Search Results for: pets pet care pet supplies

Would You Lease A Pet?

If you’re thinking about getting a pet but aren’t sure you can handle the responsibility, you still have a few options.  Consider volunteering for a shelter, pet-sitting for a friend, or fostering a pet; there are even some short-term fostering situations.  If none of these appeal to you, or if you have a little extra money to spend on your pet, you now have another option: lease a pet.  MSN has the details. A company called Hannah’s Pet Society has started a new business: leasing pets.  Here’s how it works: interested parties go to one of the company’s two stores … Continue reading →

Love Your Pet but Not the Cost? How to Reduce the Cost of Raising Your Best Friend

Have you ever taken the time to calculate how much your furry or feathered friends are costing you each month? There is food, vet care, that regular application of flea and tick protection, grooming fees, litter or bedding, and of course toys, treats and equipment such as carriers, cages and the like. Depending on where you live and how eco-friendly or upscale you want to go with food and supplies, expect to pay up to $1,500 for a cat and $2,000 for a dog during the first year. Rabbits, hamsters, birds and fish are somewhat less expensive. Let us take … Continue reading →

Preparing for Pet Emergencies

When I prepared my house for Hurricane Irene last year I gathered all of the essential supplies. I had a plan for how to evacuate with my pets in case it was necessary, although I really didn’t think the flooding would get that bad in my area. Still, I was prepared. Another thing I did while I still had my power and access to the Internet was to make sure that I had the local emergency veterinary services number written down. We all know what number to dial when we have a human medical emergency, but do we have that … Continue reading →

Puppets Made from Wooden Spoons

Retelling a story is a fantastic way to teach a preschooler sequencing and practice memory skills. One way to make this time more fun is to plan a puppet show. Children love puppet shows and this activity will allow them a chance to design a puppet and be the puppeteer. Supplies: Wooden spoons Tacky glue Google eyes Yarn Fabric (pieces of fabric, pieces from old clothing, or even felt) Permanent markers Instructions: Decide what type of puppet you will make. Use the yarn as hair or adornments. The fabric will be for the clothing. Make this simply by just cutting … Continue reading →

The Basics of Horse Care, Pt. 2

On Tuesday I started a blog on the basics of horse care, as described to me by my friend Professional Hunt Seat Horse Trainer Holly Stello. Today the article continues with more of a horse’s fundamental needs, and the costs owning one will accrue. Horses are not as social of a breed as other animals; however, Holly recommends buying a buddy for a lone horse. But she admits that “horses, like dogs, have personalities. Some are total loners, and some will have separation anxiety and need a friend.” You should spend 20 minutes minimum interacting with your horse every day, … Continue reading →

The Pets Blog Week in Review for July 7 – 13

The Pets Blog Week in Review endured somewhat of a hiatus the past month or so, but now it’s back. Have you missed this handy cheat sheet way of quickly finding out what Aimee and I wrote about the week before? Sorry about that, but without further ado here’s this week’s installment. Monday, July 7 Aimee detailed the many medications guests at the cat care facility where she works take. Tuesday, July 8 Aimee got in touch with her crafty side and offered some neat suggestions for DIY chew toy projects. After an absence of my own, it was with … Continue reading →

Pets and Home Renovations

We’ve had a lot of guests at the cats-only boarding facility lately who are in need of a safe, quiet haven while their homes are under construction. But you don’t have to remove your pets from the house while workers are there — as long as you’re careful. Make a safe room for pets. If you can, keep one room free of the chaos of construction. You can keep your pets safely in the safe room with food, fresh water, and some kind of distractions — a special toy, soft music, and tasty treats. If your pets are unsettled by … Continue reading →

Diary of a Cat Care B&B: Home Renovations

Most of our clients at the cats-only boarding facility leave their furry friends with us when nobody will be home — a business trip or family vacation, for example. Lately, it seems we have a lot of guests who are in need of a safe haven during moving or home construction. Why board your pet during home renovations or packing for a move? Reduce the risk of your pet escaping when someone is bringing supplies in or out. If your pet is skittish around strangers, he or she won’t feel safe or comfortable with unfamiliar movers or construction workers in … Continue reading →

Chatting with Marlene Richardson, Former Pet Care Professional – Part Two

Southern Duchess Pet Care Service Logo, created by Megan Belanger and provided by Marlene Richardson, former owner of Southern Duchess In Part One I introduced you to my neighbor Marly Richardson, a former pet care professional. She shared how she got into the biz, but in this part she talks about the biz from a different perspective: things those who are interested in getting into it should take into consideration. Courtney Mroch: What kind of advice would you recommend to anyone thinking of starting their own pet care business? Marly Richardson: Pet sitting is so much more than playing with … Continue reading →

Dog Days of Summer: More Pet Deals

Last month I told you about a circular I received in the mail from PetSmart advertising their $5 Gift Days promotion. Well, I received another one from them the other day. There are new items that qualify for the coupon now, and many of them also have additional (immediate) savings if you use a PetPerks savings card. Deals end August 19. $5 Coupon Items • Iams Dog Food, 40 lb. bag, all varieties. ($4 instant PetPerks savings) • Iams Cat Food, 20 lb. bag, all varieties. ($4 instant PetPerks savings) • Purina ONE Dog Food, 37.5 lb. bag, all varieties. … Continue reading →