Taras Pet Sitting Blog

Pet Sitting Myths Barto, Bally, Boyertown, Bechtelsville, Gilbertsville PA

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:10:43 +0000

Scooter and Alaska

We know that the thought of leaving your pet behind while you hop aboard that Alaskan cruise doesn’t always sit well in your pet-centric mind. What’s the reason behind such reluctance to leaving your pet at home? Most of us are simply concerned about leaving our pets in someone else’s care. Take a look at some of the most common misguided assumptions regarding professional pet sitting services:

MYTH 1: Pet Sitters are always more expensive than boarding.

Not necessarily. It does sound like it would be infinitely pricier to have someone privately come to your home several times a day to shower your pet with personal attention, food, treats and exercise, but, actually, it’s not. Actual rates depend on the pet sitter and local kennel, but at the very least, you’re looking at very comparable prices. According to the American Boarding Kennel Association, an average daily rate hovers around $23-26 per pet, per day. Of course, that doesn’t count the walks, extra attention, pampering and house sitting benefits that petsitters provide. When it’s all said and done, which is the better value for you?

MYTH 2: My pet will get lonely and depressed sitting at home.

While there’s no doubt that Buddy will miss you while you’re away, it’s unlikely that he will be hurled into a spiraling, deep depression because you’re gone for a few days. Pets are often much happier when they are in the comfortable environment of their own home as opposed to an unfamiliar kennel. Add to this an enthusiastic visitor who brings treats and toys every several hours, and you’ll get an insanely giddy pet who probably spends his downtime sleeping between sitter visits rather than barking at or enduring all the other dogs barking in the kennel.

: Chopper

MYTH 3: Pet sitting is really only for dog owners.

So your cat doesn’t care to be entertained, and your gerbil doesn’t exactly need to be walked. Then why bother with a pet sitter? It’s not just about immediate need and companionship. Having someone come to your home to check up on your critters will help ensure that nothing goes wrong while you’re away. And if it does, there will be a mature adult to handle whatever situation occurs according to your instructions. You won’t have to wonder if the snake got out, or if Mr. Whiskers knocked over a vase that is now dangerously scattered in sharp pieces across the living room floor.

MYTH 4: People only use petsitters when they go out of town.

Guess again. People use petsitters for all kinds of situations. While the mid-day walks for working pet parents are the most advertised, pet sitters fill in for long days in the city or at the beach, extended absences for weddings or family reunions, and spur of the moment socializing after a long day at work. Not only do you not have to rush home, your pets are fed and spoiled according to their normal schedule, and will be relaxed and happy to see you when you return. No guilt for you and everyone gets a good night’s sleep!

So think again about how a pet sitter can improve your pet’s well-being, as well as your peace of mind. For more information, contact me at www.TarasPetsitting.com or 610-845-WOOF.

In Loving Memory

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:44:02 +0000

Jake Mumford 2004-2012

: Jake

For almost 8 years, you brought much love and joy into everyone’s life that you touched. You were a loving and loyal companion to all.

With heavy hearts we say goodbye Jake. We love you and will miss you.

Your gentle spirit will live in our hearts forever.

Children and Companion Animals Barto, Bally, Boyertown, Bechtelsville, Gilbertsville, PA

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:20:53 +0000

According to the Pet Health Council, a five year study of 600 children 3-18 years of age revealed that those raised with companion animals have overall better life coping skills than those who don’t live with a pet. This was seen especially in children who have difficulty in learning skills and in children whose parents have divorced.

Researchers have found that children living with pets, regardless of their living situations, have overall higher levels of self-esteem and function much better emotionally than those living without companion animals.

Spike

Another study involving children ages 5-11 years of age, has shown that absenteeism from school from illness was significantly reduced and their school attendance had increased.

A companion animal can teach a child many important life lessons including developing responsible behavior to care for them, a connection to nature, as well as respect for all living things.

Weimaraners Barto, Bally, Boyertown, Bechtelsville, Gilbertsville, and Hereford PA

admin — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 22:59:02 +0000

Riley

Weimaraners are latecomers to the world of pet dogs, hardly known outside of Germany until the 1930′s and 40′s. Bred as highly prized, elegant gundogs, the Weimaraner was an all purpose family dog, capable of guarding the home, hunting with the family, and being loving and loyal towards children. As ownership was restricted, the breed often lived with the family. This was unusual, as hunting dogs were typically kept in kennels in packs. The babying tendency of its owners through its breeding history produced a dog that needed to be near humans and now hates being put into kennels.

Rogue

The Weimaraner can suffer badly from separation anxiety and may start to panic if separated from its owner. Fortunately, the anxiety frequently becomes less pronounced as the dog grows older. The Weimaraner’s happy, lively temperament has endeared it to many families. A properly trained Weimaraner is a companion that will never leave its master’s side. Many Weimaraners tend to lean on their owner when sitting or standing, and most will insist on sleeping on their owner’s bed unless trained otherwise.

Halloween Safety in Barto, Bally, Boyertown, Bechtelsville, and Gilbertsville PA

admin — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 21:26:14 +0000

As with all holidays, there are precautions we need to take so that our pets are safe and healthy. Rushing Max to the emergency vet is never fun and can be completely nerve-wracking. Halloween can be lots of fun and full of candy, trick-or-treating, and dressing up but make sure your pet is safe.

Here are a few tips to make sure it’s a great Halloween:

1: Keep the candy away! That bowl you’re keeping by the door for the kids who come knocking on Halloween is a bowl of temptation for your pets. Keep it somewhere they can’t reach or access and on the night of Halloween, it might be best to have your dog and cat stay in another part of the house away from the front door so they aren’t stressed with the strangers coming by and noise.

2: Decorations like pumpkins can cause some stomach upset if they try to gnaw on it. They aren’t toxic but can upset their bellies. If your dog or cat seems to be curious of the pumpkin, move it onto the porch and away from them.

3: Be careful when keeping candles lit. Your pet could accidentally knock it over and cause a fire. A curious cat might run the risk of being singed if she tries to sniff it.

4: When opening your door to dish out the candy, make sure your pets don’t dart out. If they are the type to run to the door, keep them in another room for a few hours till the trick-or-treating is over.

5: Make sure your pets have proper id in case they do get out!

6: Keep your black cats inside. Halloween tends to be a time of year that those who aren’t pet friendly might try to torment a black cat. It’s sad but true.