DOG SITTING
by Guenevere & Mifire While many of us find ourselves watching over our grandchildren, it seems to be the trend to find ourselves watching over pets belonging to our children, grandchildren, neighbors or friends! Lately, I've had many people ask about how to take care of someone else's pet. This isn't an easy question to answer. Every pet is different, so the more you know, the easier it will be on you AND the pet! I raised German shepherds and African Basenjis for years and trained dogs for many more. But for this article, I've also enlisted the expertise of my dear friend, Guenevere, who is a beloved and well respected dog sitter.
1. Know where the owners will be and how to contact them. 2. Get WRITTEN instructions on how often the dog is fed, what time of day, etc. and be sure the owner provides the food. Have them include how often the dog should go out and if there are particular times of day. 3. Make sure the dog's vaccinations and tags are up to date and tell the owner to be sure all necessary tags are on the dog's collar or leash. 4. If possible, have the owner bring the dog to your home to give him/her the chance to get acquainted with you and these strange surroundings before the dog is to be left there. 5. Get written information on contacting the dog's vet: Name, address, phone and fax numbers. Be sure you know what name the dog goes by at the vet's office (call name or registered?), and who is listed as the owner there. MAKE SURE the owner provides any medications or supplements and instructions for administering them. Also ask if the dog has had its flea and heartworm treatment or if it will be necessary to administer them while the owner(s) is away. 6. Get WRITTEN permission to have the dog treated if it becomes ill or is injured while in your care! 7. Some questions to ask:
8. Things the dog will need:
9. If the dog is even partially obedience trained, you will need to learn what commands it knows and how to say them properly. This way, the dog is more likely to obey you, will understand what you want, and you'll both be happier! 10. The night before the dog will be left with you, have the owner wear something old to bed, or lie on a clean but old towel. Have them bring this item with the dog and put it where the dog will sleep at your house so the owner's scent will be close by. As Guenevere so wisely reminded me, any pet will feel safer if cuddled and petted. It is best to keep the dog's routine as close as possible to what it does at home. This may seem like a lot to remember, so it might be easier if you copy and print out these ideas and give a copy to the dog's owner to use as a checklist. Many people who think they won't like or may even fear taking care of someone else's pet, often find themselves falling in love with the pet and missing their companionship when they go home. Don't be surprised if the same happens to you! DEALING WITH DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE Submitted by my great friend, Patti [Note from Misfire: Although this item is directed to Americans, it may pertain to anyone in the world who has had the same problem.] Is
everyone else going through this? I have been so
frustrated with new purchases... Nothing works correctly
anymore. The new LCD TV I bought 3 weeks ago died over
the weekend. The bedside table I bought arrived with the
back panel pushed in. The box was fine, so it was damaged
BEFORE it was put in the box... somebody knew, but they
didn't care enough or were under too much pressure to
pull the damaged product. The stainless steel trash can I
bought for the new house was dented in -- once again, the
box was not damaged, so whomever packed the box knew he
was packing a dented can. The digital camera I bought in
Spring 2006 has software issues that are well documented
on the Internet. MISFIRE'S STUFF (continued) PAGE 5
|
Here,
we are discussing overnight stays, rather than just a few
hours. Since the subject is too vast to include every
type of pet (even two would take up half the internet!)
these are the things we feel you need to know before
taking on the responsibility of someone else's dog:
with the owner,
but not with you, discuss other possible sleeping
arrangements. You may try wrapping a plastic jug
filled with hot water in a towel for the dog to
snuggle up to until it settles down for the night.
The towel is essential to keep the dog from getting
burned.
