Overberg Pet Sitters

23/08/2025

The pensioner crew with Quinten the weekend

23/08/2025

A few random special moments with the Fisherhaven Crew

23/08/2025

Boop IT!

23/08/2025

says this is the kind of stuff you watch FROM A DIIIISTAAANCE ....🤣 (who knows what stuff that might be)

23/08/2025

eagerly auditioning for her ONLY FANS subscription

23/08/2025

Credit to CUMMINGS SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

(an albino border collie) with active canine epilepsy, is currently in our care with Marié as his sitter

People have a lot in common with dogs – the ability to express emotions, social behaviors, personal preferences — as well as over 80 percent of our DNA. Both species experience many similar diseases, including epilepsy. While it can be an intimidating condition, by arming yourself with these 10 ...

23/08/2025

🐾 📚

THE GERMAN SHEPARD DOG

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is perhaps best known as the strong, courageous and obedient guide dog for the disabled and service dog of police K-9 and search-and-rescue units, valued for its tenacity, intelligence, loyalty and focus. GSDs are often sought as guard dogs and protectors. However, while they are first and foremost a herding breed, GSDs can make outstanding, loving family companions. German Shepherds have a rather distinct personality marked by a direct and fearless expression, obvious self-confidence and reluctance to develop indiscriminate friendships. They tend to be indifferent to strangers and can be aloof; however, once they befriend you, their devotion is life-long.

GSDs are protective by nature, which is why they make excellentguard dogs and police dogs. Once a GSD bonds with its family, it may become protective of them when approached by strangers or by friends. This protectiveness may be appropriate or inappropriate, depending upon the situation, and the dog may not always be able to discriminate between those situations. It is important to train GSDs to recognize welcome and unwelcome guests. They may bark as strangers or familiar friends approach your home, but proper socialization and training from an early age will help this very intelligent and proud breed to become well-integrated into a normal social routine. Neither aggression nor timidity should be tolerated. Reputable breeders and trainers generally agree that aggressive tendencies or excessive shyness in GSDs usually are a product of poor breeding, poor training, or both. Potential GSD owners should explore their dog's background and commit to an appropriate socialization and training protocol before making a life-long commitment to the dog.

A German Shepherd Dog can provide years of loyal companionship and faithful service. Because of their size, trainability, self-confidence and poise, proper training and socializing is very important.

22/08/2025

🐾 📚

THE TUXEDO CAT
(Currently in our care with Marié)

The tuxedo cat is not a cat breed; tuxedo is a coat color pattern.
More specifically, tuxedo cats have a prominent bicolor pattern of stark black-and-white that is reminiscent of formal wear. Mixed breed cats as well as some purebreds can possess the tuxedo pattern, such as the Maine c**n, Scottish fold, and Manx, as a few examples. Because of this, the lifespan of a tuxedo cat varies, but might be up to 20 years, depending on the breed.

Learn more about tuxedo cats and what makes them so special.

🐾 BREED OVERVIEW
OTHER NAMES: Tuxie, Felix cat, Jellicle cat, piebald
PERSONALITY: Varies with breed
WEIGHT: Up to 18 pounds, depending on breed
LENGTH: Up to 36 inches, depending on breed
COAT LENGTH: Short hair, long hair, or curly
COAT COLORS: Black and white
COAT PATTERNS: Bicolor
EYE COLOR: Shades of gold, green, or blue
LIFESPAN: Up to 20 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: No (the sphynx and Devon rex breeds are less allergenic)
ORIGIN: Egypt

🐾 CHARACTERISTICS
Tuxedo is a coloration pattern that can occur in many different cat breeds. The tuxedo pattern is named after the attire human men wear for formal occasions (here are tuxedo cat names for your fancy feline!).
Because many breeds and mixed breeds can sport the tuxedo pattern, the personalities of tuxedo cats vary much more widely than their coloration. The temperament of an individual cat will depend on their genetics and the environment in which they were raised.
Generally, though, tuxedo cats are loving, playful, intelligent, and social, and they can get along well with people of all ages and other cats and pets.

- Affection Level Varies
- Friendliness Varies
- Kid-Friendly Varies
- Pet-Friendly Varies
- Exercise Needs Varies
- Playfulness Varies
- Energy Level Varies
- Intelligence Varies
- Tendency to Vocalize Varies
- Amount of Shedding Varies

🐾HISTORY OF THE TUXEDO CAT
Cats have color genes that can produce the tuxedo pattern in the right combination. Tuxedo cats have the genes to be black. They also have the white spotting gene, which masks the black color on some parts of the body. It does this by preventing the color-producing melanocytes from migrating to those areas.
The spotting gene produces different grades of white spotting, from 1 to 10. Tuxedo cats fall into the low grades from 1 to 4. The lower the number, the less white is seen.
No one knows for sure when this gene combination began to be expressed in cats, but it is thought to date back at least to the ancient Egyptians, as bicolor cats have been identified in their tombs.

Tuxedo cats appear throughout modern popular culture. Examples of famous bicolored kitties include:
• Felix the Cat was a character created during the 1920s silent film era. Felix was featured in cartoons, animation, and assorted merchandise. Even today the Felix clock, with its long black tail wagging back and forth, is a favorite cat collectible.
• In T.S. Eliot’s 1939 book of poems, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, a group of nocturnal black-and-white cats were referred to as "Jellical" cats.
• Sylvester the Cat, of Looney Tunes, is another famous tuxedo cat. Sylvester has white jowls, a long bib extending down his belly, white feet, and a white tip on his tail.
• "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss, published in 1957, featured a talking tuxedo cat.
• Socks, known as the First Cat during the Bill Clinton White House administration, was a famous real-life tuxedo cat.

🐾TUXEDO CAT CARE
The individualized care of a tuxedo cat will depend on their breed. Indoor cats will need a litter box in a quiet area. Be sure to completely dump and clean the box at least once a week. Using clumping litter and scooping out the clumps daily can keep things tidy. Also, as with any cat, stay up-to-date on veterinary visits and vaccinations to help prevent health problems.

🐾 EXERCISE
Give your tuxedo cat plenty of chances to play and chase toys, and offer safe places to retreat. A variety of toys can be used to keep these cats active, such as:
• Catnip toys
• Wand toys
• Feather toys
• Puzzle toys
• Electronic toys
• Kicker toys
• Plush toys
You can also get your cat to exercise by providing a variety of scratching posts, cat trees, and perches.
Cats like lots of sleep and cat naps, so provide a comfortable bed and other places around your living area where your cat can lounge in between play and exercise.

🐾 SHEDDING
Some cats shed more than others, depending on their breed. Therefore, one tuxedo cat might shed very little while another might shed a lot.
Most cats will shed more during certain times of the year, such as during the spring and fall.

🐾 GROOMING
A cat’s coat requires no special treatment based on color pattern. Brushing your cat will help reduce matting and may help prevent hairballs.
Trim your cat's nails every two to three weeks and provide a scratching post.
To help keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy, brush their teeth at least a few times a week.

🐾COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS
Tuxedo cats can be many different breeds, some of which are more prone to particular diseases and conditions. The ASPCA lists these common cat diseases as ones you will need to be aware of for any cat:

• Cancer: This is more common in older cats. Be alert for any lumps or unusual skin changes. Lymphoma is a common type of cancer in cats.

• Diabetes: This is more common in cats who are obese, male, and older.

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): This is spread from cat to cat when they fight and incur deep bites. The best prevention is to keep your cat indoors and out of territorial fights.

• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): This virus damages the immune system and makes cats more susceptible to developing blood cancer. There is a vaccine that can reduce the risk.

• Kidney disease: A common issue in older cats, this can lead to organ failure. Some signs are increased thirst and urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, and vomiting. There are several blood tests that can help screen for kidney disease and help predict it sooner than previously possible. So make sure to discuss this screening with your veterinarian.

• Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid is extremely common in cats. This condition can cause weight loss, increased vocalization, ravenous appetite, and sometimes even vomiting or diarrhea. A blood test can help determine if your cat has this issue.

🐾 APPEARANCE
You will know whether a cat has the tuxedo pattern from birth. Kittens are simply miniatures of the adult pattern rather than having a changing color pattern as they grow up.
These black-and-white beauties come in all shapes and sizes, but they always look a little more sophisticated than their counterparts because of their tidy tux-like markings.
Any piebald combination of black-and-white qualifies as a tuxedo cat, but the most striking examples have a black body with a white chest and paws. Sometimes, a black spot at the throat will even resemble a bow tie!

Nothing is so dramatic as seeing a "tuxie," as they're affectionately called, dressed in their best bib and tucker. Some tuxies also wear "spats," or white boots. This name comes from the word "spatterdash" which is a type of covering that goes over the instep and ankle area of some shoes.
Other variations on the tuxedo theme include a white striped nose and the "masked tuxedo," with white around the chin and nose or white tips on the nose. Another variation infamously called the "Kitler" features a white "mustache."
While gray cats may bear a similar bicolor pattern, they are not generally considered tuxedo cats.

🐾DIET AND NUTRITION
Your tuxedo cat should be fed the same diet as any other cat of their breed. While they may be dressed to the nines, your cat doesn't need to dine on caviar.
A wet food diet is often considered best, but you can provide dry food for your cat to snack on as well. Provide fresh, clean water for your cat at all times.

🐾TYPES OF TUXEDO CAT
The tuxedo cat pattern is not allowed in some breed standards, but it is noted in the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) standards for the following cats:
• American Curl
• American Shorthair
• British Shorthair
• Cornish Rex
• Devon Rex
• Exotic Shorthair
• LaPerm
• Maine C**n
• Munchkin
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Oriental (Shorthair

🐾 PROS OF TUXEDO CATS
• Charming pattern resembling a tuxedo
• Almost any cat can possess the pattern
• Several breed standards accept the pattern
CONS OF TUXEDO CATS
• Certain breeds may be prone to specific health problems
• Cannot be bred for particular markings
• Personality traits vary

22/08/2025

Currently we have albino border collie in our care

🐾 📚

THE BORDER COLLIE

The border collie is a medium-sized dog that is very athletic, highly intelligent, and has loads of energy. They are known for their alert expression, strong and agile body, ready-to-go attitude, and strong instincts. The breed descends from the sheepdogs of the British Isles and is named after the border between England and Scotland.
A hugely popular breed, border collies can make excellent companions for very active households or working farms. Overall, this is a much-loved and celebrated dog breed that bonds closely with fully engaged human companions.

The border collie can be an ideal choice for active families who have a lot of space for their dog to run around, play, and work every day. These intelligent dogs are friendly and affectionate, but they do have high exercise needs and a high tendency to bark, so there’s a lot to consider before bringing one home.

Learn more about the border collie, including the breed’s history, care needs, temperament, and more.

📌 BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Herding

HEIGHT: 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder

WEIGHT: 28 to 48 pounds

COAT: Rough or smooth medium-length double coat with a coarse outer coat and soft undercoat

COAT COLOR: Solid color, bicolor, tricolor, merle, or sable, usually seen in black, blue, blue merle, brindle, gold, lilac, red, or red merle (with or without patches of white)

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 17 years

TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, energetic, responsive, keen, athletic, loyal, alert

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

:

📌 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BORDER COLLIE
This breed is extremely driven, loyal, and hard-working. Border collies are happiest when they are working or playing, and will only settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done. Therefore, these dogs do best in homes with large, fenced yards, as well as on farms and ranches, rather than apartments.
Border collies are very sensitive to noise and will alert you to visitors, passersby, and any other movement. They may also be sensitive to sudden loud noises like fireworks and thunder.

🐾 AFFECTION LEVEL: High
🐾 FRIENDLINESS: High
🐾 KID FRIENDLY: High
🐾 PET FRIENDLY: Medium
🐾 EXCERCISE NEEDS: High
🐾 PLAYFULLNESS: High
🐾 ENERGY LEVEL: High
🐾 TRAINABILITY: High
🐾 INTELLIGENCE: High
🐾 TENDENCY TO BARK: High
🐾 AMOUNT OF SHEDDING: Medium

📌 HISTORY OF THE BORDER COLLIE
The border collie breed originates from sheepdogs on the British Isles, and was developed on the border of England and (after which it was eventually named).
This dog has remained true to their origins as a hardy, diligent, working dog.
In the mid-1800s, became quite fond of the breed and likely contributed to its legacy as the ideal sheep-herding dog breed. Over the years, the border collie has upheld their reputation as a highly intelligent worker. The breed was brought to the sheep ranches of Australia and New Zealand in the past century.

Border collies have been highly successful at herding, agility, Frisbee, and many other activities. The border collie was officially recognized by the AKC in 1995. And, in pop culture, border collies starred in the beloved movie, Babe.
Also, this breed shouldn’t be confused with the Australian shepherd, which is another herding breed. Although similar in personality, these dogs are different when it comes to things like their appearance and history

📌 BORDER COLLIE CARE
A border collie won't tolerate being alone. It's not enough to provide room to roam; your dog needs someone to roam with and something specific to do. When bored, this dog may develop habits such as chasing cars, digging, chewing up furniture, or barking. You must find plenty of activities for your border collie if you want them to thrive.
You may also note that this dog will exhibit typical herding behavior by nudging and nipping at humans and other pets to get them in line. If you are a multi-pet household, this might lead to altercations.

📌 EXERCISE
It's important to understand that border collies are extremely high-energy dogs. This breed needs tons of exercise and plenty of activities to keep the body and mind occupied and in good shape.

🔴 At a bare minimum, you must be able to provide a long, brisk walk (preferably two) for a total of two hours a day. You will need to walk on-leash as border collies are prone to chasing cars and bicycles.

In a safe area, you can play fetch or Frisbee to work off some of the energy and provide the dog with a task to complete. Although they are superb herding dogs, they also excel in most dog sports, especially agility and disc dog competition.

📌 GROOMING
The border collie may have either a rough or smooth medium-length double coat with a coarse outer coat and a soft undercoat. They should be groomed routinely; regular weekly brushing is important to keep the coat tangle-free. They only need a bath every three months or so.

Although active border collies may have naturally worn-down nails, it's important to check the nails regularly and trim the nails as needed. This will help keep the feet healthy and comfortable. You should also pay attention to dental hygiene and brush the dog's teeth at least two to three times per week.

📌 TRAINING
The breed is one of the smartest dogs and learns new things with ease. Thorough training is essential, and it should not be very difficult for this perceptive dog. Also, be sure to properly socialize your dog so they will be at ease in all kinds of situations.

📌 COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS
Responsible dog breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. Overall, the breed is considered healthy, but some hereditary health problems can occur.
The following are some conditions to be aware of:

• : This is a condition in which the hip sockets form abnormally.

• (OCD): This results in the abnormal development of the cartilage on the end of a bone.

• : This is a neurological disease that causes seizures.

• : This is an inherited disease seen in this breed. It impairs the vision but is usually mild in border collies. Breeders can screen for this

📌 DIET AND NUTRITION
A border collie will need two meals a day of .75 to 1 cup of dry dog food each time, depending on the dog's size and activity level.
Be sure to provide fresh, clean water.

📌 PROS OF BORDER COLLIES
• Loyal and hard-working
• Excellent at dog sports and agility
• Highly intelligent and trainable

📌 CONS OF BORDER COLLIES
• Destructive if not given enough attention
• Not suitable for small space living
• May be unsuitable for families with kids and other pets

22/08/2025

New kids on the block
Marié checked in at Fisherhaven where she will be taking care of this dynamic crew (German shepherd) (Albino border collie) (tuxedo cat) and (Calico cat)

This sitting is a wee bit special and different than usual though ...Mowgli unfortunately has active epilepsy episodes and there would be no better person to take care of him, as Marié has got a passion for special needs pets and the right approach and understanding of what is involved

She tries to keep Mowgli as calm as possible at all times, avoiding any triggers whatsoever while keeping an eagle's eye on this special boy

We are quite sure Molly has been an acrobat or gymnast in her previous life the way she flies through and up in the air to get the ball with precision every time. Molly is also so well mannered, and knows quite a few commands, under which "Back.. " and "Sit" (for her treat), "outside" "sweeties" etc

What an honor to be the guardians of these sentient beings 🐾

Watch this space for the weekend with Marié and her special crew

22/08/2025

Look who's back! and the fluffball angel
Took a quick walkie down to the cliffpath before the weather turns nasty again
Watch this space for our weekend moves 🐾😜

Btw, the beautiful black and white photos is their mom that created this artwork and framed it ...looks absolutely so gorgeous in the bathroom 🥰
(Nope, I did not bathe the babies in this cold 😊)

21/08/2025

Last day for petsitter with the cat crew of Pearly Beach....and they will all be missed .. both from Marié and the rest of us at OPS
These fluffballs are all too pretty and we were spoiled with Mariés exceptional ability to capture these beauties in the most perfect way

and