For those of you who already have a Pit Bull living in your home, you know what wonderful companions they can be. For those of you who don't know much about them or who have bought into the Bad Press and Media treatment they have received, I ask you to educate yourself. 

As a professional pet sitter I have cared for numerous pit bulls and have had the pleasure of sharing my bed with them when their parents are away. The majority of them are wonderful and make great additions to the family.

Finally, a doggie daycare and boarding facility has opened up in Mission Valley. It is called Pooch Hotel and it is located at 2120 Camino del Rio N. Phone number is 619-491-0239.

I visited the facility yesterday and had a tour with the Manager. It is a large, very clean, spacious facility that currently offers doggie daycare and overnight boarding. They have 3 large play areas so that dogs of different sizes and temperaments can play together. They are set up with a spa for dog bathing and grooming and will soon have a stylist on staff.

In reading Dr. Nancy Kay's blog today, SpeakingforSpot.com, I came to realize what an unpleasant experience Halloween can be for many of our furry companions. First of all, people are walking around or coming to the door dressed in scary masks, white sheets, and other costumes that can be downright terrifying. If your pet has a fear of strangers, this parade of ghouls to their front door can be traumatizing.

Secondly, pet parents often dress up their furry kids in costumes thinking they look adorable and what a cute picture this will make.

  Although I think it is great to give cats an outdoor experience by taking them out on a harness, I am not in favor of letting kitties roam freely inside and out, especially when I am looking after them.

As a professional pet sitter my number one goal is the animal's safety. For that reason I do not sit for cats who are permitted outdoor access when I am caring for them. The reason is that most of my kitty visits are for a half hour once a day. I need to see the cat during that half hour and know that he/she is doing well.

 In the Autumn edition of  "Good Medicine, produced by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, comes the latest news in research testing.

The EPA'S ToxCast program, which uses computer modeling and in vitro methods instead of animals, is expanding. The program screens pesticides, food additives, drugs not on the market, and other products for toxicity. Their aim is to develop cell-based tests to replace current tests that use hundreds or thousands of animals. The company