Pet Sitting Portland

Challenges (and Rewards!)

2010-05-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

For a couple of decades, I have mostly averted harm, with a few exceptions. There was the night that I was briskly walking Torie on Irvington's dimly lit residential streets. Next thing I knew, I was face down on the pavement, blood dripping from my nose. Torie was a Golden, and I loved her. There was so much sweetness about her, but empathy wasn't her strong suit. Though I was in pain and sobbing (with both knees bleeding as well), her reaction was "Why are you just sitting there? Come on! Get up! Let's walk!" The next day I wore sunglasses; I didn't want anyone to think I had been a victim of violence. Black and blue is not attractive. But not seeing a crack in the sidewalk could have happened whether or not I had been dog walking.

Then there was a new house-sit for a wonderful Lab and an elderly, terminally ill cat. Her family left for three weeks overseas, and asked me to medicate her daily. Kitty fought the meds like crazy, and in the process, I got both scratched and bit. Hospice care at home would have been a lot kinder: palliative care that would simply keep her comfortable.

Then, there was yesterday. Arrived at a consultation,and upon entering, saw two small dogs, tied up by their leashes, barking madly at me, the stranger. After they calmed down, I suggested that they be untied, and offered them treats. All seemed well, with petting being reciprocated with wet kisses. Their guardian talked a lot about their issues with strangers, and after an hour, we strolled in the yard; the dogs remained in the house. When we returned by the front door, I was startled when one dog lunged and bit me on my leg, through my jeans. My first dog bite! Immediately I dabbed some alcohol, then headed home to make some phone calls, one to a friend who heads a college nursing program. She calmed me. Fortunately, the puncture was minor, and it had been through my jeans. Obviously, I could not take this job. It simply wouldn't be worth the risk. Though now I know the danger symptoms after a bite: redness, swelling, heat, weeping pus, or pain. Any of those symptoms require immediate medical attention.

I love my work,and have been fortunate to attract some fabulous new clients, even in this recession. They recognize that I go above and beyond to deliver the best possible service. I am grateful for my wonderful clients, their beloved animals, and feel like one of the luckiest people in Portland. Every job has challenges, but thankfully the rewards way outweigh them. Yesterday was simply a learning experience. One of the biggest rewards of this business: it's never boring or routine! I've learned to expect the unexpected.

Maybe some animals are born with an anxiety gene?

2010-03-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend I did drop-in visits for a lovely couple. They also have two lovely kitties, they tell me, but I wonder if they're pulling my leg. At my visits, I only saw gregarious, playful, Cat Dancer-loving Gina. Amy, unfortunately, has a profound fear of strangers. She goes into hiding if anyone comes through the door who is NOT one of her "parents." Her favorite hiding place is behind the clothes dryer, where it's dark, there's little space, and it's difficult, if not next to impossible to see behind. A flashlight wasn't of much help since Amy was so obscured, so carefully hidden, that I wasn't sure whether I imagined seeing an ear! So there was Ms. Amy cowering, and she was NOT buying my gentle assurances that I LOVE kitties!

Then came the feeding challenge. Amy had a 45 minute window of opportunity to eat her food (actually,they both did) before it needed to be removed. Gina, who loves to eat, would eat Amy's food, too, if she could. That would be a problem since they required different foods.

Of course, Amy didn't know she only had 45 minutes to fill her belly. She seemed reluctant to even move a whisker, much less eat, while "the scary stranger" was in her house. I tried sitting as quietly as possible, while keeping one eye on Gina to make sure she wouldn't bolt behind the dryer and scarf up Amy's food. (Which meant I did wind up bolting after her several times when she thought I wasn't looking.)

Separating them into different rooms might have been ideal but my clients didn't want me to do that, and they had their reasons. So I walked away wondering if Amy had gotten anything to eat. If she hadn't, I suppose fasting for 35 hours wouldn't harm her. It left me thinking (not for the first time) that animals, like people, are probably born with genetic predispositions, which may or may not manifest depending on circumstances.

Of course, that does leave my clients with a dilemma, since Amy can't be left to "fast" more than a short weekend. Bye bye longer vacations. It's amazing the things that we will do for our pets, isn't it?

One day in the distant future, I may join the Peace Corps. (I've done quite a bit of solo traveling, and would like to live in a completely different culture.) Friends ask why I don't do it now. There's a one word answer: Porter. The furry, fluffy, complex cat I love. He's been bounced around, and like many adopted animals, his early history is unknown. So when I adopted him, I vowed to myself it would be for his lifetime. No "adoption disruption" for my boy! (A euphemism used in child welfare to describe the awful situation where an adopted child is "returned" and the adoption is severed.)

"Be here now." That's my now. Loving Porter,and loving the wonderful animals I care for. For now, that's as good as it gets.

Halo, a great alternative to Pet Promise

2010-02-09T20:49:00.001-08:00

Many pet guardians (including myself, and some of my clients) are dismayed that Pet Promise is going out of business. That information was first leaked on Dr. Andrew Weil's website; he has been their spokesperson. In the Portland area, you can still find a few cans and bags at Freddie's, now reduced.

Fortunately, there are several great pet food companies and the one I learned about recently is Halo.

"At Halo pure love for pets drives everything we do. We create natural, holistic products to help your pet live a long, happy, healthy life. Over 20 years of real-life experiences helping animals, plus an unequalled commitment to natural care, inspire HALO's nutritional foods, essential supplements, herbal grooming aids and healthy treats." Some of their products include Spot's Stew, Live-A-Littles treats, Vitaglo essential supplements, and Cloud 9 grooming products. All natural ingredients, satisfaction guaranteed.

I have tested their products out and so have clients I have given samples to. Everyone I've talked to about it gives it a thumbs up, and I do, too. My kitty loves their wet food, dry kibble, and particularly their Liv a Littles chicken breast treats.

Porter (my feline buddy) and I are both very happy to have discovered Halo products!

City Dogs, City Cats

2009-04-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

Spring is here, and dogs and cats are everywhere. Responsible pet guardians make good neighbors. Those with and without pets can co-exist peacefully. Let’s review some guidelines for keeping dogs and cats safe in the city.

Identification on pets is essential, and licensing is required by law. Dogs are generally safe off leash in an enclosed area on their own property. In Portland, there are parks with designated dog areas. The safest are fenced. (How many lost pet signs have you seen?)

Each dog park has its own rules and hours. Once your dog is off leash, more than ever, you are responsible. It’s tempting to chat with other dog people and forget to keep an eye out for your dog. That may make it too late to break up a potential fight. (Maybe you can predict your dog’s behavior, but you can't predict the manners of other dogs.) With a focus on socialization, dog guardians are often unaware when their dog has left what needs to be picked up. Carry extra plastic bags, and be a good neighbor by being a responsible guardian. Keep an eye on your dog.

Those with or without dogs can be good neighbors by demonstrating etiquette when encountering an unknown dog on leash. Always ask permission to pet the dog, no matter how friendly the dog appears. It’s not only good manners, it’s a safety measure. A fearful dog can be as dangerous as an aggressive dog. Safety can’t be predicted by breed; animals are individuals, too.

Outdoor pet cats exercise their wanderlust and hunting skills, even when well fed. Keep identification and a bell on your cat’s collar. Remember, cats are born hunters, and experts at stealth. Some know how to stalk prey (frequently birds) without making a sound. Outdoor felines are subject to dangers that can shorten their lifespan to a mere two years or less.

Whether or not you are a pet guardian, you can also demonstrate good citizenship by keeping an eye out for what is happening in your neighborhood. Abuse and neglect of animals does happen. Just like children, they need responsible others looking out for them. If you witness an animal being neglected or abused, phone the investigators at the Oregon Humane Society (503-285-7722.) Or go to www.oregonhumane.org, click on Services, then Investigations. Use your best judgment deciding whether to personally confront someone. If you see your neighbor’s dog leashed up on the front lawn with an empty water bowl on a hot day, maybe you can fill it yourself. Most pet guardians are responsible, and have good intentions. Assume the best of others, and they will often rise to the occasion.

Spaying and neutering. It’s probably the most critical issue in animal welfare. There simply are not enough homes for all of the cats and dogs born. The statistics are astounding. For every person in the US, 15 dogs are born and 45 cats. According to the Humane Society of the US, more than 3 million cats & dogs are euthanized in shelters annually. Not only is a spayed or neutered pet a healthier, happier pet, it is the most important choice you can make as a pet guardian. If you or your children want to see the miracle of birth, borrow or rent a nature movie.

Rescue groups abound, and before you decide to go to a breeder for your next pet, do an internet search to see if the breed you want has a rescue group. There are many great rescue groups in town, beginning with our very own Oregon Humane Society.

Saying Goodbye to Puppy

2009-04-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

It already sounds like a sad story, doesn't it? My last day with Zora, who I had known since her adoption day when she was just eight weeks of age, was bittersweet. Ironically, that morning together turned out to be our best.

Zora had no idea what was ahead when she left her 12th floor condo, and jumped into the back seat of my car. At 14 weeks of age, she was still skittish walking in the Pearl. It was simply too noisy, too busy, and she was a comical sight as I sometimes dragged her along. Little did Zora know that we were headed over the Broadway Bridge, to the much quieter environs of residential Irvington.

I was on a house sit for Molly, adopted from Golden Bond, a rescue group for Golden Retrievers. Clearly, Molly had been abused, and she was skittish in her own way. But Molly was making great progress, and there were some dogs who didn't set her to barking. Zora and Molly both needed socialization with other dogs, and I saw this as a potential win-win.

Zora and I entered Molly's home from the back. They sniffed each others scent, and then I opened a door. Molly was surprised, and I assured her that Zora was only visiting. Fortunately, there was a lot of tail wagging, on both sides.

The highlight of the morning was extended play time in a huge, enclosed back yard. It was the first time I was able to let Zora off leash, and watch her romp on grass with another dog. Molly's favorite activity is ball playing. Molly chased the ball, and Zora barked with glee as she chased Molly. I savored the moment, witnessing Zora and Molly playfully running freely on a beautiful day. One of those completely perfect moments in time.

Zora's Mom was able to pack, while her dog was enjoying a play date. She had been laid off the prior week, and was now getting ready to move to New Hampshire, where she and her husband had a farm. Daily city noise would be replaced by the sounds of nature. That morning Zora had a taste of the good life to come.

When we returned to the Pearl, I wasn't successful finding street parking, so Zora's Mom came down to retrieve her. It was not the lingering goodbye I had anticipated. Zora was quickly leashed, Ann and I gave each other a quick hug, and then, they were gone. The rushed goodbye did make it a bit easier to leave a puppy I had grown to love, and will never forget. I fought back tears as I headed back over the Broadway Bridge, and comforted myself thinking about Zora in the countryside, running freely, reveling in life, unleashed.

Adoption Challenges

2009-03-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

The woman who phoned was new to Portland. She had found a dog she wanted to adopt at the Oregon Humane Society, and she needed pet taxi service to his new home. Adopting an animal is exciting, and there is usually hopeful anticipation that he or she is going to a loving, forever home.

I met "Julie" and then her adoptee, "Shadow." He is a young, healthy Shepherd mix who now had another chance after his last family returned him after only four days. There weren't too many details, but Julie did learn that Shadow didn't like cars. That was a sign of the adventure to unfold.

The OHS staff leashed up Shadow and walked him to my car. Fortunately, he bounced into the back seat, without too much hesitation. Julie sat next to him, and we were on our way. We then learned about Shadow's barking. Of course, he had no idea what was ahead for him. He couldn't know he wouldn't be competing for attention again with two dogs already established in a household. He was now to be an only child, which would possibly suit him perfectly. But how was he to know that? The last time people took him out of a kennel, they returned him. How could he trust anything? So the barking continued, as we headed over the bridge to his new home. My heart went out to him and his obvious anxiety, as I tried to ignore the piercing pitch of his barks.

When we arrived at Julie's one bedroom apartment, Shadow explored every corner of the minimally furnished two rooms he was allowed in: the living room and bedroom. Walking him around the neighborhood revealed more sides of his anxious personality. He gets manic not only in a car, but around cars. Car headlights. Cars moving. Unexpected noises. He jumps in the air, barking wildly. He pulls right to left on the lead. He startles easily. He is clearly having a difficult time adjusting to city life.

Now it's a few days later. The vet who made a house call recommended small doses of Prozac. Julie is a nurse and has learned that Prozac sometimes has the opposite of the intended effect in dogs,so she is hesitant about trying it. She is now wondering if Shadow would be better off in a house in a quieter neighborhood, with an enclosed back yard to run around in.

In child welfare there is sometimes the tragedy known as "adoption disruption." It sometimes occurs when the new parents are unable to bond to the child they adopted. The child is returned to foster care. You can imagine the impact on a child. Animals can experience something similar. They know when they've been in a home, and then returned to a shelter. If it happens several times, the animal may withdraw and become so despondent that the only humane option is to gently put the animal to sleep.

Julie has a heart filled with love. But what if Shadow needs more than that? What would be best for Shadow, I wonder? Adoption disruption, in his case, could give him another chance at finding a home that may be a better match. A trainer may be able to bring him around, though it's possible that his fears are so imbedded that no amount of Prozac will do the trick. However it turns out, I pray that it works in Shadow's favor. He deserves that chance.

Puppy Love

2009-02-19T21:34:00.000-08:00

Her name is Zora. I met her on her first day in her new city home. She was in her travel crate, laying on a blanket, surrounded by toys. At only eight weeks old, all these new sights and sounds were pretty scary. She stuck her head, then a foot, outside her crate, and then backed in again. She did this several times, whimpering her puppy anxiety. I got down on my knees and talked to her. She was one of the cutest pups I've ever seen, with huge feet and floppy ears, which she will one day grow into. The consultation with my new client, Zora's Mom, was longer than usual, since I was captivated by Zora. After all, what's more fun than being around a baby animal?

Two days later, I returned for my first visit to walk and play with Zora. She was simply tuckered out from the adjustment, and the first day without her Mom. She snuggled into my lap and napped. I served as a human heating pad, I suppose. It gave her comfort, and I was glad to provide it. Over the next several days, she was slowly introduced to the busy streets outside her 12th floor apartment. She's reluctant to venture beyond her own home, and it's a comical sight as she is half coaxed, half dragged outdoors. At first, we ventured only as far as the nearest tree. The next day, another tree, another block.

Now it is week two, and Zora is nine weeks old. She is still fearful of being outside, with all the city noises of the Pearl. Today we actually got a half mile walk in, and on the way we found trees without metal grills covering the soil. So Zora got to stand on the earth, as she sniffed. Her puppy cuteness draws attention everywhere we go.

In the coming weeks, surely her courage will emerge, for she is a Great Dane. She will grow into those floppy ears (which will remain uncropped, thank goodness) and big feet. She will stand tall, and people will still stop and stare. She will evolve into an elegant, canine beauty.

I feel blessed to watch her grow, and to get paid to do what I love. Zora is one of those special animals who has already wiggled her way into my heart. She gets my vote for Cutest Puppy in the Pearl.

Great new product: The Furminator!

2008-08-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how well this "deshedding" tool works. If you have a long haired cat or dog or your animal companion has a thick undercoat, this tool is far superior to any of the conventional combs and brushes on the market. The teeth on the metal comb pull out the dead undercoat. By the end of the first week of using this, Porter, my chubby Main Coon kitty, appeared almost svelte because so much fur had been taken from his undercoat.

What it can't do is to eliminate those nasty knots; they still need to be cut out with scissors. Yep, The Furminator is pricey, but well made and effective. You can find it in Portland at Freddie's and most pet supply stores.

Be the pack leader for your dog!

2008-04-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

In the wild, dogs (and their ancestors, the wolves) roam across large stretches of terrain in packs. There is always a pack leader, usually an alpha male, and his partner, the alpha female.

Dogs will test boundaries, just like kids, until you assert yourself as leader in no uncertain terms. Yes, there can be two or more human leaders: your partner, and your dog walker, for example. Your dog needs to understand that people are in charge; they are leaders. Once that is communicated, your dog will become less hyper vigilant and watchful. He or she (not "it") will likely be a little more relaxed about protecting the pack, although depending upon breed, that extinct will not be fully extinguished, and that's probably all for the good.

Leaders go first, and set the pace. The pack follows. If you are walking with your dog, he/she should be in the heel position, on your left, walking right next to you, or slightly behind. You set the pace, making sure to correct if your dog pulls. Stop. Resume your walk, and stop again if the pulling occurs. Repeat as often as necessary. You can also abruptly change direction, which will get your dog's attention. Dogs are intelligent (some more so than others) and capable of learning many human expectations. Do not use an expandable lead, unless you keep the lead short. When you exit your house, go out first, with your dog following. You can train your dog to stay in the sit position at the door until you give a release word, like "okay!" When you return home, enter the house first. Provide food (as a reward) after the walk, not before. If you are not ready to eat but your dog is, try mimicking eating, for about ten seconds before feeding. In the pack, leaders eat first.

It's controversial whether the leadership position is destroyed by inviting your dog to either lounge on your sofa with you, or to sleep in your bed. In your dog's eyes, this is an invitation to equality. But as the saying goes, pick your battles. Decide what's most important to you. Some trainers advocate that the dog follows at all times, including in the home. That is probably a good thing, and will help prevent getting tripped on the stairs.

Leash training is essential for city dogs, as well as keeping identification on your dog at all times. (How many "lost dog" posters have you seen?)

Call in an experienced trainer if it seems that your dog has gained the upper paw in your household. Your life will be a lot saner with a trained dog who is obedient to commands. Consider having your dog trained to respond to both verbal and hand signals. The latter can come in handy should your dog be at a distance, or, if your dog should become hearing impaired late in life.

Don't be afraid to be the Alpha Male or the Alpha Female. If there is more than one leader, make sure the commands are consistent. If your dog forgets, or even does something destructive, punishment is cruel and does not teach anything other than fear. Dogs, like most animals, live in the present moment. In that respect, there is much we can learn from them about living a joyful life in the here and now.

A Feline Challenge

2008-03-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Satya — how could a creature so lovely suddenly metamorphose into a hissing, growling spitfire? Her family tells me she is really very sweet. I’m sure she is, with them.

She is my charge for ten days. Along with “the boys” Spock & Socks, and, I must not forget – the fish. They are upstaged by Satya’s medical needs. She is alert, active at times like any other kitty, and her coat and eyes look healthy, even with hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Another case of deception by appearance.

The first visit was pretty much routine, so it did not prepare me for what was to come. The next time I showed up, though, Satya made it quite evident that my presence was not welcomed. (After all, I am NF: Not Family.) Call me optimistic but I assuredly decided to wait her out. Several hours passed; she remained vigilant. She let me know it would not be pretty if I stepped an inch closer to touch her.

Evening arrived, and I had not made progress getting the second medicine into her, though she gladly ate the first medicine, disguised in (yummy!)baby food. Reluctant to use the towel method (which would only further antagonize her), I realized I had been outsmarted by a cat. Dispirited, I finally left, hoping for better luck the next day.

Sunday morning dawned, and apprehensive about the visit, I said a prayer to Mother/Father God and St. Francis. I’m not sure if I believe in an intercessory God, yet I do believe in miracles. It does seem, at times, that prayers are indeed answered. And I may not be Catholic, but I feel a connection to the simple man of Assisi.

Luck was with me. Maybe my prayer was answered. Or maybe it was the element of surprise and my no nonsense attitude. A quick dab, a few scratches behind her ears, and the medicine was in her. A second later, though, Satya became fully alert. Hissing and growling, she lashed out. Even for an experienced professional, it can be intimidating encountering a frightened or angry animal.

Satya reminds me of another kitty. Henri tolerated, maybe even loved my Mom, but she loathed everyone else. When my Mom was no longer able to care for her,I thought there was no choice but to put Henri to sleep. My then-boyfriend intervened and took her in, even though he decidedly was not a cat person. Amazingly, within a few weeks, Henri’s more lovable side became apparent. When I asked how he did it, he responded, “I let her know who was boss.” (For those of us who know cats, we know how bizarre that answer is.)

You may have rightly gathered by now that this profession is a lot more than hanging out with the cute and cuddly. With our companion animals, pulling rank (the superior human) really doesn’t work in the long run. It’s more a matter of respecting the animal’s inherent nature, and its place, along with ours, in the great web of life.

My confidence and capability allows a small window of time where I can get close enough to medicate Satya. She has an equal right to be unhappy. She is ill, and her family is away. I respect her right to feel grumpy, particularly under these circumstances. On some level, she may sense my respect, my empathy. That’s my hope, and my prayer.

A couple of great products

2008-03-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

1) Pet Walker-Plus leash/lead
Introduced by my wonderful clients, Sue & Gary. Walking their two Westies with it makes my job easier (it's "no tangle"), it leaves me with one free hand, and we all have more fun.

The two, long separate leads "allow each dog individualism and separate mobility needed to perform natural duties." Leads have snaps at both ends, so they can be used dual or single. "Large leashes are designed with a safety release allowing (owners) to control the release. Large and small dogs can be walked together."
Both dogs have as wide of a stretch to sniff around as they would have on separate leads.

Three sizes: Small (1/2 inch wide) up to 15 lbs. each. Medium (3/4 inch wide) for up to 59 lbs. each. Large (1 inch wide) for up to 60 lbs. each. By ordering it from the company, I paid $25 - $35, plus shipping.

Pet-Walker Plus (Carlsbad, CA), 760-930-9888, or Internet search. You may find it at your local pet supply store.

2)Zoom Groom Brush.
My long haired Main Coon used to have a low tolerance threshold when I used a conventional brush. Now he welcomes daily brushing with the massaging, rubber tips.
Inexpensive, virtually indestructible, and easy to find. I have groomed dogs, cats, rabbits,and guinea pigs with it. Easy to clean, and because it's rubber, you won't accidentally hurt your companion animal.

Both products get A+ recommendation from The Pet Professional.

Defensive Dog Walking & Mindfulness

2008-03-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

Defensive Dog Walking. It's what I practice as a Pet Professional, and if you are a defensive driver, you'll get the concept pretty quickly.

It's a typical morning, and you are out walking your dog, one hand gripping the leash (or lead), and the other your morning cup of java. Rounding the corner, you are paying little attention, since your mind is scattered in several directions, planning the day ahead.

Your dog is on an expandable lead, way out of your reach, zigzagging down the street. You are caught off guard since you haven't noticed the person or dog approaching, until they are both too close for comfort. Aggressive Fido is staring down at your dog - not a good sign. An altercation, or worse, could ensue between dogs or their guardians. That would not be a pretty picture.

How do you practice defensive dog walking? Let's begin with what you know, and what you don't. You know your dog and feel you can pretty much predict his or her behavior. (But are you really sure what your dog will do 100% of the time?) You don't know the dog coming towards you. You don't know if the dog is well trained or aggressive. And it's possible that the person with the other dog isn't a responsible pet guardian. Here are my suggestions:

If you have any concerns about who is approaching, cross the street, or turn around and walk in the direction you just came from.

Use a non-expandable lead. With the expandable, your dog may be too far out of reach and at a safety risk. Dogs on expandable leashes can frequently be seen walking their people. The person has relinquished the leader role, and it's no wonder that the dog believes he or she is in charge.

Keep one hand free in case both are needed to grab control of the lead. No beverage sipping, no idle chatting on your cell.

The Buddhist concept of mindfulness has sifted into our every day parlance. A simple word, yet challenging to put into practice. It has to do with presence. Being fully present, fully aware, in the moment. Focusing on one thing, at one time. Like walking your dog.

So try being more present, more mindfully aware of your surroundings. Be the leader, so your dog isn't walking you. You know what happens if children think they are in charge. Dogs aren't any different in that respect. Both need boundaries for their own safety, for co-existing in a society. That's where responsible dog guardianship comes in.

This is not a warning about your neighbors or friends, or even the benevolent stranger with well behaved dogs. Just friendly advice to practice some mindfulness when dog walking on Portland's busy streets. Stay safe.

Providing our cats & dogs with top nutrition

2008-02-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

Pet Promise is the food I recommend. It's what I feed my kitty, and he is one healthy boy, knock wood! Though he likes it a bit too much (to him, food is love)so he gets Healthy Weight & Aging kibble as his main diet, and a bit of the wet food as a morning & evening treat. There are other excellent pet foods on the market, but you do have to do your research.

Why do I like it? Well, let's begin with what it doesn't have: NO animal byproducts, NO rendered meat or chicken meals, NO factory farmed meat, NO antibiotic-fed "protein sources" (interesting euphemism for sentient beings), NO added growth hormones, and NO artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. It may be the only pet food endorsed by a holistic physician, (Andrew Weil.)

"Out of respect for our pets, all animals, and the earth, we source our meat only from U.S. family farmers committed to eco-friendly, natural and sustainable practices and the humane treatment of animals."

So for those of you who haven't heard about the appalling ingredients in most pet food (including Hills Science Diet, pushed by Veterinarians), do an Internet search. You will be pretty shocked, I'm sure, as I was.

Carried by Whole Foods, New Seasons & Fred Meyer. For those of us who shop "natural" foods (vs. unnatural?), we know we pay more. Currently, a 6 lb. bag of dry kibble for cats is $13.99 at Freddie's.

No, I don't receive remuneration for my recommendations (more to come) - but hey - maybe I should look into it!

www.petpromiseinc.com.
Dr. Weil: www.weilfoundation.org.

Perennial Hope: One Dog's Journey

2008-02-22T15:19:00.000-08:00

On my web site there's a photo of a little dog peering up at the camera, with the caption, "Archie, learning to trust." His wonderful guardians, Melissa & Nick, gave Archie a second chance (or maybe his third or fourth or fifth, since animals cannot tell us where they've been and what they have had to endure before they arrive in our lives.) However, they do know that somebody shot him. This poor little dog has a pellet in his body.

When I met Archie at a client consultation this past summer, it was evident by his body language that he was quite wary of strangers, and he emitted several warning growls. However, he had a trainer, and we all believed that by working together his life could be turned around with consistency, structure, and kindness.

Recently I told his Mom, "I really hope that some day Archie will come to my lap." She assured me that each day he was becoming a happier, more secure little guy. When I arrived for a four day stay with him yesterday, Archie greeted me at the door with a wagging tale! That evening, sitting on the sofa with a wonderful book (Pay It Forward), he sat across from me on the love seat. Much to my surprise, he jumped to the floor, walked over to me, and stared into my eyes. He held the gaze (unusual since staring is usually an indicator of a challenge and possible aggression in the animal kingdom). I talked to him in a soft, reassuring voice, wondering what he would do next.

Suddenly, he jumped up on the sofa, curled in the crook of my leg, his little head resting on my foot, and closed his eyes. My heart did a little leap of joy. Archie is beginning to believe that he is safe, and that he is loved.

Most dogs embody what I call perennial hope. That belief that something good is coming. Thankfully, Archie still had that; he had not given up on the potential goodness of life.

This entry is dedicated to all the compassionate rescuers like Melissa & Nick who open their hearts and homes to the abused, the neglected, the discarded.

The people who demonstrate the goodness of life by providing forever homes for animals, giving them another chance.

After all, isn't that what all creatures deserve?

New Language

2007-11-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

What do the new words guardian and companion animal mean in our relationship to the animals in our lives?

Language is powerful because it influences the way we think. People who adopted animals were owners and their companion animals, pets. New wording is coming into play, and it's already in use by our very own Multnomah Library system.

In most jurisdictions (although this is slowly changing), owner pertains to property. When people divide their household goods (e.g., divorce), animals are treated as property. (So the judge decides that one party gets their sofa and the other their Golden Retriever.) Hard to believe, but true.

The word guardian shifts our perception about our relationship to animals who are our companions. We are caretakers; it is not only our legal reponsibility but also our moral responsibility to provide for their physical and emotional needs. The animals who share the greater web of life with us are sentinent beings. Just like us, they are capable of feeling pain and suffering. So, just as we are guardians of our children (not owners), we are guardians of animals.

The other new term is companion animal for the word, pet. While pet is an easy, three letter word, again it has to do with our relationship. When people took animals into homes, they domesticated them to suit their lifestyles, their preferences, and their needs. But the reasoning behind The Guardian Campaign is that the word pet confers ownership, which may or may not include respect for the animal's inherent nature. Of course, cat people (and some dog people) recognize we can only go so far in molding the expected behaviors of these furry creatures we live with. And of course, dogs, just like children, need to be socialized, or trained, living in a society with others.

Our Multnomah Library system should be commended for incorporating this new language. Hopefully, others in places of authority will do so as well, as we shift our thinking from being owners of pets, to trusted guardians of our companion animals.

www.guardiancampaign.org
www.idausa.org

Little did I know

2007-11-09T19:42:00.001-08:00

Littld did I know at age ten that my first paid job, pet sitter for a French poodle, would become my profession several decades after college. My primary task was to keep Chouchou ("brussel sprout" in French) from whining. I didn't have to walk her, so it left a pretty skewed impression of work, and the realities of pet sitting.

In 2004 my pet sitting hobby became my full time business. I'm learning it's a lot more than hanging out with the cute and cuddly. Like all jobs, it has its joys and challenges.

Tory was adopted from Golden Bond Rescue. We met when she nine years; by age 14, her health was deteriorating, but then she would rally. Her veterinarian called her "wonder dog." This summer I was with her on a long house sit. It was a bittersweet time, since I suspected it would be our last, so I was more present,more in the moment. When informed of her death, I cried deeply. I still remember her joyful "woo, woo" as she jumped in the air, anticipating a walk. She will always have a special place in my heart.

Sometimes clients leave Portland. Some let me know; others simply drop off the radar. It's easy to bond to many of the animals I care for, and at the end of a stay, I sometimes feel a little heart tug, not knowing when I'll see them next. But I'd rather have my heart engaged than not. That's how I came up with the name Heart & Hands Animal Care: combining my heart & my massage trained hands to care for and comfort animals, when their people are absent.

Now I'm on an overnight job for two kitties. Francesca is a delicate, pretty tabby who drools and kneads; likely, she was taken from her mama too early. She and Audrey, her kitty companion, enjoy the "In & Out" game. They sit at the side door waiting for me to open it. About two minutes later, they want to return indoors, only to repeat that over and over.

Their guardians return home soon, and I will return home to my Main Coon, Porter. Tonight I will snuggle with him, and will wake to his love bites & sandpaper kisses. Soon I'll be packing my bags again, to care for more animal friends.