Merry Murphy Pet Sitters

Dogs Who Fear Thunderstorms

I have a pet dog that I rescued a few years ago that has anxiety attacks when the thunder begins to sound during a storm.

Pets have been subject to storms more this year in Charlotte,N.C. than any year I can remember in recent memory.  So I tried to implement a little of Caesar's techniques for dog phobias, and then ran into this article on Science Daily.

Basically, research done in 2006 says: "A new study shows that dogs can get very upset during thunderstorms, whether or not their owner holds them. The study measured the stress hormone cortisol to be up to three times normal levels while the dogs heard recordings of a thunderstorm. The company of other dogs did help, though vets say medications may be more effective".

Since I have another dog,Murphy,perhaps that has kept Sadie's symptoms from getting too out-of-hand.  I think at this point we can forgo the medication, but it is something I will keep in mind if my dog's symptoms get any worse!

For pet sitting services call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters at 704-246-4148, or visit our website.

Predicted: Surge of Guinea Pig Pet Purchases

Image via Wikipedia

We all know how it is to caught up in the craze of the moment, and it always happens when a new animal movie hits the screens. The latest animal expected to cause a surge in pet purchases is the love-able guinea pig.  It so happens that kids spent last weekend enjoying the new Disney movie,"G-Force".

So if you are inclined to purchase a guinea pig for your child (or yourself), remember you are buying the responsibility that comes with a guinea pig.   Your children will enjoy playing with the pet, but you will have to go to the trouble of caring for it properly. If you have made the decision to purchase a guinea pig there are some things to consider:

• Guinea pigs do not need balls or wheels designed for hamsters. These toys could break a guinea pig's spine.
• Cages should be one level because the guinea pig is not a great climber.
• Guinea pigs live up to 8 years,unlike a hamster.

Apparently, 'G-Force' topped 'Harry Potter' at the box office this past weekend giving signal to guinea pig advocates that  parents would be in a rush to purchase these little pets.

Just be sure to get information from your pet store before purchasing, and then enjoy your new pet!

Dog Walker Runs into Coyotes

A woman, near Boston, was walking her four dogs in the Groveland woods, when she came face to face with what she believed at first was just a German Sheperd. The dog walker soon realized this was a coyote  and proceeded to turn around and leave the woods.  Yet, she faced a more serious problem when four more coyotes appeared and blocked her path.

The dog walker proceeded to call 911, and the dispatcher used the phone's gps to guide the woman out of the woods.  As she made it to the edge of the sidewalk, the sound of police sirens scared the pack away.

The police chief responded later that he had heard of people facing a lone coyote, but not a pack.  Coyotes are not nocturnal, and when alone only go after small animals.  It is a different story when they hunt in packs. They simply become more dangerous.

No matter how you feel on the presence of near-by predators, we can do a lot to prevent wildlife from coming near our neighborhoods such as keeping lids secure on trash cans, picking up bird seed, and stray fallen fruit, etc.~

For your pet sitting or dog walking needs call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters! 704-246-4148

Pet Monkey Accused of Burglary

I think it is entirely likely that a monkey did burglarize a north Texas nursery. After all, you can see that the owner caught the monkey red-handed on video.

Apparently, the monkey stole 40 plants by handing them over a fence. Unfortunately, the monkey knocked over a lot of concrete statues as he escaped.  The police could only say that surely there are not too many monkeys in this city.

I have personally seen a lab run in a store, steal a loaf of bread and run back out. The dog returned several times, but was never caught. He only took loaves of bread.

Here is the link for monkey video.

Merry Murphy Pet Sitters, serving Charlotte, N.C. 704-246-4148

Trust Is the Biggest Factor in Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

Odds are you will have a satisfactory experience with the pet sitter or dog walker you hire. There is always some risk in hiring a pet sitter,boarding your pet, or even leaving your pet at a vet clinic.

Mary Hickman at Articles Directory mentions one of the most important factors in determining who to hire.  At Merry Murphy Pet Sitters we take delight in offering our services for the Charlotte,N.C. area. 

from How to Hire a Pet Sitter You can Trust

"Not only should you question the pet sitter's references, you should question the pet sitter. Ask them questions about how they would deal with certain pet situations, such as a medical emergency. Ask about their knowledge of animals and past experiences. Also, ask any questions that would make you feel more comfortable in making a decision. Example questions: Have you as a pet sitter ever had emergency situations with a client's pet. If so, how did you deal with it? Another example question, do you have any employees? If so, are they reliable and insured? What is your backup process for when you cannot complete your pet sitting duties?"

Pet Care When YOU Are Sick

If you are a lifetime pet owner, there is a good possibility you may one day run into a hardship of caring for your pets when you are ill.

Whether you are recuperating from surgery,down with the flu,or facing a long-term illness, there are ways to get help without giving up your loved pet. It's of course pretty easy to plan for pet care knowing in advance when your surgery date is planned, but for sudden emergencies you have some good options especially if family help is limited:

• Hire a pet sitter to help out with dog walking chores, and changing litter pans,etc.
• Ask your pet sitter for a discount especially if the care is needed over three days. 
• If you can not afford a pet sitter, call the Humane Society. They are interested in your efforts to keep your pets cared for and in your own home.  

Pets are essential to our own recuperation. They provide an immeasurable service of love and devotion.  You will be surprised at the amount of help you will receive once people are aware of your illness.

For your pet sitting needs in Charlotte,N.C., use Merry Murphy Pet Sitters, 704-246-4148 

Dogs and Children Reading Together

Many of us may remember summers of long ago where, as children, we wanted to read our books aloud to younger siblings, a favorite doll, or even a pet! 

Memories of these experiences were not lost on Intermountain Therapy Animals who started a program known as R.E.A.D.  Here is how their website explains it: "The scope of the R.E.A.D. program is to demonstrate how registered therapy dogs and their handlers can be instrumental in improving the literacy skills of children in an effective, unique and, most importantly, fun manner. Literacy specialists acknowledge that children who are below their peers in reading skills are often intimidated by reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-esteem, and view reading as a chore. The intent of the R.E.A.D. program is to have children read to the therapy animals."

Think about it! If a child is suffering from self-esteem issues, what could be better than to read to a loving animal that isn't going to correct every mispronunciation?

Generally, children with reading problems dread the thought of reading before a group in order that they can practice reading skills. In cases after case, where children have observed another child reading to an animal, they are anxious to get their "turn" to read.

For more information on R.E.A.D., go to this site: Intermountain Therapy Animals.

Contact Merry Murphy Pet Sitters for your pet sitting and dog walking needs (704)246-4148

Dog Walking in Charlotte: A Real Pet Service

Dog walking remains one of the most popular and beneficial ways to maintain fitness for the dog walker,pet sitter,owner, and of course the dog.  Charlotte has wonderful pet resources and a perfect way to help out in this pet friendly city is to volunteer at the Charlotte Humane Society doing volunteer dog walking.

The volunteer dog walking program is known as "Walk To Adopt".  Not only can you give a dog exercise he might not otherwise receive, you give this new friend a chance at socialization.  This in turn makes the dog more "adoptable" by improving his skills with other people, pets, and the community at large.  The Humane Society has pre-approved parks for just this sort of thing.  You can find out more by calling the shelter at 704-494-7706.

Merry Murphy Pet Sitters, serving South Charlotte, N.C.(704) 246-4148

Pet Sitting Service Should Maintain Potty Training Routine

If you plan to use a pet sitting, or dog walking service for a new pup, be sure to explain in detail the schedule and routine you want your pet sitter to follow.  During the crucial time of training, and in order not to undo all your hard work, explain exactly the step-by-step routine you use.

For instance, many pet owners don't want their pet indiscriminately pottying anywhere in the yard. If you have a temporary pen set up in your backyard for the puppy to use, simply tell the pet sitter that is where your puppy is being trained to do their "business". 

Remind your pet sitter that the puppy is not to be permitted to be left unsupervised for even a minute if you having a strict training routine in progress. Otherwise, you will once again have your hard training work undone. 

Pet sitters will be glad to follow any training routine you have established. The one above is just an example.

For pet sitting and dog walker services you can call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters for the south Charlotte, N.C. area.

704-246-4148

Cat Sitting Vs. Cat Boarding: Taking Care of the Older Cat

Due to the fact that older cats do not handle stress as well as they did when they were younger, many vets recommend  using a professional cat sitter who will check on your older cat at predetermined times.  Boarding a cat at a facility is fraught with anxiety; so if at all possible, hire a pet sitter who will you help you out if you need to be away from home.

A lot of people think there is simply "nothing" to caring for an older cat.  Actually, playing with your older cat helps to keep his weight down and can delay worsening of arthritic-type symptons.

Brush your cat's hair daily, and look for any lumps. If any are noted,make an appointment with your veternarian. Cats are prone to more growths (tumors) than are dogs.  Many times, especially in cats, these growths tend to be malignant in the older cat.

Finally, keep plenty of water around for the senior cat. Older cats do not go out of their way to get water, and will benefit from you strategically place small bowls of water around the house.

Enjoy your pet! Time is a precious commodity!

You can call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters in Charlotte,N.C. for pet-sitting, dog-walking, and other pet services in Charlotte,N.C.

Our Pets are Always on Our Mind

We love our pets and so does top-dog  golf player Castano according to James Corrigan at Loch Lomond:

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño said last night that, given the choice, he would rather find his missing dog than win the Barclays Scottish Open today. The first prize here is £500,000. Which gives one some idea of how much he values Petra.

"I got some bad news before my round and I was thinking about something else," said the 28-year-old. "So I was very proud of what I did. Maybe I can send a message back to the people of Marbella. If they find a female black shar pei they should telephone." If Fernandez-Castaño collects his fifth Tour title here this afternoon the reward should certainly be worth it. "Whatever it needs to see my wife happy again," he said.

Call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters in Charlotte, N.C. for your pet sitting needs.

Hire Professional Petsitters in Charlotte for the Older Dog and Cat

Charlotte,N.C. is famous for its pet-friendliness,quality pet sitters, and the resources for our older (senior) dogs and cats are exemplary! 

What led me to use a pet sitter (long before I became one) was the factor of how to best handle my older lab when I had to travel.  I didn't want to use a kennel (and there are plenty of excellent ones in Charlotte) because the emotional stress of changing Lady's environment had subtle health consequences.

Use a Pet Sitter: there are plenty of qualified,professional dog walkers, and sitters in Charlotte,N.C.

Take time in accessing the benefits any pet would experience, but I highly recommend the older cat and dog being in the care of a trusted professional in your home and pet's own environment.  If medical attention is needed in your absence, the professional petsitter will have already made plans with you on how to handle any emergency.

Enjoy your vacation time knowing your pet's new friend will soon be an old trusted friend.

Merry Murphy Pet Sitters, 704-246-4148, offers the above services in south Charlotte,N.C.

Ring of Dogfighters Busted Throughout Central U.S.

With thousands of people participating in dog fighting for commercial reasons and those who enjoy the "sport",good people need to be reminded they can unanimously report such outrageous reports of abuse and remain anonymous!

Fox reports: 

ST. LOUIS — As many as 350 dogs were seized and about 30 people arrested during raids in five U.S. states Wednesday that animal welfare groups are calling the largest simultaneous raid of dogfighting operations in America. U.S. attorneys in four of the states announced related indictments accusing 26 people of cruelties ranging from denying animals medical treatment to shooting dogs in the head when they didn't fight well, then throwing their carcasses into a river or burning them in a barrel.

Handling the Nervous Dog on a Pet Visit

When I meet the family of a new client using my sitting services in Charlotte,N.C., I often run into the nervous pet...usually a dog.  The important thing to remember is to let the dog or pup approach me first.  I don't make eye contact (considered threatening) or reach out for the dog. I continue to talk with the owner, and in due course the animal approaches me for attention.

Now, if for some reason the dog never sees his way to make contact with me on the initial consultation with the owner, I don't worry.  For after the owner is gone and the pup realizes that I am his only connection to the family he is missing, it doesn't take long for us to become friends.

In the unusual event the dog needs medication, and it doesn't seem likely the animal will let me approach, I have to consider whether it is in the best interest to accept the new client.

Fortunately, this is not the usual case.  A little bit of planning and foresight between the owner and pet sitter brings good results for all involved.

Adopt an Older Dog

I have a special place in my heart for older pets.  Most of us develop an interest in caring for them usually due to the fact we accompanied these companions of ours from the beginning of their journey in this world until their very end.  Older pets do have special needs, but there are many advantages to adopting an older pet if you are considering rescuing a pet.

Here are ten reasons to consider adopting an older pet from The Senior Dogs Project :

• Older dogs are housetrained. Something to think about if you aren't home all day.
• Older dogs won't chew inappropriate things...such as teething on furniture legs.
• Older dogs can focus and learn new tricks. Believe me-they have mellowed and listen.
• Older dogs have learned the word "no"...that's why they have lived to be older dogs.
• Older dogs are good at giving love. They will notice they have been given a second chance.
• What you see is what you get: No surprises in the development of personality.
• Older dogs are instant companions: ready for hiking,car traveling, and etc.
• Older dogs give you time to yourself.  They aren't needy as are puppies.
• Older dogs let you sleep. They adjusted to human schedules long ago. No midnight bathroom breaks etc.

   Sounds good doesn't it?   

Replacements Ltd in N.C. listed in Top Pet- Friendly Companies

Give a round of applause to Replacements,Ltd for being back-up to the brag North Carolina has for many of her cities being well-known for pet friendliness. In this case Greensboro, N.C.  is mentioned thanks to the Pet-friendliness Replacements,Ltd. shows towards its workers pets.

from The Baltimore Sun:

Replacements, Ltd. in Greensboro, N.C., the world's largest supplier of old and new china, crystal, and silver, sponsored the first Take Your Dog to Work Day 10 years ago. The owner, Bob Page, has been bringing his two dachshunds to work everyday for years and encourages his 560 employees to do the same. Replacements, Ltd. invites customers to bring their pets along when they are visiting the showroom.