Words to live by

It was this time of year in 2006 that I purchased my first DBA "Mrs. Doolittle's Pet Sitting Service". It has served me well for me for the last three years and many people have told me that they love the name.

I decided to start using Mrs. Doolittle because I wanted to convey my skills for animal communication to potiential clients. I wanted to connect with those animal companions who value a strong connection to their little friends.

A few months ago, it dawned on me that "Wag More" was an even better message to potential moms and dads. Although animals love to be talked with, just being with them and making sure they get enough exercize and attention is the far more important goal.

Since there are no other "Wag More" services in the Ann Arbor area, I purchased a new DBA that will allow me to do business as Wag More Pet Care Service. It is the same service, just a more mature name.

There is another service named Wagmore in Chicago. I discovered while researching possible new website addresses. From the website, it sounds like a fantastic service. They even provide pet photography which is something I try to do in an amateur fashion when I have time.

Although I do hope my new chosen business name is well received, the most important aspect of my service is quality care. That will never change as long as I am the owner.

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Automatic Feeders Cats/Dogs

Routine is important to animals. Since my schedule varies from day to day, and Miso cannot be free fed, I have purchased an automatic feeder to deposit food for her twice daily. She always knows when to expect her meals and she will usually greet her new issue with exuberance.

Even though this handy little gadget was quite pricey, early on I learned that there are problems with it. Although battery operated (and the batteries last a long time - 6 months or so!), once in awhile the little turn shaft that rotates the feedings will stick, leaving Miso wanting. I learned about the glitch when I walked in to my home one day from a busy overnight, and she was meowing for food (which she rarely does!).

Now I am careful to check the level after every feeding and smooth out the top of the food at the receptacle. That way, when the next deposit is made, a dent in the food will be observed. If the top of the food is still level after it was programmed to drop, I am aware of the malfunction and can feed Miso myself, albeit late.

To repair a stuck feeder, empty out the food and tip it upside down. Jiggle the turn shaft a bit to unloosen any particles that might be in the way of allowing it to function correctly.

I never rely on this handy instrument to feed Miso on those rare occasions that I am on vacation. I hire a pet sitter to look in on her once a day and have her check the feeder as described above.
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Appliance Tip for Pet Owners

It is important to take the time to clean our animals' water fountains. I've noticed that most of my clients who use these wonderful wells for their pets, aren't cleaning them. After about 6 months with no cleaning, the pets' fur begins to clog up the motor.

Even though it has a filter, the motor should be taken out and cleaned once a month to get all of the fur out. The hair slows the water from entering the chamber and forces the motor to work harder. After a while, the stream will start to become thin and the motor gets louder.

It is easy to clean and it only takes about 10 minutes. Make sure the plug is disconnected from the outlet and disassemble the unit. It is very intuitive and does not have many part at all.

The fountains that I have worked with (many different brands) all pop apart pretty easily. The most important part to clean, is the motor itself. It pops out and sometimes has a smaller plastic screen on it that is also removable. You may see a wad of fur on it so take a paper towel and clean it off. Then rinse it. Make sure you run the motor under the faucet and force water through both the intake and outlet to ensure any particles of bacteria are whisked away.

If this does not sound like fun for you (it really only takes about 10 minutes), hire my pet sitting service (Ann Arbor area readers) and I will do it for you. We often perform these sorts of small tasks when we are in client's homes because we want to make life easier for you and your pet.

Clouds

I witnessed the amazing sky as I was tooling around town the other day. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

They reminded me of hot cereal. That evening I mixed some cooked basmati rice in a blender and added soy milk, salt and maple syrup! Yum.

The darkness in the upper left is my phone jacket in the way of camera eye. I hate it when that happens.

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Dog Whisperer | National Geographic Channel

Cesar has written a new book. Here is the link to his show and other information

Dog Whisperer follows Cesar Millan, renowned dog behavior expert, as he goes directly into the homes of dog owners - without any prior information about the dog's case - and documents the remarkable transformations that take place under Ces

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My Fab Four

I'm staying with my 4 kitty friends again. This is Bella (short for Queen Isabella). She just LOVES to be outdoors. Today she has to stay inside because it is rainy. She did go out on the deck for about an hour this morning.

I've had a rough couple of weeks due to having to replace my phone twice because the same puppy damaged it (my bad), and also having to say good bye to some long time doggie clients.

I am ready for a much better week and getting caught up on some major office work. I am thinking of organizing my service so that I can hire people to help me with office work and I can take on more animal charges which I love. I had better get busy.

Vacation Overnight Fun!

I'm having a great time with my two Viscla's and Bassett hound family.