Purrs and Paws Pet Sitting

06/03/2026

I feel do bad for the older dogs that have lost their families and just need a chance. Just one soft landing.

Bubba waits.

For more than 50 days now, he’s watched people come and go. He greets them with a wag and the quiet hope that maybe this time, someone will stop long enough to see him. Really see him.

Because Bubba is such a good boy.

He's good on walks. Good in the car. Good meeting new people. The kind of dog who asks for very little and gives absolutely everything in return.

At around 6 years old, Bubba is no longer a puppy. His muzzle is touched with grey, and his eyes carry the stories of a life that's brought him here. But growing older doesn't make him less deserving of love. If anything, it makes him deserve it more. Bubba might just be the definition of love itself.

He's happiest lounging nearby, stretched out at your feet, quietly keeping you company. He doesn't need grand adventures or constant excitement. He just wants a place to belong. A home. A person. A family.

Bubba would do best as the only dog in the home, and cats are a little too scary for him. He's never met children, but with gentle, respectful kids, he may do wonderfully.

What breaks our hearts is knowing that dogs like Bubba are so often overlooked. People pass by the older dogs, searching for puppies while the sweetest souls wait behind.

And Bubba keeps waiting.

Waiting for someone to look past the grey on his face and see the love in his heart. Waiting for someone to realize that the best friend they've been searching for has been here all along.

Please help us find Bubba the home he deserves.

Please contact the Orillia and District Centre for more information on adoption:
📍 Location: 467 West Street North, Orillia, Ontario
📞 Phone: 705-325-1304
✉️ Email: [email protected]

05/22/2026

I’ve been petsitting for a LOT of years. Through COVID, since 2009 in fact. I love ‘my’ pets although I’m less thrilled with long walks attached to an excited 80lb dog these days.

Pulled muscles, bruises, and even a broken bone or two from a fall on ice, have definitely taken some of the shine off of that particular form of exercise.

I’ve seen a lot of pet sitters come and go.

For some, it’s a side hustle. Extra money to go back to school, something to tide things over until a ‘real’ job comes along. I’ve heard It’s easy money (it really isn’t btw).

There’s nothing inherently wrong with doing what you need to do. As long as you do it right.

Please make the time to make sure you do it right. Be aware of what all of the costs are. For the pet parents, the pets, other pet sitters, and yourself.

How much do you know about pets in general? Their body language, nutritional requirements, emotional needs, and the list goes on. Things like what the heck is going on when you see a litter box (if you’re lucky) filled with diarrhea. And what do you do to help with that? Besides clean the litter box.

You’re being given the keys to the kingdom when someone trusts you to go into their home and look after their furry family. What if bad things happen through no fault of your own? If Fido slips his lead because his collar or harness, as left for you, was too loose. And then Fido wouldn’t come to you again because he doesn’t know you.

Are you insured? And/or do you have some kind of agreement in place that makes it clear what you can and can’t do for your client.

Are you willing to work 7 days a week? In crappy weather? Long hours? Put crazy mileage on your vehicle? Gas is not cheap! Are you charging enough for the work that you do and the time that you spend. Don’t forget to add in the time it takes to get to wherever you’re going. Some days a pet just needs a little extra time or there are messes to clean up so your half hour is no longer a half hour.

Are you empathetic?

Is it worth the occasional heartache?

We’re all human. We get tired, have lives of our own where things may not be shiny. We make mistakes and we fix others’ mistakes. But always we care about those in our care.

If this is all good for you, then welcome! This is a job that ai can’t do and we need good pet sitters.

If not…

Image for tax.

05/20/2026

As we come up on the summer holiday season, more people are looking for help with their pets while they are away. Especially cats because often the dog gets to go too! Although to be fair, some people do take the cats along.

For some households it’s the person next door that will stop in and feed, change the water, and scoop the litter box. Extra points if they take the time to talk to, pet, cuddle your cat. Cats are not antisocial! They do need affection and stimulation.

I get the allure. Especially the trust factor since your nieghbour probably has an established relationship with you, and hopefully your pets. And the neighbour doesn’t have to drive to your house. With the current gas prices that could be a factor even for your best friend.

For some quieter cats, even hearing a soft voice calling their name is enough to let them know they haven’t been forgotten. For others, the little predators will track you! Great fun, just watch out on the stairs…

Sometimes they want a ball thrown, or maybe a little time sitting next you on the couch. Sometimes they’ll just hang out close by for a little company.

The point is that cats need care! Not always the obligatory speed feed.

Cats can also be difficult to read if something is wrong. And things can go wrong quickly.

They may do things out of boredom or stress that they wouldn’t normally do. Things get chewed and knocked over. They often eat less, or their normally pristine litter habits slip. It’s not spite, but it can be dangerous.

Maybe they decide to try for the great outdoors…

All of this to ask that you please consider what your cats need while you’re away this summer. Your cat care person should be asking lots of questions about your cat’s normal. They should know what a problem looks like and what to do about it. And hopefully they will be willing to offer up the extra patience and time to help your cat feel seen (even when they’re hiding).

Hopefully this is your neighbour. And you have a good relationship.

05/16/2026

My morning lap warmers.

04/10/2026

Good advice. Now to teach the kids..

The best approach? None.
None at all.

I want a dog to feel safe.
Secure.
To understand, clearly, that I am no threat.

And the quickest way to do that?
Take the pressure right off.

No reaching. No leaning in and no stepping into their space.

Because the moment you move toward them, or bend down in an attempt to connect with them, you’ve already changed how it feels for them.

Dogs don’t need us to prove we’re friendly.
They need us to be non-threatening.

There’s a big difference.

And this isn’t just about them.
It’s about you too.

You may know nothing about this dog. That matters.

If you crouch down right in front of them, you’ve just put yourself in a compromised position.

Your centre of gravity is now off.
Your movement will then be slower.
Your ability to step away quickly is reduced.

If this dog reacts?
You’ve lost those crucial seconds and your face is right there directly in front of theirs.

So, try this instead

Turn your body.
Stay upright.
Give lots of space.

Let them decide if they want to come closer.

Because the clearest and best message you can send a dog is this:
I’m not here to pressure you.

02/18/2026

You can never learn enough about reading what your dog is saying to you.

There is great value in having a solid understanding of dog facial expressions and their accompanying body language and behavior.

01/24/2026

Short walks today folks!

Your pups, especially if they:
Are short haired or single coated
Older
Puppies
Are most at risk in extreme cold.

Please use coats. That wind is so cold!

Boots if your pup will tolerate them. Paw wax (Mushers, Dr. Maggies, etc.) if they won’t. Read the labels for anything toxic in case they try to lick it off (you know they will).

This is how you work a dog through wearing boots comfortably. Adjust to your pup’s comfort level. Slow down. For some dogs you may have to condition them to being OK with you holding their paws. You won’t likely be able to do the work on this today but doing the work will save you and your dog many days of pain and struggle. Too many people just give up.

Boots protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement, icy walkways, slippery surfaces and rough terrain. We’re teaching you how to measure your pup for dog shoes ...

01/05/2026

This time of year is hard on outdoor pets’ paws. Cold, salt, rough ice, smooth ice! They can all play a part in nail, paw , and even leg/back injuries. Here’s how to deal with paw injuries.

Your dog's paw pads are tough, but they can still be cut by sharp objects or worn off. What should you do when your dog cuts a paw pad?