By Nathan Barber Owning a dog can create possible challenges if you’re looking for a home insurance policy. In the case of dangerous dog breeds, it can be more difficult. This article is will help show you how to get past those hurdles, and how to get a policy despite what kind of dog you have. How Can Dogs Affect Homeowners Insurance? Shopping for home insurance is not a simple process. It’s in your best interest to look into all the factors that can affect your coverage. Oddly enough, … [Read more...]
Summer BBQ Safety Tips
Summer is here, so it is time for the Back Yard BBQ, right? And if you are like most pet owners, you want your pups to enjoy it with you. To ensure every summer BBQ moment you have is magical, make sure you know what the BBQ do’s & don’ts are when it comes to your pets. DON'Ts Don’t Let Your Pet Near the Grill - What’s a backyard BBQ without firing up the grill? Let’s be honest…food tastes better when it’s grilled; however, grills pose a danger for cats and dogs. Whether you’re … [Read more...]
Tips for Bringing Home a New Pet: Hiring a Pet Sitter
Deciding to bring a new pet into the family is an exciting time. It's easy to get lost in the rush of picking out the perfect dog, cat, or other critter that fits in with you and your family's lifestyle and forget to take care of some of the support your pet might need. Hiring a pet sitter will help you ensure your loved one is taken care of whenever you can be there. Why Should I Hire A Pet Sitter So Soon? You might think that starting your search for a pet sitter a few days before your … [Read more...]
Small Businesses, Big Results: Critter Sitters And More
Small Businesses, Big Results: Critter Sitters And More By Jamie McAllister Owner: Jennifer Morrone Founded: 2013 Location: Home-based in Newport News Number of Employees: 4 Jennifer Morrone started her pet-sitting business, Critter Sitters & More, in the summer of 2013 after her cat, Raja, passed away from kidney failure. After seeing firsthand the lack of pet sitters trained to handle animals with special needs, she stepped in to fill that gap for pet owners on the Peninsula. … [Read more...]
Get Ready for the Summer Heat
Get Ready for the Summer Heat! 10 Summer Pet-Safety Tips for Pet Owners The rising temperatures signal the fun summer months of backyard barbecues, vacations and more time spent outside (with a cool drink in hand). But, the scorching days of summer can also present unique hazards for your pets. Follow these quick tips to ensure Fido and Fluffy remain happy and healthy during the dog days of summer: 1. Never leave your pets in your vehicle. Hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion each … [Read more...]
Combating Urine Stains
By Butch Beckman, Owner, Capital Carpet and Services Urine contains uric acid, yellow pigment, urea, enzymes and other chemicals. Uric acid begins to change immediately upon leaving your pet’s body. The warm acidic state of the urine offers a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause a color change in the carpet that can become a permanent stain if the urine is not removed immediately. Odors associated with urine come from bacteria that grow abundantly in dark, warm … [Read more...]
Ten Reasons to Adopt a Pet
Thinking of adding a pet to your family? Here are ten reasons to adopt your next family member... In case "Because it's the right thing to do" isn't enough 1. Because when you adopt, you save a life A shelter pet is more than one in a million—she's one in 2.7 million. That's the number of adoptable dogs and cats who are still euthanized each year in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people adopt. The number of euthanized animals could be reduced … [Read more...]
Is Professional Cat Grooming a Real Thing?
Why You Should Consider Going to a Professional Cat Groomer By LaDean Gordon, CFMG For many years, and even today, the age old misconception that cats groom themselves is a challenge to the cat grooming professional. We hear it all the time, "cats groom themselves. That is what their tongues are for." Well, while it is true that cats lick themselves, they do not lick themselves for cleanliness. There are 3 reasons that cats "groom" themselves: For comfort To cool themselves … [Read more...]
Protecting Your Pets: Estate Planning With Animals
By Kelsey Swieringa—Attorney, Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP www.jgbllp.com Whether you have dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, or all of the above, it is important to consider what will happen to your pets when you pass away. With estate planning you can ensure that, even when you are no longer around, your furry/scaly/feathered friend is quickly and easily provided with food, shelter, and loving care. No Estate Plan- Many people assume that a friend or relative will be happy to care for a … [Read more...]
Continuing Bonds: Finding Ways to Cope with the Death of a Beloved Pet
Written by Susanna Owens, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist* I have found fellow pet owners compassionate and supportive when I actively grieved the death of my pet. However, I also experienced a sense of self-consciousness when attempting to describe to others, the distress I experienced. I found myself asking, “Is it normal to so acutely grieve the death of my pet?” The simple answer is YES! So I would like for you, reader, to know it is normal to be bereft. It is understandable to … [Read more...]