ChocolateDog

Crazy Adventures with Canines

Things are looking up! October 20, 2009

Filed under: Fun Stuff,grooming,petsitting adventures — chocolatedog @ 9:54 pm

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!

 

Beach Bum July 15, 2009

Filed under: Fun Stuff,summer — chocolatedog @ 9:55 pm

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

Filed under: Fun Stuff,summer — chocolatedog @ 11:14 pm

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!

 

Out later than expected? May 6, 2009

Filed under: Fun Stuff,petsitting adventures — chocolatedog @ 4:41 pm

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!

 

As promised… March 18, 2009

Filed under: Fun Stuff,Graduate School,petsitting adventures — chocolatedog @ 7:17 pm

I said more, so here goes!

As for the details of my trip, first stop was New York City.  I took the train in from White Plains, it was much easier than driving in that mess…and found my cousin and her boyfriend for dinner, and then crashed at her place in Brooklyn.  It was just a quick stop through, and I’m hoping to go back soon to see some sights.  After a short train ride back I drove what should have been a three hour trip in five hours from traffic on the George Washington Bridge…what a nightmare!  But once I got to Philidelphia it was a breath of fresh air.  It was a beautiful day and I spent it just wandering around the University of Pennsylvania campus.  Who knows what my chances are at an Ivy League school, but we’ll see!  I only spent the day in the city, and after driving around a bit more I headed to Lewisburg, PA.  I didn’t find any traffic there, and found Bucknell University just fine.  It’s located on the side of a sweet small town, with a wonderful downtown and nice rural town…very similar to UNH where I’ve been the past three years.  After two nights there I traveled the final leg of the first half of the trip to Greensburg, PA, where Seton Hill is located, along with my boyfriend Josh.  After too long we spent two days in Greensburg to give me a break from driving, and then embarked on the ten hour drive home with Josh’s friend Mike.  The drive wasn’t as bad as I feared…it was actually alot of fun!  Mike is a great guy, and we made the trip in good time.  It was nice to finally be home after all that, and back to Chocolate! I seriously considered bringing him with me…but nothing beats that greeting after being gone for so long.

Once I was back, after two weeks (Carol was on vacation the previous week) I was back to work too!  It was great to be so busy and have Josh around.  Unfortunately, the week flew by and he was gone too soon.  With only a little more time on my hands, I’m still keeping busy.  Working with Carol and making jewelry with Dara, I’m really excited with some of the things coming up.  Business cards on en route hopefully, and Dara and I will be visiting other doggie businesses to hopefully sell the fruits of our labor.

Housesitting is also picking up, it seems as though everyone goes on vacation at once!  For the next two weeks I won’t be back home, staying first in Wilton for a weekend, Milford for part of the week and weekend, and then another house in Milford for the next week.  The first of which is a new client, the others I’ve stayed with before and can’t wait to go back to!  Once business cards come in I’ll be sure to post pictures, and will be bringing them around to local vets and other pet establishments to hopefully widen my horizons…so keep an eye out!

With a bit more time on my hands and a laptop in tow, I’ll be sure to keep you more updated on my petsitting adventures!

 

Busy Lady March 16, 2009

Filed under: Fun Stuff,Graduate School,grooming — chocolatedog @ 4:30 pm

Just a quick update, definately more later…

I made to and from PA without any problems, it was a great successful trip. This past week my boyfriend has been home…since I hadn’t seen him since January not much else was on my mind! It was great to have him around, and hopefully I’ll be able to see him before summer.

Things at Bark Easy have been great! I did my first dogs on my own this past Saturday, and will earn commission on them! It sounds simple but it’s exciting to be trusted with the responsibility of completing a dog on my own. Hopefully there will be more to come!

I hope everyone is enjoying the weather and spending lots of time outside!!

 

March Already?? March 1, 2009

Filed under: Fun Stuff,Graduate School,petsitting adventures — chocolatedog @ 5:14 pm

Wow…I can’t believe I made it through February!  It was a great month, I think I stayed at my own house for less than a week.  This past week I’ve been with Baily, and by the middle of the week I think he accepted me as someone to listen to.  Once we got that settled things went a bit more smoothly :)

In other news…Dara has made me part of Rich Bitch.  Hopefully by the end of the month we’ll have earrings in J.M. Princewell on the oval, and even more pieces in a shop next to Real Bodies in Amesbury.  I’m looking forward to really getting into making things for the upcoming summer shows Dara has booked, and coming up with some creative original pieces, so keep your eyes out!

So the snow is starting, and I’ve resigned to leave on Tuesday.  First stopping in NYC to stay a night with my cousin, then to Philidelphia for a day to look at the University of Pennsylvania, onto Lewisburg to visit Bucknell, and making my final stop in Greensburg at Seton Hill to pick up Josh and his friend Mike.  It will be an interesting return trip, but I’m really excited to have Josh home for a week…I haven’t seen him since January!

 

What a ride January 20, 2009

Filed under: Fun Stuff — chocolatedog @ 8:29 pm

I guess it’s been a while…and alot has happened since you’ve last heard from me!

The end of the semester in December was the busiest I’ve ever been, which is the reason for my lack of posting.  But I finished still breathing and now am DONE with college!!!  At the same time I finished working at K9 Kaos, and moved back to Milford.  It’s been great being home and helping out Dara at the shop…and now that everyone else is returning to school and vacation is coming to an end, the job search must begin!

Also, since I’m home, I’m back to petsitting!!  I’m really excited to really get my name out there once my business cards come in, and I’m so looking forward to meeting new people and their pets.  I’ve already been booked for February vacation, and Valentine’s Day, and the rest of Feb is looking pretty busy too!  But just send a comment my way and we’ll see what we can work out :)

It’s good to be back, and I’ll be updating much more often as the adventures with petsitting begin again and I’ll keep you posted on the job search!  …any suggestions?? ;)

 

In my next life… December 6, 2008

Filed under: Fun Stuff,petsitting adventures — chocolatedog @ 12:44 am

An interesting question came up while I was at work today…and while I was out in the yard watching some dogs, I gave it some thought.

But, I was wondering what you think!

leave a comment and tell me why :)

I think I would be a Newfoundland.  They always seem happy, they’re good in many different environments, they don’t require alot of exercise, they swim, and they love the cold!

newfie

 

Finally pictures! October 22, 2008

Filed under: daycare,Fun Stuff — chocolatedog @ 3:43 pm
Tags: , ,

Monday in daycare was wonderful as usual…I’ve been so lucky to get nice weather when I work!  Except now that I say that it will rain from now on, but oh well.  I suppose I deserve some wet dog smell by now.

Here are some pictures I’ve taken so far out in the yard, and also from this weekend with family at the Head of The Charles Regatta in Cambridge.  My parents, my aunt and I went down to see my sister (who lives in Boston) and to watch my cousin from California, who now lives in DC, row in the Regatta with her club team.  It was a beautiful day and we did lots of walking, and saw so many dogs!  Big and small, all walking along the river.  Some had coats, and a few were a bit more excited than others, but it was great to see them all out.

 

 
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