HAPPY WALK HAPPY DOG HAPPY LIFE

Having a professional pet sitter is one of the most invaluable services you will need for your pet. I am not talking about a member of your family or the kid down the street walking your pet once maybe twice a day when you can’t or changing the litter box of your cat , Millie while you’re out-of-town. I mean a professional petsitter who takes complete responsibility of your pet when you can’t .

Pet Sitters have many questions that are asked of them when talking to many potential clients. The main question that is asked is “what is the cost?” Why wouldn’t it be the main question right? As a pet owner, it’s important to know your monthly expenses of your pets.

As a pet owner, I will tell you not to devalue or insult the value of your petsitter. Don’t compare them with the neighborhood kid that comes in for 10 minutes and lets Max out in the backyard and then back in .

At companies like Happy Walk Happy Dog, the pet sitters have a certification process they must go through with organizations such as PSI. Yes there is a 300 question exam that tests the knowledge of animals, educates on how to train animals with basic commands,gives them knowledge of diseases that affect the pet’s health, helps them to analyze the behavior of pets and much more.

Also professional pet sitters are insured and bonded. So if anything ever happens to Babcock , the doxie, they are covered.

Professional pet sitting companies also vets and do background checks of all petsitters that are in their employ. They talk to their references as well to assess why they would make a great pet sitter for them.

The quality time that they spend with your pet is so much appreciated by the pet. Many times pets are left home and suffers through isolation , separation anxiety, depression . To have a daily pal come over and play with you , feed you and exercise with you is very satisfying to the pet’s soul. The pet sitter may walk or run, take Rambo to the dog park to get fresh air and socialize with other animals.

Pet Sitters are certified in Pet CPR & First Aid . Therefore they are prepared for any emergency care that the pet may need while in their care such as a pet suffering from a distended stomach. A petsitter has a fully prepared first aid kit so they will be able to handle a minor infection, diarrhea or other minor issues that may arise. And the pet sitter has no qualms about taking the pet to the veterinarian hospital in case of emergencies.

Speaking of emergencies ,petsitters are prepared with back up emergency plans just in case of horrible things happening like a tornado, or earthquake . And some companies such as Happy Walk Happy are on call for last-minute emergencies. For example, Happy Walk Happy Dog has an enrollment program for pet owners called the On Call/Emergency packages which guarantees they can be at your last-minute call when needed. For example, you’re at work when you find out that Bella is in the apartment by herself and there is a fire going on , you can have great comfort knowing that you can call the pet sitter at last-minute and alert them what’s going and the pet sitter being able to drop everything and make sure little Bella is safe . Enrollment programs like Happy Walk Happy Dog’s On-Call/Emergency package is well worth it.

Many Pet sitters are also trained professionally to handle the daily medical care that Simba the cat may need. There may be shots or pills for an illness such as diabetes that is needed daily. Would you really entrust that in the hands of the neighborhood kid? Of course not !

Last but not least , don’t forget to calculate the expenses such as the gas prices, maintenance of car, time, cost of supplies such as a prepared first aid kit . As well as the overhead cost which includes insurance and bonding, utilities,phone bill, printing literature, advertising and professional membership fees. How does all this really compare versus hiring a kid down street. Again it doesn’t .

In conclusion , when you hire your next pet sitter , you will want one that has these qualifications and more. And you will definitely more than appreciate everything they do to make sure you have the peace of mind and Beau has a pal for Life!

Contact Happy Walk Happy Dog and book with us today . 678-667-2218.

Animal Abuse: Such a Big No-No!Posted on February 16, 2013


I recently read a story about a man who was arrested because he was caught red handed abusing a cocker spaniel in the street. He was caught by a passerby in a car who stopped to save the dog. God bless that man. The man got out of the car after witnessing a cocker spaniel getting punched in the face SIX times. The two men argued and the abuser was reported and arrested. What hurt my heart even more was finding out the abuser was a pet sitter. I don’t believe he was a professional pet sitter but in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t matter. Another animal was abused by a human.

Prosecuting acts of animal cruelty like this one is not only important for the sake of animals. It is also an essential step in protecting our communities. The evidence supporting the connection between animal cruelty and other serious crimes is overwhelming.
The realization is that there is a stong link between animal abuse and human abuse. Many animal abusers later go on to violently harm people, so it is a serious issue.
And with a large percentage of criminals being animal abusers. And animal abusers are a threat to our society.
But my focus right now is on the animals that are abused and its affect.

Deliberate cruelty to animals and negligence includes physically assaulting an animal, starving it, or keeping it in an unsuitable environment. This causes suffering. Animals experience pain, fear, boredom, loneliness etc just like we do. It can also cause physiological and health problems that include injury ,reduced immune response, increased susceptibility to disease ,digestive problems ,reduced reproductive fitness, increased stress hormones,increased heart rate and blood pressure,aggression ,depression, and stereotypic behaviors, such as pacing, head swaying, bar gnawing and self-harm.
Bottom line,animals are like humans, they feel the pain and have the fear. Their disadvantage is they are often helpless victims because they can’t say what happened to them. In fact, some people choose to abuse animals instead of people for this very reason! If we wish to create a humane society, we must stop cruelty against those who are most vulnerable-like animals.

So where do we start?

1) One of the most powerful tools we have for preventing cruelty to animals is education. It is important to plant the seeds of kindness in children early, and to nurture their development as the child grows. Children not only need to learn what they shouldn’t do, but also what they can do. When children see that their pets are happy and loving, it will make the child feel good, too. This in turn will help the children care for their pets’ feelings.

2) Don’t be afraid

Get to know and look out for the animals in your neighborhood. By being aware, you’re more likely to notice, for example, that the dog next door who was once hefty has lost weight rapidly—a possible indicator of abuse.

3) Know who to Call to report animal abuse.

Every state and every town are different. In some areas, you may have to rely on the police department to investigate animal cruelty; in others, you may have to contact local animal control or another municipal agency. If you aren’t sure where to report cruelty, here is a link to help you out. Report Animal Cruelty section.

4) Provide as much as information as possible when reporting animal cruelty. The details that you provide can go a long way toward assisting an investigating officer. It helps to write down the type of cruelty you witnessed, who was involved, the date of the incident and where it took place.

5) Fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state and local levels .With stronger laws come tougher penalties. Here in Atlanta,GA several federal, state and local laws have been passed regarding animals. The majority of these laws focus on the protection of animals as well as pet ownership, sale, and breeding. Animal Law also deal with legal issues such as veterinary malpractice, food production, use of animals for entertainment purposes, property rental for pet owners pets, and providing for the care of pets after the death of its owner. The Georgia Animal Protection Society is a great place to start. Happy Walk Happy Dog is involved.

6) Finally, Set a good example for others. If you have pets, be sure to always show them the love and good care they deserve. But it’s more than just food, water, and adequate shelter. If you think your animal is sick, bring him to the veterinarian. Be responsible and have your animals spayed or neutered. And give your pets lots of hugs!

In conclusion , Happy Walk Happy Dog doesn’t condone abuse in any way. I would bet the abuser that was arrested was not a professional pet sitter but someone doing a favor for a friend . And I don’t want pet owners allow this to inhibit them for getting great care for their pet. As a professional pet sitter, we are thoroughly vetted. Background checks are done and references are given. Happy Walk Happy Dog also involves itself in the fight against animal abuse. We are members of The Pet Professional Guild which prides itself on educating the public against abuse and raising pets without the use of force. We actively foster pets, volunteer with rescue organizations by giving them free walks and donations. Join us in helping to make the quality of life for pets better.

Til Next Time….

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OF INSTINCT® RAW ORGANIC CHICKEN FORMULA FOR DOGS & CATS
DUE TO POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK


Nature’s Variety has announced a voluntary recall of one batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula with a “Best if Used By” date of 10/04/13. This action is being taken because pieces of clear plastic may be found in some bags and could cause a potential choking risk to pets. The source of plastic has been identified and the issue has been resolved.

The affected product is strictly limited to a single batch of Organic Chicken Formula with the “Best if Used By” date of 10/04/13. This includes:
UPC# 7 69949 60137 1 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula medallions, 3 lbs. bag
UPC# 7 69949 70137 8 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula medallions, 27 lbs. case
UPC# 7 69949 60127 2 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula patties, 6 lbs. bag
UPC# 7 69949 70127 9 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula patties, 36 lbs. case

The “Best if Used By” date is located on the back of the package below the “Contact Us” section. The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States and Canada. No other products were impacted.

Nature’s Variety became aware of a potential issue after receiving a consumer complaint. The source of the issue was identified and resolved. To date, there have been no reports of harm to dogs or cats.

Reed Howlett, CEO of Nature’s Variety, stated, “At Nature’s Variety we take quality and safety very seriously. We believe that under all circumstances, the health and safety of pets comes first.”

Consumers feeding the affected product should discontinue use and monitor their pet’s health, and contact their veterinarian if they have concerns. Consumers who have purchased one of the above products can obtain a full refund or exchange by either returning the product in its original packaging or bringing a proof of purchase back to their retailer.

Consumers with additional questions can call the Nature’s Variety Consumer Relations team at 1.888.519.7387 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. Or, questions can be emailed directly to [email protected].

Banana Joe, an Affenpinscher, won Best of Show during the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. (Photo credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) — Banana Joe is very appealing, in any language.

The little affenpinscher with a monkey face added to his world of success Tuesday night, winning best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club.

Read More here…..http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/02/13/westminster-dog-show-winner-banana-joe-from-attleboro/

You snooze, you lose? Not when you're as adorable as this Bichon Frise
FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP

It may be Fat Tuesday, but as any dog lover knows, the real action is at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Dogs of every shape, size and color – including two new breeds who were admitted into competition this year – have taken over several New York City locations, including Madison Square Garden, and the contest is starting to get fur-rocious.

Check out the rest this story here :
http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/

A Poodle-Shih Tzu mix who’s up for adoption after being saved by an Indiana animal welfare group has become an Internet sensation. According to his Petfinder profile, Tonik was rescued from a Kentucky kill shelter by Homeward Bound, and is a “very sweet boy” who “will need a home with lots of patience & good energy.” But it’s the photo with his listing — with what many people see as a human-like expression on his face and look in eyes — that’s made the 2-year-old dog instantly famous -Read about this story at http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/02/07/tonik-the-dog-with-the-human-face-is-up-for-adoption/

Evidence of Pet Food Made From Stray Dogs FoundWritten on 02/01/2013 by Brandy Arnold

While chatter of major pet food manufacturers using the rendered fat and meat from stray dogs and diseased animals has been circulating among concerned pet parents for many years, police in Spain have just stumbled upon proof that this practice actually exists.

Police in Galician town of As Neves in Spain uncovered a warehouse filled with over 15 tons of dead stray dogs which, they claim, were to be processed into animal feed. Similar discoveries have been made elsewhere in the North of Spain, too.

Spanish newspaper, El Mundo, reported that an investigation has been underway since March, 2012, after an industry insider alerted police to the use of dead stray dogs in animal feed and pet food. The discovery affects the entire food chain, not just the animals given the food, which tend to be mostly cattle and other human and pet food sources.

In a separate report by another Spanish newspaper, La Voz de Galicia, it is revealed that many of the businesses purchasing the illegal animal feed products “have international presence and some are among the most prominent of the animal feed industry,” meaning that the foods we humans ourselves are eating and the foods we’re feeding our pets originated from these same sources.

Skeptics have shrugged off the idea that dead dogs are commonly used in animal feed, saying that it’s illegal and unethical and therefor unbelievable. Susan Thixton and Truth About Pet Food explain,

Yes, actually it is illegal per U.S. federal law for any food – animal or human – to be sourced from or contain any part of an animal that was not slaughtered.  Section 402 (a)(5).

However, the FDA has provided the animal food and pet food industries loopholes to avoid federal law.  These loopholes are known as Compliance Policies.  Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) 675.400 says it all (however there are many more):  “POLICY:  No regulatory action will be considered for animal feed ingredients resulting from the ordinary rendering process of industry, including those using animals which have died otherwise than by slaughter, provided they are not otherwise in violation of the law.”

The names of the businesses (specifically, pet food manufacturers and farmers using the animal feed produced in Spain) have yet to be revealed to the public. Our fingers (and paws!) are tightly crossed in hopes that dog food brands currently lining store shelves in America are not on the list.

In 2008, former president of AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) admitted in the video below that American’s pet food could very likely contain the rendered product of cats and dogs.



You simply can’t trust the colorful marketing and fancy advertising of every dog food brand sold in your local stores. As dog owners, it is our responsibility to research and find foods that are safe and healthy for the pets who’s life and vitality rest squarely in the decisions we make. Find manufacturers with complete and total transparency regarding the sourcing of their ingredients and choose those that hold the health and safety of our pets in the highest regard.

For more details including links to FDA documents supporting these facts, please visitTruthAboutPetFood.com.

5 Health Mistakes Dog Owners Make

Feature by Wendy C. Fries

Sometimes, pet owners with the best of intentions still make serious mistakes when it comes to the health of their dog.
Here's what top veterinarians had to say about mistakes owners make that lead to ailments they often see and how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Getting Preventive Care
Houston’s Canine Health Institute associate medical director Adrianne Brode, DVM, says neglecting preventive health care is the most common mistake dog owners make.
"Taking your dog in to the vet for regular examinations, giving heartworm prevention, and getting your dog the appropriate vaccinations and deworming can prevent many diseases," Brode says. For example, heartworm disease can be difficult to treat and ultimately fatal to dogs, but it's easily preventable.
Oregon veterinarian Marla J. McGeorge, DVM, says yearly exams help your vet catch problems early. Instead of coping with lengthy treatment of an advanced or chronic condition, your vet can catch issues in their beginning stages when care may mean cure. Early care saves you money in the long run.
5 Health Mistakes Dog Owners Make
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Mistake 1: Not Getting Preventive Care continued...
Simply getting your dog vaccinated isn't the same as a full physical exam. Among other things, a comprehensive checkup may include:
Blood work
A fecal examination for intestinal parasites
Examination of a dog’s gums, heart, lungs, teeth, eyes, and ears
Talk to your veterinarian to learn more.
Mistake 2: Neglecting Dental Care
Shawn Messonnier, DVM, author of the Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, says neglecting regular dental care is also common. Dogs need dental care for the same reason we do: to prevent gum disease.
As with human teeth, plaque forms on a dog's teeth after eating. If left alone, the plaque builds, causing inflammation, decay, and eventually bone and tooth loss. And while this silent war goes on in your dog's mouth, she’s probably experiencing pain you don't notice because dogs, like cats, instinctively hide pain.
Gum disease is five times more common in dogs than it is in people. But it's easy to prevent and to treat with dental care that includes:
Daily brushings
Good quality food
Regular oral X-rays, exams, and cleanings
Safe teeth-cleaning treats and chew toys

Mistake 3: Overfeeding
If too much love is ever a bad thing, it's when we show it in the form of too many tasty treats. "Rewarding and loving our dogs with food leads to obesity," Brode says. Overweight or obese dogs are at higher risk for arthritis and other orthopedic issues as well as other health problems.
It can be difficult enough to balance your own diet let alone that of your dog. Your vet can help you select a good, high-quality food for your dog and give you tips on exercise and treats. You don't have to stop sharing occasional goodies with your pooch, as long as 90% to 95% of your dog's diet is healthy and well balanced.
Mistake 4: Sharing Medication
Another dangerous health mistake owners make is giving dogs human medications. "Pain medications like Advil or Tylenol can be very toxic to dogs," Brode says. In addition, there is a host of seemingly benign human drugs that can pose grave health risks for pets.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are the most common cause of pet poisoning in small animals, according to the ASPCA. Even small doses can be toxic. Antidepressants, muscle relaxers, decongestants, vitamin D derivatives, oral diabetes treatments, and other common human drugs can all pose risks to pets, ranging from seizures to coma to death.
Always keep medication secure -- preferably in a high, locked cabinet -- and never discard medication where pets or children can get to it. If you’re worried that your dog may have gobbled up an over-the-counter or prescription pill you dropped -- or worse, taken an entire bottle from the trash -- don't hesitate. Immediately call the Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
Mistake 5: Delaying Critical Care
We often delay medical care for ourselves, waiting for a bump, pain, or rash to go away. So it may seem natural to do the same thing with our dog.
Unfortunately, dogs don't have the words to let us know exactly what they're feeling. Your canine companion could be in pain, sick, and even gravely ill -- and chances are you wouldn't know it because of dogs’ instinct to hide infirmity.
Don't wait to see if a health problem in your dog gets better on its own. Call your vet if your dog isn't eating or is eating less, is vomiting, seems lethargic, has diarrhea or fever, or just doesn't seem well.

TRAINING
3 Reasons It's a Must to Read Your Dog's Body Language

Dogs communicate with their faces, ears, eyes, eyebrows, tails -- their entire bodies. Over the years, I have learned to “listen” to my dogs, to the extent possible.

By: Ann Allums

In December, I thought it would be fun to get a picture of my dogs with Santa. A local pet-friendly establishment was offering photos, and when it was our turn, I walked my dogs, Sylvie and Sarge, toward the man in the red suit.


The author with Sarge and Sylvie.
Sylvie approached Santa with a loose body, relaxed wagging tail, and open mouth, her ears in a neutral position. Her body language said she was comfortable. On the other hand, Sarge’s body language communicated a different message. He cautiously approached with his head and tail lowered, and with his mouth closed, and as he got closer, the hair on his back raised. Sarge was saying, “I’m not comfortable with this strange bearded person in a furry suit.”

My “jolly routine” (speaking in an upbeat, happy manner) didn’t affect his emotional state, so rather than allow my dog to continue to be stressed and pushing him to accept something he was wary of, I calmly escorted my dogs away.


Sylvie kisses Sarge. They're both comfortable with this.
An important part of responsible pet ownership is understanding your dog’s body language. Dogs communicate with their faces, ears, eyes, eyebrows, tails -- their entire bodies. I have learned to “listen” to my dogs, to the extent possible, in every interaction with other dogs and people, including with myself. Here are several reasons for the importance of understanding dog body-language.


1. Understanding body language can keep everyone safe

We should understand dog body-language to help keep ourselves, our dogs, and other people and dogs safe. Every dog has the equivalent of a dangerous weapon in their mouth -- teeth. How they wield that weapon is affected by their genetics, environment, and training. Regardless, it is vital that we be able to read a dog to prevent and avoid potential conflict.

When Sarge’s hackles went up, I immediately felt a sense of urgency to diffuse the potential conflict. Rather than react in emotion, such as nervously apologizing to Santa or, worse, yelling at Sarge (which would just add more anxiety to the situation), I cheerily called Sarge to me (which we have practiced hundreds of times) and redirected him away from the situation. Not that Sarge has ever bitten, but I never want to push him into a situation where he felt like he didn’t have another other option. What if Santa had made a sudden movement, or moved his hand toward Sarge? With a dog already in an emotional state of caution, anything could tip the scales into further defensive action on the part of the dog.


Sarge visiting people at an assisted living center. He's smiling and relaxed here, unlike with Santa.
There was a time when I misunderstood dog body-language and I missed the precursors of aggressive behavior, which later developed into a serious behavior problem. Had I been aware that my dog was feeling uncomfortable or behaving defensively, I could have addressed the root of the problem with help from a trainer before the behavior escalated. Trainer Sara Reusche writes, “When a dog bites, he’s often told us in every way he could how upset he was, and been ignored. Sometimes a bite is the only way he has of letting us know what’s wrong.”

2. It can reduce stress

It is important to understand your dog’s body language so that he is not exposed to unnecessary amounts of stress. Just as with people, stress in dogs can cause health and behavioral problems.


Sylvie's yawn may indicate she's stressed.
There are many specific ways that dogs display stress: a yawn, a lip lick, sweaty paws, dilated pupils, freezing, food refusal. When I recognize these signs, I try to determine the cause of the stress and possibly deal with it through training or management to help my dogs relax. Through training, I can help my dog change his underlying emotional reaction toward something or someone, and through management, I can minimize my dog’s stressors.

3. It helps with communication

Understanding your dog’s body language is key to your relationship with your dog. Relationships are built on and sustained by communication. Communication goes both ways -- we should strive to “listen” to our dogs just as we want our dogs to listen to us. When my dog shakes off after I hug him, I should be aware that I just did something that made him uncomfortable. When entering a new place, if I notice that my dog suddenly moves slowly and has muscle bulges by his mouth and eye, I may have to adjust my pace or plans for the benefit of my dog.


Sylvie relaxes in the flowers.
Keep in mind that to dogs, vocal communication is secondary to body language, that is, they primarily communicate by body language. In dog training, we have a term called "trainer babble." These are all the words that dogs tune out, because they can only focus on so much at a time. If you are moving and talking at the same time, your dog is responding more to your body movement than to your words, because the movement is more salient, meaning it will overshadow your words.


Sarge, hanging out calmly at the assisted living center.
There are many good resources available for learning about the rich and complex language of dogs. Stanley Coren explains in his wonderful book How To Speak Dog about the multi-faceted forms of canine communication, and includes his version of a "Doggish Phrasebook." An excellent DVD on the subject is called What Is My Dog Saying? by Carol Byrnes.

The more we understand dog body-language, the better we will understand and appreciate these remarkable creatures.

Focus on the Positive

by Leah Roberts, Dog Willing Positive Training Solutions.



If your dog is behaving in a way you don't like, instead of asking, “How do I stop this?” the question should be “What would I like him to do instead?” All behavior has a purpose. First, determine what the dog gets out of the behavior. Then teach him a behavior you can accept to ask for what he wants.

For example, is he barking for attention? Teach him to come and sit in front of you with eye contact to ask for attention. Or does she beg for food at the table? Teach her to lie on a mat with a chewy during dinner and reward her with a tidbit from your plate when you are finished.



When your dog is behaving politely, make sure you reinforce him in a timely manner! It's easy to forget to acknowledge a dog who is sitting or lying down quietly. That will create a frustrated dog who doesn't know how to communicate with you and he will be likely to revert back to the unwanted behavior.