Missing pets

Posted on November 3, 2011 by PetCare AuPair

It seems as if there has been an increase of lost pets out there – whats going on?

When I see a flyer or some news on a lost pet, especially in Ferndale, I pay close attention as we (the PCAP team) are out and about all day long conducting dog walks and pet sitting visits throughout S.E. Oakland County, and how cool would that be if we could spot “Spot” to which we could then call the respective owners with some good news.

We’ve all done it. Kept a front door open to bring in groceries, left the window open to get some fresh air, forgot to close the gate behind us – never intentionally thinking our beloved buddy might make a run for it. Ironically, I can leave my driveway gate open without Charlie my dog (and PCAP mascot) taking off but Benny on the other hand, the cat with 99 lives, just loves to go explore the neither regions of E. Cambourne Street…and beyond.

Thus, a warning to pet parents to make sure you keep an eye on your dog, cat, whatever as this is really starting to bum me out. I pray for a safe return to all the lost babies out there…god speed.

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Perfect weather for walking dogs!

Posted on October 10, 2011 by PetCare AuPair

I have to admit, I am not Michigan’s biggest fan. Mind you, I enjoy plenty of what our mitt-shaped-state has to offer, such as metro-Detroit dining, funky retailers and that fact a good chunk of my family and close friends live here, but Michigan weather gets me cranky.

However, this past week has proved to be an anomaly of decent dog walking weather which reminds me of how much I love my job. There have been just a hand-full of weeks that the weather was at/around 70 degree’s – in my mind perfect. I perk up, the dogs perk up, my team perks up…we all love this weather.

But alas, we all know what is coming in near weeks: cold, snow, ice, yuk.

Dogs are sensitive to weather just like humans but don’t seem to complain as much as we do, ahem, I do. Thus, a few things to remember about the upcoming winter season and how we can protect our four-legged friends from the extreme elements.

1) don’t leave your pups outside in temps below 40 degree’s unless they have thick coats and are cold-weather breeds
2) don’t leave out toxins like anti-freeze – store properly (dogs just love the taste but the chemicals are deadly)
3) buy animal safe driveway/sidewalk salt for snow/icy conditions
4) if giving your pet on a cold winter day, do not let them go outside for an extended amount of time
5) if buying clothing for your pet, ensure the materials are natural like cotton as synthetic materials can actually decrease their body temp

For our cat clients…make sure you check your dryers before turning them on as cats love warm towels and might climb into the dryer bin. Cats also love the taste of anti-freeze so make sure if you have an indoor/outdoor kitty, they can’t get into anything toxic.

Lastly, I know first hand what a pain it is to clean up dog poop in the winter months, but keeping a clean yard will protect your pooch from parasites and other nasty issues that stem from either the eating of poopcicles or tracking in #2 to your home.

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Home visits are far less stressful then boarding!

Posted on September 20, 2011 by PetCare AuPair

PetCare AuPair just started working with a new client who came to us after having a horrible experience at a local kennel. The woman was in tears stating she had to cut her vacation time short to come pick up her dog who had gone “bizerk” during her absence.

Ahhh, do I know that story well. Several years ago while doing my time pre-PCAP in Corporate America, I had boarded my Sheltie Pey-Pey in Chicago for a business trip to New York, circa early 2000′s. This was the time when normal people were actually able to start affording cell phones, so when the plane landed and I turned on my phone, I listened to a message that sounded a little something like this: “Um, yeah, this is the kennel. Um, you need to come pick up your dog, he is freaking out!” When I called them back, they informed me they had to give him doggy xanax, without my approval. I was so mad. I called a dear friend who came and picked up my dog and brought him back to my house and was nice enough to stay there until I returned a few days later.

Alas, fast-forward present-day, and people and their pets are still experiencing this type of trauma. Let me preface by saying most dogs love going on an extended vacation away from home while their human parents do the same…just not all of them.

Most people know that we conduct dog-walking, but they think our pet sitting services are geared more towards clients with cats, bunnies, fish and birds.  For our current dog clients we visit who use our pet-sitting services, they have done a lot of research to find a company, like us, which provides this in-home service and the feedback has just been amazing!  One client said she hadn’t been on a vacation in years until she heard about our services and thus, we were happy to help.

We really want to be able to assist people by taking the stress out of boarding/kenneling so please do give us a call if you find that this would be a better option, especially for those with senior and special needs dogs.  We can create a custom visit schedule based on your specific needs.  Typical visit times are at/around 8AM, 4-5PM, then a late night visit before 11PM but we can also add more visits at/around noon time as well…whatever you need.

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MARL’s Mutt Madness Dog/Cat Bowl – 11/11/11

Posted on September 14, 2011 by PetCare AuPair

Mutt Madness Dog and Cat Bowl!
Come Play With Us on 11/11/11 at the
Mutt Madness Dog & Cat Bowl!

Friday, November 11, 2011
7pm-10pm
Thunderbird Lanes,
400 West Maple Road, Troy, MI

This family-friendly fundraiser includes 3 games of bowling, a silent auction, pizza, music, adoptable animals and more!

Great prizes for the individuals and teams that raise the most in donations! You can even create your own customized fundraising web page to send to contacts and post on facebook! A fun and easy way to support the dogs and cats of MARL!

For more information, please contact PetCare AuPair: info@petcareaupair.com for registration materials

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Ruff and Stuff Pet Fest September 17, 2011 – Warren, MI

Posted on September 12, 2011 by PetCare AuPair

CONTACT: Kathy Krajewski/Double Exposure Publicity
248-467-9956

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Man’s Best Friends Get a Day of Activism and Fun at
Ruff and Stuff Pet Fest

[Warren, Mich.] When Joanna Noble returned to the Motor City after years spent living abroad, she was astounded to see that the city had gone to the dogs. Literally. Cats too. With many local residents giving their pets to local rescues and shelters due to downsizing into smaller spaces, Noble saw a disconnected family of animal lovers dealing with a critical overcrowding situation, and ever dwindling resources. Between three and four million pets are euthanized in the United States every year, a number that has only increased in recent years due to the soft job market. The advertiser/filmmaker started a service dog organization to help pets find new careers helping people, and she refused to watch pets suffer, so she marshaled the animal rescue community around the Detroit area to join the Ruff and Stuff Pet Fest – a community event that provides a day of entertainment for the whole family with good old fashioned community activism designed to bring local attention to the plight of man’s best friend. More than 30 animal rescues, welfare and service organizations will be in attendance at the Fest on September 17th, 2011 from 12 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Halmich Park in Warren on 13 mile between Ryan and Dequindre.

“Detroit’s always at its strongest when we come together as a community”, stated Noble. “The Ruff and Stuff Pet Fest is a great chance for the community to get together for a day of fun and games- but also to help animals. Even if you can’t help by adopting a pet, you can donate “pet stuff”, including pet food, animal toys and blankets. We’ll be filling a semi truck with these items over the course of the day. “There’s no limit to the ways the community can help.”

Unlike traditional Pet adoption events, the Pet Fest merges a family friendly festival featuring a day of fun, games and entertainment in addition to animal adoptions “We’re trying to get the animals adopted and spread the word about these rescue groups,” said organizer Joanna Noble. “We are confident that many of the pets needing homes would find them if the community becomes more aware of the current situation.” In addition to a full entertainment schedule including speakers, bands and a free screening of a Disney animated classic at dusk in the park, several vendors will have pet items available along with information about owning a pet, keeping them healthy and what people can do to help with the overpopulation issue.

“It’s going to be a great day of family fun while collecting donations for rescues and shelters to help them keep going, and hopefully many of the animals will be adopted amidst all the fun and excitement”, noted Noble. “365 days a year and 1 person can make a difference.” “That’s the ultimate goal of this event. People coming together to make a difference.”

The event is still in need of volunteers before, during and after the event as well as donations of pet goods. Vendor tables and sponsorships are also available. Interested parties are encouraged to email info@k10help.com, call 586-K10-Help (586-510-4357), or visit the event website at www.ruffandstuff.org. Organizers will also arrange to pick up pet goods via the above number. NOTE: At this first annual event the city is not permitting the public to bring pets from home. Only adoptable and performing pets are allowed. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

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Holidays…what to do with your pet?

Posted on August 29, 2011 by PetCare AuPair

Holidays and vacation time can be stressful enough, but then when you add what to do with your dog, cat, bunny, fish, etc., on top of things, well this can be downright maddening. Can I trust my neighbor, sister, friend to show up on time, administer medication and clean out the litter box…is what we hear most right before a major holiday.

Good for us that we obtain new clients, bad for clients who wait until the last minute to find pet care.

Our suggestion for people who are thinking about taking that well deserved vacation, last minute work-related-trip or “let’s get out of dodge just in time to avoid the Arts, Beats and Eats festival,” is to call us ASAP to ensure we have visit availability or to schedule your free in-home consultation.

PetCare AuPair does not kennel or board animals – we do all of our visits in the comfort of YOUR own home. This relieves stress on your animal and doubles as someone making sure you home is alright in your absence.

PCAP works 7 days per week, but nights, weekends and holidays are subject to availability. Please call us right away of you are seeking pet care for the Labor Day weekend.

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PetCare AuPair proudly offering dog training with Kat Stevens

Posted on August 17, 2011 by PetCare AuPair

Ok, so she has a cool name and is a great dog walker and pet sitter, but our very own Kat Stevens is now taking on new clients for her Dog Training Connections Classes.

Hate it that your dog jumps up on people, or that they pulls every which but loose on your walks…well, dear friends and clients, more than likely your need some training as well.

Kat can teach you and your dog a several commands to curb unwanted behaviors and to manage techniques that will assist in keeping your pooch well-mannered.

Sessions range from one hour up to five hours (spread out weekly) and are scheduled around your time preference between 9AM – 7PM, Monday thru Saturday and start just $50.00 per hour.

Kat uses positive reward techniques via the clicker method and can teach YOU how to take the reigns once you’ve completed your sessions.

Kat is a graduate from the Animal Behavior College and has obtained her ABCDT, and continues to receive training on line and through a series of local workshops.

For more information on dog training or any of our other wonderful services such as dog walking, pet sitting and more, please contact Kristen at (248) 850-8309.

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Where we service

Posted on August 10, 2011 by PetCare AuPair

We get a lot of inquiries from people from all over the state of Michigan. Currently, we focus on S.E. Oakland County: Ferndale, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Oak Park, Southfield, Bloomfield, Madison Heights, Troy, Clawson, Berkley and Hazel Park. But did you know we also service areas of Detroit, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Franklin and Lathrup Village?

Also, for clients wishing to use our services outside of the above mentioned areas like Auburn Hills, West Bloomfield, Rochester, Farmington, Etc., we can assist for short-term care – i.e. vacation visits or one-day emergency care.

In addition, did you know we can take your pet to the vet, groomer or kennel for a minimal hourly cost?

All of the above information can be found on our rates and services page – but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, best thing to do is call us at (248) 850-8309 and we will happily talk to you about your specific pet care needs: dog walking, pet sitting, dog park adventure at Red Oaks in Madison Heights or our concierge service.

Thanks, have a fantastic day!

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How connected are you to your pet?

Posted on August 2, 2011 by PetCare AuPair

I’ve had animals my entire life. From being a toddler and having Daisy the bunny through my adolescence with Katie the Irish Setter, Charco the Shih Tzu, Jimmy the pony and Dolphin my first horse – as an adult, countless adorable kittens and fiesty cats and Pey Pey my Sheltie – to today with Charlie my dog and Benny my cat, I have always felt a strong connection with all my pets.

As a pet care provider, I feel that same connection with most of my animal clients, some more than others but for the most part, I feel a kinship to the creatures I help take care of….how lucky is that!

Being able to “read” an animal is something that comes easy to me. Call it intuition or call weird, I just love connecting with an animal on a level that is sometimes foreign to others.   When I am walking a dog, I can feel their happiness resonate through me and thus, in return this brings me joy. Or when I am “hanging” with a cat, I can feel their contentment they exude and this brings a calm over me. I’m sure many of you have felt this connection as well with your pets.

One of my favorite things to do when I’m around horses is to see if I can pick up on their energy.  As a little girl my sister and I both rode.  We boarded our horses at Majors Farm out in White Lake and spent countless hours there, especially in the summer time.  I would walk out to the pasture, bridle in hand, but never needed it as all I need do is yell for my pony Jimmy and he would come running.  The adults thought this was spooky as Jimmy never ran for anyway and never let someone guide him into the barn without a bridle.  As I got older, I moved up to Dolphin, a pretty white horse with a gentle spirit.  My parents insisted I take lessons, which I did…but I much rather just ride around, see the sights and just “be one” with my buddy.

Now, as an adult one of my favorite things to do is spend time with Charlie, my awesome rescue dog.  Charlie is a character and if you’ve ever met him, you know how special he is.  I took him to the dog park the other day along with two of my clients dogs as we conduct Dog Adventure Tuesdays at the Red Run dog park in Madison Heights, and he just sparkled with happiness, as to say “thanks mom, this is the best!”  What is great about that place is all the dogs just light up when they go through the park gates…you can just feel it.  No pack fighting, no shenanigans, OK, a few shenanigans, but for the most part…just happy pups having a good time.

I would love to hear your stories about how you feel you connect with your animals?  Feel free to post any/all comments about how special your relationship is with your dog, cat, bunny, etc.

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Summer heat, a real danger to our pets

Posted on July 22, 2011 by PetCare AuPair

July 20th, 2011.  As I sit at Rosie O’Grady’s working via their Wi-Fi because Ferndale (where I live) has lost power, I started thinking about all the animals and pets who have to endure the summer heat and have no shelter…this is making me quite sad.

Earlier when we first lost power, I filled up the kiddy pool and laid in it with my clothes on as to not alert the children next door; shut my eyes for about 30 minutes.  3″ of water so even had I fallen asleep, I was in no real danger ;-) Charlie my dog insisted on being out with me and conducted his usual run along the side of the fence to bark at the passerbys, when I finally got up to figure out my next steps in the season of no power, I noticed he was panting very heavily and although he had fresh water, he seemed like he was in distress. Thankfully after a few minutes he cooled down.

It’s not that I’m not concerned about people in extreme temps, especially  seniors and those without shelter, I just have a strong concern when it comes to dogs who are left outside for extended amounts of time, and rightfully so…and don’t get me started on people who leave their pups in a hot car – yikkes!

July 21st, 2011. Just got back from the Fido Does Ferndale event and despite the 200 degree weather (hardy har) a lot of people and pooches showed up.  I felt it was my duty though, to remind patrons that they should enjoy the event, but head on home quickly as many of the pups were obviously overheated.

Alas, tonight I will enjoy my air conditioned room in my bed instead of the floor (yeah, last night was pretty sucky – power finally came on around 4AM) while many people in Ferndale still do not have their power back on…what did people do before A/C, ice and other creature comforts of the 21st century?

So to wrap up this edition of the PCAP Blog, just a friendly reminder to keep your pets out of the heat for extended amounts of time…watch dog paws on asphalt as this is a sure fire (no pun) way to obtain 2nd degree burns and always…always, have water for them if they are out side for a while, a long while or after being out so they can rehydrate.

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