Pawsitive Pet Services

01/15/2024

It's easier when it's snowy or icy out (unless you have a snow lover) but how long is it safe for your pet to be outside in cold weather?

What IS "too cold," and what can you do to keep your pet safe and comfortable?

How about the less fortunate pets you see around?

Check out the Too Cold Guide for answers!

🥶 Freezing, 32 degrees, and below is both uncomfortable AND unsafe for pets! Limit their time out to a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes at and around freezing, and monitor your pet for signs of discomfort or things they haven't noticed yet themselves, like frostbite and hypothermia.

🥶 The lower the temp drops, the less time your pet should be outside.

🥶 Elderly, small, short or thin-furred, and unwell pets, as well as puppies and kittens, are less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Always know your specific pet, some hate the cold and it's obvious, while others love it but can't physically tolerate it well.

🥶 No pet should be living outdoors, regardless of temperature! If you have a situation where you're caring for feral, neglected, or abandoned pets that you cannot get indoors: set up a house away from exposure to the North wind and precipitation, fill with loosely packed straw 1/4th to 1/2 of the way to the top. Access to fresh, unfrozen water is hard to find, provide this for them!

🥶 Only community members can make a difference in a community, if you see pets exposed to the weather or other violations of city codes, don't ignore it or assume someone else will call. Be aware of the laws (that only community members can change!) which you can check out for Bartlesville here: https://library.municode.com/ok/bartlesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIMUCO_CH3AN

🥶 Be prepared for the weather and emergencies. Keep salt and chemicals ice-melters off your pet with paw wax and pet cleansing wipes. Paw balm also helps to keep paws soft and comfy, and conditioning sprays keep skin and coat healthier in winter! If traveling, have emergency supplies.

🥶 If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them!

01/14/2024

What a great day for National Dress Up Your Pet Day! 🥶🐾

No one likes to be cold, and the "real feel" temperature today won't get above single, negative digits...perfect time to pop a coat on that pup and keep that kitty cuddled in a blanket!

‼️ Remember to limit outdoor time when temps are below freezing to 10 - 15 minutes or less! ‼️

clothes

01/12/2024

Hey everyone! How 'bout that weather?! 🌨️ 🥶

❄️Just a reminder: if your BFF has a grooming appointment and the weather turns bad, I want you to be safe. I promise that I'm just dying to meet or see your dog again, but the safety of you and your pet is always more important.

❄️❄️ There is NO CANCELLATION FEE for weather-related rescheduling! ❄️❄️

That includes ice, snow, flooding, and thunderstorms. It also includes dogs who do not handle weather changes or extreme weather well. Seniors and dogs with health problems can suffer pain, stiffness, and general discomfort that can make for a bad day, it's alright if it's best for your pet to stay home that day.

I know it's difficult to get on the schedule and it might put you out a little farther than any of us would like, but let's all stay safe during these next couple months of real winter!

❄️❄️As a note to the PPS sitting family...

Please be sure that your emergency contacts are up to date and that there is a plan in case I am unable to reach your home due to the weather. Though unlikely, nothing is ever impossible!

12/26/2023

Making sure everyone is having a good time over the holidays doesn't leave much time to wish everyone we're not seeing the merriest of Christmases! We hope you've had a wonderful one!

12/01/2023

Happy chilly first day of December, everyone! With big holidays coming up, I thought you should have a head's up right away that both grooming and sitting services are fully booked until the first week of January.

Is your dog a monthly regular with grooming? If you haven't made an appointment already, I've taken the remaining open days and blocked them out for grooming. All monthly regulars should be ab le to get in. However, due to scheduling constraints with sitting, the specific dates are a bit limited.

Are you on the waiting list? I've marked off days for you as well, should I not be able to get you in sooner! Thank you for your patience, the moment I have a certain time, I'll be extremely happy to let you know about it!

Last minute sitting might not be possible. I love to be able to accommodate everyone's holiday needs, but this year, I'll be so booked that it just won't be possible to care for everyone. Things do change, please go ahead and contact me as soon as possible about sitting dates. Though they're full now, I can at least reserve your dates as the next up if anything changes.

Please don't get into a situation where you're leaving in a day with no one to watch your pets! Always let me (or any other caretaker) know as far in advance as possible to avoid this. Even if you don't have solid days yet, you'll have something reserved.

I hope everyone is staying warm today! Thank you all for being part of the PPS family, I can't wait to start making treat bags for this year!

10/30/2023

📢 ‼️ Does anyone need warm, dry, wind proof places for feral cats in tonight’s awful weather? If so…

I have two large styrofoam ice chests left and I’ll be around all evening! ✨

🐾All you do is cut a small door opening in one end, make sure the lid is secure, stuff with hay/straw/blankets/etc, and place with the opening away from the wind in a place the ferals hangout.

🐾It’s even better if you have a plastic storage tub you can place one in, cutting a matching door opening in it! As-is, it’s still heat insulating, keeps them dry, and keeps the wind off them.

💬📲 Just send me a text or message me here/Instagram, I’d be VERY happy for them to be helping some kitties! (Or other small creatures.)

I’ve been so busy that I didn’t realize JUST how cold it was going to get overnight until about an hour ago (while running about unhooking hoses lol) or I’d have posted this sooner. I’m sorry about that!

09/12/2023

Over the next few extra busy months, some changes to scheduling might be necessary to accommodate everyone as best as possible. Residents Vesta, Kittanee, and Sixlette have more information!

08/09/2023

Happy International Cat Day from the resident cats of Pawsitive Pet Services!

08/08/2023

Happy International Cat Day! 🥳🐈‍⬛🥰

We're celebrating with cat posts today! This post is all about Whisker Fatigue - what it is, recognizing if your cat has it, and how to help your cat out.

We'll also have a reel introducing PPS' resident cats and a reel of kitty clients!

🐈

07/06/2023

Summer is really heating up, keep your dog safe, cool, and entertained!

🐾 Why dogs get hotter than we do
🐾 Dogs at higher risk of heat problems
🐾 How hot is TOO hot on pavement?
🐾 Paw protection
🐾 Keeping dogs safe in the sun
🐾 Things you shouldn't do
🐾 Fun ways to keep cool
🐾 Suggestions for safety, fun, and emergencies

Don't forget to always keep your dog hydrated! Bring water along with you. Never leave your pet in the car or anywhere else they can't escape the dangerous heat.

07/05/2023

July is going to be a bit of an unusual month, Sixlette and I sincerely hope that doesn't cause much inconvenience! Here are some further details:

🐾 For the next 4-5 days, please text me with any questions, scheduling, etc., as I'm unable to speak clearly!
🐾 I'm unable to accept grooming or sitting clients until the 17th.
🐾 Some light-duty sitting is scheduled, and the 10th-16th is already booked.
🐾 The 19th, 21-23rd, and 25th through August 2nd have no availability, or very limited availability.
🐾 Regular monthly grooming clients will be contacted to schedule the 17th, 18th, and 20th of July.
🐾 It's possible that visit sitting can be worked in after the 27th, please just send me text to let me know what you need, and I'll see what's possible!

Thank you all for your patience, understanding, and concern! I would so much rather be having time with your wonderful pets!!

There IS a PPS calendar of booked days, I'd not posted about it yet because I do need to update some recent changes, but if you'd like to add or view it, the link is (very long and ugly, I'm sorry) :

webcal://p44-caldav.icloud.com/published/2/MTA0NTE4MDMwNzEwNDUxOLU2C7r9wZ_wB2EN6m50QIikUcNk0wAMcqcclCOcM4Q6

If you have trouble using that link, let me know, I'll be happy to share it directly to your phone via text.

Soon, I'll have this on a page you can simply check, too!

07/04/2023

Do YOU know just how many dog breeds originated in the United States? To celebrate the holiday, here are some American Dogs! 🇺🇸 🎆

Were you surprised by any? Breeds with their state, region, or "American" right in the name are pretty obvious, but how about the Australian Shepherd? They were made with Australian stock dogs, but were developed in the American West!

Or, breeds that simply changed so much from their counterparts where they originally developed that the breed split into two separate breeds? Like the American and English Cocker Spaniel, or the American Eskimo. The latter had nothing to do with the Inuit people, it was originally the same thing as a German Spitz! However, anti-German sentiment at the time saw it renamed, like a handful of other German breeds around the world.

Then, you have rare breeds that might not even be known about outside of their original homes, like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Texas Blue Lacy, and Boykin Spaniel.

I bet, unless you're a major dog enthusiast or from that region, that you didn't know about America's only native wild dog, the Carolina Dog! These "American Dingoes" or "Dixie Dingoes" are pretty fascinating, and unlike many wild dogs, make surprisingly good pets...so long as you can give them an active, interesting, and loving lifestyle!

‼️I hope you enjoyed this post and your festivities over the weekend and today!
Don't forget to keep the bad things out of your dog's mouth, like cooked bones (I know some of you have had chicken wings and ribs), onions, garlic, and anything with a lot of condiments on/in it. Please keep everyone safely indoors, supervised when in the yard to potty, and if you have to use a leash, opt for a harness and be sure everything is well-fitting to prevent your pet from being one of the thousands that will become panicked and run off over the fireworks! 🎆

07/04/2023

Have a wonderful, and safe, holiday!

We've had an upload glitch, so check out the American Dogs list later today. To celebrate Independence Day, I've got 20 dog breeds hailing from the United States - including a very special, rare breed that's the only of its kind here! Plus, a list of all 49 American dog breeds, in case you're curious 😎

06/27/2023

Consider teaching your pet these things that can help out in an emergency! Part of the Pet Preparedness Month Series.

You can teach your pet many things before an emergency or disaster happens. Teach them to cooperate with their care if hurt, familiarize them with travel and crates, don't let them do things that'll make them unwelcome elsewhere, and more!

This is just a suggestion and idea post! Due to length concerns, it's impossible to detail how to train your pet to do all of these things. Most of them are easy to teach, and there are great instructions and tips for doing so online! Just remember, clicker, treat, and target training work wonders in communicating to your pet what you want from them. Avoid "training" that directs you to use aversives/punitive measures, and "trainers" who advise or espouse the merits of "dominating" your dog.

Yes! Cats can be, and are, trained, as well! While it can be harder to keep their attention and you might need to learn more about the way your cat's mind works and the unique (often confusing to humans) way they communicate, but cats are intelligent and highly trainable. In fact, they learn much like dogs, and will work for treats just like dogs. Clicker and target training are excellent for cats, clarifying for them what you mean. Remember that cats now: go on camping and hiking trips, travel the world with their people, are companions to long-haul truckers, walk on leashes, fetch, and more!

If being prepared, and having some great behaviors for everyday life as well as emergencies, isn't beneficial enough, training is one of the best ways to bond with your pet. It strengthens your relationship, improves your communication with each other, is fun for you and your pet, and helps exercise your pet's mind. A pet with an actively exercised mind is a calmer, happier pet!

06/20/2023

Apparently, facebook dislikes my lengthier (so it's easy to read) video about the pet emergency preparedness bags 😅 If you've popped over from the Instragram, shorter, version to watch it, I'm so sorry!

I'm working on it, and it should be up within the next day.

Additionally, I guess the entity of "meta" dislikes me more than usual today...a grooming visit reel is playing with a pretty intense glitch over there. Absolutely no idea why, it was fine! Now, at least two clips in it rather violently jerk around 😵‍💫 If you're prone to dizziness, migraines induced by rapid movement like this, or your seizure disorder is activated thus, PLEASE AVOID OR VIEW WITH CAUTION! It's Ace the Yorkiepoo's reel 😞

I just do not have the ability to remake it currently, but it's so upsetting that it might've gotten ruined! I'll be doing so as soon as possible, fans of Ace!

06/20/2023

As promised, the free Essential Pet Information pack for Pet Emergency Preparedness Month! Helps if you're separated from your pet or unable to care for them in an emergency.

🐾 free and secure
- made and hosted by PPS
🐾 print it out, keep it digital, or both, you choose!
🐾 keep with your pet's emergency and travel things, in the car, or anywhere else your pet might often be.
🐾 can also be useful to leave for friends and family watching your pet.
🐾 Keep a digital copy in the cloud to update and print out anywhere!

✨ DOWNLOAD HERE: https://rb.gy/3fywj✨

06/18/2023

Happy Father's Day to all kinds of dads, and all the kind of awesome dads, from Pawsitive Pet Services!

Pet dads, human dads, and dads of both. Fathers, grandfathers, and father figures. Thanks for who you are and what you do 💛 this day is for you, and we hope it's a great one!

06/09/2023

For my Facebook-only people. Like I said in the Instagram description, I'm not trying to make anyone sad on a lovely Friday afternoon, but since Taly was such a big part of both grooming and petsitting here for so long, being friends with and moral support for many of your dogs, and Chuck was a former petsitting client and always so enjoyed when posted, I wanted to let everyone know. Though I am without sufficient words to describe how hard this has been, petsitting and grooming will continue as scheduled. I can't thank you all enough for having the best pets in the world, they've been a source of joy, even more than usual, during this difficult time!

I would like to kindly ask for patience and understanding during this time, if I've forgotten something, haven't seen something, I'm very sorry! Please, just send me if a text, if at all possible, and I'll get right on it. I've definitely not forgotten about anyone's grooming and sitting reels, or the post series for June, either! They'll continue to release as soon as they're done. I also appreciate the thought and sentiment, but we're at full cat capacity, and it isn't the right time for me to even think of another dog. I look forward to having another resident dog friend for your best friends in the future, but for now, they've still got Sixlette the Official Grooming Cat, who cannot have enough dog friends in her life.

Though this information will be with their reels, if anyone would like to do something in memory of Vitaly, I'd encourage supporting any work to combat puppy mills or modernize shelters and companion animal law. For Chuck, who was born in my garage before it was my garage, I'd encourage supporting spay/neuter programs for feral and stray cats-we have a crisis state of that here in Bartlesville, so, even bringing attention to that is helpful.

As always, thank you all for the privileged of getting to know and love your babies, and for the caring messages from those who already knew, I deeply appreciate it!

06/04/2023

Happy Hug Your Cat Day! 🤗🐈🥰 If your cat enjoys being hugged, try to get a pic/vid of it, post, tag pawsitivepetok, and I'll post a hug with one of PPS' huggable feline residents, too!

It's alright if your kitty isn't into being hugged, many are not - including 2/4 of mine!

🐾 One of those two would like to suggest that you try hugging without picking your cat up, as being picked up and held can be uncomfortable or even frightening for some cats. (Suggestion provided by Katniss the Orange Cat.)

🐾 The other would like to suggest that you give a hug emotionally only by petting, breaking out fun toys, a special snack, and spending quality time the way your cat likes most. Hugging can make some cats feel trapped and frightened, and while they might become more comfortable with affection given time and patience, they might never feel better about hugs. (Suggestion by Tippi Toes the Tuxedo Cat.)

🐾 All four would like to remind cat parents that they really appreciate Slow Blinking throughout the day, a contact-free way to say that you're friends!

06/04/2023

Did you know about the Second Chance Movement through I❤️Dogs?

Visit https://iheartdogs.com to learn more, shop, or donate!

06/01/2023

June is Pet Preparedness Month!

We'll be kicking off PPS' Summer Series with this important topic this evening. All June there will be posts about the importance of disaster and emergency preparedness as a pet parent/guardian, and recommendations on how to be prepared, such as: training and identification to increase your pet's safety, being aware of potential pitfalls, and making a "go bag" for your pet

Keep watch for more, and be sure you favorite Pawsitive Pet Services here and on Instagram to ensure you won't miss the newest pots in this series and others over the Summer!

05/30/2023

05/17/2023

Please enjoy some of today’s funniest moments and outtakes 😅 Featuring Sassy & Milo-Norman, and Sixlette the Grooming Cat. Finished puppies at the end!

It’ll be an amazing reel soon 😎

05/16/2023

It's that time of year when there's an increase in rehoming pets. While PPS strongly believes that this should only ever be something that happens as a genuine last resort, it's most important that you know there are things you can do to rehome your pet as safely as possible.

Unfortunately, there are many terrible people out there who will want your pet...YES, even if you charge a rehoming fee! That fee might not be enough of a deterrent or seen as a minimal investment compared to what could be made by breeding or selling the animal. And, while no one wants to think about it, many people hate cats and small dogs, and would happily take your free or low-fee rabbit, guinea pig, or other small pet as reptile food.

⚠️ So, DO think about it, and try these things...

📍REQUIRE REFERENCES, specifically, a VET REFERENCE.

-Ask for their veterinarian's clinic number so you can speak to their vet about the care of their current and/or former pets. Do they keep their pets in good health, go through many pets, in the vet's opinion, would they recommend them? Be sure you use the potential adopter's name, and if the interested party hasn't owned a pet before, ask for references that are official, not just friends and family. Think of it this way-if this asked of people applying for a job or an apartment, it's fully appropriate to ask before giving them a living thing!

📍 RUN YOUR OWN CHECK

-While committing a crime doesn't negate someone's ability to be a loving, excellent home for a pet, there is a correlation between some violent crime and animal abuse. Run a FREE AND LEGAL (and quick) search through the OK Department of Corrections, https://okoffender.doc.ok.gov/.

📍 FIELD INQUIRIES

-People tend to tell you who they are, but you have to really listen instead of hearing/seeing what you'd like. Look for warning signs like: not having read any of the info, changing stories or statements ("my dog would love her" regarding your dog that has to be in a one-dog home, then, "well it's actually my boyfriend's dog and isn't here"), no interest in the pet's personality/behavior/needs. If anything seems suspicious, treat it like it IS suspicious until proven otherwise!

📍 YES, REHOMING FEES, BUT...

-Alone, they aren't going to ensure your pet goes to a good home, but combined with these other measures, they remain a good idea. However, please remember that your primary concern here is supposed to be finding the best home for your pet, not recouping your loss on their purchase and items. This animal was never a product, a pet isn't a monetary investment, and if you legitimately want to find yours the best home, advertising it as a product is not a good way to start off! If someone IS the perfect home but must travel across the state or from out of state to meet and pick up the pet, are you willing to lower the fee, for example?

📍 BE HONEST

-Set up your pet for success with their new family by being open and honest yourself. Don't make it sound like your pet is perfect and going to work out in any home, any situation, and the only reason they aren't working out in yours is because they "need room to run." You don't want your pet going to a new home only to be looking for a new one again, right?

📍 CONSIDER ACCEPTING HELP

-Sometimes, rescue groups will offer to take the pet because they have a foster situation already that will work out and so forth. If the rescue is legitimate AND a good group, consider accepting their help, particularly if you are pressed for time or the pet is a challenging one to rehome. Being able to choose where your pet goes can make this terrible event feel a little easier, and taking a foster spot from a pet who might be critically in need should be considered, but if it's in the best interest of your pet's future, at least think on it. They have experience and resources that can ensure your pet's future with the right people.

📍 DO YOU HAVE A PUREBRED DOG OR CAT?

-If so, BEFORE YOU POST ONLINE, take advantage of this. There are breed-specific rescues all over the country that you can contact, even for rare breeds (most will also accept known/obvious mixtures as well). Many are funded and run by breed clubs and registries, while others are run by unaffiliated individuals who love the breed. Don't discount rescues because they're not right next door, either! It never hurts to contact them.

-REPUTABLE BREEDERS will want the pet returned to them, and if you purchased from one, that was in your information and probably your contract as well. This is a benefit of selecting a genuine, reputable breeder, and you should take advantage of it!

Breed Rescues List, OK (one of many!) http://www.animalrescuedirectory.net/oklahoma/

AKC Rescue Network list
https://www.akc.org/akc-rescue-network/

No matter your reason for rehoming, please do everything you can to ensure that you're getting them into a safe, loving, and permanent home, they're worth the effort!

AKC Rescue Network is the largest network of dog rescue groups in the USA. National Breed Clubs, breeders & dog fanciers are at the heart of these rescues, rehabs and rehomes.

04/13/2023

😭 whhhyyyy

04/11/2023

Happy National Pet Day! Start celebrating the special bond we share with our by pets by learning some facts about that bond 🐶🐱🐰🐹🦎🐟🐎🥰

04/10/2023

Happy National Hug your Dog Day! 🤗🐕

04/03/2023

Easter is right around the corner! Did you know cats enjoy eggs, but must be kept away from those beautiful lilies? Have you considered doing an egg hunt with your dog, or do you need to be away from them over the holiday? Maybe you're thinking the bunnies at the feedstore wouldn't be THAT much of a big deal to bring home this weekend for kids, or that, with the egg prices currently, those adorable chicks might actually be a great investment?

Learn about some of the most common dangers for your cat and/or dog, how to make your dog's time away from you easier, suggestions to get your dog in on the festivities, and the realistic considerations before bringing home that new pet!

The Pawsitive Pet Services family hopes everyone has a happy, safe holiday! 🐰🌷🥚❤️