IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T HEARD...

Gilbert Mendelsohn Redux

This past week I had the pleasure of using an animal communicator. I’ve used them in the past-from amazing results to readings of me scratching my head and saying a side show carney could have done a better job, but this particular communicator came so highly recommended that I plowed forward.

The universe works in mysterious ways. Of late, the customers who have been drawn to my business seem more spiritual than the past-or perhaps I’m creating that draw to them and the vibration is coming back full circle. One of my latest customers is a psychotherapist who specializes in past life recall-something fascinating to me because in this life, I’ve felt déjà vu over and over. Drowning seems to be an issue for me as well as going down stairs, but that’s another blog post. So, with the recommendation of this particular customer, I called Rebecca Moravec.
The first animal who was read was Jessie Mae, our unknown age senior yellow lab. Jessie has been having troubles with mobility lately and I wanted to make sure that we were providing her with the care she needs and not keeping her alive for our own benefit. She strongly told me (Jessie Mae, through Rebecca) that she will let me know when its time, and that she doesn’t want to be kept alive past her desired days….something hard to hear and yet a relief. She also went into great detail of how she wants to be laid to rest and what she wants after her cremation. With gushing tears I told her, through the communicator that I would be happy to honor her wishes and was grateful and thankful for all the love she has shown us over the years. A sad to think about, but necessary to plan.

Our second reading was for our new rescue-Rocket. Ever since the first time I laid eyes on him, I have felt a familiar connection with him-very different than any other animal I’ve met, or owned. Over the past six months Rocket has come out of his shell and trusts others-with me, he always did, unconditionally. Rocket and I are inseparable; he is by my side constantly, putting his gorgeous head on my desk and sits by me, endlessly. (the fact that he has hazel eyes, and 1” long eyelashes and so sweet makes for a great companion-he’s gorgeous in looks and spiritually) But I’ve felt something unique with Rocket and wanted to know what it was…..turns out, Rocket is a wise old soul-something which Rebecca has yet to see the likes of…and mentioned my father to me. Rocket seems to be the soul of my father …..and his purpose here is to protect me (well, lets face it…its the role of most dogs but I see something very unique in Rockets way of doing so. Rocket is poised to save my life one day, so I’m told. He wouldn’t tell her when, but he is sent from God to be here to make sure that I’m saved, spared, unharmed-protected.

Dogs. Who can’t say that they are not the most amazing creatures on earth-their whole life revolves around ways to please their owners, to protect them and to love them unconditionally. Best relationship one has in life, don’t you think?

We all suffer from this....finally an answer!

Hit Me with a Ton of Bricks

To broaden my vocabulary I subscribe to an email newsletter called "Word A Day."

While it has done wonders to expand my dialect, today took me by surprise, in a variety of ways. It touched my spirit and soul. Today's word and definition:

euthanize



PRONUNCIATION: (YOO-thuh-nyz)
MEANING: verb tr.: Ending life for humane reasons, such as to avoid pain from an incurable condition.
ETYMOLOGY: Back-formation from euthanasia (mercy killing), from Greek eu- (good) + thanatos (death). Earliest documented use: 1931. A related word is thanatophobia (an abnormal fear of death).
USAGE: "A terminally sick humpback whale that became stranded on a beach in Western Australia two weeks ago was euthanized Thursday with an explosive charge."
Stranded, Sick Whale Euthanized With Explosives; Associated Press (New York); Sep 3, 2010.



Those of you who have read my two previous blogs know all too well that I'm very much an advocate for rescuing animals from shelters and rescue groups. Personally, my husband Wes and I have four, and if we had the time, space and means, we would have more. Why?

Straight hard facts. 5-6 million animals each year are euthanized. Now, imagine those of us who have animals in our homes....multiply that little furry guy by 5-6 million. Makes my heart stop. The largest reason all these animals are put down is because negligent dog or cat owners didn't spend the time (or money) to spay or neuter. They wanted to pay for a vacation by selling their puppies, they wanted little Johnny to experience birth and what its like to have kittens and puppies....or the dog in heat broke free or the guy around town just was lucky enough to get that bitch during her season. Whatever the reason, it can be stopped.

Please do your part to make this unnecessary action take place.

Who Rescues Whom?

Yesterday, my husband Wes and I enjoyed being part of a tag team of drivers in helping to rescue three pups.
The three pups came from a kill shelter in GA-south of Atlanta. Their trek started early on Saturday morning and ended yesterday-safety arriving in their respective foster homes. Three started-a cocker mix (who landed in Kokomo, IN) a white GSD and a mutt of unknown variety. We took the GSD and the unknown variety to meet the last leg of the trip, and the second to the last leg of the trip. As always, we had a fleeting crush on our passengers.....especially Willow, one of the sweetest girls we have yet to come across-either as a rescue or in my pet sitting business.
Not to get on my soap box, but what I find unbelievable is, every time we do this and we tell people, people ALWAYS say "I've never heard of such a thing." People, unfortunately have no idea how many animals are euthanized each year. Want to take a guess? 5-6 million that we are aware of. People have no idea about Petfinder.com. People still seem to think that the only opportunity to rescue an animal is by going to the local shelter-but how do we educate the public to make them aware of Petfinder and the thousands of nationwide rescue groups/people/volunteers who would give up a portion of their nights, weekends and so on to get that ONE animal to a loving forever home?
Another thing I learned yesterday is the term "Foster Failure." No, that doesn't mean that we failed as fosters to care for a dog in need....it simply means that we failed to give up the foster to someone else, keeping it for ourselves. Heck, we didn't even foster-our first ever transport is our 14 year old Jessie Mae!
So-folks. Help me spread the word. Adopt. Help. Rescue. Volunteer.

A fine nomination for a very deserving group of sitters

Our company, Wisconsin Pet Care LLC has been nominated by a variety of customers for our excellence in pet care for Business of the Year 2012. We are proud members of NAPPS, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters-a not for profit organization dedicated to advancing the skills of pet sitters and expanding consumers awareness of our trade. I've been told that a monkey can walk a dog, but a professional knows how to CARE for an animal in distress.

We are pleased as pie to be recipients of this prestigious nomination.

Keep your fingers crossed for us. We'll hear by the end of the month.

For the Joy of Joyousness

This morning, as I took our pups to a new spot on the beach, I watched with reckless abandon the sheer joy of running and playing, and not having a care in the world.
How wonderful it would be to live in the moment-focus on what is important at THAT second and not be worrying about what could happen, should happen or will happen that day. If I could live a few minutes in that young, lively body-propelled by sheer joyousness....what would that feel like?

What is a Martingale Collar?

By Chris Bucci, Pet Care Specialist, Wisconsin Pet Care LLC

When I first brought home my newly adopted three year old dog, little did I know that the collar she wore wasn't correct. After she pulled out of her collar several times and my neighbors saw me chasing my dog down the block I realized that it was time to find a new collar. The humane society, where I volunteer as a dog walker, started using martingale collars on their dogs. After seeing how well these worked on their dogs I realized that this was the solution for my great escape dog. A martingale collar is great for dogs that can slip out of their collar. An example of this is when the dog pulls one way and you are going the other, the dog pulls until the collar pops off. The martingale collar makes it almost impossible for the dog to slip out of it collar. The collar only tightens when the dog pulls on the leash, this prevents the dog from backing out of the collar. Once the dog stops pulling the collar sits loosely around the dog's neck. The collar should be properly fitted to make it work correctly. The Martingale collar is easy to use and can be found at many dog supply stores and online.

What a difference a week makes..........

On June 26th, we welcomed another dog to our pack, and rescued Rocket. Rocket's story was unique in the respect that he had lived with his foster mother for quite some time, and she had rescued him from a breeder who was stricken with cancer. Rocket was a breeding dog. I came to find he was the sire for many a litter. Lucky pups.
Its only been a short month, but in this short expanse of time, Rocket has settled in, become part of our pack and is enjoying his new life. Why wouldn't he? He has the best food-we feed raw-a combination of The Honest Kitchen, actual raw meat combined with organs, heart, bone, vitamins and minerals. But the feather in the cap are two other standard poodles, Jackson and Dixie. Yes, they all speak the same language.
The first week was tense for everyone. Jackson, our alpha dog wanted no part of him. He made it very clear. Poor Rocket could barely move a muscle without a growl coming out of him. Dixie completely avoided him, and Jessie Mae, our 14 year old yellow lab couldn't have cared less who was in the house as long as she got her belly rubs, her big, soft papasan cushion and food.
Slowly, things started to change. Jackson realized that Rocket posed no threats; he wasn't going to take his food, he wasn't going to take his girl, and he wasn't going to be ignored by Mom and Dad.
Rocket started to get some confidence about week 3. He engaged Dixie in a delightful romp in our fenced in HUGE yard and upon seeing it for the first time, brought tears to my eyes. Here was a dog who was confined to a crate, actually acting like a dog. It felt to me like he had wings-his legs took him as fast as they could and he romped with wreck less abandon. I cried. I felt so good in what we had done-helped rescue a great animal from a life of living in a crate.
We are into our fourth week. Jackson and Rocket are inseparable. They look over each others shoulders when they leave the back door-run nose to nose in play, and beat up on Dixie. They also wear each other out on their daily beach run.
Yes, there is more sand in our home, there is more expense of vetting, food and of course grooming. But I can't imagine money more wisely spent than helping this delightful boy find happiness and love.

Simple Summertime Fun

By Marlena Ewing, Pet Care Specialist, Wisconsin Pet Care LLC

A week or so ago as I was driving through a local subdivision to a client’s house, with the windows down I could hear the sounds of summer play everywhere; children’s excited screams, splashing water, skateboards, etc.. Then I saw two little girls playing in a huge appliance box they had dressed and duct taped up as a cute little cottage with cut out windows, a door, flower boxes, the works. It totally reminded me of the fun my siblings and I had playing with similar objects as we took turns playing teachers, bank tellers, homemakers and horses, yes champion jumpers. Then of course there was all the water play with Slip and Slide, Mr. Wiggle, with whom we had a love hate relationship, and the sprinkler.
It got me thinking once again about how the simplest, homemade toys were usually the most fun. I had been trying to think of some fun, challenging inexpensive toys for a few of my pet clients. So my reminiscing helped me realize to keep it simple for my pets. Since then my dogs have chewed through empty paper towel rolls and cereal boxes to get to their kibble treats, played in sprinklers and gone hunting in their backyards for their mealtime food. It has been great fun watching them “work” for their food as it has challenged them to be who they are best at being, canines with primal needs. Just like when we were children, we used our imaginations to create wonderful, happy places and pretended to be our role models, all without the aid of modern society’s electronic entertainment.
The moral of the story: Keep it simple and go back to basics often. Life can be easy if we let it.

Saying goodbye to a loving friend

Today is a very sad day for me. I won't get too melodramatic, but one of most favorite customers is moving to a new city by the end of the week and I won't be visiting with her on a daily basis any longer.

Daisy and I became friends about 2 years ago. Since meeting, she grew on me each day, and I loved her as if she were one of my own. She is a unique breed with an equally charming personality. Daisy, for some reason is especially rambunctious every Tuesday-and I've pegged her Crazy Daisy on that day. Today was no exception. She was friskier than usual and full of piss and vinegar. I was lucky enough to capture one last shot of her, for old times sake. And to be really corny, its right by a bunch of daisies.

I wish Daisy and her family the best in the move, but boy, this is harder than I thought it would be. It feels like a death in the family-at least in the Wisconsin Pet Care family.

A Reason for Being!

Hello to all my fellow pet lovers, I’m Melissa, one of Wisconsin Pet Care LLC’s newest sitters.
This is my first time at blogging, and I have some thoughts I’d like to share with you.


As Marlena mentioned in the last blog, I also believe that “everything happens for a reason.” The last few years have been the hardest of my life (will spare you the details), but I always believe that animals can help you through almost any situation.

I’ve watched friend’s pets throughout the years, and it always gave me great joy. I often wondered what it would be like to become a professional pet sitter? Being able to walk dogs, hanging out with cats, getting outside with fresh air, how awesome of a job is that? After realizing that my restaurant career was making me unhappy, I sought an opportunity to make my dream come true. And ironically enough, one of my fellow former restaurant employers referred me to Lori. Is that karma, or what?

I felt I was supposed to meet Lori for some reason. I’ve been provided with all the necessary tools to make my career come true, and it really couldn't’t have come at a better time. I know that Wisconsin Pet Care LLC will make a difference for pet sitting in Milwaukee, as we have the highest standards for any professional pet sitting company.! Our business model is amazing and we cover everything you may need, and then, things you never even thought of.

While it may be a long and arduous journey, this is what I feel I was truly meant to do in life. It feels natural. It’s my passion. In my heart, I know we will become Milwaukee’s favorite pet sitters and dog walkers-from my experience, no one comes close.

Finding our inner peace by Marlena Ewing-Pet Sitter Exraordinaire at Wisconsin Pet Care LLC

I have always been a strong believer in “everything happens for a
reason”, especially when logical and rational reasons are not
apparent. Why else after moving to Wisconsin with no thoughts of
becoming a professional pet sitter, would the universe have connected
me with Lori and then subsequently with the energies of a 1 year old
Sheltie who has helped me discover a renewed sense of purpose after
becoming an empty nester.

As a rescue, Aidan came to his new forever home with numerous anxiety
disorders, one of which is his inability to lay quietly, but instead
paces from one reflective surface to another while inside and running
from one side of the yard to another barking at every scent, sight and
sound outside. So when the opportunity to sit him and his two
“sister” Shelties while mom and dad were on vacation presented itself,
I was very excited about the challenge to help Aidan discover a more
peaceful way to enjoy his new home.

While I have always been around dogs and cats, it was my experience as
a teenager raising horses and steers for show that taught me how calm,
confident behavior was most effective when expecting the same reaction
from my livestock sized pets. Coupled with the fairly new teachings
from, Caesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer, I was hopeful I could help
Aidan be a more balanced pup, hopefully sooner rather than later.

To the delights of many, but most of all me, day after day he made
wonderful progress in demonstrating and experiencing calm, peaceful
states of mind, each episode longer than the next. Occupying him with
challenging, instinctual activities, like walking, foraging and
chewing were essential in his self-discovery of quiet time.
Redirecting and averting his manic moments were equally as effective.
Our time together reminded me of my daughter’s toddler and preschool
years because as her teacher, it was always a challenge to stay one
step ahead of her to avoid unwanted behavior.

While I still see Aidan on a weekly basis, I miss our daily
discoveries together as we had experienced them frequently during his
human parent’s vacation. So when he and I had a moment recently it
was especially gratifying. We (all three Shelties and me) were
soaking up the sun in the backyard sitting in a circle savoring ice
water and ice cubes. After quenching our thirst, we were just
relaxing, watching the wildlife and smelling what the wind brought our
way. Aidan was sitting at my side, when I felt his little paw come
softly down on my arm and I when I glanced his direction he was
already staring at me. We sat looking into each other’s eyes,
connecting on a new level, appreciating one another differently. The
human mother in me could not resist scooping him up in my arms then
lying down on my back with him sitting on top of me.

It was a gentle, loving moment as we continued to look at one another,
with me stroking his head as he laid his head down not four inches
from my face. It was a precious moment I will never forget, because
he had achieved a sense of peace and relaxation quite seemingly on his
own. Holding him, I rolled us both over on our sides, spooning, as it
were, just being, existing in this small space, in that one quiet
moment. Then as quickly as it began, it ended, as he squirmed away
and found the next newest thing. But in that brie moment of treasure,
I realized I had found something new yet still very familiar.
A sense of joy and accomplishment for having made a positive
difference in another being’s welfare. Albeit “just” a dog to most,
but not to me because Aidan has been an unexpected gift of my own
self- discovery to a new path of joyous, rewarding work. So once
again, while the teacher is leading, the student is doing the real
teaching.

Mi scusi, parla poodle?

Last weekend I was able to help a sweet, young, gorgeous standard poodle get from a neglected situation to a safe foster home by being part of a transport team. I fell in love with this sweet girl on the drive from Kenosha to Milwaukee, but honestly, I had fallen hard before I ever met her. Her story was not unique-neglected, poor vet care, on and on and on.
My heart broke to hear her story and even though we don't "need" another dog, I felt in my heart of hearts that she NEEDED us.
Since bringing a new pet into the house is a family decision, I wanted the entire family to be on board, I called upon my good friend, Kate Solisti-a renowned author and wealth of information on wellness, nutrition and communication. For years I've been admiring her work and include much of her literature in our meet and greet packages as a conversation starter to educating pet parents on whats best to feed our beloved animals. I was excited to speak with her and hear her thoughts on the matter.
While I understand that any companion animal speaks a language unbeknownst to me, I wasn't aware that particular breeds have a language amongst their specific breed, hence, "Poodle." Dixe and Jackson are in love. All one has to do is watch them for a half an hour and you will see that the respect and admiration they have for each other is undeniable. Dixie is goo goo gah gah over Jackson. And why shouldn't she be? He's what we call at the Thomas household "A chocolate love chunk." She is miserable when he gets groomed and she's not around him.....so, in all fairness, what was I thinking---potentially bringing another woman into the equation? It would be like adding a new, hot, younger woman to my marriage. I DON'T THINK SO! :-)
This past week Dixie has been giving me strong signals, and I've been reading them loud and clear. She has been by my side, starring at me. She has been following me more than usual. She has looked into my eyes with her big brown ones and told me that she is upset. And thank goodness I heard her.
When Kate did the conversation, and she was speaking with Dixie, Dixie told her that she would "try" but had reservations. As soon as Kate told her that the deal was off the table, Dixie LITERALLY started to flick her paws, which Kate told me was a sign of releasing tension and anxiety, much like shaking out or taking a big, deep breath. Miss Dixie was going to be fine....she would continue to have her big love chunk all to herself.
I trust that the wonderful rescue which is fostering her will find an outstanding home. Fluffy Dog Rescue is a class act and even though we won't be that home, I feel good in my decision and blessed that my friend Kate could help out.
With that being said.....if you are thinking of adopting......something to think about is using the gifts of a communicator.
The investment is slim in comparison to the potential upheaval in your household.

Jessie's Golden Years

For those of you who have read the past blog about Jessie Mae, we have an update. Good news, no worries.

A little background....Jessie is our first rescue dog, hopefully not our last. She came to our home at age 8 and now is a robust 14. Yes, diet and exercise and love are all part and parcel of her success, but I strongly believe that Lake Michigan has an awful lot to do with it, too.

I decided, after being hospitalized in April that I wasn't going to hit the gym quite as hard as I have been-after all, some days I walk a good ten miles with my charges. Enough is enough. I decided to take my pups for a daily run along the beach and I get to do one of my favorite hobbies-collect sea glass. (What I'll do with my collection is beyond me, but its harmless, good clean fun) Jessie Mae, Jackson and Dixie run the beach, get wet and tuckered and are sometimes joined by friends Fritz the black lab or Wyatt the pit mix. Jessie runs with me. What amazes me about her is she actually RUNS..swims, chases sticks and has a happy smile on her face. For the brief time we are there, her aches and pains subside and she is a puppy again. Perhaps its the soft sand cushioning her pads and legs, which, unfortunately are taking a turn for the worse, but as long as she is able, I will be running the beach with her.

Getting older doesn't have to be a demise....it can get better and in Jessie's case, I believe it has. Because she is active and having fun, I'm happy to oblige. Plus, I get to find that red piece which I so covet!

Oh, what a great team

I realize its been ages since I posted. Followers, I promise not to disappoint in the future. Building a business is a full time and then some job, and I apologize.
So, let me introduce our esteemed team to you-Marlena Ewing-covering Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie and Northern Illinois.
Steven Bourelle, covering Kenosha and southern Racine county.
Mary Hartog, covering west of I-94
Melissa Cataldo-covering Milwaukee
Lee Ann Decker-covering Milwaukee
Genevieve Stark-covering Miliwaukee
Lori Mendelsohn Thomas-covering those who are covering and covering Kenosha area