Dog Water Bottle Recommendation
Since it’s summer, it’s extra important that you keep your dog hydrated. Many of us like to take our pets with us hiking or out to restaurants or breweries and here’s a great water bottle you can take along with you.
Since it’s summer, it’s extra important that you keep your dog hydrated. Many of us like to take our pets with us hiking or out to restaurants or breweries and here’s a great water bottle you can take along with you.
I carry this one in my bag when I’m photographing dogs. I have a bit of camera gear with me and it’s never leaked which is super important.
It’s got a handy wrist strap too that you can use if you’re walking around or on a hike.
Hiring a Dog Walker
So you need to hire a dog walker? Here are a few things I’d do if I were you:
So you need to hire a dog walker? Here are a few things I’d do if I were you:
Find someone who lives near you
Meet with them and have a list of questions to ask them like: what’s your backup plan if for some reason you can’t make it to my house when you’re supposed to be there? (This is part of the reason why #1 exists!) How long have you been doing this? Will you be the only dog walker or will someone else periodically do it? What happens when you go on vacation?
Ask for references. Actually call or email them and check the person out. Ask questions like: how long has she been your walker? Are you happy with her? What are her best qualities? Is there anything she doesn’t do that you wished she did?
Make certain your pet likes the person.
If you have a pet that has some quirks, be honest with the dog walker about them.
Let the walker know what you expect: a 30 minute power walk or a 20 minute visit just hanging out and doing whatever the dog wants: walk, play, explore the yard, etc.
Get to know your walker. We will appreciate it. Give them feedback - we love that too. :)
Summer Pet Safety
With it staying lighter later, it’s a great time of year to spend more time outside with your dog. Here are a few tips to keep your pet safe when the temperatures are hotter:
With it staying lighter later, it’s a great time of year to spend more time outside with your dog. Here are a few tips to keep your pet safe when the temperatures are hotter:
Make certain your pet has access to fresh water
Exercise earlier in the morning
Watch your pet closely for signs of exhaustion and/or heat stroke
Don’t leave your dog in the car alone unless you leave the car running with the a/c on
Unfortunately I was told a story by a former client who was out running with her dog several years ago one August, that her dog collapsed and died of heat stroke on the run. It can happen.
Remember this: Know that your dog will want to go with you. He won’t know that running in 90 degree humid weather could harm him. It’s up to you to keep him safe and know when enough is enough.
Even when out walking your dog, his paws can burn on the hot pavement. If you have to cross the hot pavement, try to find shade. If your dog is standing on the pavement and starts to lift up his feet, they’re burning.
I witnessed this a couple of years ago. I was at a stoplight and a man had stopped to talk with someone. His dog started lifting up his feet. I pulled over, got out of my car and told the man that his dog’s paws were getting too hot.
Yes, I’m THAT person! #dogsbestfriend
Enjoy the summer and keep your pet safe while doing so.
Dog Walking in Charlotte NC
Ten years ago today I walked my first dog for See Spot Run. This is so cliche but it’s true: time flies when you’re having fun.
Ten years ago today I walked my first dog for See Spot Run. This is so cliche but it’s true: time flies when you’re having fun.
Losing my corporate job in Nov 2018 prompted me to make a career change. In March of 2009, I got the ball rolling on starting my own dog walking and pet sitting business.
On April 4, 2009 I was officially a self-employed, woman owned business. See Spot Run was born.
I’m so grateful to all of my clients who’ve entrusted the care of their pets to me over the years.
Here are just a few of the cuties…. once in a while, I take my camera with me on my visits and snap a few photos. Occasionally my dog walking clients hire me for a full session too.
Thank you thank you thank you to all of you. You’re are making my dreams come true and I’m excited to continue on this journey.
Here are a few of the cuties I get to see: Finnegan, Topsy, Sunny, Delilah, Louis and Lucca. Ferguson and Brady are the two westies pictured above.
BARK4CLT
I’ve started a new initiative. It’s called BARK 4 CLT ( Bark for Charlotte.) I’m using the hashtag #BARK4CLT on my posts. I’m volunteering my time to do things like take photos of dogs that are available for adoption.
I’ve started a new initiative. It’s called BARK 4 CLT ( Bark for Charlotte.) I’m using the hashtag #BARK4CLT on my posts.
This is an idea I’ve been thinking about for a while. I’ve always done some sort of volunteer work helping dogs in need and I want to do more in my local community.
Things I have done in the past:
volunteered my time walking an elderly client’s dog because she couldn’t do it herself
volunteered my time to photograph rescued dogs up for adoption.
volunteered my time with various local rescue groups at events
I want to do more of this. If you know of a rescue who needs photos taken of the dogs available for adoption, I will do it.
The dog pictured here is Grace and she is 10. She was adopted as a puppy from Animal Care and Control. She was returned earlier this year as a 10 year old dog with heartworms.
Elsa's Pride swooped in and saved her and paid for her HW treatment. For months she lived at a boarding kennel because there are never enough foster homes.
In August she moved to a foster home but due to an illness, the foster home has to give her up. A new foster or forever home is needed ASAP. She can be dog agressive but with people she is an absolute sweetheart.
A volunteer from Animal Care and Control reached out to me about photographing her and of course I said yes.
I really hope she doesn't have to go back to boarding. I hope a family will open up their home and heart to her. Everyone deserves a family.
If you are interested in learning more about Grace, contact Elsa’s Pride via email at elsasprideinc@gmail.com.
Frozen Treats for your Pup
Frozen treats for your pup made with yogurt, peanut butter, a banana and honey. They're a great summer treat.
During the hot summer months, frozen dog treats can help keep your pup cool.
Frozen treats for your pup made with yogurt, peanut butter, a banana and honey. They're a great summer treat. I started making them years ago. I did some volunteer work for an elementary summer school program and we made these and then donated them to our local Humane Society.
Ingredients:
1 large container plain yogurt or plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup all natural peanut butter (please don't use low fat or reduced fat peanut butter)*
1 large ripe banana
1 tablespoon honey
Mash the banana with a fork or if you want to get fancy, get out the food processor. Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Pour them into ice cube trays and freeze for 2 hours. There are lots of cute ice cube trays available these days in different types of shapes like dog bones or dog paws.
Moose is a big fan of these. I've not made them yet since we've had Molly but I'm sure she'd love them too.
**word of caution: let them thaw slightly before giving them to your dog. Also supervise them so they don't swallow them whole. Find trays to freeze them in that would be the appropriate size for your dog.**
Happy summer and I hope your pup enjoys these frozen treats.
*some low fat peanut butter has xylitol in it which can be toxic to dogs. Be sure to read the ingredients list or get all natural.