Home for the Holidays | Guest Blog Spot by Sarah Jones

The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company is proudly supporting Sarah's efforts to improve dogs' fortunes in Armenia through her work with Pawsitive Rescue Armenia. Please help her ensure that the dogs in the shelter can get fed TWICE a day through the winter months by supporting her gofundme fundraiser -- and if you have some room  for an adoptee from halfway around the world read on!

Tis the season for pet adoption! A time when families get together and decide to open their hearts and their homes to a new furry friend. What a lot of people don’t know is that you can do this both near and far and make a big difference in a dog's life who otherwise would, sadly, never get adopted in their own country. I never knew this option existed and how easy it is to adopt a dog from overseas until I started volunteering at Pawsitive Rescue in Armenia.

Pawsitive Rescue has a multitude of dogs, like Hamo, Lexie, Bobie, and Neo pictured here, available for adoption in all shapes and sizes, and has several special needs dogs who desperately need a loving home in the US where they can get the care they need and the love they deserve. The best part is there are no adoption fees and for those who cannot afford the transportation (which ranges depending upon the airline, the size of the dog, and how they travel),  Pawsitive Rescue will help you raise the money by reaching out to its supporters and saying “HEY! We found this dog a loving family, help us get him home!”

Previously, adoptions occurred mostly in CA, NY and NC, but now, with the help of The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company, the dogs at Pawsitive Rescue Armenia can be adopted by people and families in the Loudoun County and DMV area.

Dogs hoping for a new home for the holidays are on the Pawsitive Rescue Facebook album called Ready to Adopt. Just click to read their story (google can translate for you if needed, most have English too). If you fall in love with one of them just contact the shelter via Facebook @pawsitivearmenia to let them know you're interested, ask any questions, have a home check done if you are not already a LPSC client, and discuss transportation and timing options with the shelter.

If you are not looking to adopt at the moment, but still want to help, dogs can also be sponsored with monthly donations to the shelter, which pays for veterinary care and shelter expenses for that dog. For more information about sponsoring a dog please contact the shelter via Facebook @pawsitivearmenia.

To contribute to Sarah's efforts to feed the shelter dogs go to PROJECT SANTA PAWS.

HO HO BARK! We're Sending Santa Paws Overseas!

The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company is proud to announce that this holiday season we are partnering with our colleague Sarah Jones in her fundraising campaign PROJECT SANTA PAWS, to feed 2 meals a day during the cold Armenian winter to 127 dogs at the shelter where she is volunteering. At the moment they are only fed once a day.

We believe that all animals around the globe should have the chance to experience care, safety, comfort and love and are excited to help Sarah in her efforts to make a huge difference so far from home. Sarah is the founder of Pawsome Palz Pet Sitting which merged with The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company over the summer.

When Sarah arrived in Armenia with her husband, who is working in the country for a year, she saw the heartbreaking situation regarding stray animals and the serious lack of shelters/support for them. She knew she had to do something and since she couldn't take them in herself, she decided to help those that do by volunteering at Pawsitive Rescue. After hearing the shelter founders mention how much they wish they could feed the dogs twice a day during winter she went from "How can I make this happen for them" to "I'm going to make this happen for them!" If you have ever met Sarah, she never backs down from a challenge, especially one she sets herself.

Therefore in addition to making a donation on in honor of our wonderful clients to Pawsitive Rescue Armenia, we aim to help Project Santa Paws reach audiences both near and far by sharing Sarah's story, information about her campaign and hope our readers will do the same by supporting her efforts.

Pawsitive Rescue is a no-kill shelter, in a low adoption area that runs purely on donations and volunteers like Sarah. We invite you to stay tuned as we will be featuring Sarah as a guest blogger with updates on the positive impact donations make, shelter life abroad and how to adopt these lovable pups,  back to the US.....including a cameo of Kiki, the pup she will be bringing back home with her in the spring to her horse farm in Purcellville, Va.

For more information please visit Project Santa Paws' webpage:  www.gofundme.com/project-santa-paws or contact Sarah Jones directly at projectsantapaws@gmail.com.

WHAT TO DONATE TO ANIMAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Good morning all!

With the 2018 Holiday season in full swing, you might be wondering how you can help our animals in need this season, especially animals that are in shelters. Financial donations are always welcomed but there are also other ways you can give back and help out! If you don’t have a specific organization in mind, why not look for a local group that you can help by providing a financial donation, gifts-in-kind, or a few hours assisting with chores. All gifts provide much needed resources, and provide you with the joy of helping animals. Also, depending on the organization, your donation may be tax deductible.

Here are some other ideas about donating from our friends at petsbest.com!

To learn more about our professional pet sitting and dog walking services this holiday season visit: www.loudounpetsitting.com! 

Traditional Thanksgiving Foods That Are Bad and Good for Pets!

Thanksgiving is only a few days away and while you are preparing your menu for yourself, friends or family it is important to think about what menu items your furry loved ones can and can't eat. Today we are sharing a quick article from petsbest.com which talks about six foods that your pets cannot have. Some of the foods listed might be obvious but others might surprise you!
6 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Bad for Cats and Dogs

It's always better to be safe than sorry so if you are unsure of a food but want to treat your pet to some Thanksgiving goodies, here are some alternatives that they can have thanks to an article from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance.  7 Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can Eat

Learn more about our professional pet and farm sitting services in Loudoun County, Virginia at: www.loudounpetsitting.com! And Happy Thanksgiving to You and Your Pets!

Fun in the Snow with Fido: Ways to Play with Your Dog in Winter

Dare we say it...there is a slight possibility of snow/freezing rain later this week. Which means winter is almost here and the odds of us having snow are getting higher by the day. So what does that mean for you? Fun in the snow with your dog!!! If you are like most of us, having the motivation to go outside and play with your dog in winter is a lot harder than other seasons. But thanks to this great article from PetMD, there are some fun indoor and outdoor things you can do with your dogs this winter!

Photo credit: PetMd

Fun in the Snow with Fido: Ways to Play with Your Dog in Winter

If you are looking for extra walks, potty breaks or help this winter with your pet, give us a call! Learn more about our professional pet sitting and dog walking services at: www.loudounpetsitting.com! 

Keep Fidos Skin and Coat At Its Healthiest This Winter

Winter will be here before we know it and during the winter months, dry skin and excessive shedding are major concerns for pet owners. Thanks to Thepetshow.com, they have put together some of the top tips for keeping your pets coat in tip-top shape during the cold weather. Take a look at some of the article tips here!

Photo credit: WallpaperMania

If you are looking for help keeping your pets exercised this winter, have no fear! Contact us at www.loudounpetsitting.com to take a look at our terrific pet sitters and schedule your consultation today!

Which Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?

Good morning!

Today's blog is sharing an article from Modern Dog Magazine which talks about emotions our dogs can experience. This article covers one author's opinions but does provide for a very interesting read with some thought-provoking points.

"Most people can read emotions in their dog quite easily. For example, you come home and your dog dances around wagging her tail, and you think to yourself, “Lady is happy to see me,” or “Lady really loves me.” Or perhaps you’re out on a walk and, at the approach of another canine, your dog freezes in place, his hackles raised, and gives a low throaty growl. We interpret this as “Rex does not like that dog. Seeing him makes Rex angry.” In such situations the emotional state of our dogs seems quite obvious. For this reason it is difficult for many people to understand that the existence of emotions in dogs was—and in some places still is—a point of scientific controversy (Modern Dog Magazine)."

Whether you agree with the article or not, you can be assured that we will love your pet and take care of them like our own at each visit! We take great care in working to learn your pet's behavior and know their likes and dislikes. You can rest assured that they are in the best of hands while you are away! Learn more about our services at: http://www.loudounpetsitting.com/

12 Things Humans Do That Annoy Dogs

Today we are sharing a good article from Modern Dog Magazine entitled '12 Things Humans Do That Annoy Dogs,' Oftentimes, we don't realize that some behaviors which are acceptable to us humans, can cause our canine friends a high level of discomfort or irritability. Why? Because many of them are unintentional and we are human so we think as humans, not as dogs do. But thanks to this article, you can take a look at a few of these behaviors and better learn how your dog might think or react.

12 Things Humans Do That Annoy Dogs

To learn more about us and our dog walking/sitting services visit: www.loudounpetsitting.com!

Making a Good Checklist for Your Pet Sitter

We all wish we could bring our pets everywhere with us...(well, maybe not everywhere!) But unfortunately, some vacations and short getaways are not dog-friendly like that relaxing all-inclusive resort to celebrate your anniversary?

"When you must leave your dog behind, there are many doggie care options. You can board them, but that might not be the best move for your dog if he is skiddish, a wild puppy, or a cranky older dog who is set in his ways. In these cases, a dog sitter might be your best bet. And it might be the cheaper option if you can find a responsible neighborhood teenager looking for some extra cash."

You may think a lot of these tips are common sense, but this article from Pedigree might actually bring up some points you forgot to think about! For example, Number 8: "Make sure chew toys are clean and located in one place."

To learn more about what you should do before your dog sitter arrives, visit the article link here!

To schedule a consultation for your dog with one of our professional pet sitters visit: www.loudounpetsitting.com!

We Support Series: Part 9

The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company thanks all of the wonderful companies and organizations who work to make life better for all the pets in Loudoun County! We are continuing our mini-series this week which highlights these special companies so you can get better acquainted. Up next is a top-notch veterinary clinic and state-of-the-art facility, Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates!

Blue Ridge is a full-service veterinary practice based on the belief that their clients’ needs are of the utmost importance and their entire team is committed to meeting the needs of all guests. They have been serving Virginia for the past 25 years and have continued to help small animals of all kinds at their state-of-the-art facility. To learn more about their services visit: https://blueridgevets.com/

To learn more about The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company, the services we provide and the other organizations we support visit us online at: www.loudounpetsitting.com! 

We Support Series: Part 8

The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company thanks all of the wonderful companies and organizations who work to make life better for all the pets in Loudoun County! We are continuing our mini-series this week which highlights these special companies so you can get better acquainted. Up next is a veterinary team that is second to none, Davis Equine!

Davis Equine is made up of Dr. Chad and Dr. Stephanie Davis! Chad and Stephanie Davis are equine sports medicine veterinarians located in northern Virginia. Dr. Chad grew up in southern California where his experience with horses started with all types of breeds and disciplines. He graduated from Ross University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and his final clinical year was spent at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. He was then hired as an associate veterinarian at Clarke Equine Wellness & Performance where he worked for several years. He now owns his own veterinary practice together with Dr. Stephanie Davis, aptly named, Davis Equine. Dr. Davis spent many years as a veterinary assistant and working in the pharmaceutical side of the veterinary business before attending veterinary school. He has been involved with many sports (show horses, Arabians, and quarter horses) and has been exposed to a wide variety of aspects of the horse industry In addition, Chad spent many years training as a professional cyclist, racing his bike all over the US.

Dr. Stephanie grew up in Indiana as an avid eventer. She continued her eventing career while in college, attending Indiana University and Otterbein College in Ohio and competing her mare, Music, through the one star level. After graduating in 2002 with dual majors in Molecular Biology and Equine Pre-Veterinary Sciences, she worked as a phlebotomist (in a human hospital) and spent time training as a farrier’s apprentice. Her experiences served her well when she went on to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. While in school she enjoyed traveling, including trips to India, South Africa and Thailand. She returned to the U.S. and completed her clinical rotations at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Stephanie spent two years working at the prestigious Virginia Equine Imaging, and 3 years at Clarke Equine Wellness & Performance. In September of 2013, she became co-owner (along with Dr. Chad Davis) of Davis Equine. Chad and Stephanie service all types of horses no matter their job description, but focus especially on the performance horse. Dr. Stephanie continues to consult for HAYGAIN hay steamers as well.

Learn more about Davis Equine and Team Ride Safe here! 

To learn more about The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company, the services we provide and the other organizations we support visit us online at: www.loudounpetsitting.com! 

We Support Series: Part 7

The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company thanks all of the wonderful companies and organizations who work to make life better for all the pets in Loudoun County! We are continuing our mini-series this week which highlights these special companies so you can get better acquainted. Up next is an organization that has been humanely helping horses since 1990, The Equine Rescue League!

"The Equine Rescue League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 1990 that supports the responsible use of working, sport and pleasure horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Our goals are to prevent the neglect or abuse of any equine, to offer educational programs to the community and to provide rehabilitation and adoption services for those animals in need of our services."

Click here to learn more about the Equine Rescue League and be sure to stop by their Fall Open House on October 21st, 2018 from 10:00am to 4:00pm to support this great group!

To learn more about The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company, the services we provide and the other organizations we support visit us online at: www.loudounpetsitting.com! 

We Support Series: Part 6

The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company thanks all of the wonderful companies and organizations who work to make life better for all the pets in Loudoun County! We are continuing our mini-series this week which highlights these special companies so you can get better acquainted. Up next is an organization that has been rescuing for over 12 years... The Gingersnap Girls!

"The Gingersnap Girls were founded in honor and memory of three mares, Calypso, Chrissy and Flag who were each saved from the slaughter truck by their own angels.

Each came to them from different places and each at different times, but together they were The Gingersnap Girls, leaving a legacy of strength, hope, and courage in the quest to help save other slaughter bound equines, in addition to providing aid to any equine enduring abuse, neglect, or misunderstanding. Each had an abiding and overwhelming love of gingersnaps!

The Gingersnap Girls Equine Education and Rescue Foundation was founded in 2004 becoming a 501 (c)(3) organization classified with the IRS as a public charity in 2005."

Learn more by visiting: http://www.gingersnapgirls.org/

To learn more about The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company, the services we provide and the other organizations we support visit us online at: www.loudounpetsitting.com! 

We Support Series: Part 5

The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company thanks all of the wonderful companies and organizations who work to make life better for all the pets in Loudoun County! We are continuing our mini-series this week which highlights these special companies so you can get better acquainted. Up next is a very important organization in our local area, The Humane Society of Loudoun County!

T
he Humane Society of Loudoun County, VA (HSLC) is a no-kill, volunteer animal welfare organization founded in 1966 to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned, feral, and neglected animals. Their mission is to partner with our community to save more animals and achieve a No Kill Community. Learn more by visiting  their site here.

Learn more about how we can help you settle into a routine and keep your new pet happy once you adopt!! www.loudounpetsitting.com

We Support Series: Part 4

The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company thanks all of the wonderful companies and organizations who work to make life better for all the pets in Loudoun County! We are continuing our mini-series this week which highlights these special companies so you can get better acquainted. Up next is an organization very near and dear to our hearts and a lot of clients in our local area, The Loudoun County Animal Shelter/Services!

At the Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS), they work each day to ensure a compassionate, humane community for animals and people. LCAS operates an animal shelter, which provides for companion animals who have been surrendered by their owners or found stray in the county. The shelter also has pets for adoption. Officers enforce local and state animal laws and investigate reports of animal cruelty. In addition, LCAS maintains a lost and found animal directory, issues dog licenses and assists citizens with a variety of animal issues. For more information, contact LCAS at 703-777-0406 or by email.

We would love to help your new pet from LCAS Shelter transition into their new homes with daily pet visits and dog walks! Learn more about the services we can provide at: www.loudounpetsitting.com!

We Support Series: Part 3

The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company thanks all of the wonderful companies and organizations who work to make life better for all the pets in Loudoun County! We are continuing our mini-series this week which highlights these special companies so you can get better acquainted. Up next is the Middleburg Humane Foundation!

The Middleburg Humane Foundation specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals that come to their shelter from a vast variety of abusive situations.  After much needed nurturing and medical care, the animals are placed available for adoption. Learn more about MHF at: https://www.middleburghumane.org/

To learn more about us and our dog walking/sitting services for after you've adopted that wonderful animal into your life, visit: www.loudounpetsitting.com!

We Support Series: Part 1

The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company thanks all of the wonderful companies and organizations who work to make life better for all the pets in Loudoun County! We want to do a little mini-series which highlights each one, so you can get better acquainted with these wonderful companies. Up first is
PetConnect Rescue!

PetConnect Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization dedicated to placing abandoned dogs and cats in loving homes. PetConnect Rescue was founded in 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and has evolved into a vibrant animal rescue organization. PetConnect Rescue is a non breed-specific organization that responds to email and phone pleas for help for dogs and cats imminently slated for euthanasia. They rescue these animals from over-extended local shelters as well as rural shelters from West Virginia to Georgia.

The rescues that come into their care are primarily placed in foster homes, although some are boarded with reputable kennels or trainers. Their foster volunteers provide loving care and socialization for these animals while they await their forever homes. Thanks to donation drives they are able to pass on supplies to our foster families such as crates, food, collars, toys, bedding etc. Learn more by visiting: https://www.petconnectrescue.org/

To learn more about us and our dog walking/sitting services for after you've adopted that wonderful dog into your life, visit: www.loudounpetsitting.com!

 

Car Safety When Travelling With Your Pets

Before summer winds down you might be planning a weekend getaway or a road trip to visit family and friends. If you are thinking of bringing your dog along, it's important to recognize how best to travel with your dog and some important car safety tips to keep you both safe along the way!

Thanks to our friends at PetMD, here is an article with a few pet travel items that you might want to consider to best suit your pet.

https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/care/top-ten-ways-to-restrain-and-travel-safely-with-pets

If you can't take your dogs with you this time, think about hiring a professional and caring pet sitter! Learn more about our services at: http://loudounpetsitting.com

Helpful Tips for Moving With Pets

As summer is winding down and a new school year is approaching some families might be preparing to move into their new home before school starts. Moving with pets can be a difficult process if you don't take necessary steps to ensure a smooth and safe transition for them. Thanks to househunt.com here is a great graphic with some helpful tips! Some things to remember are:

• Prepare an Overnight Kit
• Contact Your Vet
• Keep Your Pets Away from the Action
• Take Your Pet in Your Vehicle
• Don't Let Your Pet Out Until You've Arrived
• Keep Your Pet Secluded
• Update Their Info

If you are moving to the Leesburg/Purcellville/Middleburg area in Loudoun County, Virginia and are looking for some extra help with your pet while you adjust to your new life, contact us today! We are available for midday walks as well as overnight pet sitting. www.loudounpetsitting.com

Playful Photos of Well-Loved Dog Toys

Good morning!

We just HAD to share this adorable one-of-a-kind article with you today entitled 'Playful Photos of Well-Loved Dog Toys.' We know how certain toys and stuffed animals can be a comfort for your pet. Not only while you are away but also on a daily basis or through a transition period. That's why when we pet sit we always make sure to know which toys are allowed full time and which are only for supervised play periods.
This article shows professional photos of some well-loved dog toys and explains a little background on each one. Some of these stories are really sweet...enjoy!!

And remember if you're looking for a pet sitter or walker, contact us today! www.loudounpetsitting.com.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/proof/2018/05/animals-pets-dog-toy/