The HAPPY Act Needs Our Support!
November 11, 2009
On July 31 of this year, Representative Thaddeus McCotter, fourth-term Republican from Livonia, MI, introduced the HAPPY Act (HR 3501). That’s the “Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years” Act. This is a very good tax deduction bill for pet owners needs all of our support now, and it is especially vital for those of us who have older dogs and are living on a tight budget..
What Exactly is It?
This bill would amend the Internal Revenue code way back from 1986 in order to allow annual income tax deductions of up to $3,500 in pet care. Read more
“Amber Alert” for Missing Pets
November 2, 2009
I have caller ID and I use it to screen calls. Three times in one day I got a call from “FIND TOTO”. Who is that I wondered? Given the persistence of the caller, I finally answered. I was greeted by a recorded message that was informing me about a male cat named “Nicky” lost in my area and referred me to www.findtoto.org for more information. So I checked it out. Sure enough I saw the posting for “Nicky” when searching for lost pets in my zip code.
I hope to never lose a pet again. It has happened before and it is a time filled with worry. Running around posting lost pet signs is time-consuming and it is hard to know for sure where best to post them. Time can make all the difference between a happy or sad ending. Read more
In-home Pet Services to Help Your Dog Manage Your Absence
October 28, 2009
So many people say their pets are like children to them. Well, if you were busy on a regular basis or wanted to travel for business or pleasure at some point, what care would you provide for your children?
Most parents hire nannies and baby-sitters to watch and care for their kids when they cannot. Unlike your kids, dogs don’t necessarily get more independent with age. Lucky for you, there are in-home pet services to help and care for your dog while you are away. Read more
Dog Sitters: Your Answer to a Stress-free Vacation
October 1, 2009
Whether you are away from home for a few hours longer than usual or taking a vacation that can’t include your dog, using a dog sitter is convenient option and for many is preferable to using a kennel. For older dogs, a sitter can provide the individual care and attention they need if they have conditions such as arthritis or a special diet. Even for a young, energetic dog, it is always good to have some sort of supervision.
An unattended dog will get bored or anxious, and that’s when things go wrong, so take some serious precautions when you’re away. Read more
Considering the Benefits of Dog Day Care
October 1, 2009
Whether you are busy working or enjoying your retirement, there will be times when you will be away from your home for long periods and are unable to take your dog with you. Older dogs can be especially attached to their owners and may suffer stress if left alone for more even than a few hours. Us humans are even more high maintenance and may need a break from our dog—we’re a little more selfish than our unconditionally-loving companions. These are all situations you may want to consider dog day care.
What Does Day Care Involve?
Think of this as babysitting for dogs. Whether it’s in house care or at a fully staffed commercial venture with many other dogs, day care can provide everything from dog walking to professional dog training. Older dogs may require specific attention regarding arthritis or recovering from injury, and therefore, attention from a good dog trainer or handler is the best option when you are away. Read more
Elderly Dog Training Services: Turning Over a New Leaf
October 1, 2009
It is never too late to teach your old dog new tricks…
Many dog-training services specialize in dog training for elderly dogs. Adult and older dogs, contrary to popular opinion, still have a great ability to concentrate and learn new things. In fact, many leading dog-training services claim that elderly or senior dogs are far easier to train than most puppies. For the past few years, dog trainers are developing separate courses for this purpose. Read more
Pet Sitting Services: Paying for Peace of Mind
September 29, 2009
Pet sitting services are a great resource when its time to go out of town and you can’t take your dog with you. While most of us know someone who can pop in from time to time to feed them and let them outside, we will still be worrying the entire time about whether they are ripping our house apart in retaliation for leaving them or simply suffering in silent boredom and frustration. I’m sure I’m not the only one whose dog has escaped while I’m out of town, probably searching for me, and that’s a stressful phone call to get from the friend you’ve delegated to check in while you’re trying to enjoy yourself.
An Increasingly Available Resource
Finding competent specialized help to care for your pet while you are away may not be as difficult as you think. This has become a highly demanded service, and many entrepreneurs have taken note. Searching the Internet will usually unearth some good potential candidates, allowing peace of mind and providing your pet with a stimulating fun experience while you are away. Read more