From Pet-Sitter to Mom

Sophie in the Spring should be the title of this post, but when I think about it, the title is perfect. I became a dog mom again after being Sophie's pet sitter for some years!

It all started four years ago when my neighbor found a little and skinny white dog outside her house. She already had a dog, but the new furry guest went into the house. She got food, a bed, and a roof, things that were new for her, I am sure of this because she was in terrible shape.

My neighbor wanted to find a good home for her, but at the same time, she was afraid to give the pooch to anyone who may not take good care of her. Then... the lovely dog was named Sophie.

I used to go to my friend's house 2 or 3 times a week to feed her doggies at lunch. It felt like a party every time the dogs saw me entering the house!

I had a dog at that time: Winnie, and she was very sensitive to have another dog at home, so I was not able to keep Sophie. My Winnie crossed the rainbow almost two years ago, and I was not ready to get another dog not because I didn't want to, but for many other reasons.

And the right time is now. My neighbor hurt her hip and would not be able to take care of Sophie anymore. I offered to keep Sophie temporarily at the house but after a few days living together... I would not be able to say goodbye to Sophie! She stole my heart. We were meant to be together after four years, not as her pet-sitter, but as her new mom!

Sophie came home just in time for the Spring!

Our Wonderful Doggie Day Care

We've been out-of-town for 12 days, and that is not much time, but when you are far away from your dog… that is an eternity! I don't now how could I do that without knowing Maylen and her doggie day care and boarding (paradise) place.

I was lucky that I was referred to her in Baja, México. When you travel, it is not easy to leave your baby, but I know my dog is having a great time at Baja Pet Care. Winnie is shy and introverted (we rescued her from abusive people) and is not too social with people or other dogs.

Today Maylen sent me a picture of Winnie at the day care surrounded by new friends! It was the best gift I received, looking at Winnie's picture and knowing she was so relaxed and happy.

If you travel to Baja (across the border from San Diego in Rosarito) and you want to have your dog closer, call Baja Pet Care. It is a beautiful place with a huge garden and many places to explore. Maylen and her beautiful daughter will take care of your a dog as if it was their own.

Visit their website here to see more pictures. The day care is awesome! You can have peace of mind knowing that your dog is in great hands.

Tomorrow we will finally pick up Winnie. I can't wait to see her!

Pet Sitting: emailing Joy

Are you a pet sitter or do you help a friend or a neighbor to take care of the dogs some times? If you have pets, you know how it feels to go out and leave your furry kids at home. Oh! if you could only take them with you everywhere you go…

Last week, I was pet sitting a friend's dogs and I sent her a picture of them relaxing after lunch. She was so happy to receive my email! I was emailing pure joy for her (and peace of mind).

With today's smart phones it's really easy to email pictures or videos. Do you do this? Do you send pictures or videos to the dog's parents while they are at work or on vacation? If not, try it. It will be a nice way to surprise your friend or neighbor.

Pet Sitting 16 Paws

Last week I went to a friend's home to watch her dogs. Pet sitting is really fun and keeps you in a happy mood. Dogs are like kids and they make you feel young and energized!

My friend Norma has 4 dogs. When I met her she had only Cinnamon and Reina but some weeks ago she rescued Leo and Sandy. They were alone on the street. Leo was in bad shape and Sandy was just a puppy with no one around to take care of her.

Now she has 4 happy dogs that get along really well. These some of the photos I shoot while pet sitting the little angels.

Sandy the puppy.

Cinnamon.

Leo.

and this beautiful Chihuahua is Reina.

I love this family!

Best Pet Sitter

You know the feeling when you are at work or traveling hundreds of miles away and you want to go back to your home where your furry friend is waiting for you… but you smile because you have the best pet sitter in the world.

It is not easy to find someone who is kind and reliable and most important, who makes "click" with your dog(s). Celebrate your pet sitter and show your appreciation with this free "card-award". Click here to download the template, print, trim and write a personal note inside.

If you have a super-special-awesome dog's best friend… congratulations!

Share your experience in the comments below.