by Jeanne Crockett | Oct 29, 2019 | Blog, Pet Care, Training
Get Ready! The Holidays are Coming
Your homelife is usually quiet and routine but from the end
of October with the arrival of Halloween until the doldrums of January 2 set
in, things are not normal. When the doorbell rings, it puts your pet on the
alert that something possibly wicked is coming their way. All the holidays
offer strange scents, sights, and sounds that may unnerve your usually calm
pet. You need to take special
precautions during the holiday season to keep your pet and your household on an
even keel.
Intriguing Decorations
As you put out your holiday décor your pet may find it
interesting, tasty, or worth demolishing. Best to let your pets sniff, see, and
smell the decorations first. As you add
these unusual pieces around the house, consider that they can pose a health
hazard to your furry friend. They may get tangled in the lights, devour the
potpourri, or trash your special crystal. Take a pet’s eye view of the things
you are displaying to keep your treasures and pets safe. And, If you are going to dress up Fido or
Fluffy – chose a comfortable outfit and give them time to get used to it.
Threatening Strangers
Droves of people coming to the door for your special event
can make your pet anxious. They want to know who is entering your kingdom, if
they are a friend or foe, and then act accordingly. If your dog is growling or exuberantly
leaping to welcome your visitors, your guests will be uncomfortable. And
remember, if you are busy answering the door, your pets may take advantage of
the unguarded opening and make a dash for the outdoors. Save your pets (and
your friendships) by providing a quiet and secure crate or room for them while
you handle the crowd. Provide treats, toys, and a comfy spot for your fur
babies so that they can peacefully enjoy your event. Both your pets and guests
will appreciate having their own space.
Festive Food
Chocolate is a food group for many humans but deadly for
dogs; as is any candy containing xylitol. Keep all the human food out of reach
and under close scrutiny while preparing for your party so that your pets are
not tempted by something delectable but harmful for them. You certainly don’t
want your pup parking his cookies in the dining room after slurping some milk
and eating a few grapes. Be careful about the plants in your home, as well; the
ASPCA
has a list of plants that are toxic for pets.
Planning ahead and seeing the world through your pet’s eyes will
ensure everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.
by Jeanne Crockett | Sep 12, 2019 | Blog, Pet Care, Pet Sitting
Keeping Seniors with Their Pets
There are so many benefits for senior
citizens to retain their pets that it is absolutely ideal to keep them together
for as long as possible. Studies have
proven that pets provide companionship, mental stimulation, plus a wider
support and social network. Pets lower
blood pressure, reduce stress hormones circulating through the body, facilitate
social interactions, and lessen loneliness.
Crockett’s Critter Care has been fortunate to provide dog walking
services to seniors over the years and we have witnessed the benefits first
hand.
Dog Walking and Bird Watching
One of our clients, Mrs. M. had a
little dog named Whitey. Even though her
dog was small, the aging process took some Mrs. M’s mobility and her health had
compromised her breathing so it became difficult to get Whitey out for her
daily walks. Mrs. M. lived in a lovely golf course community that didn’t allow
a fenced yard so she inquired about us walking Whitey twice a day – morning and
afternoon. Each day we reported back to
Mrs. M. how many birds’ nests Whitey spotted on her walks and how her leash
manners had improved.
Our daily visits gave Mrs. M.’s family
reassurance that she had social interaction each day when we entertained her
with Whitey’s adventures. When Mrs. M.’s condition deteriorated and she was no
longer able to live on her own, we were able to find a forever home for her
beloved pet, which comforted her knowing that Whitey would continue to be cared
for and loved.
Sweet Kitty
A sweet orange cat “Marmalade” resided
in assisted living with Mr. J. This little girl was a senior herself and had
some serious health issues. When Mr. J.
traveled to visit his family, he always asked us to step in and care for
her. While on his trips, we would send
Mr. J. pictures and reports which he loved showing to his family. As Marmalade’s health worsened, we offered to
take her to the veterinarian, but Mr. J. cut his trip short to do so
himself. I know that this cat filled a
big space in his heart and home. It was
a pleasure to visit Marmalade and get to know her during her last years.
A Lively Bit of Fluff
A little dog named Duffy is owned by
Mr. Bob and is a favorite at the assisted living facility. We take Duffy for a
walk every day in the morning and evening and we can’t get down the hallway
without everyone stopping to pet this little fluff. Sometimes, Duffy is out front with Mr. Bob
waiting for our arrival. As the seniors chat, Duffy makes the rounds to collect
ear scratches and head pats from his adoring fans. When we bring Duffy back
from his walk, he always jumps into Mr. Bob’s lap for a mutual snuggle.
As part of our service, we monitor
Duffy’s feeding to ensure he is getting all of his meals and we send a report
to Mr. Bob’s family letting them know that Duffy’s needs are being met. We love talking to Mr. Bob about the life he
has led and the importance that animals have played in it. He has been a good
steward for all of his pets which included many dogs, a horse, and a donkey name
Gina Lollobrigida because of her long eyelashes. Mr. Bob feels very strongly that we develop a
partnership with our pets and they should be treated with kindness and care for
their entire life.
For us, it is an honor to support and
share in the loving bond these seniors have with their furry companions.
by Jeanne Crockett | Jun 24, 2019 | Blog, Pet Care
Fireworks Frighten Pets –Tips for Your Pet’s Safety
We humans enjoy the Fourth of July Holiday. The fireworks displays are dazzling and the
booms are amazing – to us. But they
frighten many dogs. In fact, there is a
spike in dogs escaping and running loose.
For many dogs, fireworks can send them into a frenzy. Dogs
don’t see this sparkling display and hear this ear-popping noise from the same
perspective that we humans do. Davy, my German Shepherd, is fine with the
commotion. But, my little Walker Hound,
Ginger, trembles from the first neighborhood firecrackers popping off down the
street to the spectacular crescendo resonating from the community fireworks
displays. Here are some tips to stay
safe, have fun, and take good care of your pet:
Create a safe place for your dog
Keep your dog inside, and don’t leave them alone. Close the windows and blinds. Provide a safe
den-like spot (crates are a good choice).
A ThunderShirt
or similar compression wrap or garment may help keep them more relaxed.
Provide distractions
Give them a full meal ahead of time and something fun to do
when the festivities begin such as a frozen treat-filled peanut butter Kong to
chew or other safe chew-toy to gnaw on. Fans, white noise machines, audio books,
music designed for pets, or leaving the TV on may help. Pay attention to your dog to divert his
attention to you – cuddles and assurances are always welcomed.
Pheromones & pharmaceuticals to the rescue!
Adaptil is a pheromone
scientifically proven to help calm dogs. You can spray Adaptil on your pet’s
bedding or on a bandana that you place around your pet’s neck. Or you can buy
an Adaptil diffuser that emits pheromones continuously. Adaptil collars are available too, but they need
to be worn about one week before they are effective and they stay effective for
about one month.
In serious cases, talk to your veterinarian about
medications that may keep your pet comfortable through the celebration. Veterinarians
say that July 3rd is usually the most trafficked day in their offices with
clients coming in to get sedatives for their dogs.
Plan Ahead & Pay Attention
Give your dog plenty of exercise on the day that fireworks
are scheduled to help settle them for later.
Make sure they are wearing ID tags. If you are hosting a party, keep
your pets away from the grill, alcohol, and unsafe foods: chocolate, xylitol, macadamia nuts, grapes,
raisins, onions, avocado and bread dough.
Also be cautious with décor that could be harmful if swallowed: shiny or colorful wrappers, sparklers, and
glow sticks among other tempting items.
You know your dog best and how much to intervene better than
anyone. Remember that their fear is real and can put them in danger. By keeping
your dog in a safe place and providing him with distractions, cuddles, and TLC;
you’ll be able to keep him safer and calmer during the upcoming festivities. And
that means you can have a happy and fear free holiday.
by Jeanne Crockett | Jun 11, 2019 | Blog, Pet Care
Smokey, My Aging Cat
I met Smokey in 2002 when I was volunteering with Pals for Paws. She was part of a feral cat colony that lived in the woods somewhere behind a business on Oaks Road in New Bern. There were a handful of cats of various ages, sizes, and colors living there. Several volunteers took turns feeding them morning and evening. We’d park behind the business and hike a trail in the woods to their spot.
We spread out about five cans of wet food and fill up bowls of fresh water and watched them dine. When it was my turn, I would talk to them and try to win their trust. The youngest of them was Smokey – a gray cat with a white spot on her chest. She would follow me down the trail when I was leaving – talking the whole time. We bonded before she even let me pet her.
By summer I dreaded hiking in the woods because it was so hot and full of mosquitoes. It dawned on me that I could take Smokey home and feed her in my air-conditioned house. The other volunteers thought this was a splendid idea.
We ended up trapping the whole group, taking them all to the vet, made sure they were all spayed and neutered and healthy and found homes for them all. Smokey came to live with me and fit in harmoniously with the rest of my pet household. I now had a balanced “petfolio” of three cats and three dogs. Smokey is the only pet left from that original group. The others have passed on. It’s tough watching her struggle with illness and the effects of old age.
Making Adjustments
She is smaller and lighter than she used to be. She no longer jumps up to the heights she
could easily soar to in her youth.
Arthritis keeps her slow and close to the ground. I leave some soft bedding in various rooms so
she can rest more comfortably. I lift her onto my bed each night. Smokey was diagnosed with a thyroid
condition a few years ago and can only eat special food. I try to vary her food a little even though
it’s basically the same formulation. I
may add water one day or heat the food in the microwave on another.
I place her dish on something to lift it a few inches off the floor so it’s easier on her neck when she bends over to eat. I groom her every day as she needs a little help. Her coat has dandruff so I brush her with a soft brush and wipe her down with a wet cloth being careful not to brush her spine.
After noticing a few accidents, I changed her litter box recently to one that is shallower with lower sides so she can get in and out with ease. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t hear me anymore either. So I move carefully near her so she isn’t startled. We visit the vet’s office more frequently for nail trims and wellness checks. Her numbers are good – for now.
Love & Comfort
I plan to keep her comfortable and well-cared for in her
senior years. She still follows me
around, enjoys resting in sun spots, loves to eat, and cuddles with me each
night before bedtime. I wonder if I am doing enough. I hope so. I love her.
I have clients with older cats that seem healthier and more
agile. Maybe Smokey’s mother was too
young and stressed when she gave birth. Perhaps Smokey is missing some early
comfort, love, nutrition, and safety that is influencing her aging process now.
I do know that this once little cat from the woods fills a big space in my
heart.
by Jeanne Crockett | Jun 1, 2019 | Blog, Pet Care, Pet Safety
Remembering Florence
One thing I learned after 2018 Hurricane Florence is that we
don’t always know what we are going to do until the last minute. We were glued to weather reports that changed
overnight. At bedtime, the path of the
storm was heading one way and by breakfast the next morning the path had
shifted to another. My friends and I didn’t know if we should be hunkering down
or packing to leave. Hurricane Florence
was baffling and unpredictable until she was on top of us. And then she hit us so hard that many are
still dealing with the aftermath.
Looking back, I was about as ready as I could be. For my pets, Ginger, Davy, and Smokey, I
prepared an emergency kit, packed water, food, can opener, cat carrier and dog
crates, litter box and litter, puppy pads, plastic bags, pick up bags,
medicine, medical records, leash, collar, harness, pet photo, ID tags. For myself, I packed clothes, food, cell
phone, charger, and my laptop. For my
house, I had put away yard art, bird feeders, outdoor tables and chairs, and
had a pear tree cut down that wasn’t doing so well.
Go or No Go?
My car was gassed, serviced, and ready to go. I had checked
off the items on my disaster preparedness list.
Short of boarding up my windows, I basically did all the things that were
in my control. Even so, I was anxious
until an unexpected invitation came from a good friend in a safe area to ride
out the storm at her house. Once I
backed my car out of the driveway with a destination and my precious cargo, I
felt like everything would work out.
Ginger, Davy, Smokey and I were on our way to Wake Forest.
I followed the storm’s impact from the news on TV and kept
an eye on my business from my laptop.
Crockett’s Critter Care was essentially closed for about two weeks. I was in regular contact with any clients
scheduled during this time and, I am happy to say, all their pets were
safe. However, I couldn’t help but
wonder what happened to the other people who called me days before the
hurricane started desperately looking for pet care while they left town. I truly hope they were able to take their
pets with them.
You can’t just rely on Plan A.
Hurricane Florence has reminded us all to be aware of the
perils of a disaster and to plan well for the safety of our family and our
pets. I also learned that one can’t
just rely on Plan A. Florence showed us
that we might have to put Plan B or Plan C into action. From one moment to the next flights were
canceled, traffic bottlenecked or roads were impassable, and hotel rooms were
scarce for a hundred miles around New Bern.
Disasters come with so many unknowns and the more prepared and organized
we are, the better we can cope with them.
I was relieved that my pets were used to being crated, handled the drive well, have good house manners, and figured out that they had to be on their best behavior. Ginger and Davy were quiet, walked nicely side by side around their new neighborhood and got along well with my friend’s puppy. Smokey was content to explore, enjoyed meeting new people, and gladly settled into her new surroundings. The Feliway pheromone spray that I applied to her bedding helped to alleviate some of her stress.
I don’t know how calm I would have been had I stayed behind
and faced the storm on my own. I waited
about ten days until the power was restored and the flood waters receded before
returning home. When I asked my Facebook
friends what they would do differently should our area be threatened again, I
was impressed with their responses. The
changes they would make were mostly minor.
Some vowed to set aside more water for themselves and each of their
pets, others said they will start to stock piling things earlier and one, in
particular, is going to add another generator to help save the Koi in her
outdoor pond in the event of a long power outage.
Now that the 2019 season has begun, I hope it is mild and
uneventful. No matter what happens I
know that family, pets, and friends are at the top of the list. Being organized and having a plan will help
to cope with any storm. Take care of the
things that matter most and stay safe.
by Jeanne Crockett | May 20, 2019 | Blog, Dogs, Pet Care, Training
I’ve been involved in several discussions lately with “dog”
people about the importance of giving dogs choices. For example, Davy and I attend classes with a
local trainer. During a recent training
session, each handler was asked to enter the ring alone, remove the dog’s
leash, and walk away from their dog.
When it was our turn, Davy watched for a few seconds and then bounded to
catch up. I proceeded to change pace
(normal, slow, fast) and make many quick changes of direction. I was so proud of Davy as he showed great
interest and enthusiasm to keep pace with me. He happily and eagerly did what I
asked with each maneuver. He read my
“cues” and fell into place with ease.
This class consists of pet owners who are actively involved
in showing their dogs in agility, rally, and obedience; performing in dog
sports like barn hunts and dock diving; and training their dogs in scent
work. The dog participants ranged in age
from puppies to seniors and include Border Collies, Golden Retrievers,
Dobermans, Aussies, Cattle Dogs, Cavaliers, and German Shepherds. We all took our turn. Some of the dogs were a little unsure at
first and wandered off to sniff a bit – but once they figured it out, I could
see their confidence rise, their energy level pick-up, and their tails
wag. I have to admit, it was a nice
break from sit, stay, down, left, right, about, and heel. Most importantly – it was fun!
So I began to think of other ways to give my dog choices and
started to set up little problems for Davy to solve. Instead of dictating the direction of our
walks, I started to ask Davy, “Which way?”
As long as his choice was safe, I followed his lead. What this is doing is letting it be his
walk. He gets to add his own input which
makes him feel more in charge. After
all, who wants someone dictating their every move?
At home, we play the “Find It” game – especially on rainy
days. I ask him to sit, show him a toy,
hide it in a place where he can’t see it, and then ask him to Find It. But now, I ask him to select the toy from a
few toys that I bring out for the game.
It’s one more choice that he gets to make. Then for a treat – he gets to choose the one
from my right hand or my left.
Pick a ball… any ball
Davy loves to play fetch in the yard. What started with one ball has increased to
three – a sturdy Kong ball, a lightweight whiffle ball, and a bouncy La Crosse
ball. Davy gets to choose the ball he
wants me to throw, and he gets to choose when I throw it. He knows that he must be in a sit before I
put the ball in play. He’s good at
making the right choice.
At night, Davy is able to select his sleeping spot. He can choose from several dog beds, the
couch or my bed. Interesting that his choice is not always the same. He’ll come up on the bed when I am reading or
watching TV, but leaves when I turn out the lights. Then his preference is his
doggie bed on the floor. During the day,
he is more likely to be found resting on the couch.
I like to give Davy choices. I think it enriches his world to be able to
have a say. It breaks up the routine,
builds confidence, and instills in him a happy working attitude. It also helps to create a better relationship
between us. Letting your dog make the
right choices is the key to success. Next
time you are paying attention to your dog, give him a chance to make some of
the decisions. You’ll be pleasantly
surprised at the outcome.
As the owner of Crockett’s Critter Care, I want you to know that you can reach out to me directly with any question, compliment, or concern you have about the care of your pet.