stayed there until this evening, and had the best time! He is crazy about tennis balls, almost too crazy…and is very well trained. We went for walks and lounged outside, and he even cuddled with me while we watched the Olymics last night! I really hope I can play with him again sometime

Vader lounging with me on the couch

Chocolate in a wheelchair? July 9, 2008

My dog, a twenty-two pound Lhasa Apso x Shih Tzu, was in a wheel chair this morning.  More like a sling with wheels, he graciously modeled the device for a local company out of Amherst, NH for Donnie at Emerson Park.

Don’t worry, it was only for modeling purposes!  He moved around without hindrance, chasing the squeaky mice he hasn’t seen since his show days (With an allergy to beef he never caught on to the idea that food can be treats and prefers things that squeak).  Jumping and barking, even figuring out how to maneuver the chair to get the mouse that landed by his back wheel, he was EXHAUSTED when we got home!  Finally recovering from the photo shoot this morning, we’re ready to play again!

On another note, one Chocolate would rather avoid (he doesn’t like it when I leave to play with other dogs without him!), my pet-sitting schedule is clear after this weekend through the 26!  Send a comment my way if you’re in need of daily visits or overnight stays so your extra family member doesn’t feel left behind!