What’s your pet’s superpower? Find out by taking the quiz! Share and compare your results with your friends and don’t forget to tell us your pet’s superpower is by tweeting us @FetchPetCare or adding a comment to this post!
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Before I decided that I wanted to be a dog walker and pet sitter for Fetch! Pet Care, I worked for an insurance startup for nearly ten years. It paid the bills, but I was unhappy. I would spend anywhere between eight to twelve hours a day seated in my cubicle, under fluorescent lighting… I even had to press a button every time I left my station to use the lady’s room. I’m naturally not the corporate type, and love being outside. My weekends were spent adventuring with my fiancé (we were weekend warriors, as you might say). I’ve grown up with dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits, horses — once a guinea pig… my entire life, and am a proud dog owner myself. When I signed on to work in this insurance startup, it seemed promising and secure… these factors alone should make me happy, right? Wrong. As I approached my ten-year mark, I found myself growing increasingly unhappy.
Fast forward to a week later. I’m having brunch with friends of mine at this new spot in San Francisco (where we live). My friend Mallory brought a new friend with her, Mark. Mark happened to work for Fetch! Pet Care as a dog walker and pet sitter and I was intrigued. He said to me: “It’s literally the best career decision I’ve ever made. I wouldn’t go back.” Make your own hours, a daily workout (no gym membership required!), and most of all, you get to play with pets all day! I was sold.
The following week I sent my boss my two week’s notice after a painless interview process (and a job offer!) with Fetch! Pet Care. Things were finally looking up. It’s been almost five years now and here’s my story of why working for Fetch! Pet Care is the best job I’ve ever had. Hands down.
Mocha, Jasper, Nylah, and Wolfgang… some smiling faces from my crew!
I hang out with pets all day. Most of the pets I work with, I have known since my very first day on the job. They are always happy to see me, and offer their love and affection with abandon. My “crew” (as I like to call them), are so grateful for the simple things I do for them: offer fresh water, go for a brisk walk, or some see-ya-tomorrow belly rubs. Gone are the days of office politics and water cooler drama.
This is Luna. She is always so happy! Especially after some sunshine after playtime.
I am in the best shape I’ve ever been in my entire life. Fact: I was pudgy and out-of-shape before I started walking dogs for Fetch! Pet Care. I don’t own a gym membership, although I do practice yoga outside of my working hours because I enjoy it. I am now body-positive, and truly happy with how I look and feel. I’m way more comfortable being in photos (and in the occasional selfie with some of my favorite pets). You really can’t beat getting paid to stay in shape and have fun. It’s a win-win!
The pet parents I work with and my co-workers are some of the best people I know. Take a look at Fetch! Pet Care on Facebook and you’ll see what I mean. We are our own community and we share a love for our pets that you can compare to the love you have for your own children. I always send text updates to my pet’s parents with photos and videos so they know their fur babies are happy and safe. The replies I receive in return are brimming with sincere gratitude. For example: “This video just made my day. Thank you so much for taking such great care of my babies!” Or, “We should start an Instagram for Buddha…he’s always smiling when he’s with you!” Not to mention, we are all very much involved with our pet-loving community on the local level. Most of the pet owners I work with along with my co-workers and myself volunteer at adoption events, are foster parents for rescues — whatever we can do to help a pet in need, we do it.
My co-worker, Sarah, at an adoption event we co-hosted this Summer in San Francisco.
I earn a living wage. I don’t struggle to pay the bills, have a growing savings account, and room for spending. I may not be wealthy, but I have everything I need and a job that is flexible and fun. It’s a perfect combination for someone like myself.
This is my spirit dog. A very happy camper indeed.
I’m the happiest I’ve even been. I’m smiling all day long. I feel great because I get a lot of fresh air and exercise, and there’s nothing like seeing happy pets enjoying life…it’s contagious! I actually look forward to going to my first job of the day… I wake up with a smile on my face, and come home smiling. It’s made me a better person because I’m less stressed out and I’m more available for my fiancé, friends, and family. I consider myself a Fetch! Pet Care dog walker and pet sitter for life and hope to one day open my own franchise.
If you have any questions about becoming a dog walker or pet sitter with Fetch! Pet Care, tweet them at @FetchPetCare. Want to work with me and my amazing co-workers? Apply online here and your local Fetch! Pet Care franchise owner get back to you right away. Best of luck!
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This pug just realized he can never be a seal 🙂
P/c: HealthyDad
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With Spring approaching, now is a great time to evaluate your pet’s exercise regimen and make a plan to keep Fido active. With Fetch! Pet Care on your side, you know your dog is getting tons of exercise when you’re at work or away from home. We are passionate about making sure that all of the dogs we care for are happy, healthy, and fit. No matter your dog’s size or breed, there are so many ways you can keep her active both indoors and outdoors when you’re home. But, here’s the best part — the benefit is two fold! Both you and your dog win from exercising together. So, to help you get motivated, we’ve compiled a list of our five favorite reasons why you should exercise with your dog.
1. Exercising together makes your bond stronger. When your dog genuinely feels the bond you two have, she will feel more relaxed, loved, content, and overall more enthusiastic about life. Hike a new trail together, go for a brisk morning jog, or a casual stroll around the neighborhood. Right now, it’s just you and your best friend, and life could not get any better. What a gift it is to share these moments with such a loyal and loving companion!
2. Exercising with your dog helps keep you both lean and limber. Wether it’s a little doga (that’s right, yoga for dogs), or playing fetch in the back yard, regular exercise is a great way to help keep you and your dog lean and limber. By keeping your dog active every day you help her from becoming obese. Obesity can result in serious adverse health effects, such as reducing the lifespan, even if your dog is only moderately obese. Multiple areas of the body are affected by excess body fat, including the bones and joints, the digestive organs, and the organs responsible for breathing capacity. And as many of you know, this applies to us humans, too. So, make a plan that works for you and stick to it. You and Fido — fitness pals for life!
3. Exercise improves sleep. Moderate exercise provides a workout not only for the body but for the mind as well. A pleasantly tired dog who has received the mental stimulation she needs will have a healthier, more restful sleep — beneficial to overall health.
4. Exercise is fun. A regularly exercised dog comes to depend on the enjoyment derived from exercise. As the appointed time nears, she will get restless with excitement. Some dogs will even drag out your running shoes and fetch the leash. In short, they love it!
5. Exercise encourages appropriate socialization. Exercise and training often go hand-in-hand. When you’re out walking your dog, you’re also reinforcing her ability to remain close, sit when commanded and stay calm on a leash. You’re also exposing her to other people. A well-socialized dog is less likely to be afraid of new people or act defensively or aggressively. Walking your dog from an early age helps her accept the presence of other people and dogs.
We’d love to hear some of your favorite ways to exercise your dog. Tweet us @FetchPetCare, or write us on Facebook at @FetchCorporate. Need a hand keeping your dog exercised regularly? Hire one of our amazing sitters today by visiting FetchPetCare.com.
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This dog who’s just doing his thing.
This Golden Retriever who is in tennis ball heaven.
This cat who’s receiving a royal spa treatment.
This pug running amok in all his glory.
This one big happy family
This puppy who just found her furever home.
This hamster having a Disney-themed tea party.
This birthday boy with his besties.
This snow-loving pooch.
This ball of fluff who just so happens to REALLY enjoy watermelon.
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Have you ever wondered why your cat kneeds? Be it on your chest, back, a fresh blanket out of the dryer, or even sometimes your hair? This behavior lends itself to the endearing quirkiness of cats. And, if you’re lucky enough, your cat’s kneading behavior comes with the perk of your own personal massage! But why do cats kneed?
What is kneading?
In by kneading, kittens are able to place their paws around the mom’s nipples in order to stimulate the flow of milk. A kitten will quickly learn that kneading results in a yummy treat. Adult cats will continue to kneed even though a reward is not present, as this brings your cat a sense of contentment and maternal warmth.
Why do cats continue to kneed?
Some speculate that a cat will continue to kneed if he/she was taken away from it’s mother too early and as a result, are trying to emulate a comforting, early memory from it’s infancy. Others believe that the need to continue to kneed (no pun intended!), can be traced back to cat’s early ancestors who utilized the technique of kneading to claim one’s territory, for example, by making a bed of grass or leaves. Dr. Mary Fuller, DVM explains further: “This behavior certainly serves a purpose for kittens, but why does it continue into adulthood? Animal behaviorists speculate that an adult cat kneads to show contentment, to calm herself when she’s feeling anxious or to mark a person or object with her scent from the sweat glands in her paws.”
Embracing your cat’s kneading.
It is completely possible that your cat is kneading you because you’re being tenderized for eating… (just kidding!). All joking aside, this is a great opportunity to bond with your cat. Let him/her “make a biscuit” on your belly or back, identify your cat’s favorite blanket and leave it in a place your cat prefers the blanket to reside — perhaps on a chair or on your cat’s climbing tower. Don’t forget about that hypnotic purr that frequently pairs itself with a cat’s kneading. It may just put the both of you to sleep for a quality cat nap!
What are your thoughts on cats kneading? Join the conversation on Twitter at @FetchPetCare.
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“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” —Josh Billings
Any intuitive dog owner can attest to the fact that one of the most beautiful gifts dogs have to offer us is their unconditional love. A dog will always be happy to see you, cuddle you, play — whatever it may be! Dogs will love you because they are loyal and because you are their master and caretaker. For this they are eternally grateful and brimming with unfiltered love for you — which lends itself to the title of “man’s best friend”. Do you know how to tell your dog you love them in their own language?
So, how do we show our fellow canine companions that we love them back in their own language? This is an interesting question because we may often times think we’re giving back in all the right ways, however, some things we do aren’t exactly the right things to do. For example, many dog owners like to share their meal or snack with their dog — we’re naturally inclined to do so because to other humans — this is a way to show you love and care. However, in a dog’s world, this is not so much the case, not to mention it can be unhealthy for your dog’s health and overall obedience.
Dogs respond to your gestures and body language in a way that you may not be aware of, so, we’ve provided you with five easy techniques that will help you tell your dog you love him or her in dog language. Give these a try and you may be pleasantly surprised at how much of a deeper connection you will feel with your dog almost instantaneously.
Training and positive reinforcement. An excellent way to communicate your love is through positive reinforcement. Dogs thrive off of structure and learning. Training will let present your dog with their favorite forms of motivation, whether that’s food, praise, or play, and your dog will come to see you as a provider of the things he loves the most. He’ll see that when he works with you, he’s making you happy, and your rewards will make him happy in return. When you both work to make each other happy, you’re both showing your love for each other.
Read to your dog. Do you read to your kids at bedtime? Have Fido join you. Even if you don’t have kids, your dog will thoroughly enjoy being read to. Get down on the floor and take out a good book or maybe even a short story. Try being animated with your eyes and soothing in tone. Make this a nighttime ritual you both will enjoy!
Give human touch. Your dog craves your attention and even just a few minutes of back massage, belly rubs and ear scratches go a long way. Speak to him in quiet, soothing tones. Tell him he’s a good boy. Give him a safe and healthy treat that’s made just for dogs. Treat him like he’s part of your family, because he would do anything for you, no questions asked.
Engage in deep conversations. It might sound silly at first, but your dog probably wouldn’t mind if you talked to him more often. Feel free to tell your dog about your day, rehearse your business presentation with them as your audience, or talk about whatever else is on your mind. You might question how much of what you say is actually sinking in, but studies have indicated that the average dog can understand about 165 words, and even more if you work with them enough. Bonus: the benefits of talking to your dog aren’t entirely one-sided. Previous studies have shown that talking to and petting dogs can contribute to lower blood pressure in humans.
Rub your dog’s ears. Rubbing a dog’s ear will immediately put him on cloud nine. Dog’s ears are a hot spot for nerve endings and when activated, those nerves send messages all throughout the dog’s body while releasing endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural happy drug. A gentle, circular massage with two fingers (one behind the tip of the ear and one inside the ear at the tip) will do the trick. Fido will definitely be feeling the love!
What are some things you do to let your dogs know you love them in their language? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting us @FetchPetCare.
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Did you know? Donald Trump is the first acting president in history to take office in the White House without a faithful four-legged companion by his side. The first ever! Who knew? Upon hearing the news we just had to do something about this situation, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves (with your vote, of course) to help Donald Trump choose the ideal Presidential Pup. To vote, simply click here or on the image below and choose which breed out of the 28 most popular dog breeds in America you feel is the best fit for Donald Trump. Don’t forget to share this survey with your friends — the more who vote, the better!
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Well what do we have here? A lab in a laundry basket who just wants to give you the luvins? Sign me up! Wafer happens to be the resident pup at The Estes Park Community Thrift Shop in Estes Park, Colorado, where, Wafer, a two year old yellow lab, spends his afternoons lounging in a laundry basket awaiting your attention. Note: Wafer is NOT sick (as his sign clearly states). He is, however, very lazy, which for Wafer appears to be a pretty good gig!
Photo credit: convicttv
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Now I lay me down to sleep,
the king sized bed is soft and deep.
I sleep right in the center groove,
so my human beings can hardly move.
I’ve trapped their legs, they’re tucked in tight,
and here is where I’ll pass the night.
No one disturbs me or dares intrude,
till morning comes and “I want food!”
I sneak up slowly to begin,
and nibble on my humans chin.
For morning’s here, it’s time to play,
and I always seem to get my way.
So thank you universe for giving me,
the human person that I see.
The one who hugs and holds me tight,
and shares their bed with me at night!
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What is this round, smelly, orb-like entity invading my space? Who sent you here? Go back to your home planet…be gone!
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Introducing “human” food into your dog’s diet can not only be a great way to provide supplemental nutrition to your dog, but some pet owners even prepare their dog’s food with ingredients that we often consider “for human consumption-only”. Considering so many dog food labels often issue recalls or contain ingredients with names we can’t even pronounce, it is especially important to know what your options are for providing your dog with a wholesome and nutritious diet. Not to mention, adding human food to your pet’s diet makes eating a whole lot more interesting for Fido. Would you want to eat the same thing every day? Of course not! So why would our pets want to?
Editor’s note: Please consult your veterinarian before supplementing or changing your dog’s diet.
Dogs have only been introduced to cooked and processed foods for the past 80 years. In fact, commercial dog food has been linked to chronic degenerative diseases, allergies, as well as disease of the kidney, pancreas, and liver. Commercial kibbles not only harbor harmful toxins, they are also stripped of much of their nutrient value, becoming a “dead” food product. Source: Knueven, Doug, DVM, CVA, CAC. The Holistic Health Guide, Natural Care for the Whole Dog. On a much lighter note, Belgian scientists Dr Gérard Lippert and Bruno Sapy, landmark 5 year study on the life expectancy of domestic dogs showed that: Dogs fed industrial food lived an average 10.4 years. Dogs fed home made food lived an average 13.1 years. That’s a difference of three years!
Let’s get to the bottom of this… here are five people foods you can feed your dog today to give him a boost in diet:
#1. Yogurt
Good, plain yogurt gives your dog probiotics. Probiotics help with digestion. They get rid of unhealthy bacteria in your pet’s tummy, replacing it with good bacteria. … Some medications can cause constipation or diarrhea, but the probiotics can definitely help restore the balance in your dog’s digestive system.
#2. Green Beans
Nutritious and low in calories, green beans are a good choice that will load dogs up with iron and vitamins. Make sure to feed your dog only fresh beans or canned ones with no added salt.
Yum!
#3. Oatmeal
Oats are a good choice of grain for pets as thy have anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. Have an anxious dog? Oatmeal can aid in your dog’s anxiety as it also has a calming effect on the nervous system. Other benefits include: bone-strengthening properties, as well as spleen, pancreas and immune-boosting factors.
Heart healthy!
#4. Cheese
A great treat for a dog as long as she isn’t lactose intolerant, which a small percentage are. Make sure to monitor your dog’s reaction. Opt for low or reduced fat varieties and don’t overfeed, as many cheeses can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is typically a good choice.
#5. Peanut Butter
Raw, unsalted peanut butter is a nutritious and delicious treat for your dog! With heart-healthy fats, Niacin, vitamins B and E, as well as being a good source of protein, peanut butter is a win. A little PB stuffed Kong will keep your dog busy for hours, too.
Do you include any of these nutrition-packed foods into your dog’s diet? Let us know by tweeting us @FetchPetCare. You may also like: Can dogs eat apples? Coming up on the Fetch! Blog: Simple and wholesome homemade dog food recipes — keep an eye out for it!
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