Absolutely Pawsitive Professional Pet Care, LLC

Blog has moved to Facebook!

2010-10-26T10:56:00.001-07:00

As most of you know by now, this blog is no longer being updated. Find new posts on our Facebook Page at www.Facebook.com/PawsitiveAZ. See ya there!!!

Want FREE Pet Sitting?

2007-08-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

If you are an existing client, you can earn free pet sitting by referring our services to your friends. If someone you refer to us uses our services, you will receive a $10 referral credit once their first reservation is complete. This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for using our services and for referring us to others. A personal referral is the best advertising we could ask for. Thanks!

Costa Rican shelter receives donations!

2007-08-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I wrote to you about my friend Shari who was living in Costa Rica temporarily. While she was there, she became involved in animal rescue and worked very closely with a woman named Lisa who had turned her home into a shelter. Lisa has no outside funding and depends solely on the generosity of individuals to supplement what she spends personally toward the care and shelter of homeless dogs. Lisa’s home/shelter is in the hills of Costa Rica and is known to the locals as a place to ‘dump’ dogs when they are not wanted or cannot be cared for. Lisa does not turn away any animal in need.

Since Lisa does not have any government assistance or fund-raising opportunities, many of you came forward and donated used towels, rugs, sheets, blankets, pet toys, and lots of other pet- related items. When Shari came to visit in May, we packed as much as we could into space bags and stuffed her suitcases full with almost all of your donations. Anything that would not fit was taken to the Arizona Humane Society (see next story for that successful event!). Some larger items were sold and the money was donated to Lisa to use for the animals.

When Shari returned to Lisa’s shelter in Costa Rica, Lisa was in shock over all the wonderful, near new, items that had been donated. She was so incredibly appreciative and near speechless. She wanted to be sure that everybody knows that every single item will be put to good use on her property, helping to make life a little more comfortable for all the homeless dogs that find their way to her.

The pictures above are of the items in Costa Rica and of two little puppies who are loving their new blankies! THANK YOU so much for taking the time to clear out your closets, garages, boxes, and anywhere else, to give to those less fortunate. As you can see, your effort has touched many furry lives and some human ones as well.

Arizona Humane Society receives donations thanks to generous Pet Sitting Clients!

2007-08-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer we learned that the Arizona Humane Society was in a bit of a crisis with a pet food shortage. The shortage was due partly to the pet food recall situation and because of the overwhelming number of homeless animals being turned into the shelter during the hot summer months. They were especially in need of cat and kitten items. When I learned of this situation, I contacted all of my clients to see if they were able to help. Once again, you all came through! I drove around Gilbert and Chandler collecting dog food, cat food, kitten food, cat litter, toys, household items, etc. from all of you to donate to this worthy cause. I was able to fill the back of my SUV with a variety of items which I took directly to the Humane Society. This trip included approximately 200 lbs of pet food!

THANK YOU again for your generosity!!

Another successful Donation Drive for the AHS!!

2007-08-01T16:13:00.000-07:00

Since my pet sitting clients had been so generous, I thought to myself, where else can I collect donations for such a worthy cause. Well, I immediately thought of my former workplace. The police department where I used to work was more than willing to allow me to place collection bins in all five of their office buildings with flyers to collect donations for the Arizona Humane Society. The donation drive went throughout the month of July. I am happy to say that we collected approximately 1000 lbs of pet food and litter, as well as many pet beds, blankets, towels, toys, and much more. I’m also happy to say that they have allowed me to conduct this donation drive on an annual basis! Next spring I hope to collect even more!

In case you are wondering, the Humane Society will take just about anything you want to donate. They obviously use the pet food and litter donations for the animals. As well as the blankets, rugs, towels, etc, either at their location or in their foster homes or at other local rescue groups and shelters. If you donate something that they cannot use directly for the animals, then they will sell the items in their thrift shop and use the money to benefit the programs for the animals. So, next time you think of dealing with the headache of a yard sale, forget it and donate to the AHS instead. If you have large items, they will even pick them up. Contact them at Arizona Humane Society.

Thank you again!

Monsoon Safety for your Pets!

2007-08-01T16:12:00.001-07:00

Well, the monsoon season has only been with us for a few weeks and I have already found 3 loose dogs wandering the streets of Gilbert and Chandler as a result. The winds come and the animals get scared and yard gates get blown open. PLEASE lock your gates! PLEASE put ID on your outside pets! Be sure the ID includes your address so the pet can be returned to your yard if you are not home. Also include your cell phone, not your home phone.

Always Wear your Identification!

2007-08-01T16:07:00.001-07:00

While I’m on the subject of pet ID; be sure to update your pets’ micro-chip information. If it’s been a while check with the chip company to ensure that they have your correct cell phone numbers and address. Also, list a secondary contact in case you are not reachable when your pet is found…perhaps your pet sitter!!

If you don’t know which company your chip is associated with, you should have paperwork or the original ID tag that came with the chip. If all else fails, you should be able to have your pets’ chip ‘scanned’ by a local vet to read the chip and provide you with the necessary information. Some of the common microchip companies are Home Again, Avid, and AKC CAR.

Remember, micro-chipping your pet is very inexpensive ($35 at the Arizona Humane Society), a great way to make sure he is returned to you, and no more painful than a simple vaccination. If you love ‘em, don’t lose ‘em!

Sit! Stay! Fetch! Sing! Play!

2007-08-01T16:03:00.001-07:00

Does your dog listen to you? Or does he stare at you in confusion when you try to correct him or scold him for some bad behavior? Are you tired of coming home to shredded shoes or wet carpet? Are you embarrassed to have company over because your dogs jump on everybody?

Well, worry no more. If you and your dog are in need of Obedience, Behavior Modification, or Problem Solving Training, look no further. Stacie with Pawsitive Performance has over fifteen years of training experience. She offers personal one-on-one training with you and your pet at your home. She has been teaching Obedience classes for the City of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Department for over ten years. She has a wonderful approach to dog training; no clickers, no treat training, and no abusive methods. She does what is best for you and your dog.

Give her a call or send her an email today to see when you can get started. Stacie 480-326-3505 or ITrainDogs@cox.net. You’ll be glad you did!
Sorry, she doesn’t train dogs to sing and play piano!

Need an Extra Hand or an Extra Hour?

2007-05-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

If you are an established pet sitting client we offer some additional services that you may find useful. With today's busy lifestyles everybody can use a helping hand to get things done. We are now offering these services to you, our existing clients. Since this is new for us, please be patient as we do our best to make it work for everyone. If there is something you need that you don't see on the list, please ask and I'll do my best to help you. Rest assured that Pet Sitting is and will always be our Number One Priority!

Personal Errands
Dry Cleaning, Post office, Groceries, Pet store, Shopping for gifts, Returning items to store, Waiting in line to buy tickets, Online shopping, Banking, Video rentals/returns, Dropping off/picking up film, Etc.

Personal Assistant
Wrapping presents, Light office work (stuffing envelopes/letters/faxes/copies), Waiting for home services to arrive (Phone/cable/carpet cleaners/etc), Picking up pre-made meals for your family, Party Preparation and Cleanup (bartending/coat-checking/food refilling), Wedding Day assistant, Amateur photography at small events (instead of you taking photos, you relax and I'll do it; not to take place of professional photographer; candids only), Organizing and sharing your digital photos online

Home Organization
Unpacking from a move, Setting up the new house/office/closets

Additional Pet Services
Vet appointments, Grooming appointments, Pet Waste pickup only (1-3 times per week), Scrapbooking your pet photos

Pet Food Recall Update!

2007-05-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

This wonderful website, The National Pet Foundation, will email you every time a new pet food is recalled…for FREE! Just go to their site and sign up by entering your email. That’s it. There is no lengthy sign up process and you don’t get spammed by them. It’s a great way to stay on top of this continuing pet food disaster. Do it for your pets!

Your Pets and your home's security are our Number One Priority!

2007-05-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you know that while you may see us driving around town with magnetic advertising on our vehicles, rest assured that we will never do pet sitting with the advertising displayed. We would never want to jeopardize the safety of your home by showing others that you are out of town. We pride ourselves on being conscientious of all aspects of caring for your home and pets. Thank you!

New Business Web Address: www.PawsitiveAZ.com

2007-05-20T15:37:00.001-07:00

Our business website address is changing. The new address is www.PawsitiveAZ.com. The old address will still work for a while, but please bookmark this new address. Our newsletter, that you are currently reading, will not be changing. It will stay at www.PawsitiveAZ.blogspot.com. Thank you for your loyalty and continued business.

Let's Help these Homeless Pets find their Forever Homes!

2007-03-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I have an email distribution list that forwards emails regarding poor, helpless animals who need your help. These animals have often been abused, neglected, or have been the unfortunate victims of bad circumstances. The animals are usually located in the Phoenix area, but are sometimes in other parts of the state.

When I receive these emails, I forward them to as many people as possible. While the recipient of the email may not be looking to add to their family, they may know someone who is, or may have a large work or personal network to which they can forward the email far and wide. As the saying goes; ‘and so on, and so on, and so on’. By forwarding these emails, we can know that we are doing something positive to try to help those pets who are less fortunate. I am very happy to say that I hear about many happy endings as a result of the emails being forwarded! Some of my clients have even adopted some of the animals themselves!

If you are not on my distribution list and would like to be added, please contact me.
Thank you!

Supply or 'Stuff' Donations for Shelters

2007-03-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Doing some spring cleaning? Need to clean out the garage? Do you have items to get rid of, but don’t know how to put them to good use? If you have anything that is pet-related or not, I can take it off your hands and pass it on to a good cause. The Arizona Humane Society has a thrift shop where they sell items to earn money for their many animal-friendly programs. Many local shelters can also use your pet-related donations of old towels, sheets, blankets, dog and cat toys, bowls, etc. If you have anything you’d like to donate, let me know and I’ll happily pick it up from my clients or refer you to where to take it. Let’s remember those less fortunate animals out there. Thank you for your generosity!

More about the Pet Food Recall

2007-03-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

As we all know by now, there has been a tragic problem with pet foods over the past few months. This horrible incident has led to a huge recall of pet food.

Since the list of recalled foods is changing daily, rather than trying to keep it updated on here, I have found a few websites that appear to be staying on top of it. These websites are provided for your convenience only.

Pet Sit USA Blog

Pet Connection

US Food and Drug Administration (unfortunately this site is not as current as it should be)

I’m sad to say that this awful problem has touched my friends and clients personally. My thoughts are with you and your pets. Please check this blog frequently as I will attempt to keep it updated as more and more information is published about pet food problems. Be well…

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

The right way to Give Pets as Presents:

While we all love animals, giving a pet as a gift isn't always the best option. Deciding whether or not to have a pet is a big decision and selecting the right pet takes lots of consideration.

It may seem very tempting to give your loved one a new puppy or kitten for Valentine’s Day. They sure are cute and cuddly! But why not present your loved one with a gift certificate to adopt from your local shelter, or take a trip to the shelter together? This will prevent putting the 'wrong' pet in the 'wrong' home and turning a wonderful idea into a stressful situation.

Saving a life is always a great idea, but remember, let's save them forever, not just for now.

Let's help those animals in need!

2007-02-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Something FREE and EASY and FAST you can do to help needy animals!

Many of you already know about this wonderful thing you can do to help feed all the needy animals out there. It's FREE and EASY and it only takes a moment as you are getting on the computer each day. You can do it once a day and it really does work!

All you have to do is go to www.theanimalrescuesite.com and click on the purple box that reads 'feed an animal in need'.

The Animal Rescue Site's corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. (Weight Watchers is one of the sponsors!)

You'll feel good knowing you do something every day to help those in need. Thank you!!!

How To Handle a Lost or Found Pet

2007-01-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

None of us ever wants to lose our pet, but if it happens or if you find a lost pet, here are some tips on...

How to Handle a Lost or Found Pet:

LOST:

Put up flyers in the area. Include as much detail as possible and provide a photo if available. List identifying marks and any special medical needs. Give your day and evening phone numbers including cell phone.

Call the non-emergency number of your town police department to inquire if someone has called about a found pet. Some police departments (although it should be all!) keep a log of anyone who calls in with a lost or found pet.

FOUND:

Put up flyers in the area giving only generic information (ie. small brown dog). Caller must give information such as male or female, color of collar, or distinctive markings to identify the pet. This will eliminate someone other than the true owner trying to claim the pet.

Check the pet for a microchip at any local vet's office. Most will do this free of charge.

Put the pet on any local website you can find that allows free listing of lost or found pets.

Some local resources are:

Arizona Humane Society Lost & Found; 602-997-7585

Pets911; 888-PETS911 (738-7911)

Missing Mutts; 480-898-7387 (no website)

Arizona Pet Line; 602-252-2727

Place an ad in the Tribune (480-898-6500) and the Republic (602-444-2424). Found ads are placed free for 3-4 days. If looking for a lost dog, check the classified ads daily under “found.”

Go to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control on a daily basis after 3pm.
Lost animals east of Central Ave. are taken to

East Side at 2630 W. 8th St., (Mesa/Tempe border, just east of the Loop 101) 602-506-7387
Animals lost west of Central Ave. are taken to

West Side at 2323 S. 35th Ave. (east side of 35th Ave, just south of Durango) 602-506-7387

I hope this helps reunite pets and their parents!

Newsletter - November 2006, part 3

2006-11-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

PREPARING FOR YOUR PET SITTER:

Before you leave your home, please run through this checklist to be sure your home and your pets will have the safest and most enjoyable time in our care.

Prepare for your pet:
1. Ensure that there will be enough food, treats, litter, etc. for the time you will be away
2. Let us know where your dog’s leash and collar are kept
3. Be sure to REMOVE ANY CHOKE/PRONG/MARTINGALE CHAINS from your pet
4. If you have a carrier for your pet, let us know where it is kept
5. If your pet is on medication, make sure we know about it and make sure the medicine and the directions are left out for us
6. Put ID tags on your pets; make sure the ID tags have your cell numbers, not your home
7. Provide outdoor pets with plenty of water, shelter, and a secure enclosure
8. Make sure all gates to your yard are locked and leave us the code or key to the lock
9. Leave toys for your pets to play with while you are away. Consider filling toys with peanut butter or canned dog food and freezing them for us to give to your dog to keep them entertained once we leave
10. For dogs with separation anxiety, you may also want to leave an article of clothing with your smells on it, for them to sleep with
11. Do not give your pet any vaccinations within one week of your departure, to allow for possible negative reactions

Prepare your home:
1. Make sure to leave any security chains unlatched
2. Inform your pet sitter of anything that may be out of the ordinary (toilets that run, vents that make noise, doors that stick, etc.)
3. Let us know If anyone will be in your home during your absence
4. Let us know if there will be any changes in the cars that are left in the driveway or garage
5. Make sure potentially dangerous plants or decorations are put somewhere that they won’t harm your pets. This is especially important during the holiday season
6. Let us know where your cleaning supplies (carpet cleaner, rags) are, in case they are needed
7. If our first visit to your home will be after dark, please leave a light on for us
8. Be sure to leave your contact information. Names and numbers of hotels or where you will be staying, just in case of emergency and your cell phones don’t work
9. If you will be unreachable, leave us the name and number of your emergency contact
10. If you’d like us to check your mail, please leave the mail key on the counter

Thank you and have a safe trip!

Newsletter - November 2006, part 2

2006-11-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

TOP TEN TIPS FOR SAFE CAR TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET

If you want to or need to leave the pets at home, that's why A Pawsitive Experience is here for you. Or if you are able to take the pets with you on your travels, thoughtful preparation can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.

2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car.

3. Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.

4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

5. What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

6. Make sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.

7. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. This can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and he could be injured by flying objects.

8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.

9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.

10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Newsletter - November 2006, part 1

2006-11-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

HOLIDAY DANGERS TO PETS!

Ribbons and Tinsel
These are of special interest to playful cats and kittens who see these materials as toys (or prey) to be chased, pounced upon, chewed or swallowed. While chasing and pouncing pose no health threats, chewing and swallowing do, as these strings or “linear foreign bodies” can catch in the GI tract, leading to bunching of intestine as the body tries in vain to move the string or ribbon through. This is a life-threatening condition requiring surgery for correction. Supervise animals who play with string closely.

Electrical Cords
These are also tempting to cats who like to play with string as well as to puppies who are teething and interested in chewing. If a pet bites through an electrical cord, it could result in a severe burn to the tongue which causes the pet’s lung to fill with fluid, causing respiratory distress. This is also an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Poinsettia
Consuming this festive-looking plant can be irritating to the mouth and stomach of the dog or cat that chews on or eats it. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettia is not specifically toxic.

Mistletoe
The fact that there are several types of mistletoe makes it difficult to predict the clinical signs of poisoning. Some mistletoes produce only stomach upset while others may lead to liver failure or seizures. Consider mistletoe to be a hazardous substance and keep it inaccessible to pets and children.

Foods and Cooking
Keep pets out of the kitchen during the hustle and bustle of the season. The last thing you want is for someone you love to get underfoot and get burned from spillage.

These foods can be toxic to your pet, so please keep them out of reach:
Chocolate, any bones, coffee, tea, tobacco, uncooked meats, uncooked yeast dough, grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts, alcohol.

Also remember that sudden rich diet changes are likely to upset a pet’s stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea are not uncommon. So, while you think you’re treating your pet to that something special, you may cause him to be sick instead.

Let's all enjoy a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Good Numbers to Know!

2006-10-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

These numbers are good to have on hand:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center...888-426-4435

Emergency Animal Clinic (Gilbert/Juniper)...480-497-0222
Emergency Animal Clinic (Higley/US60)...480-924-1123
Emergency Animal Clinic (Alma School/Warner)...480-732-0018

AZ Humane Society Animal Distress Pickup...602-997-7585

Newsletter - October 2006

2006-10-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

NO SCAREDY CATS THIS HALLOWEEN:
TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR PET PARENTS!

These are wonderful tips from the ASPCA that’ll help keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can't see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

www.PawsitiveAZ.com

2006-10-22T15:28:00.000-07:00