Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Service

11/13/2026

Only in Calgary can you need a parka on Monday and a light jacket on Wednesday. Our pets feel those chinook swings too. 🌤️

A few things to watch for:
- Melt-and-refreeze makes sidewalks icy. Shorter, slower walks are safer, especially for seniors and arthritic dogs.
- Puddles of meltwater can carry salt and chemicals, so keep up with paw wipes.
- Some pets seem restless or stiff with weather changes. Comfy bedding and steady routines help.
- Dry indoor air can mean static shocks and dry skin. Keep fresh water handy.

If your pet seems sore or unusually uncomfortable, check in with your veterinarian.

Does your pet notice when a chinook rolls in?

11/11/2026

Today we pause to remember.

We honour the men and women who served and continue to serve Canada, and we remember the animals who served alongside them: horses, mules, dogs and pigeons who carried messages, supplies and comfort through very difficult times.

Today, service dogs continue that legacy, supporting veterans in their daily lives.

Lest we forget.

11/11/2026

Lest we forget.

On Remembrance Day, we honour the people who served, and the animals who stood beside them.

Dogs carried messages and searched for the wounded. Horses hauled guns and supplies through mud. Pigeons flew critical messages across battlefields when other lines went down.

Two Canadian stories stay close to our hearts:

Sergeant Gander, a Newfoundland dog with the Royal Ri**es of Canada, picked up a gr***de during the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941 and carried it away from his soldiers. He was killed when it exploded. In 2000 he was awarded the Dickin Medal, often called the animals' Victoria Cross.

Winnie the bear was bought in 1914 by Lt. Harry Colebourn, a Canadian Army veterinarian. She was named after Winnipeg and went on to inspire Winnie-the-Pooh.

Some people wear a purple poppy alongside the red one to remember the animals who served.

At 11 a.m., we'll pause with our own four-legged family close by.

Do you know a story of an animal who served? We'd love to hear it in the comments.

11/10/2026

Going away soon? Your pet's routine doesn't have to take a holiday too. 🐾

I put together Getting Ready for a Pet Sitter, a free online course for pet owners. In 18 short lessons you build a trip book with your pet's routines, medications, vet details and what "normal" looks like, plus Calgary extras like the furnace, frozen pipes and snow.

It's self-paced and works with any sitter. Read all about it on the blog: https://corkscrittercare.com/Getting-Ready-for-a-Pet-Sitter-Blog

Have you ever come home and wished you'd left your sitter better notes? Tell me below!

Leaving your pet with a sitter? Our free online course for pet owners helps you prepare: 18 self-paced lessons, a trip book and checklists from a Calgary RVT.

11/09/2026

Before any pet sitting starts, we begin with an Initial Visit. Think of it as a meet and greet for everyone, including your pet. 🤝

During the visit, we:
- Let your pet get to know me at their own pace
- Walk through feeding, medications and daily routines
- Note your veterinarian, emergency contacts and any health concerns
- Review keys, alarm, and home details
- Answer every question you have

It's how we make sure your pet's comfort comes first from the very first day you're away.

Thinking about in-home care this winter? New clients can start here: https://corkscrittercare.com/become-a-client

What's one thing you'd want a new sitter to know about your pet?

11/06/2026

Snowy sidewalks are fun until those salty puddles meet sensitive paws. 🐾

De-icing salt and ice melt can dry and crack paw pads, and pets can swallow it when they lick their feet afterward.

A quick after-walk routine helps:
- Wipe paws with a damp cloth, including between the toes
- Check for cracks, redness or ice balls in the fur
- Trim long fur between the pads to reduce snowballs
- Consider booties or a paw balm for sensitive feet
- Use a pet-friendlier ice melt on your own steps

If you notice limping, bleeding or constant licking, check in with your veterinarian.

Are you team booties or team paw balm?

11/04/2026

Cats are famously casual about drinking water, which is why hydration deserves a little extra attention. 💧

Simple ways to encourage it:
- Offer some wet food, which adds moisture to every meal
- Try a pet water fountain; many cats like moving water
- Place a few water bowls around the house, away from the litter box
- Keep bowls wide and shallow, washed daily

Some cats, especially seniors with certain medical conditions, are prescribed subcutaneous fluids by their veterinarian. These are given under the skin at home, and many cats tolerate them well once they're in a calm routine.

If your cat needs fluids while you're away, that's something I'm trained to do as an RVT, following your vet's instructions exactly. Questions? Book a call: https://corkscrittercare.com/Call-From-Cork

Does your cat prefer a fountain, the bowl, or the bathroom tap?

11/02/2026

It may only be early November, but December holiday dates are already on the calendar. 🎄

Christmas and New Year's are the busiest weeks of the year for in-home pet care, and spots go quickly. Booking early means:
- Your pet keeps their routine in their own home
- Medications and special diets are planned well in advance
- You can relax and enjoy your trip

Existing clients, you can request your dates here: https://corkscrittercare.com/Request-a-Service

New to Corks Critter Care? Start here, since new clients begin with an Initial Visit: https://corkscrittercare.com/become-a-client

Where are you headed this holiday season?

10/28/2026

For many pets, Halloween night means the doorbell rings dozens of times and strangers in masks keep showing up. No wonder some of them would rather skip it! 👻

Ways to help your pet enjoy a calmer evening:
- Set up a quiet room away from the front door with their bed, water and a favourite toy.
- Play soft music or white noise to mask the doorbell.
- Watch for open doors. Escapes are common on Halloween, so check that collars and ID tags are on and current.
- Costumes are optional. If your pet freezes, hides, or keeps trying to remove it, they're telling you it's not for them.

If your pet tends to struggle with noise or visitors, it's worth talking with your veterinarian before the big night.

Is your pet a Halloween greeter or a Halloween hider?

10/26/2026

The Halloween candy bowl is about to become the most interesting object in your house, at least according to your dog. 🎃

A few treats to keep well out of reach:
- Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate
- Sugar-free candy and gum that contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs even in small amounts
- Raisins and chocolate-covered raisins
- Wrappers and lollipop sticks, which can cause blockages

Tip: keep the candy bowl up high, and remind kids to stash their haul in a closed cupboard, not under the bed.

If your pet gets into the stash, call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away, even if they seem fine. Have the wrapper handy so they know what was eaten and how much.

Who in your house is the sneakiest candy thief, the dog or the kids?