When trying to keep critters out of your garden, be aware that what you are using to accomplish this could be hazaderous to your own pets:

An e-mail circulating through cyberspace warns pet owners not to use cocoa mulch because it can cause serious health problems–or even death–in dogs. But is the message true? Or is it an Internet hoax?

ConsumerAffairs.com, which received a copy of the e-mail, learned pet owners should heed this warning. That’s because cocoa mulch contains a compound called theobromine. This naturally occurring compound–found in many plants, including cocoa beans–can be harmful to dogs.

Read more at consumeraffairs.com

What do you do in a pet emergency? Watch the video by Dr. Sarah and find out.

Click here to watch the entire video >>

Okay, so I’m petsitting these five dogs, Maggie, Max, Angel, Harley and Princess. (I will post their pictures in the next couple of days.) I am also doing overnights with them – some may call it house sitting, but I’m there for the dogs. We have a king size bed and every night all five dogs clamor for their spot, which I share. With difficulty, I try to imagine how their parents both manage to find a place to sleep (people parents, that is). (more…)

Ava Krup, a Maltese Terrier mix, began her relationship with The Furry Godmother back in April of 2006. At the time, Ava was 8 years old and I met her when her folks took refuge in the Bulverde area after escaping from Hurricane Katrina. It is my sad duty to report that little Ava has relocated once again, this time to heaven. (more…)

Many of us agree that we should do everything within our power to make sure that our companion animals enjoy the best possible life. But did you know that simply by playing a role in your life, your furry kids could actually help you to be not only happier but healthier? (more…)

If you are like many people, your holiday plans will include some form of travel. According to Road and Travel Magazine, 78% of pet owners are hitting the road and soaring through the skies with their furry friends, and this percentage keeps growing! If you are thinking about taking your companion animal along for the ride, keep in mind that traveling with pets usually involves more than just putting them in the backseat and driving off, especially if you are traveling long distances. (more…)

A year ago, one of my petsitting clients started my education of what is in our pets’ food (like road kill). I had heard it before – several of my customers cook food for their pets. In doing my own research (which included talking to my vet) I discovered the horrors she had told me were true. Until now, I had no logical, easy way to educate other people that might be interested, nor did I have a solution to offer. (more…)

Here in the Bulverde Spring Branch area, we have been experiencing record breaking heat for several weeks. I don’t need to reiterate the importance of providing shade and water for your pet – we all know that and the news makes sure we remember. But you might not consider the added strain to your indoor air quality should your pets be spending more time indoors than they are accustomed to. (more…)

North Shore Animal League America’s Tour For Life 2009, a national initiative to save the lives of innocent animals, will arrive in San Antonio to partner with Animal Care Services and Animal Rescue Connections for a special pet adoption event on April 4th, 2009, 11AM – 4PM at the Alzafar Shrine Pavilion.

The world’s largest cooperative adoption event, Tour for Life, in partnership with Purina, aims to reinforce the importance and advantages of shelter adoptions. This year, Tour For Life celebrates mixed-breed dogs, helping advance the mission of the American Mutt-i-grees™ Club www.muttigrees.org , which promotes shelter adoptions and discourages purchasing pets from retailers supplied by puppy mills.
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Why consider a petsitter? Consider some of the advantages over sending your pet to a kennel.

Often, the business hours of a kennel are not convenient with traveling. With petsitting, you do not have to drop them off the day before you leave, or pick them up the day after incurring more charges. A kennel can be especially inconvenient and expensive if there are holidays or weekends involved. (more…)