The Twilight Bark

Twilight Bark MOVED!!! Move with me!!

2012-02-17T13:22:00.003-06:00

Attention all blog subscribers...have you been over to the new home of the Twilight Bark Blog & subscribed over there?

That's were all the action is! I'm trying my best to post every day!

http://www.shannonspetsitting.net/the-twilight-bark/

Come over today & join the fun!!

The New Shannon's Pet-Sitting Website & The Twilight Bark is Moving!!!

2012-02-09T08:27:00.001-06:00

I'm very excited to announce that my updated website is officially released & live!!! Please give me your feed back, suggestions & comments on what you think!! http://www.shannonspetsitting.net/

I've moved the Twilight Bark Blog over to the website for a more direct link. So please go to: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net/the-twilight-bark/
to subscribe to my new feed for the The Twilight Bark.

A BIG thank you to Mike Linville & his staff at Black Dog Education!! They rock!!!

http://www.blackdogeducation.com/

I'll see you over on the other side!!

License owners, not dogs? Alderman wants to tighten leash

2012-01-19T08:47:00.001-06:00

This has been an on going issue for too long! This isn't

anything new. They have to start enforcing & fining

dog owners! Until they start enforcing the laws &

having pet owners pay the fines & penalties nothing

will change!

http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/10088254-418/license-owners-not-dogs-alderman-wants-to-tighten-the-leash.html

Updated: January 19, 2012 2:16AM

Chicago should seriously consider licensing dog owners to prevent a repeat of the vicious lakefront attack by a pair of pit bulls that cost a 62-year-old his left foot, an alderman said Wednesday.

At the moment, the resolution co-sponsored by Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) simply calls for City Council hearings to take testimony from experts and “make recommendations for legislation to reduce the number of animal attacks.”

But, it also notes that the City Council tightened the regulatory leash — and increased penalties on negligent dog owners — after exhaustive hearings in 2007 that specifically rejected calls for a breed-specific ban.

“Any further regulation should continue to be not breed-specific, but owner/handler specific, such as licensing the owner rather than the animal,” the resolution states.

After introducing the resolution at Wednesday’s City Council meeting, Fioretti said he’s dead-serious about the idea of licensing dog owners at a time when the city is gearing up to launch its first-ever crackdown on the owners of unlicensed dogs.

“That way, we keep track of how many dogs the owner has. It’s a suggestion that will be part of the hearings,” he said.

Fioretti said a dog owners’ license could be issued by the city clerk’s office or the Department of Revenue, recently merged with the city comptroller’s office.

Asked what the criteria would be for determining a qualified owner, he said, “We would set up some kind of accountability. It is still to be determined.”

The alderman also raised the possibility of resurrecting a stalled ordinance that would require the owners to spay or neuter virtually all dogs and cats older than six months .

The last time the City Council considered that mandate it stirred passions on both sides. A 3 1/2-hour hearing barely made a dent in the 134 witnesses who had signed up to testify.

“We have to look at [mandatory] spay and neutering. It’s been proven that unneutered dogs are involved in more of these types of incidents — not because of inherent aggression, but a propensity to roam,” Fioretti said.

City Clerk Susana Mendoza, who co-sponsored the demand for City Council hearings, issued a press release that made no mention of licensing dog owners.

She simply said, “We do not feel that any legislation should be dog-breed specific, but instead focused on responsible dog ownership.”

Cherie Travis serves as executive director of the city’s Commission on Animal Care and Control, which received nearly 2,000 reports of dog bites in 2011.

Travis was taken aback by the suggestion that dog owners be licensed, but she did not dismiss the idea.

“It’s novel. But, I’d have to know more about how it would work. Who would issue the license? What would the criteria be? What would qualify people to be licensed as dog owners?” Travis said.

“In Minneapolis, there’s an ordinance that, if your dog has bitten someone, you can’t get another dog for five years. I’m certainly open to discussing best practices.”

She added, “One of the things I’d be interested in seeing is better identification of dogs so we can identify owners, through micro-chipping and increasing regulations.”

On Jan. 2, Joseph Finley was on his normal pre-dawn jog near Rainbow Beach Park when he spotted a pair of pit bulls blocking his path.

Finley, 62, ended up losing his left foot in the attack and was lucky to survive. Still hospitalized, Finley told reporters earlier this week that the dogs were “gnawing at my body like I was hamburger.”

Police say it was a heads-up neighbor who got to the dogs first, beating them with a baseball bat before police arrived and shot the dogs.

The dogs’ owner has been cited for not properly restraining the dogs and for not having a license. No criminal charges have been filed.

Shannon Cole

Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care In The Comfort Of Their Own Home"

PHONE: (847) 987-4322

WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net

Skunk Formula

2012-01-12T09:58:00.002-06:00

Can't post this enough!! Share & Tweet away!!!

Skunk Formula

DO NOT PRE-MIX!!!!

It'll explode any closed container you put it in.

(Which is why such a surefire cure isn't commercially available.)

1 Quart hydrogen peroxide

¼ cup baking soda

2 tablespoons dish soap

1.) Wet pet thoroughly with mixture

2.) Let sit a few minutes

3.) Rinse well

Shannon Cole

Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care In The Comfort Of Their Own Home"

PHONE: (847) 987-4322

WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net

HOME HEALTH CARE FOR YOUR CAT

2012-01-10T14:23:00.000-06:00

http://www.catpert.com/home-health-care-for-cat.html

Of course if your cat displays any signs of illness, you should take him to your veterinarian immediately. You should also take him for an annual check up, even if you have switched to a three-year vaccination cycle. The vaccination issue will be covered in the next issue of Cat Mews.

But there are certain things you can do for your cat at home to maintain good health.

* Grooming: although cats do a good job of cleaning themselves, brushing and combing him will help to get rid of any matted fur, and any parasites such as fleas can be noticed more easily. He will probably enjoy this fussing over him.
* Ears: wipe the ears from time to time with a moistened tissue. If he is scratching his ears a lot, he may have ear mites or an ear infection. Both of these should be treated as soon as possible as this could result a hematoma or swelling beneath the skin. If this occurs, then surgery is needed.
* Teeth: check the teeth as well. If the tissue on the gums is red, the cat could have gingivitis, an early sign of dental disease. Some cats will enjoy you cleaning their teeth, and today one can get feline toothpastes that cats like!
* Nails: you should learn to clip your cats’ nails. Be careful, however, that you clip the tip only, and not the part that contains the nerves and blood vessels.
* Chin: blackheads on the chin could mean feline acne.

Signs and symptoms to look for:You should check on his intake of water, food and use of the litter box for any abnormal behavior.

Sudden improper urination could mean the cat has a urinary tract infection. Any straining in the litter box means an urgent trip to the vet. is required as he could have a blockage which could result in death, if not properly cared for.

Any lumps on the body could mean an abscess or even cancer, and should be taken care of as soon as possible.

Alley Cat Rescue is helping to solve the crisis and tragedy of unwanted and abandoned cats.

Shannon Cole
Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home"

PHONE: (847) 987-4322

WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/shannonspetsitting

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/ShannonPetSit

How to prevent your child from being bitten by a dog

2012-01-10T14:17:00.001-06:00

http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/thebasics/prevent-bites

Dog Care - Acute Diarrhea

2012-01-06T13:25:00.002-06:00

http://www.cesarsway.com/askthevet/doghealth/Acute-Diarrhea

DOG CARE

Acute Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a very common problem in dogs and usually manifests as loose or liquid feces. The diarrhea can be acute or chronic with acute diarrhea being more common in puppies and young dogs although it can affect dogs of any age. Acute diarrhea starts suddenly and tends to last anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks. It is important to understand that diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease in itself and is a normal response to the imbalance of the absorptive, secretory and motility actions of the gastrointestinal tract. Common causes of diarrhea include dietary indiscretion such as getting into the garbage pail or eating people food that the dog is not accustomed to, abrupt dietary changes, medications especially antibiotics which tend to disrupt the gastric flora and infectious agents such as parvovirus, coronavirus, Salmonella, E.coli andGiardia to name a few. Depending on the cause, diarrhea is usually a self limiting condition in that the problem will resolve on its own in the majority of cases. Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea that persists more than 2 weeks or diarrhea that tends to recur over and over.

Most cases of acute diarrhea can be managed at home but it is important to monitor your dog’s health very carefully until the diarrhea resolves. The main concern with diarrhea is the amount of fluids being lost in the feces which makes dehydration something to watch out for. Make sure your dog always has plenty of fresh water available and is drinking. Try resting the gastrointestinal tract by withholding food for 12 hours and then feeding your dog a bland diet such as boiled chicken and white rice. Also consider adding a probiotic such as FortiFlora for a faster recovery. Keep feeding the bland diet for at least a few days after the diarrhea resolves. Do not give any over the counter medications to your dog without checking with your veterinarian first.

Diarrhea aside, your dog should be otherwise acting like her normal self; if she has additional symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, abdominal pain, blood in the diarrhea, vomiting and fever (rectal temperature greater than 103.5 F) then you need to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Additionally, if the diarrhea persists more than a week then a check-up is recommended. You can monitor your dog’s hydration status by feeling the gums, they should be moist and your finger should be able to slide along the gums easily. If the gums are dry and tacky then your dog is dehydrated and needs veterinary attention. Worsening dehydration can result in electrolyte imbalances and disrupt the acid-base balance as well, which make your dog very ill so don’t wait.

Veterinary workup for diarrhea usually consists of a physical and fecal exam. Snap tests for many common infectious agents that cause diarrhea are widely available and can provide rapid diagnosis. Bloodwork and radiography may be indicated in situations where the diarrhea is severe and other symptoms are present. Depending on the degree of illness your veterinarian will treat with subcutaneous fluids and take home medications or hospitalization with intravenous fluids and medications as needed.

You can help prevent bouts of diarrhea by preventing access to garbage and not allowing people food. If you change your dog’s diet, do it gradually by mixing in a little of the new food with the old food, gradually increasing how much of the new food you feed each day while simultaneously decreasing the amount of the old food. Ideally, diet changes should take place over the course of a week. Keep your dog’s vaccinations and de-worming schedule up to date. If your dog needs antibiotics then ask your veterinarian for a probiotic to help minimize the risk of antibiotic associated diarrhea. When out for a walk or hitting the dog park, make sure your dog does not pick up trash, eat other dog’s feces or drink from puddles. No one likes diarrhea but by taking a few precautions and being diligent about watching your dog’s health you can help minimize the risk and impact of acute diarrhea.

Shannon Cole

Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home"

PHONE: (847) 987-4322

WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/shannonspetsitting

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/ShannonPetSit

Another reason dogs rule: They know what you're thinking

2012-01-05T15:03:00.001-06:00

http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/05/9975679-another-reason-dogs-rule-they-know-what-youre-thinking

Another reason dogs rule: They know what you're thinking By Linda Carroll

Scientists have finally proven what every dog owner knows – our canine friends read our facial expressions like dedicated detectives.
Dogs don’t just depend on verbal commands to figure out what we want, a new study shows. Instead, they look deeply into our eyes and try to guess what we’re up to, according to the study published in Current Biology.
Hungarian researchers showed that dogs will even follow our gaze if we make eye contact with them first.
This study “reveals that dogs are receptive to human communication in a manner that was previously only attributed only to 6-month-old human infants,” said study co-author Jozsef Topal a researcher at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
Topal and his colleagues studied 29 canines. The dogs were shown a movie of a woman who sometimes would stare straight at the dog and call out to him and then turn her head to stare at an object next to her. The other times the woman would just turn her head and stare at the object.
For the most part, dogs who were addressed both through eye contact and with a verbal greeting tended to follow the gaze of the woman in the movie. When no eye contact was made, the dogs didn’t follow the gaze of the woman.
There have been similar experiments in babies, Topal said. And the dogs are behaving just as 6-month-olds do.
The new findings come as no surprise to Crystal Knode, a 51-year-old legal secretary from San Jose, Calif. Her 9-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Rachel, is always observing family members’ body language and facial expressions.
“She anticipates what is going to happen,” Knode said. “She watches and takes cues to figure out what I’m going to do and what I’m not going to do. Dogs are very attuned to body language and hand motions.”
Topal is convinced that the dogs’ behavior is something that has been bred into the species over its long partnership with humanity.
“Dogs have evolved to sharing their lives with humans,” Topal said. “And they gained new skills that support their social interaction with humans.”
Deleta Jones isn’t buying that analysis. She thinks this is just the way dogs interact – whether it’s with a human or another dog.
“When they learn verbal commands, they are learning a foreign language,” said the 48-year-old dog trainer from Hollister, Calif. “Dogs normally speak through body language and facial expression. It’s more natural to them.
“If you’ve ever watched dogs at a dog park, you’ve seen it. Within 30 seconds of the time they enter the park a huge amount of information has passed back and forth between the new dog and the ones already in the park. They’re exchanging looks, observing eyes and body posture. In seconds they know who is dominant and who is submissive.”
That skill just transfers to relationships with their owners, Jones said. “If people are upset and crying the dog sees the upset facial expression and also smells the adrenaline,” she added. “Dogs read all of that.”
So ultimately, babies, until they develop language, are using a communication system that all social animals do. Later on, they’ll lean more heavily on the spoken word, while dogs, cats and horses will continue to rely on body language.
People sometimes forget that body language is the more natural mode of communication for their pets, Knode said. If you really want to have a conversation with your pet, tune in to their language, she says.
“You have to try to communicate on their level, what they understand,” Knode said. “They have their own language and you just have to try to communicate and think as they would think.” Read more Vitals. It's good for you!

Shannon Cole
Shannon's Pet-Sitting
"Quality Pet Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home"
PHONE: (847) 987-4322
WEBSITE:   http://www.shannonspetsitting.net
FACEBOOK:   http://www.facebook.com/shannonspetsitting
TWITTER:   http://twitter.com/ShannonPetSit

50% off Dog or Cat Care Visit ($20 Value)

2012-01-02T10:58:00.001-06:00

http://www.whereyoushop.com/b/deal/shannons-pet-sitting-63n74

50% off Dog or Cat Care Visit ($20 Value)

Regular Price: $20.00

Our Price: $10.00

Your Savings: $10.00 (50%)

Shannon's Pet-Sitting

Time Remaining: 4 days 12:02:23 *

Redeem By: up to 365 days after purchase

Distance from Home: less than a mile (edit my shopping area)

50% off Dog or Cat Care Visit ($20 Value)

Regular Price: $20.00

Our Price: $10.00

Your Savings: $10.00 (50%)

Spotlight

One 30-Minute Visit

Travels to Your Home

Walking and Playtime

Feeding and Cleaning

Questions & Answers

Need to Know

Limit 3 per person. Valid on 1 dog or cat care visit. Please note that this is not a daily dog walking service. Includes free consultation. Valid for up to 2 dogs, each additional dog will incur a $5 fee. Appointment required.

Promotional value expires 365 days from purchase date. Advertising solicitation prohibited.

For general rules applicable to all deals, click here.

Here's the Deal

Looking into a pet’s big, pleading eyes can make us do anything from giving them a treat to canceling our vacation plans to stay home with them instead. Salvage your social life while ensuring your pets have the best care with this deal for 50% off a dog or cat care visit from Shannon’s Pet-Sitting, with services within 10 miles of Carpentersville ($20 value).

Ever since she started her own dog-walking business when she was 13, owner Shannon Cole has been working with animals. She provides exceptional care for all kinds of animals, including pets with behavioral problems and medical needs. Shannon is a certified veterinary assistant, and she is certified in pet CPR and first aid. During a 30-minute pet care visit, Shannon provides play time, feeding and litter box or cage cleaning. She’ll spend hands-on time with your cat or dog and ensure their comfort and safety.

About the Business

A vacation pet care service specializing in pets with behavioral issues, medical needs and senior pets.

* Deals are ALWAYS on! Most deals are 10% off when original deal is sold out.

Don’t let a gift dog take a bite out of fun

2011-12-28T08:48:00.003-06:00

http://www.uab.edu/news/latest/item/1931-don%E2%80%99t-let-a-gift-dog-take-a-bite-out-of-fun

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Don’t let a gift dog take a bite out of fun

By Kevin Storr

Shelter unexpectedly has kittens on its hands

2011-12-22T07:48:00.003-06:00

First came Katie, then Karley, then Toby, and finally Keisa. I'm talking about our families cats who all came from Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Riverwoods, IL over the years.

If you got kittenitis they are da place to cure it!

Shelter unexpectedly has kittens on its hands

BY PAT KROCHMAL pkrochmal@pioneerlocal.com December 20, 2011 8:16PM

A black-and-white kitten peers out of its cage at Orphans of the Storm. Female cats are still bearing litters this late in the year because the weather has been so warm; therefore the shelter has an abundance of kittens available for adoption. | Ruthie

Updated: December 22, 2011 2:46AM

The Orphans of the Storm animal shelter is featuring some of its favorite things - like whiskers on kittens - attached to some rather special holiday animals.

The Riverwoods facility at this time is home to more than 60 kittens, which is more than a bit unusual for this time of the year, said Jackie Borchew, director of the agency’s community relations.

“We almost never have kittens available at this time of year, because female cats stop breeding when it’s cold,” she said. “But this year so far, it hasn’t been very cold.”

So Borchew suggests that individuals who are interested in adopting a kitten consider two, or even better a kitten and an adult cat.

“A kitten is undeniably cute, but a kitten is only a kitten for a short amount of time,” Borchew said. “Those who adopt adults will know the animal’s personality because it’s already developed.

“And two keep each other company when their people are not around. They also keep each other busy, so they are not likely to get into as much trouble.”

An adoption fee of $90 is applicable for any kitten, cat, puppy or dog chosen to help support the ongoing rescue effort. Then another $95 is necessary to cover immunizations. And all animals must be spayed or neutered.

The staff at Orphans of the Storm is celebrating yule time in more ways than one. It is expanding the usual adoption hours, which are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday.

On Christmas Eve, as well as New Year’s Eve, adoptions will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Individuals who visit now also will be treated to seasonal music played by volunteers, as well as hors devours, holiday baked goods and sparkling cider to help everyone get in the holiday spirit.

For information, call (847) 945-0235, visit the facility at 2200 Riverwoods Road, go online to www.orphansofthestorm.org or see some the animals available on Facebook.

Steph Tails All – Tips On How to Sniff Out a Puppy Mill or Bad Breeder

2011-12-20T15:23:00.000-06:00

Steph Tails All – Tips On How to Sniff Out a Puppy Mill or Bad Breeder

December 16, 2011 in Featured, Home, Steph Tails All by stephaniekrol

‘Tis the season for holiday madness. We all know that some people jump at the idea of getting a puppy to put under the tree as an impulse purchase. Being a responsible pet owner and caring for a pet for their entire life is critical when deciding on getting a puppy. Did you know that many puppies you see in a pet store are from a dirty secret called a puppy mill? Did you also know the Midwest is a hotbed for puppy mills or what I like to call them puppy factories! I spoke with David Morgan of Michiana Pet Shop Puppies who has a team committed to educating the public on these issues especially since the group based out of South Bend, Indiana is near an epicenter of puppy mills with a majority of the puppies going to stores in Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis and throughout the Midwest.

According to David, the winter holidays are the busiest puppy-buying season of the year. Michiana Pet Shop Puppies where he volunteers his time, encourages the public to NOT purchase any puppies from local pet stores—they are coming from local puppy mills. Instead, they are inviting the public to consider pet adoption.

David, who also adopted a puppy mill survivor gives these questions to ask in order to sniff out a puppy mill or bad breeder.

Can we see the parents of the puppy?

If you can’t – then walk away.—If you can’t see the parents, this is a huge red flag!

Can we visit your kennel?

If you can’t-then walk away. Some puppy mills will say you can’t for “health reasons”-don’t believe this. Walk away from the deal.

Can we see the Registration Papers for all of your dogs?

If they have 100 dogs, this will be difficult. You don’t want to buy here.

Can we see the Pedigree papers of the parents?

This is a document that shows the last three or four generations of the puppies lineage. A serious breeder of quality puppies will have the Pedigree for both of the parents of the puppy.

What kind of health problems does this breed have?

Do your research ahead of time, and know the answer before asking the question. If the breeder doesn’t know-then walk away.

How many litters have each of these parents had?

This is another question aimed at determining how much the dogs are a part of the lives of the owners versus the owners simply considering them “puppy factories.” Dams can have two litters per year. Many good breeders only allow their females to have one liter per year.

There are many more questions that you can ask to determine the reputation of the breeder and the quality of their puppies. Do your research-this is not an impulse purchase!

But most importantly, never buy from a Pet Shop.

According to David, if you buy a puppy from a Pet Store, you don’t get to see the parents, you learn nothing about the conditions of the kennels, and you don’t get to question the breeders. In short, you are supporting the Puppy Mill industry.

David points out that Reputable Breeders NEVER sell to a Pet Store. They want to meet you, and know you will take care of this precious animal. You should do the same. There are many reputable breeders in our region, they will be happy to work with you in finding just the right dog for your family.

To learn more or help the cause, find this group on Facebook at Michiana Pet Shop Puppies.

Stephanie Krol can be best described as a mixed breed of a newshound and publicist in the pet industry. She has the ability to sniff out the latest lifestyle trends when it comes to pets. As a proud “pet parent” of three rescues Nigel (cat), Simon (dog) and recent addition of Nola (cat). Stephanie spreads the word of animal welfare every chance she gets. She is the board president of the Humane Society of Elkhart County and serves as a spokeswoman for the animal shelter along with volunteers for a variety of animal welfare initiatives. For more information, visit Steph Tails All on Facebook.

Shannon Cole
Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home"

PHONE: (847) 987-4322

WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/shannonspetsitting

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/ShannonPetSit

Shannon’s Pet-Sitting Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

2011-12-15T15:13:00.001-06:00

Official Press Release 12/15/2011

www.angieslist.com

Shannon’s Pet-Sitting Earns Coveted Angie’s List SuperService Award

Award reflects businesses’ consistently high level ofcustomer service

Shannon’s Pet-Sitting of Carpentersville, IL has been awarded the prestigious2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually onapproximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leadingprovider of consumer reviews on local service andhealth providers.

“We needed to head out oftown for a memorial service and hated the thought of sending our two littlepups to a kennel. Shannon came to our home fora meet and greet and we knew right away she would be perfect. Her love foranimals was evident as soon as we met her. She went out of her way tomake sure we would not worry about our furry friends while we were away fromhome. Shannon updated us with text messagesand even sent pictures! We have since hired Shannonfor some stop by visits when work schedules were hectic. We will plan futuretrips, whenever possible, around Shanon's schedule to make sure we can enjoyour time away with no worries.”

“Only afraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling servicerecord of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” saidAngie’s List Founder Angie Hicks.“The fact that Shannon’s Pet-Sitting can claimSuper Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’sList Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirementsincluding earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s Listoperational guidelines.

Ratings are updated daily on Angie’sList, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to businessnames in search results on AngiesList.com.

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews onlocal contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently,more than 2 million consumers across the U.S. rely onAngie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimitedaccess to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help fromthe Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quicktour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’sList news.

http://www.shannonspetsitting.net/

6 Tips for Mastering the Dog Walk

2011-12-15T11:15:00.000-06:00

Many pet owners tell me they do not walk their dog & don't require me to. I'm a firm believer in what Cesar Milan has said & demonstrated on the HUGE influence walks have on a dogs behavior & their relationship with humans!

My "Problem Child" Kayla the Standard Poodle is proof of this. I've been caring for Kayla for about 2 years now & this summer we started going for walks. Something her owners never do with her because of her obnoxious aggressive behavior. Once we make it out of the cul-de-sac we're usually good to go. She get a little woorked up if she sees anybody before we get out of the cul-de-sac. But otherwise has proven to be very good on walks. We go around the block & have one house we avoid & walk on the other side of the street because their 2 dogs are always out on their invisible fence. We both look at them & keep going without an issue. Walks have done wonders to increase the bond between Kayla & I!

http://www.cesarsway.com/tips

6 Tips for Mastering the Dog Walk

By Cesar Millan

I often walk about ten dogs at a time, sometimes even off-leash if I'm in a safe area. People are amazed by this, but it's simple: the dogs see me as their pack leader. This is why dogs follow me wherever I go.

1. Position matters.

Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.

2. Use a short dog leash.

This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider the Illusion collar. Always keep your dog's safety in mind when giving corrections.

3. Set aside time.

Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met.

4. Define exploration time.

After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.

5. Don't punch out.

When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.

6. Share food and water.

By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for food and water.

And don’t forget to set a good example by always picking up after your dog!

Cesar's Top 9 Holiday Tips for Dogs

2011-12-15T11:02:00.001-06:00

Straight from Cesar Milan himself & his website Cesar's Way!

http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/seasonal/top-holiday-tips

Cesar's Top 9 Holiday Tips for Dogs

The holidays are fun for all including dogs, but dogs can get overexcited by guests and injured or poisoned by holiday decorations and treats. Here are my top holiday tips for a happy pooch!

1. Tire your dog out before visiting or receiving holiday guests.

Keep in mind that holiday visits are not typical visits. They may involve more heightened energy than normal, since often we haven’t seen these people in a while, and dog people have a tendency to get excited around others’ pets. Your dog is more likely to behave if it’s just had a nice long walk. If they’re not dog people, your guest may be nervous, insecure, and unsure; a tired dog can help these people relax.

2. Don't forget rules, boundaries, and limitations just because it's the holidays!

When it comes to the aromatic holiday food, sweets, and candies lying about the house, there are many temptations for your dog. You have to remind him or her that the rules, boundaries, and limitations are the same. Use the holiday as a chance to intensify good behavior instead of intensifying bad behavior. It's up to you to take the opportunity to make it a great holiday by working on your leadership skills!

3. Protect your dog from the cold.

Many breeds are not built to handle cold weather. Check out your local pet store for the many ways to handle this. You can buy doggie boots and gear made specifically for cold weather. There are also paw waxes that protect from the cold and aid your dog’s grip on slippery surfaces like ice or snow.

4. Let your dog check the weather.

Dogs don’t have the Weather Channel, so they don’t know why they are being denied a long walk for the day. Allow your dog to step outside and feel for itself that it is too cold or too stormy to go on a long walk. Instinctually, the dog will understand why it is coming back inside where it’s safe. But, be careful not to allow them to do this too often. They can learn to use this open door to manipulate and control you. Also, some dogs, if out in the cold for too long, will develop thicker fur and maintain their fat as a natural protection, so they may not feel the cold as intensely as we humans do. This can be an advantage if you want to continue to take your dog for walks in cold weather. However, please keep in mind that many short-haired breeds do not have this natural resistance to cold weather.

5. Be cautious when around the fireplace!

Animals are instinctual about fire; it is natural for an animal to stay away. However, during this holiday season, many owners like to dress their dogs up. Never use a product which may contain alcohol, such as hairspray, silly string, or entertainment paint, on a dog that will be around fire. Always be cautious near a fire with an animal that is wearing clothing. A stray piece of fabric can quickly cause the entire outfit to light on fire. A screen is a good way to keep a “done-up” pup safe. Also, never leave an animal alone in a room with a lit candle. As a general holiday precaution, test your smoke alarms, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times!

6. Be aware of dangerous holiday items.

The festive poinsettia causes dogs to vomit. Chocolate is a poisonous treat. And tinsel has sent many a dog to the emergency room, as it can easily cut up intestines. Paper-based tinsel is generally a safer option, but the plastic or metallic-based varities should not be used.

7. Protect your presents and decorations.

Remember that a dog will know if a gift contains something edible, even if you don’t. Ask your guests in advance if there is food inside the presents, and keep them out of your dog’s reach! Keep fragile ornaments toward the top of the Christmas tree; only place sturdy ones near the bottom. Often people use a pen to keep dogs away from their tree. Keep it fun by decorating the pen with ribbons. And, above all, set rules, boundaries, and limitations!

8. I don't recommend giving a puppy as a holiday gift.

Most often, giving a puppy for emotional reasons turns out badly. Love is never the problem. Who doesn't love a puppy? But most people don’t know how to keep a puppy balanced, and the puppy is going to suffer the consequences from the first day. In particular, if a person doesn't know they are getting a puppy, they will be in the wrong state of mind to receive him or her. I highly recommend holding off on affection for a week or, at the very least, until the end of the day when the puppy is quiet, in his kennel, and ready for sleep. This is virtually impossible to do if you just received a puppy as a surprise!

I strongly believe that people need to have some basic knowledge about the commitment and responsibility of pet ownership and how to play a leadership role even though it’s a puppy. The beautiful part about starting with a puppy is that, if you know what to do, you are going to prevent problems. But if you don’t, you are going to create problems. We have to take the same philosophy as adopting a child. You don’t just give a kid away. You have to get the whole family involved. Everyone has to understand the responsibility they are taking on.

9. Live in the moment! Be happy! Laugh! Celebrate!

Want to do something special for your dog for the holidays? Be balanced. Don’t be nervous. Don’t be fearful. Don’t be tense. Don’t think about anything that makes you sad, depressed, or angry. Really live in that moment. Believe it or not, that is one of the biggest gifts we can give to our dog--and ourselves! Everyone, rich or poor, can practice this simple activity. It has more meaning than any gift you can buy.

Live in the now, with your dog right next to you and your family around you. Your dog is going to get the benefit of it, particularly if you don’t have days like this on a regular basis. This special day will linger in his or her memory, and, hopefully, you can learn to practice these days more often, not just during the holiday season.

Shannon Cole
Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home"

PHONE: (847) 987-4322

WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/shannonspetsitting

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/ShannonPetSit

Why Use a professional Pet Sitter?

2011-12-15T10:55:00.004-06:00

http://www.shannonspetsitting.net/whyuseaprofessionalpetsitter.html

*We want to be able to depend on our friends, our family, and even our neighbors, but there is a truth that separates them from a professional pet sitter.
Your pet is a professional pet sitter’s first priority.

A professional pet sitter has an obligation to care for your pet whether their car breaks down or not.

When you hire a professional pet sitter, you’re hiring someone who has made a life commitment to the care of animals. Most professional pet sitters not only have pets of their own, but have chosen the profession precisely because their care for the animal kingdom is immense. A professional pet sitter not only invests in the life of your pet, but understands your care and concern as an owner. Hiring a professional pet sitter guarantees that you are hiring someone whose going to think of your pet’s needs before their own.

Professional pet sitters make sure to protect you, your pet, and even your home. Not only will most professional pet sitting services require you to sign a legally binding general service contract and veterinarian notification form, they’ll also have acquired insurance and bonding created specifically for professional pet sitters and agencies.

These two reasons alone are those that I feel are the most important factors that separate hiring a professional pet sitter from enlisting the help of a friend. Friends are wonderful to have, but I have heard from countless clients, and experienced myself, the first hand reality of what can go wrong when your pets’ lives are not in the hands of a professional.

Some other great reasons to hire a professional pet sitter?

Your pets will never have to leave the comfort and security of their own home. This includes the added amenity of never being exposed to kennel-related diseases, or having to endure extra vaccinations simply in order to be kenneled. For many pets, life at the kennel isextremely stressful; this added stress can actually weaken your pet’s immune system and make them even more susceptible to disease.

Your pet will be able to stay on its daily food, break, and playtime schedule.

Professional pet sitters provide focused one-on-one personal care for your pets. When you hire a professional pet sitter, that specialized attention is included in their fee, not added a la carte. This one-on-one approach provides the focus needed to spot acute illnesses, changes in behavior or diet, and can prevent medical emergencies before they occur.

Professional pet sitters are often certified in pet first aid and CPR.

A professional pet sitter forms a strong bond with your pet. This bond reduces stress, provides your pet with a sense of protection and security, and prevents fear and confusion caused when multiple people are responsible for your pets care.

There are many, many more reasons to hire a professional pet sitter. In the end, both you and your pets will rest easy knowing that they’re in a professional pet sitter’s care. Your pets will spend your vacation playing, snuggling, and enjoying the quiet house, while you relax on a beach in Hawaii, or - in most cases - work non-stop on that company project you’ve had to fly to another state for!!*

* Heather Schriefer, Petcetera Pet Sitting Services, www.petceterapetsitting.com

She may not win Best in Show but she will win your heart

2011-12-15T10:48:00.003-06:00

This was a story from the Examiner

http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-philadelphia/beauty-is-only-skin-deep

She may not win Best in Show but she will win your heart

Amy Rossi

, Philadelphia Animal Welfare Examiner

December 14, 2011 -.

Looking at Lucy and hearing her story would make even the strongest person want to cry. She has lived a horrible, painful life. A life no animal should have to endure.

Lucy, a 3 1/2-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier, didn't always look like this. This is not the face she was born with.

This is the result of the awful abuse she endured while living in Bogota, Colombia before coming to the U.S.

The beatings she took from her former owner were so bad that her nose and jaw were broken and since they were not properly set, they healed like this. To correct it, the bones would have to be broken and reset, which would be awful.

But she doesn't need to go through that, because Lucy is beautiful, special, and unique in her own way.

Some of her teeth were pulled so she could not fight off male dogs during repeated matings. She was able to get away but then found herself on the streets, emaciated and pregnant until someone saved her.

The vet who examined her found her uterus was twisted and had to make a decision to save her or her babies. He picked her. It was determined to be her fifth or sixth pregnancy. Her rescuer was told that she was used as a submissive dog to train aggression in fighting dogs.

This poor girl has had one sad, tragic, and tortured life so far.

She is now looking for a forever home where she can find the love, caring, acceptance, and safety she's missed out on so far.

They say she is shy with strangers, never aggressive, and needs to build up confidence with dogs and people, but she's just the sweetest girl who loves belly rubs. She is now spayed, up-to-date on shots, and has no trouble eating.

She is currently in boarding in New York and needs our help to find her special someone to take her home to receive unconditional love and happiness. This girl deserves nothing but that from this day forward.

If you are interested in opening your heart and home to Lucy by fostering or adopting, please call Vivianne at (646) 662-0251, or you can email her by clicking here.

Please share for Lucy. She's waiting for her happy beginning.

To view more photos of gorgeous Lucy, click here.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched, but are felt in the heart. ~ Helen Keller

Please help spread the word about animals in need by joining the Hearts for Hopefuls Facebook page. Feel free to email mewith local topic ideas, and also be sure to join my animal welfare Facebook fan page!

Shannon Cole

Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home"

PHONE: (847) 987-4322

WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/shannonspetsitting

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/ShannonPetSit

Lucy, after the abuse she endured, is still beautiful.

Credits:

Facebook.com

Slideshow: Beauty

"Just Say No" Campaign

2011-12-15T10:28:00.002-06:00

Shannon Cole

Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home"

PHONE: (847) 987-4322

WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/shannonspetsitting

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/ShannonPetSit

BARKING: The Facts

2011-12-07T08:23:00.001-06:00

FROM:

Bark Busters Newsletter

December 2011

BARKING: The Facts

While many people consider barking to be a normal
behavior, excessive barking is a behavioral problem and is often a sign that your dog is stressed--not to mention that it can cause great stress for YOU in public places with your dog, or if you live in a community where your neighbors can hear your dog bark too!

Dogs bark in a variety of situations:

When their owners arrive home
When their owners leave home
When visitors come to the house
When they hear other dogs barking
When playing
To demand attention from their owner
When they want to go outside
When they want to be fed
When scared or startled
When getting their owners to play fetch
When fighting
At passersby or animals outside
...or for no obvious reason at all!

If you have been telling your dog to stop barking, yet he continues or stops but immediately starts again, you are not getting through to him or getting to the root of what is causing him stress.

Some other important facts to know about your dog's or puppy's barking:

Dogs who bark at birds, dogs, people, falling leaves or clouds aren't watchdogs! They are nuisance barkers and are less likely to be taken notice of when a real threat is present.
A quiet, intelligent watchdog is the dog intruders need to be wary of, as he is aware of anything out of the ordinary that could be perceived as a threat to your family pack-and will have your immediate attention.
Barking at passersby that pose no threat to you IS considered nuisance barking.
It's never too late to teach your dog to stop barking.
As they reach maturity, most dogs will naturally protect their owners when needed and where necessary, but a puppy that barks without being stopped is a potential nuisance barker in the making.
A puppy that barks at his owner when being corrected vocally needs training as soon as possible. He is challenging his owner's authority, and this could be the making of a dog that becomes more difficult to control as he matures.

Having your dog assessed bya professional to ascertain why your dog is barking should be the first step you take toward permanently changing his behavior and turning him into a more relaxed, happy family member who will be more capable of sounding the alarm appropriately when a realemergency arises.

Shannon Cole
Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home"

PHONE: (847) 987-4322

WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/shannonspetsitting

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/ShannonPetSit

Growling is Good

2011-12-06T09:37:00.001-06:00

Being a pet sitter who specializes in petswith behavioralissues, medical issues & senior pets I've learned reading an animals bodylanguage is essential! They do it for a reason!! I 100% trust animals instincts& when I see a dog growl I know to take heed & look for theunderstandable reasoning behind it!

This is a great article explaining whygrowling isn't a bad thing!

By Paw Prints Staff w/ input from Melissa French, YourPackLeader.com

Imagine the following scenario…

A woman is walking her normally well-behaved dog as she does every day. Recently, however, she noticed that her dog started growling at the children he saw out and about while on walks. The woman calls her vet for input and the vet suggests she bring the dog in for an exam since illness and physical issues can be the cause of behavior problems and the vet thought it would be a good idea to either diagnose the problem or rule that out. Fortunately (or not), the vet found nothing physically wrong with the dog, so he suggested that the woman call a trainer and he suggested one whom he thought of highly.

The trainer suggested by her vet followed traditional training methods. The woman was taught to correct her dog’s growling by giving a short, quick yank on a choke collar and saying “No!” After a week or so of following this advice, she was thrilled to see that her dog had stopped growling at children. SUCCESS!!!

The woman felt confident about her dog and his behavior.

Some time later, a child ran up to the dog while on a walk and reached her hand out to pet him. Of course, the dog’s owner was not concerned and had no reservations about the child petting her dog. The dog, as expected, didn’t growl at all. Suddenly, without any warning, the dog whipped his head around and bit the child’s hand.

His owner described this incident later as happening “…out of nowhere!” And she was correct… sort of.

Did it really come out of nowhere? Well, not exactly.

Wouldn't you prefer this warning to none at all?

Dogs growl for a reason – it is a valuable warning signal. The dog’s previous growling episodes were a way of telling his owner, “I’m kind of freaking out about these kids that we see on our walks.” It was also his way of telling the children, “GET THE HECK AWAY FROM ME!”

For whatever reason, the dog began to see the children as something that should concern him. Correcting his growling did nothing more than force him to inhibit his natural warning system, but it did nothing to help him change his feelings about children. As a result, it was only a matter of time that some child would physically breach his comfort zone and come too close. Without the warning growl the dog’s only option was to bypass the warning stage and escalate to a bite.

Correcting a growl, snarl, or even a snap or a lunge is like putting a Band-Aid on an infected wound. It will disguise the problem for a period of time, but won’t cure it – in fact, it will only get worse if left untreated. Aggressive acts are simply reactions to fear. Just like us, when dogs become fearful they have the choice of fight or flight (that means staying to deal with whatever is about to happen or to run away). When a dog is on a leash the flight option is eliminated and the dog is left with only one choice – to stay and deal with whatever he perceives is about to happen (he is a dog after all and his ability to think things through is limited to what his gut tells him). While some dogs may hide behind their owners’ legs, others may act out in an aggressive manner.

When a warning display is inhibited and escape is not an option, a dog that

His body language will tell you everything you need to know.

feels helpless may just shut down. Though this dog gave no sign of distress, someone experienced in reading dog body language would likely have seen his signals. Perhaps he put his head down, maybe his ears were held close to his head, his eyes might have been wide with the whites showing, his tail might have been clamped down (a dog covering his back end with his tail is akin to a scared person covering his/her eyes). Feeling afraid or cornered with no way to express it, the dog panicked and bit the hand that he thought was attacking him.

I know, I know, you’re asking, “What’s the answer?”

If your dog is displaying aggressive behavior, you need to see a trainer/behaviorist who is experienced in dog-friendly training methods, knows dog behavior and is also experienced with aggression issues (not all trainers are and not all will tell you unless you ask – some won’t even take aggression cases).

Make the call right away – call more than one. If these issues aren’t addressed, it could result in a human or other dog receiving a serious bite. And don’t think that if your dog is small he/she can’t do much damage and that it isn’t that big a deal. Trust me, you can be sued for any degree of biting that breaks the skin and that will do damage to your pocket book and your insurance rates.

What can you do in the meantime?

There are several important things that you, the owner, should do if your dog is displaying aggressive behaviors towards a human or another dog…

First, and often the easiest thing to do is AVOID CONTACT WITH THE THINGS THAT FREAK YOUR DOG OUT! If you usually walk him in a heavily populated area and he’s reactive to strange people, find somewhere else or choose a different time of day to walk him. Not making that adjustment will not only put you in a compromising position, but might even make his fear worse over time. Just know that avoiding the situation will not fix the problem.

If you suddenly come upon something that makes your dog react aggressively, STAY CALM! He will be taking his cues from you. Breath normally, keep your voice calm and cheerful, and remove him from the situation quickly and without making a production out of it. In a fluid movement, try and make a big circle around the object, or turn and go in a direction away from the object. Try to avoid any hesitation, and any extra tension on the leash… those are both glaring signals to your dog – in a negative way. If you unexpectedly pick up the pace exponentially, you can distract your dog all the while jogging home quickly helping to avoid the problem at the same time.

The good news is that you don’t have to assume that you have an aggressive dog just because your dog is displaying aggressive behaviors. You do have a dog with a problem, but one that can very often be resolved with the appropriate behavioral modification. Don’t wait and hope it will go away! Take action today and call a trainer so that you may avoid an embarrassing or dangerous predicament most assuredly in the future.

Melissa French is a dog trainer in the Kansas City Metro. To contact Melissa, visit her website, www.YourPackLeader.com.

My Dog is Friendly! A Public Service Announcement

2011-12-02T13:59:00.001-06:00

My Dog is Friendly! A Public Service Announcement

bull and terrier

LIFE IN AN UNFENCED YARD

ovember 30, 2011

My Dog is Friendly! A Public Service Announcement

There is epidemic happening across the country and no one is safe. It’s occurring on crowded city sidewalks and spacious country walking trails. It doesn’t discriminate based on race, age, or economic status.

Innocent dogs and their owners are being terrorized, chased down the street, pinned into corners by…other dog owners.

But, you ask, don’t all dogs like to meet, greet, and play with other dogs, even unfamiliar ones? How rude of them not to greet me and my dog! Not so, kind hearted dog lovers, not so at all.

In every city, town, and suburb, loving, law abiding families share their lives with dogs that, for a variety of reasons, cannot or would rather not, socialize with other dogs.

Today I call on all dog lovers to take a stand on behalf of dogs that walk in public while they simultaneously cope with one or more of the following:

contagious diseases
leash reactivity
service dog training
injuries and painful physical conditions
intolerance of other animals
recovery from surgery
fearful of unfamiliar or rowdy dogs
aging and elderly
learning self control around other dogs
are owned by people that want to be left alone

To keep it simple, these dogs and their owners shall be known as Dogs in Need of Space (DINOS).

These DINOS have every right to walk the streets, using a standard 4-6 foot leash, without interacting with strangers, human or canine. And yet…they are hounded, day after day, by cheery, well meaning dog owners who insist on meeting them.

Despite frantic efforts to cross the street or hiding between parked cars, DINOS are chased down by other people walking dogs, who refuse to believe that there is someone out there that do not want to meet them.

How do you spot these terrorists? You can recognize these people by their battle cry, “My dog is friendly!” Henceforth known as My Dog is Friendly (MDIF).

Pick any corner of any town in America and you’re likely to see a scene similar to this one:

A DINOS is working on his manners, let’s say it’s leash reactivity. He has some issues with strange dogs, but is in training so that he can learn to stay calm in their presence. DINOS spots another dog coming and, like their trainer instructed them, they create some distance and do a sit-stay with eye contact. The goal: to keep cool while the other dog passes.

But they didn’t realize they were being stalked by an eager MDIF. Look! There’s one now, crossing the street, speed walking in a beeline right towards the seated DINOS, their own dog straining at the collar.

The DINOS steps further away, trying again to create distance. Any anthropologists (or kindergartner) can read the clear body language in play from DINOS. Observe: no eye contact or smiling, they are facing away from MDIF, perhaps glancing frantically around themselves, looking for an escape.

MDIF is impervious to body language and insists on coming closer. The DINOS signals become escalated, and like a dog losing its patience with a rude puppy, DINOS issues a quiet, but firm warning, “My dog doesn’t like other dogs.”

Unable to understand their native language, MDIF continues their advances until DINOS is trapped and begins to lose his ability to stay cool. See: lunging and barking, coupled with awkward struggles to get away. Now, like a dog that’s being humped relentlessly by a teenage dog with no manners, DINO snaps, so the message is clear, “Stop! Don’t come any closer!”

And, without fail, MDIF calls out their cheerful, pleading battle cry, “My dog is friendly!” Usually this is received by the back of the DINOS as they jog away.

Then, often followed by a hurt look, the MDIF mutters, “What’s your dog’s problem?”

The DINO, shaken, wonders why they are working so hard on improving their dog’s manners when the humans around them have the social skills of, well, a dog with no social skills.

A brief interlude from the author:

Quickly, let’s turn to the similar epidemic of off leash dogs that are not under voice control. It’s the law: Put your dog on a leash. No one but ME gets to decide who my dog interacts with. Not you, with the “friendly” dog who just wants to say “hi” or you, with the dog who “knows” not to leave your property, but charges me up my porch steps. I, and I alone, will decide if my dog will be interacting with your dog and when you let your dog run loose you are ROBBING ME of my right to choose whether or not we want to interact with your dog. Not cool.

And now back to our Public Service Announcement:

Dogs In Need Of Space are good dogs. They may not want to socialize with your dog, but they have the right to walk with their owners, on leash, without harassment from strangers who insist on a forced greeting. Their owners do not want to cause a scene or yell, in a panic, at strangers. They don’t want their dog to act inappropriately, get hurt, backslide on their training, or frighten anyone. Please, dog lovers of the world, allow these dogs and their people some space and, if they are walking or turning away from you, keep your dog close by and pass them without comment.

All they want is to walk their dogs in peace, without having to hide under a park bench in order to escape the relentless pursuit of dogs owners who call out…

“My dog is friendly!”

Shannon Cole
Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home"
PHONE: (847) 987-4322
WEBSITE:   http://www.shannonspetsitting.net
FACEBOOK:   http://www.facebook.com/shannonspetsitting
TWITTER:   http://twitter.com/ShannonPetSit

Simon's Cat in 'Santa Claws'

2011-12-02T13:48:00.001-06:00

Shannon Cole
Shannon's Pet-Sitting

"Quality Pet Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home"

PHONE: (847) 987-4322

WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/shannonspetsitting

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/ShannonPetSit

The Twilight Bark

Twilight Bark MOVED!!! Move with me!!

The New Shannon's Pet-Sitting Website & The Twilight Bark is Moving!!!

License owners, not dogs? Alderman wants to tighten leash

Skunk Formula

Skunk Formula

HOME HEALTH CARE FOR YOUR CAT

How to prevent your child from being bitten by a dog

Dog Care - Acute Diarrhea

DOG CARE

Acute Diarrhea

Another reason dogs rule: They know what you're thinking

50% off Dog or Cat Care Visit ($20 Value)

50% off Dog or Cat Care Visit ($20 Value)

Shannon's Pet-Sitting

50% off Dog or Cat Care Visit ($20 Value)

Spotlight

Need to Know

Here's the Deal

About the Business

Don’t let a gift dog take a bite out of fun

Don’t let a gift dog take a bite out of fun

Shelter unexpectedly has kittens on its hands

First came Katie, then Karley, then Toby, and finally Keisa. I'm talking about our families cats who all came from Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Riverwoods, IL over the years.

If you got kittenitis they are da place to cure it!

Shelter unexpectedly has kittens on its hands

Steph Tails All – Tips On How to Sniff Out a Puppy Mill or Bad Breeder

Steph Tails All – Tips On How to Sniff Out a Puppy Mill or Bad Breeder

Shannon’s Pet-Sitting Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

6 Tips for Mastering the Dog Walk

6 Tips for Mastering the Dog Walk

1. Position matters.

2. Use a short dog leash.

3. Set aside time.

4. Define exploration time.

5. Don't punch out.

6. Share food and water.

Cesar's Top 9 Holiday Tips for Dogs

Straight from Cesar Milan himself & his website Cesar's Way!

Cesar's Top 9 Holiday Tips for Dogs

Why Use a professional Pet Sitter?

She may not win Best in Show but she will win your heart

http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-philadelphia/beauty-is-only-skin-deepShe may not win Best in Show but she will win your heart

Amy Rossi

Slideshow: Beauty

Slideshow: Beauty

"Just Say No" Campaign

BARKING: The Facts

Growling is Good

My Dog is Friendly! A Public Service Announcement

My Dog is Friendly! A Public Service Announcement

bull and terrier

LIFE IN AN UNFENCED YARD

Simon's Cat in 'Santa Claws'

http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-philadelphia/beauty-is-only-skin-deep

She may not win Best in Show but she will win your heart