Tag Archive for: Wet Noses Pet Sitting

Events You Don’t Want to Miss in Fort Collins this Easter

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The weather is warmer and Easter is almost here. It’s time to plan your Easter events and egg hunts! Here’s a list of all the events in the Fort Collins area that you’ll want to put on your calendar this month. Some of these events are great for the whole family, but some are may not welcome pets. Please make sure to double-check with the event host before bringing Fido to the fun.

*** These were events from 2019. All events are closed in 2020 due to Coronavirus. Check back next year! ***

 

Sat|March 31st, from 10am-3pm at Gulley Greenhouse: Free

Join us for a fun filled day for the whole family at our annual FREE Easter Eggstravaganza! Presenting the Bunny for a Photo Op, Baby Bunnies to hold and pet, Scavenger Hunt, Guess the Jelly Beans, Face Painting for only a $1.00, Centerpiece raffle, and Egg Decorating. We will have an Ice Cream Truck too!

Daily|March 17-31, times vary by day at the Foothills Mall | Cost: Varies

Visit the Easter Bunny and get pictures taken with your kids! Prices vary based on size and number of photos.

Fri|March 30th, from 6:30pm-9pm at the Old Town Library | Cost: Free

Come with your friends to the library after hours and hunt for glow-in-the-dark eggs in Library Park! But, that’s not all! There will also be video gaming, anime watching, snacking, crafting, music making, karaoke, dancing, and more! Prize baskets will be awarded! This awesome event is for teens in grades 6-12. Don’t miss out on the fun – sign up today! (The hunt will be moved inside the library if there is snowy weather.)

Sat|March 31st, from 11am – 1:00 pm at City Park | Cost: Free

Hosted by the Antioch Community Church, this free event offers an Easter Egg Hunt, bounce houses, carnival games and more!

Sun|April 1st, 10am – 2pm starting at The Hop Grenade Taproom | Cost: Varies by meal

Easter Brunch the way you’ve always wanted! We’re opening early and serving breakfast burritos, breakfast pizzas, mimosas and beer-mosas. And an Easter Egg Hunt to satisfy kids and the kids in all of us!

Sun|April 1st, 10am – 9pm starting at Fort Fun | Cost: Varies by activity

Join us for a day full of fun! We will be offering an Eggs’tra special deal! $4.00 rounds of Mini-Golf all day! At 1pm and 5pm we will be celebrating Egg-splat, our version of an Easter Egg Hunt, there’s no yolk about it! Guessing Jars will scattered throughout Fort Fun!

So much fun all in one day! And don’t forget to schedule for Wet Noses Pet Sitting services if you’re going to be gone Easter weekend.

Have an event you’re looking forward to this April? Let us know on our social media!

Find pet friendly restaurants in Fort Collins

Top 3 Benefits of Walking with Your Dog

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It’s no secret that we love dog walking, but it’s also great for you to hit the pavement with your pup as well. Both you and your dog will benefit from frequent walks. Here are the top 3 benefits you can reap by walking with your four-legged friend.

1.) Helps with weight control

Physical activity plays a role in keeping excess weight off. Routinely walking with you pet will not only keep them from getting wider, you’ll notice that you are also keep off unwanted weight. Plus, it improves your mood which make you less likely to stress eat and you’ll have more energy to fix healthy food.

 

2.) Deepens your bond

Our days are busy and they fly by at a record pace. It’s easy to get caught up in daily schedules and forget to spend quality time with your pet. But, when you do take the time out to spend with your dog, you will grow closer. This time is extremely important to your dog’s behavioral development and will provide the foundation for a trusting relationship.

3.) Stronger physical and mental health

Both humans and dogs alike have several health issues that benefit from regular exercise. Plus, the extra activity is great for overcoming  boredom. You’ll start to see improved behaviors around the house because they won’t be as bored or have as much pent up energy.

 

Of course, we love being able to walk your dog while you’re not around, but it’s never too late for you to start walking too. Start out slow and work your way up to longer and longer walks. And make sure to check out these tips for finding the best collar and leash for you and your dog. Soon you’ll feel and see all of the benefits of the new routine.

 

Doggy Daycare VS Dog Walker – What’s the Best for Your Pet?

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We know that it is hard to be away from your pet all day. Whether it’s weekdays at work or day trips, leaving them behind can leave you worried. And there are a lot of different options for pet care during the day, it can be hard to know which is best. Two of the most popular options are dog daycare and dog walking. Here are the differences that you need to know before you chose what’s best for your pet.

 

Dog Daycare

This is a short term kennel for your dog. Doggy daycare is not much different than children’s day care. Owner’s drop off their pets on their way to work or out for the day. Then, you pick your dog back up at the end of the day on the way home.

Best for dogs who:

  • Love to socialize
  • Need a lot of stimulation during the day
  • Are healthy and have all of their shots

If it’s a convenient location for you to drop off and pick up, then this could be a good option. Especially, if you have a large dog that wants to play and socialize all day long. Since your dog will be interacting with other canines, it’s important that they have all of their shots. But for puppies, anxious or sickly dogs, it may not be the best choice.

Dog Walking

Dog walkers are great because they come straight to your home. No need to wrangle your pet in the car or pack a bag of treats and toys for them. Basically a pet sitter can come once or twice (AM and PM) during the day while you are gone. They will play with your dog, take them for a walk to check the “P-Mail,” plus feed them and give them a little cuddle time.

Best for dogs who:

  • Have anxiety
  • Gets car sick
  • Are sick or injured

While dog walking can be best for the dogs listed above, it is actually is a great option for all pets. Your pet gets the comfort of their home and neighborhood.

If you’re looking to find out more about dog walking and pet sitting or schedule services, make sure to give us a call!

 

 

Do You Know All The Great Things That Pet Sitters Do?

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Did you know that our pet sitters can do more than just walk and play with your pets? Because we can ! And while we can do a lot, there are a few things we can’t do. Here are a few questions to help you find out about the extra services we can provide.

Will a pet sitter….?

Take out my trash?

If you are out of town on trash day we will be happy to roll your bin out to the curb and bring it back in. We will also dispose of any waste from your animal during our visit.

Water my plants? 

Sure! As long as you don’t have a forest in your home, we’d be happy to water your house plants for you.

Bring in my mail? 

Yes! We are happy to bring in your mail and leave it on your counter top for you. This is especially perfect for when you’re out town for the week. Also, we can also turn lights on and off while you’re out of town to make it look like someone is home.

Clean my house? 

Yes and no. We will clean up any mess from your pets, but we aren’t maids. We can’t clean up any general messes in your home.

Clean my kitchen? 

We have a lot of pets to visit in a day and we simply don’t have time to clean your kitchen for you. If your pet’s food and water is in the kitchen and they’ve spilled it, we will make sure that is all swept and mopped up. However, we can’t clean up your dishes from breakfast.

Do my laundry? 

No, unfortunately we won’t be doing any of your laundry. If your pet messes up their bed or linens, we will do our best to make sure it is clean. If something needs to be thrown in the wash, we will put it in your laundry room and leave you a note.

As you can see, pet sitters can do a lot more than walking and comforting pets, but we can’t do everything around your home. Don’t hesitate to give us a call and set up an appointment!

What to Do if You Suspect Animal Cruelty

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It’s a sad thought, but some precious pets are faced with animal cruelty and abuse everyday. And it can happen in the most unlikely places. The movie A Dog’s Purpose was recently thrust into controversy. A video was released that showed the producers allegedly abusing the animals on set. Animal lovers around the country were appalled.

And multiple businesses in the pet industry had even rallied around the movie as a chance to raise money for animals in need. Then sadly, we were faced with the fact that animals during filming were forced to do terrifying stunts. Something no true pet lover would ever do, especially for the sake of entertainment.

Animal cruelty usually hides in the shadows. And that is why this is a perfect opportunity to shed light on this terrible subject. Because this movie proves that abuse can show up any where. So what should you do if you suspect animal cruelty?

Here are a few things that you should know.

  • Find out the agency in your area that is responsible for enforcing and investigating animal cruelty and abuse.

Depending on where you live this could be the SPCA, a local humane society. Residents of smaller jurisdictions can call your local police or sheriff’s department. See below for a list of helpful links to help you narrow down your search.

  • Safely Gather Evidence. 

Okay, so this is not a call to become Nancy Drew or the Hardy boys. But if you can, try to safely take pictures or film with corresponding date.  Also, when you observe suspicious behavior, take down short, but factual notes. It will help law enforcement determine the proper course of action.

  •  Officials should next check out the animal(s), their home and interview you and/or neighbors.

According to Peta.org this is what usually happens next: “Law-enforcement officials should inspect the animal visually, and if possible, conduct a hands-on field exam (referred to as “palpating” the animal) in order to find injuries or an otherwise unhealthy physical condition that may be obscured by the victim’s fur. Officials will often be fooled by a dog who “acts happy,” but manic or social behavior does not mean that the animal is safe; he or she may just be anxious to please or desperate for attention. A more thorough examination is necessary, and an injured or clearly endangered animal must not be left behind. The crime scene should also be thoroughly inspected for any indication that abuse has occurred. Suspects and neighbors (potential witnesses) should be interviewed. If the investigator agrees that your complaint has merit, a warning may be issued, charges filed, a warrant served, and/or the animal(s) removed.”

  • Persistence can save lives. 

Once reported, warnings are issued and charges could be filed. But this doesn’t guarantee that the pets are safe. Go to supervisors and government officials if necessary. Call your local media, news coverage can do wonders to stop abuse. If you feel in your heart that animals are still in danger, do not stop.

 

HELPFUL LINKS:

ASPCA

PETA – Report Animal Cruelty

National Link Coalition

PAWS

 

 

Top 5 Places to Board your Pet in Loveland

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It can be difficult leaving our pets in the care of strangers, but sometimes we have to board them. Long vacations and business trips happen. And boarding can be the best solution for long trips when it comes to your pets. However, it be hard on the owner and stressful for the pet. That’s why have to make sure you’re picking the best place. If you need to board your pet soon, we’re here to help! Here are the top 5 places in the Loveland area.

1.)  Camp Bow Bow Loveland

1227 Des Moines Ave

Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 534-3323

2.) K9 Island

211 Barberry Pl

Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 663-0977

3.)  Covalent Pet Care

3012 N. Franklin Ave

Loveland, CO 80538

(602) 743-6544

4.)  Happy Trails Pet Spa & Resort

3590 Draft Horse Court

Loveland, CO 80538

(970) 663-7317

5.)  Creature Comforts Pet Retreat

808 S Co Rd 23E

Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 669-2084

 

Now that you know the top 5 places to board your pet, there are still some things to think about.  All of the kennels and boarding facilities we chose have high reviews with a good reputation. However there are a few more things to consider to narrow down exactly which is the right fit for you and your pet.

  1. Will your pet need round the clock veterinarian care (specifically for older or sick pets)?
  2. Can you visit the facility before you book?
  3. Do they follow the over crowding code? They should have at least 1 person to every 15 dogs in their care.
  4. What amenities or exercise programs (if any) do you want your pet to have?
  5. Should you consider a pet sitter for daily or overnight care in home?

Make sure to stay tuned next week when we go over the differences, as well as pros and cons between pet sitting and boarding!

Getting Familiar with Kong Toys

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Chances are you have heard of the famous dog toy, the Kong. Kongs are a great tool in the repertoire of any dog owner. They are great because they can be customized to fit you and your dog’s needs.

Some tips before getting started:

  • Buy the correct size (sized by weight of dog).
  • Buy one large enough for the largest dog in your house.
  • Supervise your dog while using the Kong to make sure they do not chew pieces off and eat them.
  • Wash the Kong after each use. They can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.

Loading the Kong:

1. Start with a hard food such as treats or your dog’s kibble in the bottom third of the Kong.

2. The second layer is the flavors add on. This is something your dog likes to eat like fish oil, or coconut oil.

3. The next layer, that fills the last 2/3 of the Kong , is the soft layer. This can be any type of soft food. I like to use canned, wet food, cream cheese, peanut butter or dog safe baby food.

4. Top the Kong by sticking something in the soft layer, like a carrot or dental chew. In order to make the Kong last longer, you can stick it in the freezer.

5. To make a simple Kongscicle fill the Kong with chicken or beef broth and freeze it.
6. You can also buy Kong brand filler. It comes in a few flavors. This is good in a pinch but is not very healthy for your dog.

 

This toy is perfect for when you have to be gone for most of the day. Or even just rainy days that you want your pup entertained. It’s challenging, fun, and also rewarding.  Want to learn more about incorporating the Kong into training your dog? Check out these Training Videos for even more tips!

What are your experiences with this toy? Does your dog love it, did they shun it, or even destroy it? Let us know your stories in the comment section!

 

Notice the Changes? Introducing Wet Noses Pet Sitting!

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If you’re reading this post, then I’m sure you’ve noticed the major changes we’ve gone through this month. We are super excited to be launching our new website and business name, Wet Noses Pet sitting! If you get our newsletter you may have already known we were cooking up some changes.

First off, thank you to all of our amazing clients who have been with us over the last 6 years! It is because of you that we have moved past just working in one part of Fort Collins to all of Fort Collins and Loveland.  And with growth comes changes, we wanted a name that better represented what we do. That’s why Sidehill Sitters is now Wet Noses Pet Sitting.

So, what has changed?

What’s the same at Wet Noses Pet Sitting?

  • Same great sitters!
  • Same great services!
  • Our social media links are the same

If you have SidehillSitters.com saved in your bookmarks, then you were automatically sent to our new site. Go ahead and bookmark this page to make sure in a few months you will still be able to find us easily.

For our current clients, you will receive new business cards and emergency cards with your holiday card. Again thank you so much for being a part of our community and business. We sincerely appreciate each and every one of you. Also, if you have any questions about our changes, don’t hesitate to let us know or visit our FAQ’S!

Don’t forget to keep up to date with our blog, events, and other great information by signing up for our newsletter!

4 Reasons We DON’T Go to The Dog Park

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Can you take my dog to the park?

This is a question we get all the time. We are happy to walk your dog through any park near your home, on leash. We will not take your dog to the neighborhood park and let him off leash, or to the fenced dog park.

First off, we are not dog park haters. At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we believe the dog park is a great place in the right situation, for the right dog. Most of our sitters take our their dogs to dog parks and off-leash areas, but those are their own dogs. This is not the same as taking your dog to the park.

In order to make sure our clients are receiving the best and safest care, it is our policy to not to let your dog off leash at a park or go to the dog park.

1. We will never let dogs off leash in a regular, unfenced park, ever.

No matter how great your dog is about not running away from you, we are not you! We form great bonds with the dogs we watch and love them as much as our own pets but that does not make us have the same weight of importance with your dog when they see a cat run across the street. Besides, how often do you see a dog owner calling and chasing their dog, saying they never run off like that. We don’t want that to be us, and neither do you.

2. Dogs (and owners) are unpredictable.

So you live right next to the fenced dog park? Still no way. I cannot count the number of times I have collected my dog and left the dog park because another dog showed up that made me uncomfortable. We cannot predict how your pup is going to react in a variety of situations, nor can we predict how the other dogs are going to respond to your dog. We prefer not to take the risk.

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3. Dog parks can be a vector for diseases.

 

Yeah, so why do you take your dog to dog parks? I make an educated risk based on the conditions of the park before I take my dog. I do not allow my dog to go swimming in the park because Giardia is highly transmittable via water. Same with any park that has large puddles that are frequented by dogs. If we take your dog to the park and he gets sick, even if we went at your request, we are still liable and we have a sick dog on our hands!

4. There are lower risk ways to exercise your dog.

At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we chose to take the lower risk path and during the time your dog is in our care we play it safe. We go on lots of walks, play in the yard, play inside, make up fun games and more! We know we are providing the safest way for your dog to have fun.

What do you think about dog parks? Let us know your feelings and experiences in the comments below!