Pet Services

Buster’s Final Ride

To no fault of the family he was born to, Buster was an extremeley under socialized dog, he didn’t meet other dogs and people as much he should have during the formative puppyhood stage, so when I met Buster he was 2 years old and he was very shy and timid. We started with regular neighborhood walks, after several months I brought my senior cattle dog, who didn’t give Buster any attention, but it was perfect for Buster, he needed her stable, neutral energy with lots of positive experiences, nothing intimidating.

It wasn’t long before we were walking with several dogs and then he graduated to attending our small dog play dates.  He thrived!   (more…)

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Pets as Presents – Yea or Nay?

Stuart
Calder, Pippi and Daisy!

We’ve all seen the photos and videos; a child opens a gift box and out comes the most adorable puppy or kitten in the world! The best gift ever, right? This is a long debated subject in the animal world and often thought to be a terrible idea. However, in recent years, many shelters have changed their position and policies on giving pets as gifts. They’ve found that the majority of the time, an animal given as a gift, finds responsible, loving, caring homes. (more…)

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Grieving the Loss of a Pet

Ban on stairs

When we lose a beloved animal family member, often times people are left to deal with the enormous loss privately because they do not have people in their lives that understand the level of grief that they are experiencing.

After losing my beloved dog, I felt very confused by the raw, painful emotion I was feeling. I quit my corporate job within weeks and within one year started my pet care business.  No doubt there were angels at work in the midst of the deep heartache.  Since starting Affinity Pet Services in 2004, I have had the honor of caring for hundreds of loved animal companions and sadly, many have passed away.  Through the process, I’ve learned ways to help the grieving family if they desire support. (more…)

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Holiday Pet Safety Tips

We want to include our fur family in the holiday festivities, but as you celebrate this holiday season, here are a few tips to insure your pet’s safety!

Sandy & Santa

Holiday Plants to Be Aware of….  Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure and death in cats, if ingested.

Choosing Toys for You Pets  Choose gifts that are safe is important. Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallow the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kong toys, for instance, can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. (more…)

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Advantages of Hiring a Pet Sitter

Kate.VinnyFor pet owners, in-home pet sitting provides a unique alternative to boarding facilities or relying on family or neighbors to check on pets.  Pet sitters come to the home daily and pets are able to keep their regular routines for meals, walks, medication and one-on-one care and attention.  Many pet sitters offer the option of daily pet visits and/or overnight pet care, depending on the owner’s specific needs. Owners report that their pets experience less stress and adjust better to their owners’ absence when the pets remain in their normal environment.

For the pet benefits include:

  • Staying at home in his/her safe, secure environment
  • Being surrounded by familiar sights, smells and sounds
  • Following his/her regular diet and exercise routine
  • Having play time
  • Receiving love and personal attention
  • Maintaining medical treatment, when required
  • Having someone responsible in case of an emergency with the pet or home
  • Eliminating the trauma of travel or an unfamiliar environment
  • Ensuring good health (no exposure to other animals’ illness or parasites)

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Read more about the article The Journey

The Journey

Most people look forward to Fridays, they wake up Saturday ready for some R&R, some play or even a weekend getaway.  By Sunday afternoon the heaviness sets in, Monday is weighing heavy on their souls, the dread of another work week, they go back to the grind and look forward to Wednesday, hump day, then it’s only two more days till Friday, another cycle repeats every week.  I used to be that person. A high stress job that I loathed, fluorescent lights, dealing with people that were less than savory, all for the golden paycheck. (more…)

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