My Blog

Potcakes, anyone? Sounds like a cute designer pet, but much more

1/1/2013 5:53:00 PM

Hi Everybody,

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38434562/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/t/aww-your-next-pet-could-be-potcake-pup/

I haven't done an entry in a while because... I got burnt out on blogging! Hard to imagine? I was also getting almost burnt out on pet sitting, so knew that decreasing my "internet presence" whould make fewer people call... it was a self-imposed lull. I see the comments have got overrun with ad junk. Sorry you have to look at that. New Year, new blog!

I got to meet many new pets and many old friends over the holidays! Why no pictures? I was just doing what I do without documenting it. I met a guinea pig with the wildest harido ever and four rabbits lined up in a formation that begged for a camera. Yes, I kick myself now. Also.. the pups, oh, the pups. I had a blast, but am happy to be home after a fortnight of overnights.

Potcakes! What is a potcake? He or she is a stray dog who lives in the Bahamas, Turks, or Caicos islands. Not even did I not know from potcakes, I had never heard of 33% of those islands. I kind of love to learn about big holes in my knowledge, even when I have to admit I must do more to learn about the world. I didn't even know I was falling in love with a potcake--he was just Ike, the puppy who came from the Bahamas.

These strays are called potcakes because the local people feed them what is left at the bottom of their cooking pots. That's actually much nicer than what I do--buying the stray cats the lousy cat food...

Anyway, the stray dog situation in these islands is improving, but help is needed, so please read all about it--it's important work they are doing.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38434562/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/t/aww-your-next-pet-could-be-potcake-pup/

Check this out--I didn't even know I was sitting a "potcake," but he had all the characteristics that made my mom choose her shelter dog, back in the day when I was going away for school and she had the empty nest thing that happens. He stood up on her gently and looked her directly in the eye. She knew that was her dog and they loved each other until he died 15 years later.

Potcakes... read all about them--they are wonderful dogs.

All love and best wishes that this year will be kinder than the last.

Jen

Kittens, anyone?

6/18/2012 6:11:00 PM

Today I went home for lunch and finally caught the elusive pregnant stray cat. (That was not my lunch, in case anyone wonders. I had a Boca burger on Ezekiel bread, then imagined real food and fell into a reverie...)

It's kind of a funny story, in that I felt personally responsible for her because she trusted me. Turns out, a few of us in my apartment building had the same experience, even the building manager, who has a "I know you have a good heart, but stop feeding them" policy. I was caught in the act and she confessed, yes, she's been looking out for this one, too.

Mama Cat is a nice tortoise shell kitty, though I think the ESL description of "black and yellow" provided by one of her other fans is more apt. When she would run away when someone else walked by, I assumed I was her only pal. What an ego!!

We set a humane trap for her, but this morning there was half-eaten food and no kitty. I'm not sure about this, but it's thought that someone in the building, meaning well, set her free. Today she showed up and I managed to scoop her up and transport her to the manager's bathroom. She didn't prefer that, but didn't fight me or hurt me one bit. The cat's just a nice being and knows we are all trying to help, I think. Picking up a feral cat in a sun dress is not a good idea, usually.

Anyway, she is going to the city shelter. Yes, it's not a no-kill place, but it's better than the streets, by far. Since it's kitten season, I didn't even call around to the foundations, because I know they have no room. At least she can have a place of her own to rest and have fresh water and food out of the sun.

As for the person who wanted her to be free, last season's crop of kittens didn't do well at all--they looked diseased and unhealthy, with eye infections and missing eyes. One got stuck in the fence and died... it was not cute at all.

If you are interested in adopting this very sweet cat or a kitten, please contact me! We will miss her a lot. She will make a great pet--If she let me carry her in my arms while she's pregnant and annoyed, I bet she'll be good with kids and other animals.

June Is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month

6/5/2012 5:24:00 PM

Thinking of adopting a cat? That's a great idea! Here is a link to a Caster.com article about bringing home the new fur kid. http://www.catster.com/the-scoop/adopt-a-shelter-cat

One thing the article does not say is that when you are bugeting for a new pet, keep in mind that there will be out of the blue vet bills that can be huge. Is this a reason not to adopt? I don't think so, but pet insurance is worth looking into. Vet's offices sometimes have information about this, and ASPCA offers a pet insurance program, too. www.aspca.org

Memorial Weekend--No Politics, Just Pets

5/30/2012 10:08:00 PM

Here is a great new client I got to know better over Memorial Day weekend! I walked her twice daily, and Amanda took evening walks while I was at overnights. Since Matilda's a dog who loves people (especially treat-feeding ones), a little variety didn't hurt one bit.

She's the sunniest character you'll ever meet, so when we walked by an explosion of pretty yellow flowers I had to get a photo. Everyone I showed loved this photo... she's even funnier in person and her whole body moves side to side when she wags her tail. Plus, she has a cool snaggle tooth you can see when her mouth is closed :)

Speaking of treats, here are the Treats Trio: That's Molly, obscured by a launching Pinky, and Cleo, their leader, being more polite than the youngsters. I'm glad to be back home with my pets, but I got used to their delightful, shadowing company they past few nights. They cuddle, play, stare at me when I'm doing anything not involving them, and demand frequent treats, which they totally deserve just by enjoying them so much. Wonder what they are up to right now... I get to see them during the day tomorrow, so I'm not too sad.

Whoa, I feel like a dog walker, like in the movies! I don't usually walk more than two at once. These gals and guy make it easy because they are so in tune with each other and their roles. They are all similar in some ways (love of treats and being a part of everything, a true calling for barking at certain things), but have different temperaments. Cleo (center) is the matriarch and Queen bee, Molly is the mad puppy who gets so excited playing she's hilarious, and Pinky is like the husband... he follows the girls, goes along with what they want to do, and is pretty quiet. Sometimes he looks into my eyes like, "Help?"

How cute is Dr. Teeth? That's his and Muppet's water thermos I got to coordinate with their gear because they are my only hour-long walk right now and it's hot! I imagine being a new pet sitter is like being a new mom or dad: You carry lots of stuff you don't need, like water for a shorter walk when they aren't even thirsty yet. These two demand a workout, and yes, I planned on drinking some of that water myself, until Dr. Teeth decided drinking right from the container made sense. Of course it did--that's a dachshund water bowl.

My Muppets, as they are listed on my schedule. Muppet proper has to be pretty tuckered out to pose for a picture of her beautiful face. Dr. Teeth likes the camera, so there are more pictures of him, not just that I'm obsessed with dachshunds. I am, but am a good host who makes sure everybody's got what they need and having fun. When I walk them I have one arm out front, controlling the pulling Dr. Teeth, and one stretched back to accomodate Muppet's muppetty gait and dreamer approach to being outside. She's the blonde Muppet in Dr. Teeth's band, the one always saying, "Like..wow, man." Dr. Teeth is all, "Onward!" and she's, "Be here now, dude." Like the Treat Trio, they compliment each other perfectly.

This is Gus, and he's a dog people ask to pet. My mom would call him a Murphy dog. Tall black and white dog who charms everyone with a polite eagerness. Gus turns hipsters into little kids, "Aw, can we pet him?" Of course! He enjoys it and part of my job is to provide the pets with all the love and interesting experiences possible for their personality and needs. If the dog loves people, I feel great when someone shows an interest and they get extra love and smells.

His companion, Daisy, is like a photo negative of Muppet. She's sweet as can be, just has little need to engage or walk forward on a walk. I will try and use my excited voice: "C'mon. this is so fun Daisy! Let's go walkies!" She wags her tail while standing still, with a sweet look, like, 'How nice for you something is making you happy!'

I don't have a picture of her because I'm working on getting her to take a walk, ha ha. I have one, but it was from the first walk and she actually is wary of me, understandable, and doesn't have the cool summer cut to keep her comfortable and show off her big, condescending eyes :) Walking Daisy, I get a "Thanks for trying" with a tail wag.

As far as consolation prizes go, that's an excellent one.

Tribute to Maurice Sendak on Melissa Harris-Perry

5/12/2012 8:02:00 PM

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46979745/vp/47398197#47398214

I love her show. This is something to watch for any fan of Where the Wild Things Are.You can really tell she's a mom, practiced at reading children's books in the right way. My mom used to do all the voices, when she read to me. If she didn't "do the voice" I'd demand it--No, read it right!

Happy Mother's Day from Artemis to all you protectors of the wild things.

Stuff I love: 4 Things

5/11/2012 7:43:00 PM

If I were Oprah, everyone would be getting one, but since two on the list are live animals, be glad I'm just little me on my blog. When I don't have new pet photos, I usually rant about pet things that make me mad (like little dogs running loose with no collar and no one to call after hours, which made for a sad Monday night for me), but it's more enjoyable to share positive discoveries. If anyone knows of volunteers who pick up stray pets at night, please tell me! I will look into it, too.

Have you seen these amazing pet portraits around town? They are definitely striking and different, with only a small bit of text "NKLA" at the bottom corner. I didn't make the connection at first that they had anything at all to do with animals because the dogs look so different from what we are used to; it didn't scream "Rescue me--I'm sad." I thought it was some kind of ad for a product I didn't get. The pictures definitely spark conversation, which led to me puzzling it out loud: "No Kill LA!" I checked that on line, as I kept meaning to so I could find out who that brilliant pet photographer is. www.nkla.org is a pet adoption organization. Please visit their site to see more portraits that reveal the intense, soulful side of pets. It's not just that they are cute, it's that they can be downright unsettling that we love them and want them with us.

This creature was in the news last week as a find in a DUI arrest. He or she was found in the trunk! I think they are my long lost sibling (we have the same hands and nervous optimism) and just want to watch Sid the Science Kid, do the dance, and eat bowls of colorful cereal with them in PJs. I don't even know what type of animal this is, but I suspect... not a pet. If Hindu holidays were like Easter and a monkey was a normal gift, so they were just passed out like rabbits... Well, I'm glad it's not like that because I'd never get anything done with that face around.

The third thing is a book. Yes, I don't just look at stuff on line... I find stuff on line, order the book and read it. www.fearfuldogs.com If you go there, you can order a ground-breaking book, Guide To living With & Training a Fearful Dog.It won't tell you what to do, training-wise, but will give the soft-hearted person some validation that a dog telling you "No" is OK. A reward for a dog not flipping out at something they hate can be taking them away from that thing. The main premise is that it's more important to build trust than to be the "Alpha" because you already are! You control everything in their life and they are not stupid. This little book isn't the Rosetta Stone to dogs, but if you have a fearful dog or one that is "bad" when confronted with something out of a phobia, it can help to train smarter.

One thing I realized--I needed higher value treats. When a dog sees something likely to send him over the edge, a biscuit isn't gonna do it to make him sit and notice the praise. The Real Meat treats (you can get them at Blue Collar for $6.50) are training treats that smell enough you will attract dogs like crazy. Which creates a vicious cycle, if other dogs are the trouble. To sum up, a treat is only a treat if they can't refuse it. It's at that point the counter-conditioning can happen. The mailman appears, delicious treat also appears, praise ensues for not attacking. Yay! A reward for tolerating the mailman once (ideally, just before) fangs are bared and hackles are up? Cross the street--the dog did his part in the progress. It's not needed to have the dog calm down and have the mailman (who is really nice) walk right by on the same day.

If constant exposure to a hated stimuli on a daily basis isn't getting them used to it, it's probably re-enforcing the fear. I've made that mistake so many times it's not even funny. That idea of "In theory, this will work because it make sense to me," is hard to shake. Well, I needed to be reminded of a definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. I don't knock Cesar Milan, he's a genius, but I do think he has a unique gift that doesn't work so well on the mass market. If your gut instinct about you and your dog tells you it's not about asserting yourself, you may be right. It's worth it to check out www.fearfuldogs.com. Yes, I have to share Mick's quip: "Is there a sister site called arrogantcats.com?" He's a cat person.

The last thing is: Get a Furminator! They have been on the market forever, so I am behind the times on this one.They used to be expensive, but are not and will save your cats many hairballs and your house will be cleaner. If you get a Furminator, you will get that cat lovey look and use fewer swiffers... and groomers. I only just got on board, but it worked so well on Achilles, long hair fur factory prone to lumps and clumps, I have to recommend it for people on the fence. I understand, having the Museum of Useless Cat Items in my cupboard. I left it in Maynard's spot so he can adjust to the new object in the place. Achilles tolerates it for larger sessions as he realizes it makes him feel better and doesn't hurt..

I had a shedding brush once and didn't realize why he reacted so badly until I dragged it over my arm. OWW! Since then I've been help him groom with rough petting (he's into it) and soft bristle brushes that do very little.The Furminator is pain-free and I got about ten potential tumble weeds of fur out of him in a few minutes. Maynard is still afraid of it, but he is still afraid of me standing up. I lie down and 3-2-1 thud--he's on me. Just his nature, since I got him when he was a few weeks old. My friend's kids brought over a box of kittens and gave me a hard sell on "Joy," so I knew they had other favorites they were allowed to keep.

P.S. I don't clip my cats' claws--they won that one. So if they hate something, I know. Animals can sleep very deeply, too, and with their eyes partly open. Achilles has given me cuts so deep they didn't bleed for a couple minutes, which is nauseating. He will notice me feeling sick and come up like, "What's wrong, do you need cat healing?" And I'll tell him, "You just did this when I thought you were awake, man!:"

Check back for pictures of new pets: Matilda, Gus, Daisy, Pinky, Cleo, and Molly. They are all dogs and super-adorable. My 3 consultations went really well, but I can't be sure if it was me, the dogs, or the new Real Meat treats in my pockets. The first advice from the local trainer Sandy Driscoll was, "Make yourself smell interesting." Hmm. Not sure that's an issue for a full-time dog walker in the heat. Make yourself smell like these things. When they run out, the dogs will try to get in your pockets, which creates an impression they love you that fools everyone, including me!

New April Pets! New Artemis Assistant, too!

4/30/2012 4:51:00 PM

Lots... of... walking... Not articulate enough at the moment to do my usual, individual profiles of these characters, but had to share the pure cuteness. One thing I want to mention is that I have more help now!

Not sure if I mentioned her on here, but one of my pet people, Amanda, has started working with me to take on visits when my schedule is full. She shared the Vinnie & Lola assignment and did a wonderful job. Their mom told me I'm lucky to have her and it's true. She is good with pets, was there when she was supposed to be, and kept in touch with texts/photos so we knew how it was going. Quite a relief I didn't have to hire an employee from an ad--I would have walked myself to death before that, I think.

I know what you're thinking: "Oh poor you! Out in the fresh air playing with pets all day!" Yeah, cue the violins! It's the best job, and I make it as stressful as I want to. Expecting to do something all by yourself without adapting is a sure way to take the fun out of things. I'm considering addressing my fear and getting a scooter, too. Small s-- not the other dachshund I love :)

Over the weekend, Awesome Nicole, whom I met through advertising at the Eastsider, came through again! She put another pet sitter in touch with me who is in the same boat: We can't be in two places at once. One of my favorite clients had a negative experience with a place I recommended, so I had to find someone else. The way I see it, clients spend time getting to know me, taking the chance to trust me, then, if I'm already booked, they shouldn't have to start all over finding another sitter.

Harpal has Sodhipup Sitting. We met up yesterday, and he is definitely someone I'd refer people to after talking with him. Yes, he inspires confidence, but it was the weirdest thing I took as a sign we were supposed to meet on that day.

I'd found a wallet on the ground during a dog walk a few blocks from his house. I asked him if he knew where there was a police station and he didn't, but for some reason that makes no sense, I showed him the photo ID. He knew who it was, made a call, the wallet was returned in 20 minutes. After getting over how crazy that was, we had a pet sitter business meeting.

Sammy

4/17/2012 6:52:00 PM

Sammy is a Jack Russell I've been getting to know for a couple of months. It hasn't been easy for either of us! For Sammy, it was an adjustment to trust a new person, and it was hard for me to see him stressed out by me. Well, it was harder on him, to be honest. I just don't like not knowing how to do a good job. Little by little, just like in The Little Prince, animals do come around. That Gene Wilder monologue in the film version always makes me cry.

Sammy loves Emily, his person and rescuer, in that way that says, "I know the sun rises in the morning because you did that!" I don't know how she feels about the term "Mom" to describe the person/dog relationship, but if Sammy could talk that's what he'd call her, I bet. At the first meeting, I was watching him playing like a happy puppy, bringing me his toys and thrashing his special towel around. However, I didn't really hear what she was telling me about what his issues were. Naturally, he was like a different dog when I showed up and she was at work!

Sammy is fearful of strangers and was found abandoned in a state park. Emily wasn't even planning to have a dog, but suddenly, he was her dog... and he had no training. Luckily, they are both smart and sensitive, so he's learned to be a well-behaved little fellow. It's just that's he's scared that makes him uncooperative sometimes. After my first time meeting him, when it took provolone just to get a trembling Sammy to leave the crate, I suggested a walk with all three of us, so he might feel better. Emily works with children, so knew that would be a good idea for her fur kid. When I went to kindergarten, my mom had to sit outside the classroom door for a couple days. It's embarrassing, but yes, I remember that and, yes, I relate to Sammy's plight.

Her nice roommate has also helped me get him out of the house... it takes a village:) Recently, he's less resistant and today was a big improvement. Hurrah! I think it was going easy, taking it in baby steps. Also, not letting myself get discouraged or develop a negative attitude and take on his fear; in my line of work, I don't normally meet dogs like Sammy, in the way someone in animal rescue does.

Even though he's a cute pet dog, it's been closer to interacting with other kinds of animals, where what's essential is: Don't stress them out. Today, I only had to carry him once, ha ha, a practice I was skeptical about, but was assured by his person that he really likes it. Sammy is the first dog looking afraid and giving me the "stay away" look whom I've ever picked up and cuddled with his face right near mine. It's not something I will repeat with another dog!

Animal bites and my experience with them might be another (and humorous) entry. The story about the stray cat in the bathtub makes my mother laugh so hard she puts her hand up in that universal sign of, "I'm laughing so hard I can't breathe, so desist." Never overstep with an animal who does not know you was the moral of that story.

In this case, I just got the sense from Emily that she knows him so well... Well, if she said so it would be fine. He actually does relax into it, in a Temple Grandin way.

He responds really well to a gentle series of leash tugs (C'mon, c'mon), and that was a big surprise, because he can really plant himself when he doesn't want to go away from home. Complex guy that he is, It also worked with the opposite difficulty, his pulling forward and straining his neck. I said, "Sammy, slow down, you're gonna choke yourself, buddy." It was the most amazing thing. He did slow down right away to walk next to me, then looked up into my eyes (not his thing), like he was clearly asking, "Is this what you mean?" Lavish praise and then he accepted some treats.

What a relief progress can be! It wasn't that I wasn't having a good time, it was that he wasn't that concerned me. I look forward to our next walks later in the week!

Happy Easter!

4/7/2012 10:59:00 AM

New Photos from the Field

4/5/2012 8:33:00 PM

That's Lucy, enjoying a shade spot on a hot afternoon. I walk her M-F, but got to do a sleep over with her Saturday night. She loves Game of Thrones (who doesn't) and stood on my lap to watch the screen intently. It was a little weird.

No, I didn't put them underwater, the pic just looks that way. That's Mukti, and the blur is Rose. They looked so cute playing I had to take a picture. That was last night. This morning, Mukti had something wrong with his eye. Poor kid! I called their Mom, who knew just what it was: "Aw, he's at the end of his rope." It's a stress thing and she's been gone 5 days (just returned home.) I was worried about him all day, but he was normal by my check-in visit. Did you ever get so upset your eye starts twitching like mad? It would be funny if I didn't love him so much. I think it was the leaf blowers. There were too many on our morning walk. I don't think they upset him as much as the sound stresses me out. Mukti is sensitive and Kristi said when she has a lot going on, his eye twitches, then when things calm down, he's normal. If that sounds crazy, think about the service dogs who detect seizures before they happen. Mukti could probably detect a malaise about to happen.

This is for my Dad, who requested a picture of Twiggy, the morning dove, on my head. I do encourage him to step up onto my hand, but the head perch thing I don't prefer for the simple reason that his house is very far from my shower. I call his person when I'm there (that's our way of keeping in touch) and had to ask..."Does Twiggy gather shiny things?" There was a pile of paper clips and a beaded bracelet in the middle of her bed. Turns out, those are the things he's allowed to have--the other jewelry is put away. Oh--this was hilarious: She asked if I'd seen him take a bath yet. I hadn't. "Well, when he's drying himself does strange movements and looks like he's dying." Good to know. Maybe I should put that on my checklist: "Does your pet ever appear to be dying for another reason?"

Here is Twiggy checking himself out in the mirror. One of his favorite perches (when a human head is not there) is the top of the closet door, and he also walks around on the floor, but is never at the right height to look in the mirror. I was curious what he might do and his reaction was the same: Mild curiosity.

I'm happy I have two more dates with this little guy coming up!

Last, but not least by any means, is Leela, who turned 1 today! Happy Birthday to my happiest, funniest, craziest puppy. Here, I'm holding her back from the phone because she was licking it and all I was getting were pictures of inside her mouth. Mick and I walked her and her brother dog, Wesker, today. It was really fun and great dog walking weather today!