As a member of Pet Sitters International and a client of Business Insurers of the Carolinas, I am eligible to become the 2013 Pet Sitter of the Year. This prestigious title is given to the pet sitter who receives the most nominations from clients, other pet sitters, and other people who are familiar with the pet sitter's professionalism and commitment to her clients and their companion animals.

As I complete my 5th year as a professional pet sitter, it is my goal to win this coveted award.

One of my greatest frustrations is to see dogs running around loose without any tags, collars or outward identification.

Every Wednesday, I do a pro bono walk for some clients of PAWS in the City Heights area. Almost every week I come across a sweet dog running loose in the streets with no identification. These dogs can so easily be killed by a car, stolen, or attacked by other animals, etc. It breaks my heart that people aren't more responsible about the animals they have taken into their homes.

If you don't already subscribe to "Your Dog" published by Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, I highly recommend you sign up. It is chock full of wonderful information on pertinent and current research regarding dogs' health, behavior, and every other important aspect of their lives.

In this month's issue there is a great article titled" How to Choose a Food for Your Senior Dog".

As the caretakers for our furry kids, we all want to do what's best for them and as they age, it makes sense that perhaps their dietary needs have changed.

Saw this on the Freekibble website this morning and wanted to share it with you. It is written by Carolyn Golon.

"There’s a new way for animal lovers to help raise awareness for the plight of homeless pets…..”Remember Me Thursday,” which takes place this Thursday, September 26, 2013.

This special international effort, organized by theHelen Woodward Animal Center,invites people across the globe to light a candle in remembrance of the millions of orphan pets we’ve lost and to shine a light on the millions of pets still waiting for their forever homes - the millions we can still save.

I am sharing a post from Dr. Nancy Kay's newsletter that is so important I had to make sure I got the word out. Dr. Nancy Kay's excellent information can be found at her website www.speakingforspot.com.

"The ASPCA recently launched a new consumer tool as part of their No Pet Store Puppies Campaign, and I encourage you to check it out. This tool contains a searchable database linking pet stores that sell puppies to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-licensed commercial breeding facilities (puppy mills).