I ran across an article the other day that was so funny... it made my day. The article detailed the top cat and dog names of 2008 - boy were there some funny ones.
My partner Chris Glahn and I own Bruiser, Gretchen and Silver. Bruiser, our active yellow Labrador was already named when Chris adopted him years ago - as was Silver, our grey/silver domestic shorthair, when 
I adopted him. When I got Gretchen as a 5 week old puppy, I waited to name her for a few days to see what fit her. Since she was a German Shephard and St. Bernard mix, I felt that she should have a proper German name! I settled on Gretchen after thinking about Bella & Olga (this one did not roll off of the tongue well especially during training I thought, although I liked the name).
I have a client whom the Universe chose to give (a very long story) a polydactyl cat. Polydactyl cats have the distinction of having an extra toe - (or three!) on each paw, usually the front paws due to a genetic anomaly. This results in having a 'mitten' like appearance to the paw, and as adults these cats are usually very apt climbers since they have excellent dexerity. A very sweet cat with a big personality, he was given the name Mitt Romney!
Other cool names that I have run across are "Meatball" (for a English Bulldog, so fitting with that squishy little face), "Dammit" (a Great Dane), "Poo" (a black Cocker), Ninja (a black Lab) and "Java" (a hyper chocolate Lab).
What are your favorite pet names? How do you choose your own pet's names?
With all of the recent talk about the peanut butter products recalled due to salmonella, I realized that I had not heard anything recently with regard to the pet food recall. I did some research, and did locate some info.
This link was one that I sent to all of my clients during the 2007 melamine pet food recall. I thought that I would pass it along as the FDA will update any new recalls on their site, Bookmark it and check it frequently! Thankfully, the food that I give our pets, EVO and Taste of the Wild (both grain free) were not on the list!
Here is an update to the FDA's website with regard to the Food Recall that includes pet food/snacks!
Check out Earl! He's just over a year old...
This Festival is celebrating 27 years of making downtown Plymouth, MI come alive in January. This year the celebration takes place the weekend of January 23-25th, 2009. The free, family friendly winter ice festival has averaged 500,000 visitors during the past 27 years, injecting more than one million dollars to the city’s stores and restaurants.
The official opening will be on Friday January 23!
Visit the event website
for additional information, where you can get directions, download a walking map of the area and where you can watch videos of past events on YouTube!
It was just announced that Fiat and Chrysler are in talks to discuss a possible deal.
In brief, the alliance would give Fiat - who makes Alfa Romeo, Fait and Lancia, a stake in Chrysler. Fiat would gain the opportunity to build and sell it's own cars in the United States... something it has not done since the early 1980's. In turn, Chrysler would have access to some of the Italian auto company's technology.
How do you feel about this possible alliance? With the status of the 'Big Three' domestic automakers now, what's to come? How will it affect the current business climate, primarily in MI - short and long term?
I received got an e-mail from a prospective client in December, who was referred to me by a very good client of mine 
whose dog I have cared for, for nearly 2 years. He was wondering if I would be interested in caring for an African Clawed Frog… he realized that this may be an unusual request, but this little frog was very special to him as he got it when he was 8 years of age (21 years ago, yes, the frog is 21) and would appreciate considering the task. I was thrilled! I had not had the pleasure of sitting for a frog in a long time, (I used to have one myself years ago and loved it) and was looking forward to the prospect of meeting them, and got in touch immediately. Froggy turned out to be a swell little guy and is a treat to care for.
I get inquiries occasionally with regard to ‘exotic pets’… pet rats, mice, snakes, a pot bellied pig or two, birds (even parrots, cockatoos, mustache parakeets, etc.) and more. Most of my clients are canines or felines, but I include most species in my business. I’m not sure that most folks with so-called exotic pets are aware that my niche exists! I certainly consider a pet of anyone’s to be special, even if they might be considered typically, to be unusual.
This topic brought a question to mind…
What is the most ‘unusual’ pet that you have ever had or encountered? Share your stories!
I would be thrilled to know!
I'm a professional pet sitter in the areas of W. Ann Arbor, Dexter & Chelsea. With many years of direct experience, I offer the compassionate care & attention needed to ensure your pets' well being.
Consider the following...
You can keep your critters happy in their own home & on
their own schedule while you travel or work long hours! Additionally, if you are considering a move to the area - or are already here, you might know how difficult it can be to have to leave town for a few days after a recent move & have to upset you pets' schedule by having to take them to a kennel. Keeping them in their new home is key to maintaining good behavior, their health and their routine.
Going on vacation? Why not have an apt caregiver on hand for your pets to take care of things while you're away? Your animals can stay in their own surroundings, where they are familiar and comfortable - and free from contagious disease. You will never have to make arrangements to take your pets to be boarded before you leave for your trip - or think about if you'll have to get back in time before the facility closes for pickup. My clients know that they can call anytime while they are away to check in to see how things are going. I know how difficult it can be for some pets when Mom and Dad need to go away for any length of time, so I try to make concessions to ensure the experience is fun and positive so that you can vacation - stress free!
The benefits...
*your pets remain in their own environment
*no risk of exposure to illness of other animals
*avoid the stress of kennels
*no need to ever plan vacation around kennel times
*pets get the individualized attention they deserve!
Are you considering a move to the Ann Arbor area? New to the area? You are probably aware of how stressful a move can be for your pets, too! It's important to establish a trusted individual who will be around to care for them who they know they - and you - can count on.
Do you have a very young pet who needs extra TLC in your absense and kenneling is not right for you? Or, if you have a pet who is advanced in age and would benefit from a familiar face checking in on them - taking the extra time to address their specific needs, then you're in luck.
I have expertise in animal health, nutrition and behavior. Mine is a holistic approach all the way around. Each pet is treated as an individual, and their specific needs are addressed accordingly. Bischons have different needs than Rottweilers, just as the needs of a Devon Rex differ from that of a Domestic Shorthair. As you will learn about me, I am a pet parent, first and foremost. I have the same concerns about the treatment and well-being of my pets as you do yours.
You get the benefits of a housesitter when you book my services as well, to give your home that 'lived-in' look while you are away. I bring in mail, water plants, alternate light, set sleep timers to radio/TV, shovel/salt walkways if needed and check your home for security and safety.
My business is not limited to cats and dogs. I also have experience with birds, like Cockatoos and Mustache Parakeets, too. Additionally, my experience extends into the arena of caring for frogs, anoles and the like. Have a pot bellied pig, rats/mice, pet snake or other 'unusual' pet? I welcome those on my schedule as well!
I am a fellow pet owner, first and foremost! I believe it takes a
village to raise healthy, well-adjusted animals. My partner
Chris Glahn and I own 2 large breed dogs - Gretchen, a St. 
Bernard/Shepard mix, who is 10 and Bruiser, a 7 year old
Lab/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. Silver, a 11 year old domestic
shorthair cat rounds out the family.
I have owned my residential cleaning company for over 14
years and throughout that time, I have served as caregiver to
many of my clients pets - whether the pet parents were on
vacation or just away at work for long periods of time. Doggy
walks, potty breaks and even overnight visits and house sitting
have become a part of my role in my business. After some
time, I thought, 'Why not offer my services to everyone?' The
idea quickly took off and many pets and their families have
benefited.
I've helped pet parents attain peace of mind by scheduling
vacation visits 2-3 x per day. I work with dogs who need daily
30 minute playtime visits to help build confidence and proper
socialization - or to just be a dog and burn off a little of that
extra energy! I care for aging dogs who need that extra bit of
care when Mom and Dad can't be there. I've assisted families
with new puppies and kittens by scheduling regular visits for
potty breaks to facilitate easier housebreaking, and better
results with obedience training. Additionally, I have assisted
clients pets who are entering their end-of-life stage, with extra
care and attention, just when they need it. There are many
more benefits to implementing my services.
My philosophy as I said before is that it takes a village to raise
healthy, well-adjusted pets. The core of that is trust, a caring
attitude and being truly knowledgeable about our pets. The
pets that I care for are like an extension of my own family. I look
forward to welcoming yours as well.
-Lorrie
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