Chris Hylan, pet sitter

09/02/2025

Looking ahead…
Just a quick reminder that I will be taking a break Sept. 6-14. (Because sometimes the ‘caregiver’ needs self-care! 🧘‍♀️)

09/01/2025

A few days ago, after our shift, we witnessed a concerning incident that questioned dog owner responsibility-and serves as a good lesson for parents.

A family out for a walk-two adults, presumably the parents, and three young children, estimated to be about 4, 6 and 10 years of age.

The 6-year old was holding the leash of the family's 55-60 lb dog.

When the family arrived at an intersection (off a busy Rt 109), they stopped to wait appropriately for the crosswalk signal.

During the wait, the youngest child displayed typical child-button -pressing enthusiasm, and soon enough the 6-year old joined her, fully distracted from the dog of which he was 'holding' the leash with his other hand.

As the crosswalk indicator flashed to proceed, the parents and the eldest child began to cross the street, appearing presumptuous that the other two children (and the dog) were following behind them; however, the young pair was still engaged with 'the button'.

The dog, understandably not enjoying being stifled by the pole activity, saw the rest of the family nearly on the opposite side of the street, and pulled away from the 6-year old, darting out into the street, narrowly missing being struck by an SUV which was approaching the intersection. The young boy appeared unphased with a casual 'oops' body/shoulder expression once he realized the dog was no longer next to him, and turned his attention back to his sister and 'the button'.

Parents, we understand that children often ask to hold the leash of the family dog, however, children often lack maturity, attention span, physical strength, competence, multitasking skills, risk assessment, awareness of surroundings, and understanding of a dog's behavior and the unexpected actions the dog may take-and therefore, their hand may not be the best hand to be at the other end of the leash.

To prevent incidents, adults should always supervise children with dogs or handle the dog themselves.

Additionally, both adults and children should understand that dogs often behave very differently when outside of the home and property.

Public leashwalking by a child should only be considered after the child has mastered all of the above criteria, and after such has been practiced with affirmed competency in a controlled environment.

A motor vehicle accident, a dog fight, a bite or even a simple knockdown, can cause serious injuries to both dogs and humans. And fault for such incident may very well fall on the family- as 'control' is just as important and lawful as is 'leashed'.

[Image: a child being pulled by an uncontrolled dog]

09/01/2025

Apologies to the other pets I visited this holiday weekend, because this trumped them all. I finally got to 💁🏼‍♀️ walk a Murray*!!! 🤩💃🏼

*also, apologies to all the other non-Murrays to whom I have referred to as ’Murray’, because this is one of the [many** 😜] things I say all.the.time. 🤭😮‍💨😆 🤷🏼‍♀️

**


😂😎🥸

08/29/2025

08/27/2025

🤣🤣🤣

08/26/2025

Happy National Dog Day! (And tongue-out Tuesday, as well! Ha! 😛)

Today’s featured dog is my long-time friend and snuggle-muffin-extraordinaire, Rusty, who paws-down gives The.BEST.Hugs! 🤗

08/25/2025

Let us bow our heads for a moment of silence. (😇💃🏼) 🍁🤩

08/23/2025

Crashing around, going 100mph, getting things done, then I see this… 😇🫠
🙏🏻

08/23/2025

Gooood morning! ☕️

08/22/2025

For those who frequent the Reading Town Forest, there are updated dog-related regulations:

The Town of Reading Town Forest has new and updated regulations! They’re a friendly reminder of the rules that help keep our trails safe and enjoyable for everyone here in Reading. In the coming months these new signs will be posted at the Town Forest.

Thank you to the Town Forest Committee and town staff for their work in making this possible. Want to learn more about the Town Forest? Visit https://www.readingma.gov/335/Town-Forest-Committee

08/22/2025

WHAT YOU USE TO CLEAN🧽 YOUR HOME ENDS UP INSIDE YOUR PET.🐶🐱

A groundbreaking study found that dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 out of 70 tested industrial chemicals — and 43 of those were at higher levels than in humans. We're talking chemicals from cleaning products, air fresheners, flame retardants, lawn treatments, and more—many linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and DNA damage.

🐾 Our pets can’t escape the air they breathe or the floors they walk on. But we can reduce what they're exposed to.

💡 Here’s what you can do:
✅ Switch to non-toxic cleaners (see recipe below!)
✅ Avoid synthetic air fresheners & products that list "fragrance" on the label
✅ Look for pet products free from fire retardants & stain-proofing chemicals
✅ Clean with your pet in mind—because they’re breathing it all in

✨ Try our pet-safe, DIY cleaner:
3 drops castile soap
1 cup filtered water
½ cup rubbing alcohol (70%)
(Optional: 2–3 drops lemon or bergamot essential oil)

Mix in a glass spray bottle and clean on with peace of mind.

🛑 Want more DIY, pet-safe cleaning recipes + natural home fragrance ideas? They’re all inside our NY Times bestselling book, The Forever Dog LIFE...your go-to guide for creating a healthier, toxin-free home for you and your pets. 🐾✨

👉 Comment FOREVERDOG below and we’ll DM you the link to grab your copy! Your dog’s longer, healthier life starts at home. Let’s make it a safe one. 💚💚