Updated Forms

by Loyal Pet Care on March 7, 2013

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Hello, Loyal Pet Care Family!

Those of you who keep up with the Loyal Pet Care Facebook page might have seen that I have updated forms. They can be found on this site’s Forms page and are available in PDF version. There are a few updates to the revised forms and I would like them to be filled out as soon as possible. As I said in my Facebook post, I will also send out an email reminder to you all.

The inclement weather plan has been expanded in the Terms of Agreement. I rarely have to alter pet care visits due to weather but it can be a possibility. Hopefully we have seen the last of the snow for this winter, though, and hopefully we won’t see a hurricane for a LONG time!

In addition, I have never been a fan of retractable leashes and Loyal Pet Care will no longer use them while providing pet services. Please have a nylon leash, preferably 4 feet in length, available for your dog’s walks. This is for your pet’s safety while he or she is in my care.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could all fill out these forms (Client Profile, Pet(s) Profile, Terms of Agreement, and Veterinarian Release) at your earliest convenience. When you have completed the updated forms, you can leave them in your home and I will collect them at a visit. If you don’t have any visits booked in the near future, I would be happy to schedule a time to come by your home to pick up the forms so that I have them on file for the next time I see your pet(s).

Please let me know if you have any questions and I appreciate your timely attention to this!

Thank you!

Lauren

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The Buzz About Underground Dog Fences

by Loyal Pet Care on February 24, 2013

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I continue to see underground dog fences on the puppy circuit. Underground fences are electronic containment systems designed to teach pets their boundaries while in your yard.  They use a small “shock” which is transmitted through an electronic collar. These hidden fences can contain your dog within the set barrier without the expense of putting up a fence.

While wire fences are costly and can be dug under or jumped over, they can also distract from the beauty of landscapes and in some cases decrease the property value of your home.  Underground fences are reasonably priced and invisible, meaning that nobody will even know it’s there except for you and your dog.

When a dog approaches the fenced area, he’ll receive a warning tone. If he hasn’t retreated back after two seconds, the tone will the be followed by a mild electrical jolt, transmitted through a device connected to his collar. The jolt will be harmless and painless to your pet and paired to his specific temperament. If he still chooses to not retreat back, the electrical jolt then sets itself to the highest level to prevent the dog from running through it. Some people think that these jolts are inhumane. I, personally, don’t love the idea of these fences but I would much rather see a dog get a jolt than wind up in the middle of the road, possibly getting hurt or worse.

Underground dog fences are installed easily and will give your dog freedoms that he may not otherwise have. While dogs tend to be nosey, trying to cross the street, going into the neighbor’s yard, digging in your flower garden, or chasing those passing by, the underground system will quickly teach him where he is and isn’t allowed to go.

Just as you need freedom and exercise, so does your dog. Your dog is part of your family and it is your job, as his owner and guardian, to be sure he is safe and healthy. With an underground dog fence you can give him that safety and independence that dogs love so much, while being supervised by you.

NOTE: An invisible fence is NOT a babysitter. It is not a substitute for proper adult supervision. An invisible fence does NOT deter other animals from coming INSIDE the boundaries of the fence. If another animal crosses onto your property, your dog might feel like he or she can’t escape so it is of paramount importance to closely monitor what happens in your yard while your dog is outside.

 

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Purchases for Your Pet

by Loyal Pet Care on January 21, 2013

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Dog ownership, while delightful and rewarding, carries the responsibility of a number of inevitable purchases. In order to properly care for a dog and to comply with certain local laws, the owner must have a number of dog accessories in his or her arsenal of pet supplies. Some of these items are necessary and others are conveniences. It is important to know exactly what you’ll need to properly care for your dog.

The Essentials

Most of the truly necessary items for dog care are fairly obvious. If you have a dog, you’ll need bowls for his or her food and water. Mid-size to large dogs have a habit of moving their food bowls around the room as they eat. This can make a lot of noise and leave you searching around for the bowl at feeding time. The problem can be solved by using a heavy ceramic bowl that is difficult for the dog to move. A sturdy plastic bowl with a rubber lining on the bottom can be useful as well. The rubber on the bottom prevents the bowl from sliding around as your pup enjoys mealtime.

For taking your dog on walks, you’ll need a leash and a collar. These can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like, but of course you’ll want to take the size and strength of your dog into account when selecting them. The collar can (and should) be adorned with a town license tag or at least an ID tag that provides your name and contact information in case your dog is lost. My preference, as far as leashes go, is that they be four feet in length and no wider than the dog “needs.” A small dog does not need a leash (or collar, for that matter) that is 1″ wide. I tend to buy leashes that are 5/8″ or 3/4″ wide for my dog, Raegan. Raegan is about 18 lbs. and I don’t really need anything bulkier than 5/8″ for her. I wouldn’t want anything heavier than necessary around her neck when we’re out and about on our strolls.

You’ll need some sort of system for “clean-up” while you’re on your walks. I have a waste bag dispenser that clips onto Raegan’s leash and I make sure I keep it full of bags. If you want to get fancy, they even sell floral scented waste bags now. Strangely enough, I’m allergic to these but I know that they’re available. Most areas have laws about cleaning up after your pet and I’m sure that you don’t want to wind up with a hefty fine for non-compliance.

Optional Accessories

There are literally thousands of optional items available for people to purchase for use with their dogs. I know this because I have purchased most of them. Some of these items, like doggie water bottles, serve a very useful purpose. If Raegan and I are out hiking, she can easily drink out of her bottle to rehydrate. Others serve no real purpose and are decorative or just plain silly. I am a big fan of the decoration and silliness! My pup looks too cute in hair bows to resist them!

Depending on where you live and how hot/cold it gets, you might want to get your dog booties. They do a good job of protecting the sensitive pads of a dog’s feet from rough terrain, rocky areas, hot pavement, icy conditions, and salt that isn’t pet-friendly.  If you wouldn’t walk barefoot on a surface, then your dog probably shouldn’t either.

I could go on and on with these lists and I could even make arguments that what some people consider “optionals” are actually “essentials.” How else will Raegan know that she is my Valentine if I don’t give her heart-shaped toys and a leash and collar set with XOs on them in a few weeks?

While there are always plenty of items to buy for your pet, don’t forget to go heavy on the TLC, attention, hugs, cuddles, and kisses. All of those belong on the “essentials” list and they’re absolutely FREE!

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Dog Playgroups in Morristown, NJ

by Loyal Pet Care on December 17, 2012

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Dog playgroups have always been on the list of services that Loyal Pet Care offers. The groups are limited to three or four dogs and they are full of fun and friskiness. I am currently adding another playgroup to the Loyal Pet Care schedule. The group will be held in a warm and homey environment in Morristown, New Jersey and it offers many benefits.

  • Your dog gets play time. During an otherwise monotonous day, your pup has time to frolic with friends and socialize.
  • Playing with other dogs is a great form of exercise. Not only does your dog physically exercise but he or she exercises intellectually and mentally in a happily stimulating environment.
  • The group has my constant supervision and interaction.
  • Groups are held rain or shine so if you don’t want to take your dog for a regular walk because of inclement weather, you can be sure that he or she is burning energy in play group.
  • Active dogs tend to be healthier dogs. I always keep physical fitness in mind during play groups
  • TLC!

Playgroups are limited to three to four dogs so be sure to email loyalpetcare@gmail.com for more information!

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Happy Thanksgiving 2012

by Loyal Pet Care on November 22, 2012

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To my Loyal Pet Care Family:

Day in and day out, I am greeted with wagging tails and playful meows because of your pets. Your dogs and cats (and birds and fish) give me so much joy and add so much more fun to my life. Whether I am visiting your home or boarding your dog in mine, the time that I spend with your fur-children means a lot to me.

I am very thankful for your trust and your commitment. When I rebranded a few years ago, I chose the name “Loyal Pet Care” for a few reasons:

  • The pet care that I provide has a strong foundation of loyalty.
  • My clients are some of the most loyal people I have ever met and most of you are now like family members. To those family members who leave me pie on a regular basis, you can stop. I’m going very light on carbs. :)
  • All pet guardians should be loyal, just as their pets are to them.

Over the past year, I have been excited to welcome new members into the Loyal Pet Care Family. Whether you are a new client or a more seasoned one, I appreciate your business and loyalty to me. It is that loyalty that makes my business feel like a family. It is the family-like feeling (and word of mouth) that draws more clients to me.

Mother Nature tested our loyalty this fall with Super Storm Sandy. I was displaced in Pennsylvania and could not work for a week. Some of you told me to consider the advance payment that you had made as paid vacation. The fact that you had that much concern for the stability of my business is so incredibly kind and you have a special place in my heart.

While I did not have electricity for two weeks and spent a total of 15 days away from home, several of you invited my dog, Raegan, and me to stay with you. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and thoughtfulness. Raegan and I did spend one night at a client’s condo. This particular client works night shifts and my visits are typically in the 9-10PM range so Raegan and I stayed in her apartment with her two dogs on one of the nights that she had to work. We all cozied up on the sofa and got some wonderful rest.

Several things struck me about this situation:

  • My clients are simply the best.
  • Your level of trust in me goes beyond entering your home, staying for 30 minutes and leaving.
  • I stayed in the condo of a client who only started using Loyal Pet Care services a few months ago. She let me stay in her home (WITH MY DOG!) while she wasn’t there. She told me to turn the heat up if I wanted more warmth. She gave me her wifi password. She went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. I know that many of you would have offered the same things as I would have for you. This makes Loyal Pet Care so special to me and it thrills me to know that my brand attracts such amazing people.

I am thankful for you and the opportunity of spending time with your furry friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lauren (& Raegan, too!)

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Microchipping Your Pet

November 1, 2012
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I do NOT want any of us grieving a lost dog.  Once upon a time, if your dog ran away, people stapled signs to telephone poles hoping that someone would see it, find your furry friend and return him or her safely. While that is still one of the many ways to get the word [...]

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Safe Dog Toys

October 1, 2012
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Many dog owners love to think of their dogs as children.  “That’s my baby,” we say when referring to our dogs. Raegan is DEFINITELY my furry daughter. I refer to myself as “Mommy” when talking to her. I actually refer to myself as her Mommy when talking to people, too.  I know that a lot [...]

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Old Dog? New Tricks?

September 1, 2012
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If you think that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks then maybe you have never owned an old dog.  If dogs are anything, they are extremely intelligent and can learn many new things.  The first thing to learn when training your dog to do anything new is to never change your verbal expression, [...]

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Doggie Dental Hygiene

August 1, 2012
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Some people don’t realize that dental hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for human beings.  Just like in people, dogs’ teeth can gather plaque after eating.  When plaque builds up and hardens it becomes a coarse brown substance called tartar.  You brush your teeth every day, probably three times.  What does your [...]

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The History of Seeing Eye Dogs

July 1, 2012
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Morristown, NJ is home to The Seeing Eye, the oldest existing guide school in the world. Perhaps you have been out and about in town and seen trainers walking with dogs. However, have you ever wondered about the history of Seeing Eye dogs? While no one knows when the concept of using assistance animals for [...]

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