Archive for May, 2009

I had a really great lunch yesterday at Christopher’s at the Biltmore. If you have not been there yet – I would suggest you try it! It is fabulous, AND they allow pets on their shaded posh patio called Crush! www.christophersaz.com

While enjoying our delicious lunch (might I recommend the Lamb Lollipops?) I had a stomach workout from laughing so hard when I heard a pet sitting story from one of the gals, because it was just so funny.

It seemed as though her friend asked her to care for her pet while she was gone for a week. “Of course!” she said. Well each day she arrived all the dogs’ food and water were gone. This was alarming to her and she felt bad for the dog because she didn’t want him to go hungry. So she dragged the bag out of the closet, tore it open and said, “Here doggie, eat as much as you like.” She then took the hose outside and left it on very lightly thinking that the pet would drink from the hose instead of his water bowl.

My friend returned a few DAYS later to find that the backyard was flooded and the dog ate all the food. She was mortified, thinking – how can this dog eat that much?!?!? She went to find out what kind of food it was so she could buy more, but the dog had chewed through the bag and scattered it all over the yard. So she went into the pet food store and just chose any brand, thinking they are all pretty much the same.

This friend of my mine then told her friend that she had “indulged” her pet and “spoiled” him because she didn’t want the dog to go hungry. Never really telling her the whole truth.

Now this is a pretty funny story from the outside looking in. However, this could have resulted in numerous EXPENSIVE consequences:

1. The dog could have eaten so much that his intestines could have flipped or bloat could have happened. Both are life threatening.
2. The water could have seeped into the home and flooded the house, or even the neighbors home! Water damage equals LOTS of DAMAGE resulting in LOTS OF MONEY!
3. The pet could have eaten something ELSE and choked or it could have been toxic.
4. The water seeping out of the yard could have been an alert to burglars that the house was unattended and they could have broken in.
5. …and much more.

With Bella’s House & Pet Sitting we are pet EXPERTS that care properly for your pet. Their health and safety are two of the most important things to us. The security of your home is crucial while you are away and when you travel. Professionals should be caring for these important parts of your life – Not a friend, neighbor, or the kid next door. They are not qualified.

This information has been provided to you from Bella’s House & Pet Sitting in Scottsdale, AZ www.BellasHouseAndPets.com  

Just another service offered by Bella’s House & Pet Sitting to help promote our customized packages and care for your home when you can not be there.  Currently I am sitting with Abby and JHawk and the cleaning ladies are here as well as the TV repair men. This is JHawk (Golden) looking at me like, “when is my TV going to be done and these vacuums’ be off?” Abby asking me, “Why aren’t they here to play and love on me like you are?” Just adorable!

Let us know anytime when you need to be two places at once. We will wait when you can’t. Bella’s House & Pet Sitting in Scottsdale AZ always strives to be the best!

http://www.BellasHouseAndPets.com

A few years ago at a pet sitting conference I met the author of The Dog Bible, Tracie Hotchner (www.thedogbible.com), and she sparked my interest in understanding what was really in our pets food. She even introduced me to the head of the National Canine Cancer Foundation located here in Scottsdale. Note: Did you know that 3 out of 4 Golden Retrievers will develop cancer and the closer we come to finding a cure for canine cancer the closer we come to finding a cure are for humans too? (www.wearethecure.org) 

When I began this journey I wanted to know what ingredients really are good, what are bad, what brands are healthy, and which well…can end up hurting your pet. It always never seizes to amaze me that the commercials are catered to the human pet owners, which after all, are the buyers. Having dog food bits in different colors, saying that whole grains and vegetables are a good thing, and appealing to our human emotion can be so detrimental to any pet if their human does not do their homework.

This article is intended to spark your interest to DO YOUR HOMEWORK! 

A good place to learn is from Sabine at www.dogfoodproject.com She is not a representative and does not get paid by any pet food company. She is completely independent and a national expert. Something which Bella’s House & Pet Sitting always trys to provide our clients with…experts.

For instance….Hills Science Diet. I have been told that this food is one of the WORST, yes WORST foods you can feed your pet. It is like feeding them McDonald’s every meal of the day for the rest of their life! Lets take a closer look…after all it is all right under your nose. Read the label and know what you are reading. Also commonly known in the pet world are low quality brands including Purina and Iams. Although they are endorsed by many…so they must be good, right?

Do your own research! www.DogFoodProject.com

How about the fact that AAFCO is regulated by….(drum roll please) THEMSELVES! If I remember correctly from the congressional hearings about the pet food recall – there are less than 10 people in the office. But somehow they manage to get their “seal of approval” on a bag of food. This is ridiculous!

Friends, Clients, Pet Parents, Bloggers… I encourage you to do your own research to find out what you are really feeding your fur kid. How what you feed could be causing the allergies, cancer, or obesity.

It is not true that the “high quality” foods like Innova, Eagle Pack, Halo… cost more. You feed LESS! The low quality brand has lots of fillers and you have to feed more to make your pet full. This is just the tip of the iceberg… please visit Sabine at: www.dogfoodproject.com

If you want cliff notes please view this pamphlet: http://www.dogfoodproject.com/downloads/booklet_better_products.pdf

You know and care what you put in your own body… you should know what you are doing for your pet as well! Please do your homework!

This information has been provided to you by www.BellasHouseAndPets.com

be a responsible pet parent

WHEN YOU DRIVE!

In order to practice safe driving techniques, the following has been provided to you for FREE via Danielle Vasta, owner of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting. 

TIPS FOR DRIVING SAFE WITH YOUR PET:

Always have your pet secured to a harness in the back of the vehicle. Pets who are on your lap or in the front seat could cause accidents, or be killed if the airbag was ever to deploy.

Never let your pets head hang out the widow! This is a simple was to avoid injury to your pet. Rocks, debris, or bugs could fly into their eyes, nose, or ears causing problems.

Prepare for the ride with letting your pet go potty before you begin your journey. Take bottled water and bowls. Take a greenie or chew toy to help occupy them so they do not distract you, the driver!

Bella’s House & Pet Sitting is a Nationally Award winning pet sitting service operating in Scottsdale, AZ. Bonded and Insured they offer day visits, walks, overnights, pet taxi’s and more. Call (480) 330-4552 www.BellasHouseAndPets.com