Bringing home a new pet can be a tad overwhelming with all the paperwork they come home with.  Many new Pet Parents set it aside as they frantically chase the new family member to retrieve their shoes, or protect an electric cord, clear the coffee table of keep sake items (not chew toys) or pull the Cat off the new drapes.  It's all so new many don't stop to think that a bowl of grapes grabbed by that new counter surfer can kill him!

This week I was invited to participate with my community partner, Toyota of San Diego on their community service campaign to help educate new Pet Parents and Pet Owners about Dangerous Foods for Pets.  Keep the picture handy and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435  just in case the need arises.

If you have any pet care questions, please feel free to give me a call for tips and tricks to make you and your pet's experience of life better.  Call me at 858-603-9925

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We start the morning ready care for your Cats and Dogs with a skip in our step! As the sun rises we are enroute to feed, walk and love your furbabies.

This morning all the Cats were ready for some tlc and a game of pounce, we let the games begin with a fresh bowl of food and water, a clean litter box and then we settle in for 'fodder time fun & lovin' '. Your savvy, stealthy hunters are eager to play pounce and chase the toy feathers and plushy cat nip toys in between the purrs, belly rubs and chatter of love calls. The Dogs want to get outside and scout for new markings and leave their own calling cards,lol. It's a furfest for all of us.

Morning, Mid-day, Suppertime and Sleep Overs we greet each of them at the door ready to brighten there lives while you're away.

#Catsitting92129 #Dogsitting92129 #petsittingsandiego #crittercaresandiego

Your felines and pups and are all happy to see us come walking through the door this morning. Taking their special greeting as the welcomed hello they so eagerly share is like Christmas all over again.

We cater to their special diets (some raw food eaters) and medication requirements while chatting, tossing toys and preparing to engage them with all the tlc they want. The Cats really set the pace while the Pups are eager for the fun games of toss or tug of war, walks and belly rubs. We love them like our own and can't wait to tell you about the funny things they are doing.

#catsittingsandiego #dogsittingsandiego #specialneedspetsitting #petsittingsandiego

Tis the season... We are dashing through the snow on a one Horse open sleigh...San Diego style. Yes, we are dashing around but in the car. We spend hours in the car on holidays to be with the pawz and clawz. The new gifts left from Santa have been an added level of entertainment for us all. So far the squeaker Duck and the squiggly fur string have been the favorites.

I must mention a word of caution about holiday decorations and confections left out and low. Never leave chocolate Santa's or fudge unattended.

May your holiday be merry and bright. We are having a great time snuggling, fetching, and celebrating the presents of paw time, simply priceless. We love #staycations #dogsittingsandiego #catsittingsandiego #petsittingsandiego #weloveyourpets

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What is the best part of the weekend for us? It's Saturday with your pets!

Anytime we can spend the day with your furbabies is special. This Columbus Day weekend we get time by the pool with Wally, kennel time wirh Khloe, Buddy and LuLu, yard time with senior Chloe and,lots of laptime with the Cats. Being in tune to their needs with this beautiful weather is an added bonus. Most of our Cats this weekend will jump at the laptime with only a few hanging back with catitude.

Petsitting, Dogwalking and Catsitting with a focus on tlc, fun and fetch tailored to the comfort and temperment of each one makes the day fly by.
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As a Professional Dog Walker I run into all sorts of situations that require a quick response and a cool head about you.

This morning was just such an occasion. I had a coyote tracking us. Knowing the SMART technique I gathered the pups next to me and took a stand, big and bold. This incident is a common one here in San Diego. Too many times pups are snatched from the end of a leash because people are not paying attention to their surroundings.

Here are some simple adjustments you can make to keep you and your pets safe:

• ​Adjust your ear bud usage to one bud only so you can hear whats coming.
• Use a standard loop handled leash. These 6' leashes give you the ability to react quickly and in control. Put your hand through the loop so it is secure on your hand giving you the split second response needed to grab, lift and protect your pet.
• Ditch the retractable leash! These extened leads and grip handles do not give you the control necessary to stop a Coyote snatch!
• Know how to do the Coyote Hazing technique! Watch this video to educate and protect yourself and your pup.

Please share these tips with your friends and neighbors.
Together we can be SMART about Coyote Hazing and spare the heartache of loosing another Fur Family member.

If you have any questions or would like a one on session practicing coyote hazing give me a call, I'm happy to meet with you to help you build your confidence. You can reach me at 858-603-9925
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Since Janurary of this year there has been over 12 Pet Food Recalls. Pets are being put at risk in record numbers. It jas become my mission to share homemade options you can whip up from your own kitchen (and mine) to bring easy alternatives to avoid the heartache and expense from this deadly trend.

Over the next three weeks I'll be sharing some easy and nutritious recipes you can make. The three types are Cool, Crunchie and Chewy using your freezer, dehydrator, and fridge.

​Freezer Organic Dog Treats
​Using regular ice trays - fill the trays with organic apples, berries, and carrots, pour liquid organic beef or chicken broth and freeze.

These cool cube should be used within 3 weeks a d stored in a zip bag in the freezer.

Many of you know that I am a huge advocate for low ingredient, high quality pet foods, preferribly locally sourced.  

Here is another Pet Food Recall exemplifying the need for scrutiny on all Pet Food Products.  Be choosy!

There are many red flags on this noticification disclosure that every pet parent will take pause:
The findings show that beef not suitible for human consumption was noted.
The ingredients tested found a mixture of meats; Beef, Pork and Equine!
Medication contamination was found.
If you use any of these three brands, please check the label and contact the manufacturer for instructions on the return policy, http://bit.ly/2mJUOkt

Here's hoping this petfood recall notice reaches everyone who bought these brands and your Dogs are o.k.

We must be ever vigilant when it comes to the ingredients in your Pet's food! Don't be fooled by the labeling stating 'grain free' or even the type of meat ingredients.  Buyer beware is the motto these days for all of us.  

Studies have proven that our health as well as our Pets is better when eating locally sourced foods.  Local can also be a 'loaded' phrase.  I'm referring to items within 50-100 miles.  We have a great local Pet Food Store dedicated to optimum ingredients for organic nutrition and locally sourced foods for Cats and Dogs.  Amy, the owner, has a great selection of products that are chemical free, and locally grown.  Visit Wholesome Choice Pet Market at either of the two locations: 4SRanch or Rancho Bernardo.

If you would like to be notified on the next Petfood Recall Notification please leave a comment with your email and I'll add you to the list.

​Woofs & Wags, Kate

it isn't often that we get to pull out the rain gear around here in San Diego! One of my pet peeves are finding sweaters or coats for large Dogs!

The coat Weslia is wearing says X-Large but we can clearly see this 70 lb Shepard needs something else! To get a proper fit measure from the top of the shoulder to the tail. Once you do that and look through the many sites with #petraingear you are going to blink at what is referred to as X-Lrg! 19-24 inches is normal for a Shepard. By the time you secure the body fasteners of the coat or poncho the length required is now 3 " longer making her proper size a XX-XXX Lrg.

Make sure you get a coat that has wide adjustable Velcro fasteners around the girth as well as adjustable front and back adjustable leg straps so it stays in place all down the back and doesn't slide around the neck.

​PRICING
The samples I've found are made in other countries and the quality isn't very good. My favorite shopping site for Large Dog Coats is http://www.BaxterBoo.com. The prices and sizes are true to breed sizing and secure comfortably without knotting up in the under belly area. The prices and styles vary from Reflective Ponchos to Blanket style. These range from $20-$50.00 and are made in America.

Help keep your big breed dry and comfortable this winter with the proper fit. It can mean the difference between a pleasant walk in the rain or a wet one!

If you got value out of this blog post please leave me a comment, I would like to hear about your experiences buying large rain coats, or any size really for your pups.

​Woofs & Wags, Kate
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