Merry Murphy Pet Sitters

Some Pet Hospitals No Longer Docking Tails,Cropping Ears

According to USA Today, Banfield ( a group of Animal hospitals) is refusing to dock tails,crop ears, or allow devocalization of a dog's bark. 

USA Today reports this quote from Banfield:

"After thoughtful consideration and reviewing medical research, we have determined it is in the best interest of the pets we treat, as well as the overall practice, to discontinue performing these unnecessary cosmetic procedures," says Karen Faunt, vice president for medical quality advancement. "It is our hope that this new medical protocol will help reduce, and eventually eliminate, these cosmetic procedures altogether."

The hospitals will continue to carry out the surgeries on pets for which it is medically necessary, she says." end quote~

The procedures have been controversial for sometime, and the shift in attitudes will hopefully take away these standards.  The AKC is not happy about the trend, but there is an increasing amount of pet owners who do not like to see their pets bandaged due to the procedures, and would gladly stop them if their dogs could still win in the ring.

Ear cropping and tail docking originally started due to practical need. The tails were docked to protect hunting dogs as they ran through brush. The ear docking came from the need to prevent dogs ear from injuries whose primary work was protection. Long ears were easily infected in fights with wild animals.

from Merry Murphy Pet Sitters, "trusted pet care for when you are away"

Charlotte Pet Sitting

Call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters for trusted pet sitting or dog walking services in Charlotte,N.C.

704-246-4148

Charlotte has several good pet sitters, and we enjoy being
part of this city's network of home pet sitters.

I know what it is like to travel with pets, board your pets, and
try to find a pet sitter at the last moment. It is really stressful
to all involved.

Years ago, I used a pet sitter for Mary Murphy and Sadie, and
found it much more satisfying for all of us. It  was especially
important with Murphy as she entered her older years to not
have to face the stress of going to a kennel.

You can count on us to be dependable, efficient, and
most of all to be caring and compassionate with your pets.

Give us a call. We look forward to serving you.

(704)246-4148

Should You Use a Pet Sitter or Kennel?

I just got through reading a blog post from a blogger who studies animal behavior, and is definitely in favor of kennels over pet sitters. In fact her comparison of pet sitters to a certain known profession
was less than complimentary to be sure!

Pet Sitters, like myself, do hope to derive most of their business from customers we hope are swayed away from kennels simply because we believe it truly is healthier for a pet to stay in their own home.  The argument against this comes from a kennel which is tired of being down-played by pet sitting businesses in their advertisement.

Pet owners can make good decisions on pet care by utilizing a reputable pet sitter, and can also find really nice boarding facilities. Each has its up and down side.  The fact remains that a pet is the happiest when they are with their owner. After that, it is up to the pet owner to make the best choice for his or her pet.

How to Find the Perfect Pet Sitter for You and Your Pet

How Do you find that Perfect Pet Sitter?  If you have used a pet sitter in the past on a regular basis, in all probability you found it was the perfect answer for you and your pets.

Generally, after the first visit and experience, a trust relationship was built, you had someone you could just simply call or e-mail, and know your house and pets were being looked after in your absence.

The question is: How do we find that Pet Sitter?

• If you don't have a personal recommendation from a friend,start with a Google search. Know that most reputable pet sitting services will not invest a lot of money in paid or sponsored search. Is the Pet Sitting service on the first two pages of Google search? If so, they have probably been around and are established in order to rank organically on a search engine.

• The Pet Sitter should belong to a reputable pet sitting organization such as N.A.P.P.S. (National Association of Professional pet Sitters). You should also find the pet sitting business listed for a particular geographical area.

• A reputable pet sitter will insist on an initial interview with you. It is standard to do so, and any thing else would be unprofessional!

• The trustworthy pet sitter will willingly provide references,and have insurance.At the initial interview, you will have the opportunity to get to know the pet sitter. If the pet sitter plans on using anyone else to provide the sitting for your pet,ask to meet them, or simply tell the representative you do not want a substitute.

• Please keep in mind that any pet sitter needs a "back-up"in the event of an unforeseen emergency.

If the above points are considered, in all likelihood you will find a great pet sitter. Trust will have to be built initially between you, your pet, and pet sitter.

For your pet sitting services in Charlotte,N.C. call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters at 704-246-4148

Pet Sitter Needed if Dog Alone for Long Hours

One of the most socialized of animals is left alone for many hours, and in many cases...too long.  While crates are great for training,the crate should be a training tool. All dogs need a break around noon if you are working a typical 8 hour day.  If you can not come home at lunch to visit a few minutes with your dog and give it a potty break, contact a pet sitter. Dog walkers and pet sitters have affordable rates, and will most likely give a good discount for ongoing services.

Over the years,we have seen an increase with pet ownership in cities. This has meant having a desire for pet companionship in areas not traditionally suitable for the dog who needs plenty of exercise.  Most pet owners know what they are bargaining for when they take on the responsibilities of these loving friends, but expecting a pet to continuously wait out the long hours for your return is not fair, unless you can make arrangements to come home at mid-day,or have a reliable friend or relative help you out,etc.

Just remember that dogs are pack animals and need to socialize. If left alone for too long on a continual basis, dogs can become depressed, and develop destructive behaviors from simple boredom and frustration. All it takes with your best friend is a few minutes of extra attention.  You will notice a positive difference in your pet!

call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters in Charlotte,N.C. for pet sitter services at 704-246-4148

Pets Abandoned at Alarming Rates Due to Recession

Newsday.com is reporting the severity of pet abandonment. Rescue groups, such as Little Shelter Animal Rescue is literally overstocked with dogs and cats.  Normally, the little resue group would have 50 dogs and around 250 cats they care for. Yet with the abandoning of pets in this down turned economy, this number has increased to 95 dogs and 350 cats they are now ready for adoption.

The situation for pets is so critical that when the rescue center is closed, people are placing their animals over the barbed wire fencing at night.

The increase in home foreclosures is mainly to blame as many former homeowners are moving into apartments with no-pet rules.

It's an unfortunate situation, and heartbreaking for these owners who have no choice but to surrender ownership of their pets.

Free pet food can be found at community food banks around the nation. For those who are able, it is a good time to donate pet food to a local food pantry. After-all, familys consider their pets as bona fide members.

For your Pet Sitting Needs in Charlotte, N.C. call 704-246-4148 Merry Murphy Pet Sitters

Dog Walking and Exercising With Your Dog

Setting up a dog or walking  exercise routine with your dog is a great idea, but if you haven't been exercising, or walking your dog regularly, you need to plan things and take it slow with your dog.

If your dog is older, and you want to start a regular walking routine, you must keep in mind the same factors you would for yourself if you hadn't exercised or walked for a long period.

Here are some ideas on Dog Walking

• Toughen up your dogs paw pads by walking on trails,or any area that has a dirt or grassy surface for about two weeks.
• Try not to do the heavy exercising right after your dog eats. Your pet is subject to digestive upsets on a full stomach.
• Give only small amounts of water before and after exercising.
• Keep your dog on a leash so you can regulate the pace,especially if the walking is new to you, and if you are walking a young energetic dog.

For Dog Walking services when you can't be there call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters at 704-246-4148

Pet Care Bill: Proposed Tax Deductions Introduced in House

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Good news for those who have pets! HR 3501, referred to as Happy Acts would amend the IRS code to allow $3500.00 in one taxable year for qualified pet expenses.

N.A.P.P.S. reports the following in their newsletter: The bill defines qualified amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinarian care).

Call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters for all your pet sitting and dog walking needs 704-246-4148

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Charlotte Pet Taxis vs. Pet Shuttles

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Pet taxi service is offered from many pet sitting services in Charlotte and around the U.S.  In the S.E. rates average around $25.00 per hour, but I have seen them as high as $40.00 per hour...ouch.  There is a difference in the two types of services.  A pet taxi service is provided for short trips such as a ride for your pet to the veterinarian's office, the dog groomer,or a simple ride to a doggy park.

On the other hand, there are pet shuttles which transport your pet from city to city or across several states.  This service is for those owners who do not want their pet put in the cargo area of a plane when traveling.

Pet transport kennels are available today with your pets safety and security in mind. Transport supplies can be easily purchased online or by visiting a neighboring pet store.

For you pet sitting needs in Charlotte call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters 704-246-4148

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Charlotte Pet Sitting

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

Reasons to use a pet sitter

• Pets are not exposed to disease.
• Pets are not exposed to other animals
• Pets feel less anxious when in their own secure environment
• Pet Sitters provide extra home security on their visits

Pet Sitting "Potty Breaks" : How Many Are Really Needed?

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The invention of the "pee pad" is heaven sent. Yet, if using a pet sitter,how many visits for a potty break are really needed?  A puppy is going to go quite often and you can count the need for these pads. If not, you need to subscribe to The Daily Observer.  In the Charlotte area, simple breaks for pets will cost you approximately $15.00.  With the proper equipment purchased,you can manage leaving your puppy alone, but attention from a "live' human will always be better. That's where pet sitters come in!

Five Hour Limit for Adult Dogs before a Mid-Day Break is Needed

Yet with mature dogs, it's fair to say that 5 hrs. is the usual time limit capacity before a dog will need to empty his bladder.  Exercise is needed for dogs confined to the house. Usually, once during the workday will be enough if you have attended to your pet in the early morning and will again at night.  Once again, if you own very small sized dogs, you can train them to use pads or paper.

Pet Sitting Charlotte: Merry Murphy Pet Sitters

Pet Sitting is the preferred choice for pet care by pet owners in Charlotte

Professional Pet Sitting: A Better Choice

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Many people still are not aware they have the option to call a pet sitter when they travel. So many people feel their only choice is to find an available kennel. In most cases, finding a professional pet sitter is more affordable. Yet more important reasons are to be considered before taking your dogs or cats to a kennel to be boarded: Most pet kennels are fine and animals do ok in them, but many pets lose weight, get depressed,suffer anxiety, and acquire digestive issues. Even with shots, kennel cough is the most serious consequence.

Pet Sitters are Properly Licensed

Most pet sitters are properly licensed,insured and bonded.  Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers also have proper training and stake their reputation on honesty and integrity.  It is imperative for the pet sitter to have your recommendations for providing proper service when acquiring new clients and in you using their services many times over.

Consider a pet sitter when planning your next trip!

In Charlotte, N.C. call "Merry Murphy Pet Sitters" at 704-246-448

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Dog Day Care Regulations Due to Pet Lovers

Charlotte, N.C. is not the only city famous for its dog lovers.  Seattle not only loves coffee, it loves its pets even more, and with that is coming regulation of dog day care just as it did for child-care in the 1960s!

Dog day care is growing just as the pet sitting industry shows no signs of leveling, and when so many businesses start popping up, calls for regulations come from pet owning citizens.

NWjobs reports: "“Pets are big business in Seattle,” Jordan says. “The fact that the city of Seattle had to begin regulating doggy day cares a few years ago just proves how popular pets are here,” says Jordan. “Seattleites view their pets as their companion and they want to take good care of them. There are people out there who take better care of their pets than they do of themselves.”

NWjobs also reports: "Wal-Mart, too, is grooming employees to handle more pet sales. Many of its stores have expanded pet-care sections. And at PetSmart, new overnight PetsHotel and Doggie Day Camp services are being added at select stores to drive consumer traffic". end quote~

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

Pet Sitters: After You Find the One You Can Trust

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More than likely the pet sitter you hire has been heavily involved with pets for some time, and more than likely has a few of their own. After the initial interview or consultation, check references provided, and by all means trust your gut instincts!

Review the following information listed below before you leave town for accuracy. What is stated below is standard for the pet sitting industry and is critical for your peace of mind:

Once you find a  pet sitter, you can rest assured your pet will be in good hands. Have the pet sitter come to your home in advance so you can explain where things are. Give your pet sitter clear, concise instructions and be sure to provide a list of the following contact numbers:

• primary Cell phone number for pet sitter
• Cell phone of others traveling with you
• Your hotel or number of friends and family you are visiting
• Veterinarianfor pet sitter to call
• Emergency Repairman
• Family members or friends to contact in an emergency if you cannot be reached

Many pet sitters will update you by phone or e-mail if you want planned updates. Your trip will be enjoyable if you know your pet and house are in excellent hands. This knowledge will allow you to relax and have a great vacation.

Call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters in Charlotte, N.C. for all your pet sitting needs! 704-246-4148

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Dog and Cat Care: Health is Being Compromised During Recession

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I wrote a few days ago about the subject of saving money during the recession and ways veterinary care can be planned with preventive care to save money during hard times.  Reports from vets in Charlotte are grim to say the least.

Unfortunately, many vets are reporting drastic cuts in pet care, noting longer stretches between visits. Meanwhile, the lack of preventive pet health care is leading to more expensive care, once the medical problem has got out of hand. For instance, reports of not preventing heart worm in animals leads to several hundred dollars being spent once a pet is critically ill.

Once thought to be recession proof, managers of veterinary clinics say they can tell we are in a recession simply by the questions clients are asking about pet care.

Merry Murphy Pet Sitters, 704-246-4148, for pet sitting in Charlotte, N.C.

Dog Walkers: How Professionals Do it

In the dog walking and pet sitting business we walk all sizes! Size of the dog shouldn't matter if the dog is trained properly and you have your pet in a walking routine:

Dog Walking Tips

• Pick up your lead or leash. This signals to the dog it is time to go outside for the walk. I like to say "leash" in the way some people might say "party time".
• Literally lead your dog to the door, and tell him to "sit" or "wait".  This also trains your dog to calmly sit and not barge in front of you when the doorbell rings.
• Make sure you walk out the door with the dog behind you.
• Carry water,a pooper scooper, or "doodie bags".
• If your dog is new to "walking",use a pincher collar until he is trained and socialized.  Assume there will be unexpected lunges or attempts to lead you.
• Always keep the dog behind you or at your side. If the dog persists in leading, stop moving until you are in the lead.
• Take rests.  Dogs don't sweat, but cool off by panting or going for a dip in the nearest place of water.
• When you return home, make sure the dog sits still until you have removed the leash.  Before long, these habits will become routine, and you will both be simply enjoying a good healthy walk.

For your pet sitting or dog walking needs in Charlotte, N.C., call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters at 704-246-4148.

Saving Money on Pet Sitting and Pet Care During Recession

By now you may have seen that there are other victims of home foreclosures: the family pet. Adoptions at the local ASPCA have increased 45% over this time last year!  Losing a pet because you simply can't afford to the care is heart shattering for pet owners.

According to Care.com: "It's not a just a problem in the Northeast, either. Recently, shelters in California and the Pacific Northwest have reported a huge increase of abandoned pets".

Boston.com reports:"We've gotten calls with pets being left behind. The landlords are calling or the neighbors are calling. Some people have actually left a supply of food," said Hull's animal control officer, Deni Goldman, who is the spokeswoman for the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts. "We've also had people who've turned them in to the animal control officers or the Animal Rescue League or MSPCA. We have some that have been turned loose or tied to park benches. We've seen that all over the state."

How can you save money on pet care during the recession?

1.  See if you can share or split expenses with a friend or neighbor.
2.  Ask your vet to plan your pets care with cost measures involved.
3.  If you owe your vet for emergency care go to this site for help.

You will be amazed at the organizations, such as your local humane society, who offer great resources during these tough economic times.

In Charlotte, you can ask Merry Murphy Pet Sitters(704-246-4148) for a discount on pet sitting and dog walking services in the Charlotte area. We offer discounts to pet owners who have adopted rescue dogs and who volunteer their time to these organizations.

Pet Home Care While You are at Work

I was researching the ways people take care of their pets while keeping up a busy work life-style.  Answers ranging from crates to doggie day-care, and taking your pet to work were at the top of the list. I found out that most pets are allowed to freely roam the house, and most had televisions left on for them.

Apparently, Fido has his favorite television show! One lady said her dog preferred the Weather Channel, while her son's dog only liked ESPN. Surely, this is owner influenced.  Yet, time after time, the pets tended to be left with with what their owners thought their pets preferred.

By no means did i conduct a scientific survey. I know in fact that I attempt to leave an ambient type music channel on for my older dogs. Once, I acidentally left Fox News on, and both pets were a little aggressive when I returned. Perhaps I just read that into the situation.  That is the problem with unscientific polls and survey.

One thing I do know for a certainty and that is your pet (no matter his/her size or breed) needs plenty of exercise...just like you and me!

For Pet sitting and dog walking home services call : Merry Murphy Pet Sitters: 704-246-4148