As 2014 looms very close ahead, I want to wish all of my clients past, present and future, all of my readers, and all of the pet parents out there a very healthy and happy new year. I hope your pets, whether 4-legged, 2-legged, feathered, finned, or gilled, stay healthy as well and that you are able to share a wonderful year together creating new memories.

  Be kind to your pets and be forgiving. None of us are perfect. Be sure to give them all the things they need , most importantly, your love and attention.

   I just found out  the official results are in and I have been selected as a Top Five Finalist for Pet Sitter of the Year for 2013. This prestigious award was created by Pet Sitters International and is sponsored by Business Insurers of the Carolinas. 

I am so honored to be among the top five under consideration to win the title. I want to thank all of my clients, associates, business network and everyone else who submitted me for nomination. I especially want to thank all of the wonderful pets I look after each and every day for making my life so much fun and so gratifying.

 Since it had been a few years ago that I completed my Pet First Aid certification, I decided to take the course again to refresh my knowledge and skills. I attended the course presented at the San Diego Humane Society last Saturday. The course was designed by the American Red Cross and was full of excellent information on everything from evacuating pets in a disaster to treating snakebites, shocks, fractures, heatstroke, etc. We also learned how to recognize an emergency and how and when to do rescue breathing and CPR.

 I received this article in a newsletter I received this am from the Animal Dermatology Clinic. I want to share it with you.

 

" It was written by Veterinary Pet Insurance. (VPI) has written a helpful guide of their top five holiday dangers to pets. VPI is the largest pet insurance company and has seen it’s share of claims when it comes to the holiday season and pets.
      Tinsel and ornaments are eye-catching objects to pets and although tinsel itself is not toxic, these metallic strands could be ingested and become entangled in the intestines possibly resulting in death.

  There was a great article from WebMD.com this morning on making sure your dog is getting enough water to stay healthy. I thought I would share the information with you.

Even though the temperatures have dropped considerably from the summer, our canine pals still need plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dogs lose water through sweating through their paw pads and panting, as well as when they pee and poop. It only takes a loss of 10-15% of the water in their bodies for them to become severely dehydrated so it is essential that they are replacing that water.