Anita's Creature Comforts

04/01/2023

I love that they start out laughing and end up cheering!

Never give up!!!

04/01/2023

True story!

😜😜

(Happy April Fools!)

This is Pingo and Nina. They are believed to be the only Rainbow Dalmatians in the world. Approximately 25% of their spots are red, blue, or yellow, instead of black. Scientists are stumped, but one thing is certain: it would be an honor to pet them. 14/10 for both

03/31/2023

This was just a quick snap I took of Ginny on Wednesday. I had sat down to tie my shoe, and she took the opportunity to snuggle her octopus. It was so stinking cute, I took a picture to send to my partner.

Sadly, suddenly, her owners lost her this morning.

I am so full of gratitude that I got a chance to spend time with her. I’m grateful that she finally decided I was worthy of kisses, after offering her a treat, of course. I’m so happy I realized she wanted to end each walk with a romp. My long line made that happen, and I got to watch her run and bounce like the pup she so recently was.

Thanks for the smiles and strolls, Ginny. Rest well, sweet girl. ❤️

03/31/2023

So, today is my last day of dog walks.

It’s been a challenging week, emotionally and physically. I’ve been rocking a low grade fever for about 3 days and a nice bronchial cough (No COVID, thank goodness). It snowed. It’s pouring rain.

It feels like the universe is saying- hey, why not take one last chance to prove you can do this.

So, here I am, my last 8 walks, making it happen, like I always do.

I have spent my week saying goodbye to people and dogs that I love so much, and I’ve shed no small amount of tears. I’ve hugged people, and wished them well, as they wished the same for me. I have gotten cards, and wine and cookies and dog treats and more. My heart is very full.

You guys are the ones that always made days and weeks like this worth it. I’ll miss you all so very much.

Now, please excuse me, I have some work to finish up.

03/17/2023

Our next tip for getting your dog ready for a dog Walker is Car Manners!

Teaching your dog how to behave in the car is a HUGE help to any potential dog Walker. Car manners include-

🐾 waiting to be invited into the car

This one is the opposite of last week’s tip! It can come in super handy if a dog needs to be cleaned off first before getting in the car, if there are multiple dogs getting in at the same time, or if things need to be adjusted in the car first. It can be an exercise in patience for the dog, especially if they LOVE car rides.

🐾 jumping up into the car themselves (or using steps if they are unable to jump)

Some dogs can’t physically jump up for a variety of reasons (hip problems, size, etc) so if that’s the case, please let your Walker know! They likely have some tips and tricks to help your dog get into the car safely.

But some dogs just want to be lifted in. As a Walker that can interact with 10+ dogs per day, having to lift 40/50/60+ lbs of dog over and over can really do a number on my back! Please work with your dog and help them help
us!!!

🐾 staying in the backseat and not trying to jump into the front seat

This is straight up safety. Having a dog crawl from the backseat into the front, WHILE YOU’RE DRIVING, is not safe!!! Even small dogs are a distraction. And no- your dog can’t sit in my lap while I’m driving, even if that’s how they love to travel with you!! 😂😂 (only one person ever asked me for that and no, they aren’t a client !)

🐾 sitting or laying down in the car and not running back and forth window to window

Again, safety!! Having a dog that will throw itself against windows to bark at people or other animals is hugely distracting, distressing and very unsafe! Teach your dog to be calm in the car and everyone will enjoy car rides so much more!

🐾 accepting a restraint in the car and not fighting it

As scary as it is to think about, if you are in a car accident with your unsecured dog in the car, they become a flying projectile. I recently lost a client’s dog because it was paralyzed in a car accident and had to be put down. There are lots of options- seat belt clips, harnesses, crates, etc, that can help keep your dog safe and secure.

I am happy to report that all of my client’s dogs are wonderful at all of these points. I’ve worked with some to help make it better (the mallies in the picture are a perfect example- our first car ride was an adventure that included the backs of my ears being throughly licked and cleaned as I drove 😂😂 And now they are perfectly behaved!) but they are all so happy to come with me, it’s a joy to have them along for the ride!

As always, be sure to tell your dog Walker if there are issues like limited mobility, car sickness, car reactivity etc. we are always happy to help you work on things! It’s why we do what we do! ❤️❤️

03/16/2023

Now THAT’S a Stand In Motion!!!! 😂😂😂

03/14/2023

Vino and Oakley had a nice walk together today, then enjoyed some playtime. I think they’ve decided to be friends. 😊❤️

03/10/2023

A notice to dog owners!

If you are thinking of hiring a dog Walker, there are lots of things that you can do to help smooth that transition and help the dog Walker have the best experience possible with your dog. Over the next several weeks, I plan to highlight some of them and the reasons behind them. Some are obvious, others might not be.

First up- please teach your dog to WAIT when they are in the car.

These two injuries to my poor finger (yep it’s the same finger two weeks apart) were both caused by dogs that tried to rush past me and jump out of my car into traffic.

It’s one of the very first things I work on with client dogs if I am going to drive with them. I want every dog I am with- either my own or clients- to know that an open car door means absolutely nothing.
Nada.
Zip.

It isn’t an invitation to run like a lunatic, it doesn’t mean freedom, it’s just a door. I expect every dog to wait until I can grab their leash, unhook their seatbelt, or whatever. When and ONLY when I tell them that it’s ok to move are they allowed to jump out.

This is important for a lot of reasons:

🐶 Safety is probably #1. If I am in a parking lot and my dog instantly jumps out of the car the second I open the door, it’s a nice easy way to get your dog hit by a car.

🐶 It teaches patience and impulse control.

🐶 For dogs that struggle with thresholds (front door, crate, etc) it reinforces that training and its application EVERYWHERE

Help your dog master this and your dog Walker will love you for it!!

03/08/2023

Happy International Women’s Day to all the ladies out there doing hard things.

So many of my contacts, acquaintances and friends in the dog world are women. They are strong, resilient and so very smart. They work quietly (sometimes 🤪) often in the background, doing so many of the tough jobs that no one else wants to do.

Many of them go home at the end of the day and raise their families- kids, dogs, friends, parents and more. There is often very little gratitude or recognition because what they do, they make it look easy. No one knows the effort and energy it takes to keep their smile on their face, the bounce in their step.

So, to all my friends covered in fur, drool, mud and fatigue, I see you. You are doing great things. I’m so very proud of you.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

03/05/2023

Let’s find Ronin a home! ❤️

⭐️ LONG TIME RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: Ronin ⭐️

Ronin is one of our favourite “big boys” at the shelter. He’s been with us since September and has been patiently awaiting his forever home. He has been diagnosed with epilepsy, so his ideal adopters will need to commit to the additional cost of his meds (roughly $100 a month), ensuring that those meds are administered properly and annual check ups with the vet.

⭐️ A generous community member has sponsored Ronin’s adoption fee! We are so appreciative. ⭐️

Ronin is a year and a half old. He knows his basic obedience but will require further training to work on his manners and also to create a bond with his adopter. Patience and consistency will be the key to Ronin’s success. He is very food motivated and this will help with his training.

Ronin is looking for an active family, and one that is comfortable with large dogs. He’s strong but gentle, and loves to be with his humans! Until he’s fully trained, he will need to be left in his crate when left home alone so he doesn’t get into anything. He also needs a fully fenced yard.

He gets along with other dogs and has a wonderful temperament. He had been to a couple events and a few visits to REN'S PETS and been a perfect gentleman. He really enjoys snuggling against his favourite humans.

Ronin has been waiting a long time to go home, so please share this post with as many people as possible to help him get exposure.

For more information about Ronin, please click the link: https://adopt.adopets.com/pet/16dcfa93-6f18-45dd-ae9a-52c82e80047f?tracking=47d0b201-78ea-4bca-8e50-7a74b7f11593

03/03/2023