How to Choose a Dog Walker

How do you choose a dog walker?  What a great question.  Well, like any business, not all dog walkers are the same.  Everyone does business differently and some are more qualified and more experienced than others.  You and your dog may have a better connection with one more than others.  Before signing on the dotted line, here are some steps to follow for finding the right person.  The best way to start is by word of mouth and referral.  Talk to your friends, coworkers, people at the dog park, and other animal lovers.  Look up their suggestions on Kudzu and Yelp and see what their ratings and reviews look like.  Also, talk to people you trust in the animal field, your groomer, your vet, or pet food store employees.  If you still can’t decide or you want to check out some of your referrals, you can always go to the local parks to observe dog walkers.  If you are really dedicated to finding the best dog walker, you can head out on rainy days to see which dog walkers actually walk the dogs and which ones sit in their car smoking giving the dogs not a walk, but a good dose of secondary smoke inhalation.  Luckily, just by reading this blog, you have taken the right step in finding a great pet sitter for your beloved animals, Gwinnett Pet Watchers!  We fit the bill in all of these categories and have the ratings to prove it!

Cold Weather Tips for your Pet

Just like people, your pets’ tolerance for the cold varies based on their coat, activity level, body fat storage, and overall health.  You should be aware of your pets’ cold tolerance, and adjust their outdoor activities accordingly.  You will probably need to shorten your dogs’ walks during very cold weather to protect them and yourself.  After walks, check your dogs’ paws for cracks or scrapes.  They may need aloe or ointment for treatment.  Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing’s disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes. The same goes for very young and very old pets. If you need help determining your pet’s temperature limits, consult your veterinarian.  Your pet may even change their sleeping location to receive more comfort and warmth during cold temperatures.  Your pet may also appreciate a sweater or just spending some time inside.

Gwinnett County Animal Shelter

Looking to adopt or rescue a new pet?  Check out the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter, located at 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville, Georgia.  They have many cats and dogs of all sizes and ages available for adoption.  The animal shelter takes in about 15,000 animals every year, so there are more than plenty to choose from.  Only about one third of these animals get out safely from the shelter.  The shelter receives an unusual amount of purebred dogs, so instead of going to a breeder, it is a wonderful option to adopt and save a life.  The shelter offers many resources for you when you are looking to adopt.  They can give you advice on pet care, specific breed information, choosing the right pet, and tips to help make a new pet adjust to your home environment.  The shelter has a web site with pictures and descriptions of the dogs and cats available for adoption.  You can look online or go to the actual shelter during their business hours to interact with pets.  I have rescued several animals and the feeling is very rewarding to save a life.  Many animals have no issues and just want a home to call their own and to be loved : )

German Shepherds

Looking for a breed that is clever, courageous, faithful and fearless?  The german shepherd may be your pup of choice.  They are very muscular and strong, obedient, and ready to learn.  They have been known to give their lives for their humans and are a very loyal breed.  They love their families, but can be wary of strangers.  They should not be left alone for long periods of time and need to be around their people.  They are usually not big barkers, unless they find it necessary, but they can be whiners!  They do require a strong handler and training from an early age or they may get skittish and definitely need socialization.  They love to have “jobs” and do great as working dogs in the police force, guide dogs, tracking, or security positions.  They are not couch potatoes and if they are left to sit around in the house or locked in a back yard, may become very destructive and out of control.  German shepherds are heavy shedders and shed year round.  Some of the common ailments and diseases that can affect the breed are hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, bloat, epilepsy, and flea allergies.  Our own Gwinnett Pet Watchers, Robin, just rescued a german shepherd puppy and she is a love!  If you want an active and protective pup, then they would be a wonderful choice.

A Tasty Fall Treat

Since we are in the first week of fall for the year, I find it very appropriate to share a recipe for a fun, fall dog treat that your pets will love.  It contains six ingredients: 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon,  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Whisk together all of the ingredients in a bowl.  You may add some water for the dough to be workable, but the dough should remain dry and stiff.  Roll the dough in to a half inch thick flat roll.  Use cookie cutters to cut pieced from the roll.  I prefer the shape of dog bones, but any shape will do.  Bake for around forty minutes or until the treats are hard.  Your dog will love the combination of the taste of peanut butter and pumpkin flavors.  I have tested this recipe on my dogs and not only is it very easy, they loved the treats!  I may even start testing them on my Gwinnett Pet Watchers clients, and I am pretty sure that they won’t mind.  If they were a hit in my house, I am sure that everyone’s pups will love them.  It is nice to give your pets a little variety sometimes, rather than purchasing store bought treats all the time.

Events for Saturday, September 20th

There are two events on Saturday, September 20, 2014.  The first is Bark for Life Canton.  The American Cancer Society sponsors it and it is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.  Go walk for a great cause!  The other event the 10th annual Hot Lips Hustle 5K in Marietta. This fast, flat, certified 5K race in Marietta is fun for the whole family (and dogs, too)! Chip timing, live DJ, trophies in 14 age groups, prize giveaways and great t-shirts define the Hot Lips as the must-run race of the fall. Entries will be capped at 500 participants for this celebratory event, so register now! Families, dogs, runners and all walkers are welcome. All dog participants receive special collar tags and the top three dog finishers receive special awards. This race was founded by a Marietta girl born with cleft palate who wanted to give back to needy families with children who cannot afford treatment for this crippling birth defect. Since inception, the Hot Lips Hustle has changed over 200 children’s lives through The Smile Train.  People are encouraged to let their dogs participate for an additional $5 per dog.  Both of these activities are benefiting great causes!

Border Collies

The border collie is a highly intelligent breed that just happens to be a favorite of Robin, here at Gwinnett Pet Watchers.  They are definitely not for the lazy owner, and require considerable daily exercise and mental stimulation.  They are a working breed used for herding livestock and to be a house pet, definitely require entertainment.  They can become neurotic in households that do not provide them with enough exercise.  They are infamous for chewing on furniture, digging holes, and their herding behavior with other animals or children in the household may be unsuitable for an inactive household.  With plenty of activities and a creative owner, they are wonderful and loyal dogs.  There are many rescues for the breed and can be a wonderful rescue pet.  They have beautiful coats that come in many different colors.  They do shed, and regular brushing is recommended.  Border collies have an average lifespan of twelve years.  Some of the common health problems that affect the breed are epilepsy, hip dysplasia, eye problems, and hearing loss.  Robin loves to take her pack hiking in the woods, to the lake, and plays various activities with them.  They love to play ball, do treat puzzles, and love the companionship of each other as well.

The Rainbow Bridge

After recently losing my beloved dog, Polo, everyone in the dog world told me that he would be at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for me. But, what exactly is the Rainbow Bridge?  The poem goes like this:

‘There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.’

I hope that this concept of a paradise where pets wait for their human owners is true!  The animals do not simply wait for their owners, but they also help each other learn and grow, and recover from mistreatment that they may have endured in life.  Several of our sitters at Gwinnett Pet Watchers have lost a pet recently and it has been very hard for all of us.  This blog is dedicated to anyone who has lost a pet.  I hope this poem gives you encouragement and cheers you up.  I know that it has given me hope and is helping  me to get through.

Upcoming events for the weekend September 5-7

There are two notable events coming up this weekend that you may want to check out.  One is the Evening in Paris hosted at the Gwinnett Arena.  On Saturday, September 6 the Georgia SPCA hosts their most luxurious gala event of the year. Come see and be seen and support the important work of the Georgia SPCA.  Enjoy an evening reminiscent of Parisian nightlife, featuring dinner, cocktails, dancing and a spectacular doggie haute couture fashion show!  Special guest, Xena the Warrior Puppy, winner of the ASPCA Dog of the Year 2013, will join in for the festivities.  The other event is Frankie’s Friends Doggone Run.  Fetch your sneakers (and Fido or Fluffy) and join Frankie’s Friends Doggone Run anytime the weekend of September 5-7 for a unique, virtual 5k event that will put thousands of runners across America on the road to raise funds to help sick and injured pets who need lifesaving medical care. It’s easy and fun! A virtual 5k is just like any other race — but without an official location. Participants register, create their own teams for fundraising — or participate as individuals — and then run, walk, bicycle or skip during the designated race weekend — when you want and where you want. Come check these events out and have a great time!

Looking for a small, sturdy dog…

The jack russell terrier may be the dog for you if small and sturdy is your goal.  They are highly intelligent and trainable to do a wide array of tricks.  For this reason, they are often seen on tv shows and movies.  The breed is cheerful, loving, and absolutely fearless.  They need a very firm owner or they may walk all over you.  They do require lots of exercise and may become aggressive or destructive if enough energy is not expelled daily.  They can be suitable for apartment life if properly exercised, but do best in a home with a large yard where they can run around.  They do not have many health problems, but common ones include eye disease, deafness, and dislocation of knee caps.  The breed requires little grooming, only combing and brushing; bathing when necessary.  Jack russell terriers have been used to hunt small game, especially fox and they are considered a working breed.  They are also great at agility.  They are definitely for an active owner and are not couch potatoes.  They have a life expectancy of 15 or more years.  We have several clients with jack russells at Gwinnett Pet Watchers.  My personal opinion is that they are very fun and active dogs and I really enjoy spending time with them.