This month we are featuring Annie. Many of our valued clients will recognize Annie as their dog’s beloved dog-walker. Any pet owners who have had Annie care for their pet(s) know that she is incredibly detail oriented and very exacting–two fantastic qualities that make her great at what she does!

This is your chance to get to know Annie a little more. We are honored and grateful to have her working for us!

Wags Walkers: What made you decide to start working for Wags?

Annie: My love for animals. I grew up with dogs and have always had pets most of my life. There’s nothing that can compare to the unconditional love animals give to their human parents. Over the years there have been several breeds that I have shared my life with: Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, Doberman Pinschers, Pekenese Mixes and Poodle Mixes.

Wags Walkers: What do you enjoy about being a professional dog walker and pet sitter?

Annie: My job as a professional dog walker and pet sitter is fun and rewarding! I love the fact that I get to come to work to take care of cute dogs and cats on a daily basis, and even better that I can make a living doing it! In addition, the flexible nature of my job schedule provides me with ample time to work on my home decor store: www.LinenWorkshop.com. Check out my website to find lots of pet silhouette gifts and decorative pillows for your home.

Wags Walkers: What parts of the St. Louis area do you, yourself, service?

Annie: I live in Clayton so most of my assignments are in or near the cities of Clayton, University City, Ladue, Richmond Heights, Maplewood or Webster Groves.

Wags Walkers: What would you like pet owners to know about hiring a professional dog walker or pet sitter?

Annie: We take care of your pets as if they were our own. Pet owners can trust that their pets are in good hands while they’re away from home. We have experience with a huge number of breeds, and as Wags Walkers we also complete training in Pet First Aid and CPR with the American Red Cross. Any pet owner can rest assured that we will take good care of their pets with affection and professionalism.

Wags Walkers: What would you say is the most important thing you do as a pet sitter and dog walker?

Annie: Ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of the pets in my care. I always make sure they get plenty of exercise and receive lots affection from me when I am visiting them.

Wags Walkers: What do you do in your spare time when you aren’t walking dogs and petsitting?

Annie: I enjoy travel and Performing Arts of all kinds. I have visited many places in the world. I love visiting museums and exploring different cultures. I’m also a big hollywood movies fan. The latest movie I saw was Les Misérables. I was fortunate enough to have seen the stage version last fall at St. Louis’ Fox Theatre.

Dog Sport Practice Sessions at Purina Farms
Every Tuesday/Thursday from January-February, 2013 1:00-9:00 pm
Do you compete in Canine Agility, Obedience, or Conformation? Practice sessions available at Purina Event Center. $10 per person, per session. You’ll get use of a professional agility ring, conformation ring, or obedience ring or rally ring. No formal classes. No instruction. Sign ups at each ring. Once you have completed your time slot, you can sign up again. You may also invite others into the ring during your time slots for distractions or other reasons.

Call (314) 982-5210 with any questions, or email purinafarms@purina.nestle.com

Purina Farms Event Center
200 Checkerboard Loop
Gray Summit, MO 63039

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6th Annual Dogs N’ Suds Benefit Dog Wash
Saturday, January 12th, 2013 10:00am-3:00pm

Join Four Muddy Paws for their 6th Annual Dogs ‘n Suds Benefit Dog Wash for OpSpot on Saturday, January 12 from 10 AM – 3 PM at their Lafayette Square shop. They’re turning the self-service dog wash into a benefit dog wash for OpSpot! Friendly volunteers from OpSpot will be on hand to wash and dry your dog while you enjoy a bit of fresh brewed beer and other delicious delights from Square One Microbrewery and Distillery! All for only $15, and 100% of the proceeds benefit OpSpot. There’s no appointment necessary–first come, first served! OpSpot is a wonderful not-for-profit founded in 1995 and is dedicated to eliminating the unnecessary euthanasia of dogs and cats in St. Louis and surrounding areas, through their various low-cost spaying and neutering programs

Four Muddy Paws
1711 Park Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63104

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AKC Museum of the Dog Guest Dog of the Week: Volunteer Appreciation Day
Sunday, January 13^th, 2013 1:00-3:00 pm

It’s the AKCMuseum of the Dog, Guest Dog of the Week, Volunteers Appreciation Day! Join them for fun and refreshments in the Constellation Room. RSVP by calling (314) 821-3547, or email them at dogarts@aol.com

Location details –available here–

AKC Museum of the Dog
1721 South Mason Road
Ballwin, MO 63011

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Triva Night (New Year for the Strays 2012)
Saturday, January 19^th, 2013 7:00-10:00 pm

Mark your calendars for the New Years for the Strays trivia on January 19, 2013. It is one of the biggest Trivia Nights in St. Louis benefitting ten local animal welfare groups.  Doors open at 6:00p.m., trivia starts at 7:00 p.m.  Cost:  $35 per person or $350 per table of ten people.  Beer, wine, soda and water are complimentary.  Bring your own snacks, but no outside beverages are allowed.  Be one of the first 150 people to bring an unopened bag of Purina brand dog or cat food (15 lbs or larger) or donate a $15 gift card from Home Depot, PetsMart or PetCo, and receive a special gift that could include a voucher good for 2 Cardinals tickets.  Cash prize for the first place team, 50/50 drawings, Grab bag giveaways, silent auction, and adoptable dogs.  Go to www.stlpetlover.org to purchase tickets online.  THIS IS A PEOPLE ONLY EVENT.

Renaissance Grand Hotel – Majestic Ballroom
800 Washington Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63101

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Nature’s Variety Pet Food Demo at Treats Unleashed: Oakville Location
Saturday, January 19th, 2013 11:00am-3:00pm

Looking to switch your dog or cat to a healthy, natural diet? Nature’s Variety will be doing a demo day at their Oakville shop on Saturday, Jan. 19 from 11 am to 3 pm. They will be handing out samples and answering any questions you may have about Nature’s Variety foods. Plan to stop by and visit with the NV representatives.

Treats Unleashed: Oakville Location
5654 Telegraph Road
St. Louis, MO 63129

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Mutts N’ Stuff Trivia Night
Saturday, January 26th, 2013 6:00pm

Trivia Night to benefit Mutts N Stuff, a 501c3 not-for-profit animal rescue group.  Cost:  $20 per person for tables up to 8 people. Advance payment is required to guarantee your spot. Beer and soda are included with admission. Feel free to bring your own food and drinks. Cash prize for 1st and 2nd place.  Great sale items, 50/50 drawings, raffles, huge silent auction, attendance prizes and mulligans for purchase. Bring along a photo of your dog or cat for the Cutest Dog/Cutest Cat contest.  Click here for trivia night flyer.  For more information, please call Arlene at (314) 623-0412 or (314) 416-8081, or email kulade5@yahoo.com. THIS IS A PEOPLE ONLY EVENT.

Lions Hall of Harvester, MO
4835 Central School Road
St. Charles, MO 63304

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Five Acres Meet and Greet at Treats Unleashed: Mid Rivers
Saturday, January 26th, 2013 11:00am-3:00pm

Join Treats Unleashed at the Mid Rivers shop on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 11 am to 3 pm. You’ll have a chance to meet pets looking for their forever homes or learn more about volunteer opportunities at Five Acres Animal Shelter.

Please check Five Acres wish list in case you have extra supplies to donate. They will be accepting donations at the event.

Treats Unleashed: Mid Rivers
310 Mid Rivers Center
St. Peters, MO 63376

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Puppy/Pint Size Play Hour at Lola and Penelope’s

Sunday, January 27th, 2013 10:00-11:00am

Bring your puppy for this fun hour of play and learning with Dog Stars trainer Judy Luther. This is a great way to socialize your puppy and ask training questions about housebreaking, obedience, manners, or even tricks. $10 per puppy; class size is limited to 7 dogs. Please RSVP by email info@lolaandpenelopes.com or calling 314.863.5652.

Lola and Penelope’s

7742 Forsyth Blvd

Clayton, MO

1. Cats Are Easily Stressed by Travel: Unlike dogs, cats rarely leave the house. When they do, it’s usually for some type of undesirable kitty excursion: the vet, the groomer, or heaven forbid, the kennel/cattery! Many kitties learn that car rides do not lead to good things, and when they see their carrier come out, they go running! Not only does this stress your kitty out right before you leave town, but you also get the fun experience of playing “catch the cat” right as you are trying to pack and get out the door.

When Wags cares for your kitty, there’s no dreaded game of “catch the kitty”. A trusted Wags Sitter will be by on a daily basis to care for your cat right in the comfort of their own home. You don’t have to make an extra trip to the kennel/cattery to drop off or pick up your furry family member. No searching for the cat carrier. No howling, crying kitty in the back seat of your car. Less stress for your kitty, AND you.

2. Cats Do Best in Their Own Environment: Not only is the actual TRIP to the kennel/cattery stressful, but having to stay in a strange environment, usually in a small cage, can be quite to distressing to even the most resilient kitty. When you choose an in-home sitter to care for your kitty, she never has to leave the comfort of her own home! Your Wags sitter can keep your kitty purring right in the comfort of their own environment. We can keep them on their routine, even if that routine includes medication, special food, or certain play rituals!

3. We’re Cheaper! Many kennel/cattery’s (and even other in-home pet sitting businesses) charge you by the cat. Wags does not charge you on a per cat basis; Wags charges per VISIT. Our cat sitting visits are $13 per visit. We can come by once a day or more to accommodate your kitty’s unique care needs. If you have a multi-cat househound, you can save a bundle by having a Wags sitter care for you pets! Plus, Wags does not charge extra for any medication administration. Many kennel/catteries DO charge per medication administration. Wags never charges extra for medication administration or the feeding of special diets, as long as we’re able to accomplish these special care tasks during the regular visit length.

4. We Provide More One-On-One Care: When a Wags sitter cares for your kitty, all visits are personal, and one-on-one. Your sitter is at your home, and her full attention is on YOUR cat and her needs. Your kitty gets a full 20 minutes of our staff’s undivided attention, unlike a traditional kennel/cattery, where staff members flit from cat cage to cat cage, only giving each cat moments of one-on-one attention. That’s 20 minutes of full-on kitty nirvana! We’ll pet, play and treat your cat to her heart’s content. We hate to say it, but she might not even know you ever left! Want to see how happy your kitty can be? Here’s how we’ll treat your kitty while you’re out of town: Wags Walker Giuliana Playing with Sophie

5. No Sickies! When you choose Wags to care for your cat, she stays in your own home without being exposed to other strange cats. This means that your precious ball of fuzz won’t be at risk to common kennel illnesses such as respiratory infections, fleas and diarrhea. No one wants to take their cat to the vet right when they get back from a trip!

So there you have it! In home cat-sitting through Wags Walkers is less stressful for your kitty (and you!), more convenient, more affordable, more personal, and less dangerous then using a traditional kennel/cattery. Our talented staff is cat-savvy, and feline friendly. The health, enrichment and safety of your cat is our utmost priority. Why would you even want to choose anyone else to care for your kitty?

“Hi Wags! My four year old Pomeranian, Lacey, has always had a sensitive stomach. She has reoccurring bouts of diarrhea and occasionally will vomit or spit up her food. I have had her checked out by my vet and tested for internal parasites and nothing remarkable has been found on her exams. The vet has suggested that I revaluate her diet and put her on a “sensitive stomach” formula of dog food. There are so many choices though, and I don’t know how to pick a good food. I need help in picking a good dry dog food that will stop her tummy troubles.”

-Shelly B, in Webster Groves “

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Hi Shelly! Selecting a high quality food for your pup will probably go a long way in helping your dog settle her stomach woes. A good diet can help to resolve (and prevent!) many common health problems, including stomach upset. Here are some crucial tips for selecting a good food for Lacey:

1. You want to select a high quality diet that is free of corn, wheat, soy, by-products, artificial dyes and preservatives. All of these things can be hard on a dog’s stomach and are not a natural part of ANY dog’s diet.

2. When choosing your food, make sure there is a named meat meal AND meat listed before the carbohydrate source. For example, your ingredient list should look like this:

Chicken Meal, Chicken, Oatmeal……..

Why is this important? The ingredients on a bag of dog food are listed by weight, but that is BEFORE cooking. When you cook any food, moisture leaves the ingredients. That means, if you put 7 pounds of chicken into the food and 5 pounds of oats, when you cook the food, a lot of the moisture will leave the chicken breasts. What winds up happening is the finished product is actually more concentrated in the carbohydrate source (in this case, oats), even though chicken is listed as the first ingredient!

The reason you want to have an identified meat meal (think chicken meal versus animal meal) listed before your carbohydrate source is because a meal is essentially chicken that has already been cooked into jerky and then ground into a powder before it goes into the dog food. It provides a more concentrated source of meat that won’t lose moisture (and thus potency) when the food is cooked. It’s good to also have a meat that is NOT a meal listed because this adds the benefit of a less processed type of meat. So instead of a food that says:

Chicken, Oats…… or Oats, Chicken,…..

 be sure to go with the suggestion above.

Dogs are carnivores and are designed to eat meat. Dogs actually have ZERO biological requirement for carbohydrates, as long as they have adequate protein and fat in their diet. So why feed your dog food that is high in substance they don’t need and have difficulty digesting in high amounts?

Every kibble (even grain-free varieties) need to contain a carbohydrate source. This carbohydrate source (be it rice, oats, potato, corn, etc) acts as the binding ingredient which holds the kibble together and keeps it crunchy. Even though dogs don’t NEED carbs in some cases certain carbohydrate sources may be beneficial in small amounts.

3. In the case of your specific dog, I would select a dog food that uses oats as its carbohydrate source. The reason being is that oats contain a specific type of amino acid (the building blocks of protein) called L-Glutamine. L-Glutamine has been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. In addition to being a source of L-Glutamine, oats are also a good source of fiber, and for a dog with reocurrent diarrhea, this can help to firm up the stools a bit.

4. Because your dog has a sensitive stomach, its best to pick a food that contains a single protein source, and as simple of an ingredient list as possible. The more ingredients in the food, the harder it can be for a dog with a sensitive stomach to digest.

Some foods I would recommend that meet all the above criteria listed include 

1. Acana Singles (Duck or Lamb Formula) (Read Review Here:

 2. Go Sensitivity and Shine Salmon Recipie (Read Review Here: http://bit.ly/VVMPwR)

3. California Natural Chicken and Rice, Lamb and Rice, or Herring and Sweet Potato Formula (Read Review Here: http://bit.ly/UlUhxM)

I encourage you to research the three foods suggested above and select one based on your budget, which flavor you think Lacey would like, and whichever food is easiest for you to get close by. You can’t go wrong with any of the foods suggested above. I recommend slowly transitioning Lacey to the new food over the course of 10 days.

Here are three “sensitive stomach foods” I would stay away from. For a good explanation as to WHY each food is not the best choice, be sure to check out the links to “Dog Food Analysis” below each food for an unbiased review of each specific food. Dog Food Analysis is a wonderful impartial tool that can be used to help you rate and select a dog food for your pet.

Foods to AVOID:

1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach (Read Review Here: http://bit.ly/VFCpoy)

2. Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formula (Read Review Here: http://bit.ly/11Za6Cl)

3. Iams Sensitive Naturals Ocean Fish, Rice, and Barley Recipe (Read Review Here: http://bit.ly/nBNdNL)

Beneficial Supplements:
It would also be beneficial to Lacey to add a probiotic and digestive enzyme to her food. Probiotics are the good bacteria found in the gut. Digestive enzymes help your dog to break down the ingredients in the food and derive greater nutritional benefit from them. My two favorite probiotic/digestive enzyme formulas for dogs are Geneflora (made by Cycles of Life) and MicroFlora. Geneflora is a powder and MicroFlora is a capsule that contains powder. The MicroFlora capsules can easily be pulled apart if your dog doesn’t like to take pills. The Geneflora is a more cost effective option, but the MicroFlora also contains prebiotics (which feeds the probiotic bacteria to help it work at its best, as well as a few natural herbs, like ginger, which can be soothing to the gut).

Since Lacey is a small dog and won’t require much of either probiotic/digestive enzyme supplement, I’d probably recommend the MicroFlora over the Geneflora. You can pick up these probiotic/digestive enzyme supplements wherever you find her dog food for sale. Most small, local pet boutiques carry these products.

The diet change and adding in the probiotics and digestive enzymes should help to straighten Lacey out. You probably won’t see results overnight. Give it a full 30 days before deciding on whether or not you think her new food is helping. If she is hesitant to eat her food on not doing well on her food after 30 days, consider switching to one of the other brands I suggested. Finding the right diet for a dog with a sensitive stomach can be a process. But I think the tips above will help get you started on the road to making Lacey feel better!

-Giuliana, Wags Walker, Sitter, and Blogger

 Did you know that ginger is not only tasty, but is also helpful in relieving the syptoms of nausea and diarrhea? So next time your pooch is feeling a bit under the weather, this is a yummy (and useful!) treat that you can give them.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup canola oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325° F
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon and cloves until combined.
3. In a small bowl, using a sturdy spoon, stir together the molasses, water and canola oil.
4. Pour the molasses mixture into the flour.
5. Using the same sturdy spoon, stir ingredients until thoroughly combined.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
7. Use your favorite dog cookie cutters to cut shapes.
8. Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
9. Place your cut outs on the baking sheet.
10. Continue to roll and cut out shapes with the remaining dough.
11. Bake for 20 minutes.
12. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Storing – This recipe for dog biscuits will keep fresh for several weeks in the refrigerator. They also freeze really well. Keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Yield – Using a 2 inch cookie cutter, you should yield approximately 28 dog biscuits.

Tips & Techniques

• Decorate the Dog Cookie – If you choose to decorate the gingerbread cookies, you can use a tradtional royal icing recipe. However, since this type of icing is almost all sugar, limit the amount of icing per cookie, or the amount you give to your dog. Another alternative is to use a premade sugar-free yogurt icing that will dry hard and be healthier for your dog to eat.
• Gingerbread Dog House – Roll the dough and bake extra dry to make your very own gingerbread dog house. Due to the amount of royal icing that is needed to make a gingerbread house, please limit the amount your dog eats, or make the house for decoration and this gingerbread recipe for dog biscuits for eating.

If your dog has a favorite treat recipie, please contact us, to let us know the recipie. We’d be happy to share it with our blog followers!

Oh Christmas Tree!
Who doesn’t love a Christmas tree? Having a tree is a fun holiday tradition, but to a curious pet, it can be a potential source of injury. Cats are notorious for wanting to climb up or into Christmas trees, and a curious or excited dog might tip a tree over in curiosity, play, or out of excitement. Either block your pet’s access to the tree by gating off the area, or be sure to secure your tree both top AND bottom to keep it from tipping over.

When decorating your tree, be sure to place breakable ornaments high out of your pet’s reach. If your pet shows any signs of wanting to mess with the tree, you need to block your pet’s access to the tree. Ornaments can cause blockages and injury to your pet if ingested, and your pets could potentially electrocute themselves if they chew on Christmas tree lights.

Tinsel and pets tend to be a dangerous combination and cats are especially fond of the sparkly, festive, “toy”. Ingesting tinsel can lead to blockages, stomach upset, and potentially surgery. If you share your home with a furry friend, its best to opt out of using tinsel when decorating your tree.

Also, don’t forget the tree water! Pets love to drink from the tree water, but bacteria and fertilizers can cause stomach upset in your pet. You can use fine wire mesh or a securely fitting tree skirt to keep those curious noses out of the water.

Skip the Mistletoe and Holly
Many festive, seasonal plants can cause stomach upset or more severe health issues in your pet if ingested. Ingestion of poinsettias and holly can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can also cause stomach upset, and also heart problems. Lastly, many varieties of lily can cause kidney failure in cats. Consider using artificial plants made from silk or plastic or be certain that your holiday plants are well out of your pet’s reach.

Holiday Glow
Candles can pose a danger to your pets no matter what the time of year. Consider using realistic battery operated LED candles instead of using real ones. These candles even flicker the way real candles do! If you insist on real candles be sure to never leave them unattended, even if you leave the room for just a second, its easy to forget that you have a candle burning. Curious tails, paws, or noses could knock them over and start a fire.

Be sure to keep pets away from fireplaces. While they might enjoy the warmth a fireplace offers, soot can irrate pet’s sensitive respiratory systems, and tails and whiskers could get singed by getting too close to the fire. Consider a pet-safe heating pad in your pet’s bed for those animals that love a warm and snugly place to sleep.

Holiday Spirits
The holiday season means parties and for many, parties mean alcohol. Be sure to keep pets away from alcoholic beverages. Ingestion of alcohol by pets can lead to weakness, dizziness, coma, and possibly even death depending on the amount consumed. Be sure your pet cannot reach a spiked punch bowl and never leave drinks unattended within your pet’s reach.

Food, Food, Food
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without delicious food and delectable sweets, but be sure to NEVER allow your pet to ingest any of the following items. Don’t leave these items unattended and always be sure to secure trash cans so your pet can’t dig these out of your trash can.

1. Chocolate—Theobromide in chocolate can lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets as well as heart failure.

2. Any gum or candy containing the artificial sweetener, Xylitol—This can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in pets and can lead to seizures, coma, and death.

3. Cooked bones—Can be a chocking hazard and may cause intestinal obstruction and/or perforation.

4. Fatty or spicy table scraps—May lead to stomach upset or pancreatitis.

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From the entire staff at Wags Walkers, we wish you and your pets a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We look forward to fulfilling all your family’s dog walking and pet sitting needs in the new year and beyond!

For Your Furry Friend:

Assorted Handmade Iced Doggy Treats or Mini Cakes ($1.50-$3.00)

Four Muddy Paws offers an amazing selection of seasonal dog treats, all baked fresh and locally each week! These treats are free of sugar, salt, and preservatives. Yogurt-based icing adorns these delicious doggy works of art. Peanut butter icing and flavorful carob (a pet-safe, chocolate substitute) icing is sure to get your pup drooling. These make great stocking stuffers. Four Muddy Paws will happily wrap your treat selections up in cute cellophane bags, complete with bow and ribbon for no extra charge!

Assorted Catnip ($3.25-6.95)
Spoil your kitty (or someone else’s kitty!) with some amazing catnip options. For the fun-

loving and adventurous kitty, check out these awesome catnip bubbles and pawbreaker catnip candy (It’s a treat AND a toy!). For the traditionalist kitty, Four Muddy Paws has several varieties of organic, dried catnip available too!

Assorted 6 Inch Bully Stick Chews ($1.25-6.00)
Your pooch will be jumping for joy over these yummy, all-natural, and fully digestible bully stick chews! Bully sticks are made from dried beef tendon and unlike rawhide (which is

made from high-fat skin, and often treated with dangerous chemicals) these chews are chemical-free and stink free. Keep your pup occupied while your family opens there OWN presents. Your pup will thank you for it! Four Muddy Paws also offers bully sticks in larger sizes (for the bigger pup) as well. Many of our happy clients already LOVE these natural, long lasting chews!

Assorted Holiday Catnip Toys ($2.59)
How cute are these whimsical and festive sea-creature catnip toys? Guaranteed to get kitty purring, they are a steal at only $2.59!

Assorted Holiday Dog Toys ($9.00)
Your “Good Dog” deserves a “bone”! Stuff their stocking with one of these adorable dog toys. Whether your pup would prefer a fleecy bone or a tough rope-twist, toy, Four Muddy Paws has got you covered!

For The Pet Lover in Your Life:

Dog Lover Wine Charms and Wine Stoppers ($6.99-9.99)

For the dog AND wine loving friend in your life! These are sure to snazz up any wine lover’s wine bottle. We’re pretty sure that Jayce, Wags Walker’s Co-Owner (and wine connoisseur!) might like these. Are you listening, Camille?

Assorted Dog or Cat Charms ($2.50)

Dog lover? Cat Lover? No problem! Check out these adorable assorted dog and cat charms. You can slip them in your pocket, purse, or wallet. With a fun design on the front and a cute phrase engraved on the back, your pet-loving friends will ooh and aww over these cool designs.

Assorted Dog Lover Candles ($20)
Not only are these candles totally adorable, but they come packaged in a fun box. Various phrases and designs adorn these fantastic smelling candles. Be sure to check out all the different patterns at Four Muddy Paws. What pet-lover wouldn’t love a cute, pet-themed candle that makes their home smell sparkling clean?

Assorted Dog-Themed Ceramic Travel Mug And Tumblers ($6.25-12.25)
Whether they want to keep their drink hot or cold, these unique, dog-themed ceramic

travel mugs and tumblers will help them to do it in style! Your pet-loving friend is sure to appreciate one of these in their stocking. The tumblers are made from sturdy plastic and the thermoses are made from ceramic. Both types of beverage containers are emblazoned with a profession of your friend’s undying love for their pets!

Gift Certificates (Any amount!)
Can’t possibly decide on what to get for your pet-loving friend? Four Muddy Paws offers gift certificates in any amount. Whether you want to spoil your loved one a little (or a lot!) the choice is up to you.

The Benefits of A Dog Walker:

There are many benefits to hiring a professional dog walker to come visit your pet. Whether your walker visits daily, only on work days, or even every other work day, the benefits are the same:

                     Yoshi

1. Exercise: The most obvious benefit of hiring a professional walker to come and take your dog out, is that it provides a great source of exercise to your pet! You can choose how long you would like your dog to be walked. A dog walker can come any time of day to walk your dog, but the most common time for a walker to visit is mid-day. Depending on the age and breed of your dog, you can select either a short stroll, or a long hike. We offer 20, 35 and 60-minute walks. By getting out and stretching their legs, your dog will be at a lower risk for a host of canine health issues, such as obesity and diabetes (just like people!).

Having a walker provide additional exercise is a great solution for owners who own lively and active breeds that require a lot of exercise. You may only have so much time to exercise your pet before and after work. A mid-day dog walker can help take your pet out and burn off some more energy, meaning you come home to a less wound up pet!

2. Alleviate Boredom and Help Manage Separation Anxiety: Dog walkers are also a great source of boredom relief for your pup. By having a break in their day, your dog is able to get physical and mental exercise. Pets that are able to get out mid day are less likely to make a mess of the house out of boredom. Your dog walker can take your pet for a walk and then offer a special treat (like a frozen, stuffed Kong or an interactive treat dispensing toy) which will provide your dog with extra mental stimulation even after they leave.

Mid-day dog walks also help mange the behavior of pets who suffer from separation anxiety. Pets quickly fall into a routine and learn to anticipate that routine. A pet that knows they have someone coming mid-day to play, walk, and interact with them is much more likely to remain calm than a pet that knows that he or she will be left at home for a full 8 hours alone.

3. Help Enforce Good Housebreaking Habits: Mid-day dog walks are an excellent tool in helping to housebreak puppies, or for older dogs who aren’t able to hold their bladder due to incontinence. Even if you have a healthy, adult dog, being able to have a chance to relieve themselves is something your pet will certainly appreciate. Just because they can ‘hold it’ for 8 hours, doesn’t mean it is comfortable to do so!

 The Benefits of An In-Home Pet Sitter:

1. Pets remain in their own home and maintain their regular routines. When pets are kenneled, they are taken out of the comfort of their own home and they are taken off the reassuring structure of their daily routine. Not only that, but their owners are gone. All these things can combine to create a high level of stress in your pet. Being away from you is stressful enough! By choosing a pet sitter to come to your home and visit your pet, you keep your pet in familiar surroundings and on your pet’s same daily routine. Pets thrive on routine, and sticking to one even when their owners are gone can help make your time away from them less stressful. No matter what your pet’s daily routine, a Wag’s pet sitter should be able to accommodate.

2. Pets are not exposed to common kennel illnesses. Not only is kenneling your pet expensive and stressful on your pet, but many owners find that when they pick their pet up from the kennel, their pet is sick! Kennel cough, diarrhea, and fleas are just a handful of the common illnesses and parasites your pet can pick up while being kenneled. When you choose an in-home pet sitter to care for your pet, your pet isn’t exposed to other strange dogs and that can mean the difference between coming home to a happy and healthy pet and coming home to an unhealthy pet. There is nothing worse then returning from a trip and then having to take your pet to the vet.

3. No travel. Travel can be stressful on many pets (especially cats, birds, and small animals).  With an in-home sitter, you don’t have to transport your pets to and from the kennel. That means no hassle on the day you leave or return for your trip. No chasing the cat around the house with a carrier. No fighting with your bird to get in the carrier for the car. No sad goodbyes in the kennel lobby with your dog. Your sitter will begin visits and end them when you choose.

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s a good time to consider who will care for your pets while you travel. Please keep Wags in mind this holiday season and remember to book as soon as possible for holiday care so we can ensure your reservation!

Your dog should always be restrained when traveling in the car. In an accident, an unrestrained pet can become a projectile, which may not only causing injury to your pet, but to you as well. Unrestrained pets can cause accidents by jumping into the front seat or distracting the driver by pacing, panting or barking. Luckily, there are several options available for keeping your pet comfortable and safe while riding in the car.

Safety Accessories:

Seatbelt: One of the more popular choices for pet restraint in the car is a dog seatbelt. A dog seatbelt is essentially a specially designed harness that allows you to tether your dog in place while you drive. The main difference between a walking harness and a seatbelt harness is that the seatbelt harness is designed to not cut into your dog, avoiding injury in the event of a sudden stop or crash. These harnesses are usually padded and designed with special snaps and buckles that will not break upon the force of impact in the event of an accident. After all, a harness is no good if it doesn’t stay on when you need it most! Several companies make dog seatbelts. Most are reasonably priced. Several come with accessories such as zip lines that allow your dog to still look out the windows or move back and forth in the back seat while still staying restrained.

Crate or Carrier: Another option for safe car travel is to put your pet in a crate or carrier. It is important to indicate that the crate should be secured so in the event of an accident, it doesn’t go flying. Bungee cords work well for restraining a larger kennel in your car. If you are using a small carrier you can often use your seatbelt to secure it in place. Take care when selecting a crate. You do not want a crate that will burst or shatter upon impact.

Additional Safety Tips

1. Always make sure your pet is wearing current ID. In the event of an accident, it’s possible that your pet could be thrown from the vehicle or run off in fear when a car door is opened. You want to be sure your pet can be identified if this happens. Your pet should sport an easily readable ID tag on their collar, and it is a good idea to have them microchipped as well.

2. Keep a leash in your car at all times. A good choice is a slip-lead because you can easily slip it right over your dog’s head and your dog doesn’t have to be wearing a collar. Keeping a leash on hand is important. Some dogs travel in the car without a leash. In the event of a car accident, you have no way to safely transport your dog out of the car. A good place to store your extra lead is the trunk or glove compartment.

3. Keep your eyes on the road! Keeping your pet properly restrained will help you to do this. Accidents happen when your eyes leave the road, even if it is just for a second. If your dog seems to be getting car sick, for example, pull over on the side of the road to tend to your pet. Don’t risk your safety or your pet’s by letting your eyes wander off the road.

4. No matter how tempting, do not allow your small dog to ride in your lap while driving. Small dogs can be killed by the impact of an airbag, or be thrown through the windshield in a collision. The safest place for dogs of any size is the back seat!

Car Convenience

The following tips are not necessarily for safety, but rather for convenience when traveling with a dog in the car.

Seat Covers: To keep seats neat and clean, check out a variety of car seat covers. These are often made from durable, water-proof fabrics. Car seat covers keep fur out of your seats and also keep dogs’ nails from puncturing leather interiors. Their water proof design protects seats from car-sick pets. These are made by several companies in a variety of designs. Some are quite stylish and affordable.

Spill-Proof Water Bowls: For longer road trips, check out spill-proof water bowls. These can be placed in your pet’s crate and no matter how bumpy the ride, their design keeps water from splashing around on your interior, while providing your pet a source of clean water.

By keeping the above tips in mind, your pet can have a safe and comfortable car ride. These tips are great to put into practice during the holiday travel season, but also any time your dog rides in the car.

Have a Happy Holiday Season!

Sincerely,

Jayce, Camille, and The Whole Wags Walkers Gang! 

This month we are featuring Giuliana. In addition to caring for your pets as a staff dog walker, you also may recognize her as our online blogger.

Wags Walkers: What made you decide to start working for Wags?

Giuliana: I am passionate about animals and I already work at a local healthy pet market so, when looking for an additional job, I knew I wanted a role that revolved around animals. The idea of being able to get out in the fresh air each day and spend my days working hands on with people’s pets really appealed to me. Becoming a professional dog walker and pet sitter seemed like the perfect fit for me.

I was excited to start working for Wags, in particular, because it is a small, local company, as opposed to a franchise or chain. I prefer working for small businesses because I feel that businesses of that type enrich our community, and that they’re more in-tune with the needs of their clients, not to mention those of their employees.

Wags Walkers: What do you enjoy about being a professional dog walker and pet sitter?

Giuliana: My favorite things are getting outside and being able to walk so that I’m active on a daily basis. This helps me to keep in shape both mentally and physically. There’s just something about sharing your walks with a dog that opens you up to a new world of observation. Dogs notice things on walks that I never would, and it’s fun being able to experience that with them. I also enjoy forming personal relationships with our clients’ pets. It feels so good to have a wagging tail and a wet nose greet you at work each day!

Wags Walkers: What parts of the St. Louis area do you, yourself service?

Giuliana: I live in Shrewsbury. Several of my regular dogs live in Webster Groves, and a few live in Clayton. It’s nice having my regular clients so close to home because I know the neighborhoods well.

Wags Walkers: What would you like pet owners to know about hiring a professional dog walker or pet sitter?

Giuliana: Hiring a professional walker or sitter might seem a little overwhelming at first. It requires a huge level of trust to allow someone into your home to care for your furry family member, but the benefits to your pet are amazing!

Wags is insured, bonded, but most importantly we are trusted because we have a report with our clients and we live up to the promises we make. Your pet’s happiness and safety are our #1 priorities.

The dogs we walk are happier, calmer and less bored than dogs that sit at home all day with nothing to do. The pets we sit for get to stay in the comfort of their own home and are not be exposed to stress, illness or diseases at the kennel. Its a win-win for everyone.

Wags Walkers: What would you say is the most important thing you as a pet sitter and dog walker does?

Giuliana: I ensure the safety of the pets in my care, and get to make sure they have fun and are stimulated. I give pets something to look forward to each day while their owners are at work. I also provide comfort to pets when their owners are out of town, and I help make the experience less stressful for the pets along with their owners!

Wags Walkers: What do you do in your spare time when you aren’t walking dogs and petsitting?

Giuliana: In my spare time I love to read. I enjoy reading up a variety of dog related topics. I love learning about dogs in general: their evolutionary biology, their impact on our own evolution, their prevelance in our culture and course of human society. It’s all fascinating to me.

I’m particularly interested in natural animal health and nutrition. When I’m not working for Wags, I enjoy helping pet owners keep their pets on the right track with their diet by working at a local healthy pet market.

I am also very interested in conformation (dog showing) and hope to have a show dog of my own one day (a Doberman Pinscher).

When I have time, I train for competition obedience and agility with my papillon, Copernicus. Animals aren’t just my job, they are truly my interest, my hobby, and my passion!

Wags Walkers: You’ve shared with us a little about yourself, now tell us about your own dogs.

Giuliana: I am the proud mama to two dogs at this time. My first “baby” is my papillon, Copernicus. He is a 4 year old, male papillon. Copernicus is my shadow. He follows me everywhere and goes everywhere with me. He’s incredibly smart and excels in his agility and obedience training. He’s a little priss. He thinks he’s a human!

This past April, I added a new addition to my family, Audrey Hepbull, a 1.5 year old, female English Bulldog. Audrey is the sweetest, most loving goof you’ll ever meet. She makes me smile and laugh everyday. She is totally obsessed with frisbees. Seem’s like an odd thing for a bulldog to like. My fiancé and I joke that when Audrey dreams, she dreams that she is a famous “Disc Dog”. One of those high-flying border collies that chases down frisbees and does all those crazy stunts, jumps, and flips. Obviously this is absurd because as a fat and chunky little bulldog, she could never pull off those stunts!

My “kids” are totally different types of dogs. Its pretty funny to see the two of them together. They are truly an odd couple! Everyone always thinks Copernicus is the girl and Audrey is the boy. Despite their differences, they are best buds.