The importance of kitten play

As any feline-owned person would agree, cats make excellent pets. They are clean and relatively low-maintenance (in contrast with many other pet species), but it is very important to maintain a healthy environment for your kitty. Overall, keeping your cat indoors is best, as indoor cats tend to live longer lives. However, you want to ensure that your cat is not only living a long and healthy life, but a fulfilling one as well.

As with most mammals, playtime for kitties is an incredibly important time for learning. Toys that enable you to hide food inside them allow your kitty to use his or her body and mind to solve a puzzle. Additionally, if your cat is generally inactive food is a great motivator. Interactive toys such as fishing poles or laser pointers allow you to enjoy playtime with your kitty, which strengthens your bond. Cat nip can be used in conjunction with play time to further motivate any lazy felines.

Indoor cats, lacking an outdoor hunting ground, tend to get bored or inactive which can lead to health problems. Therefore, they need a lot of environment enrichment. Environment enrichment is the process of creating an atmosphere for your kitty that meets his or her needs, with many stimulating toys to play with or places to explore or hide.

One of your kitties needs is to scratch and claw at things. This behavior may seem destructive, but serves to keep your cat’s claws sharp, as well as to stretch muscles or mark territory. If you would like to ensure that your cat does not make a habit of clawing at your furniture, you should provide him or her with a few options - a variety of locations and textures to scratch on will peak your kitties curiosity, as well as make him or her more likely to comply with the furniture being off-limits. Rubbing catnip over the area where you would like your cat to scratch will help to further motivate them.

In conclusion, you can easily create a fulfilling life and environment for your feline friend by following the above simple tips. Acknowledging all of the above needs is important in order to create a happy life for your kitty. If you need a cat sitter, please visit our website at www.dogsgowalking.com

Winner of our $500 cash prize contest

We have a winner for our $500 cash prize contest!

The winner is Marien Bomwell with phtos: My BABIES received 901 votes!!! Congratulation Marien, I will contact you tomorrow to set up a time to meet you :)


Votes Name Title
3 Jeff Stefaniak Peanut
0 Vlad Novet
0 jiselle prentice
3 Rutledge Samuel
0 Mindee Larsen
15 Marietta Losada Orion the Giant Schnauzer
3 karen fossett babies
0 Deanna Masters
11 Melissa Wilson Misha & Maddie
3 Nicole Gundersen In the Life of Lilly and friends
17 Bari Felissa Rozzo Del-Ray Sunshine
3 Joan Leonard I LOVE FB
9 Hailey Suarez Stitch
3 Deann Sturgill Peek-A-BOO
6 Carolyn Barnett Poagie
3 Dave Reist Amazing Terra
7 Graziella Ferraz Lord Shiva
0 paola elorza
3 DEANNA DESMOND Gracy May
2 Richard Restivo Jax
2 Dana Ortiz Haylee :)
2 Deborah Slater Our Loves!
0 Steve Hulse
3 Liz Morera Chatran, the curious kitten.
0 Marvely
16 Diane Israel PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
2 Jennifer Ford Happy Cinco de Mayo!
9 Chantel Grant Chantel's feather and fur babies!
30 Bill Scheidhauer Rascal Soaks in the Sun
2 Tony and Ann Clymer Rex and YaYa at the Beach
31 Stephanie Novoa Unlikely Brothers
6 sarah rentschler my grand-daughter jasmine and bella. who's walking who
9 Ashley Lippincott Sir Hensley Gustopher
2 tyler mazzaferro The Bella Boo
0 Mirta Maltes
2 dayna slingland Two of my cute kitties
2 Kim Todd My Mocha Latte
0 Angela Corbit
5 marissa kouser Adventures of Tito
5 TERRI BANKS SIR THORTON
2 Amber Azevedo playful
2 Laurie Colton Tired
24 Stacey Kroleski Joey and Luna
385 Karen Schneider Phil the Donkey
0 Sindy Conover
13 marvely correa Adorable pets
3 katalin bard Samuel
2 Gabrielle MacMillan Chaos
13 Heather Kendall Emma
2 Jennifer Del Borrello Luna the boxer
3 Sam Sheffler Teddy-Bear!
70 Jennifer Heider Alice & Reggie
0 Juanita Galindo
34 Kaili Williams My Puppy Pals
3 Victoria Garcia Victoria's lovable babies
901 Marien Bomwell My BABIES
9 Stephanie Epperson Its a dogs world, we just live in it : )
5 Ina Beaber "SCOOTER READING HIS E-MAIL From DogsGoWalking
2 Susan Lerner Lerner Pups
2 Bonnie Para Here's Looking At You
2 Stephanie Gardner snuggling time
3 Diana Rodriguez "it's my Birthday"
2 laura christopher Wednesday
3 Brooke Neiman Our Dog
2 Geri Bassett Sasha Bassett
3 Michele Grant In Loving Memory of Charles
232 Kat Brown ♥Jada♥
2 Kara Taylor Simply Me
2 Kent penigar Uh..nope! Um not coming out. Nope nope.
2 christine ynastrilla Dexter
3 Brooke Geerlings Caj
8 Carrie Armstrong Sable & Steely
0 Ashlee Quintero
2 Mica Jones Kiimmbo
326 Jonathan Gutierrez Tyson von Paugh
3 Susan Rosemarin Leah Halloween 2010
2 Linda Martyn We'e so cute...Please Vote for us!!
5 Carlos Gutierrez My name is Lupe =)
0 Natalie Romeo
2 Rachel Munyon My Uncles pool at his Dog sitting Ranch
3 Joanna Santiago They call me Mac
3 Hope LaMonica collie love
11 tabea Snow here I come
2 Joan Geiser Me and My Shadow
9 Mike Seidel Ozzy Loves Zoe
4 Jesse Hoek Jack!
4 Jennifer Gayler Chazzy
15 Ayenny Orovio Little Blue
2 Lina Roldan Betsy Morales
6 Patricia Ferrro Bailey and The Wieners
107 Andrew Gibson Buster
0 Elin Trousdale
0 Monica Abay
2 Meghan Krank Floppy Dog and the Relaxations
2 Carmen Navarro China
7 Fernando E Guzman Lula
2 Richelle Mortensen Pet Photo
2 yeny guerra rocky
2 Kristi King My boys
109 Jaclyn Namer You Talking to me Cuz
50 Heather Setter Bailey Ann
20 Andrew Murray Formal Bama
351 Perry Burk Doesnt everyone own a Lynx?
3 Abbie Hollenbach Baya sitting pretty
4 Matthew Galuzzi Brooklyn the Beagle
4 Ashley Bodden Quirky Kingston
75 Shari Lederer Bentley
17 Ana Calzadilla Could he be any smaller yet cuter?
4 Brittany Foley Oakley Snoozing to Pandora Music
2 jay ehrlich Puppy Love
6 Kelsey Rose Hendrix Zeus the Dragon Warrior :)
87 I think I taw a putty tat I think I taw a putty tat
2 Barbara Williams Handsome Bailey
94 Adrian Patino Pan the pookie cat!
0 Carlos M Gutierrez
4 Jacqueline Szinke My dogs
2 BARBARA ORELLANA Valentina
8 sheena swehla Bella
2 Carolina Cohen Chiche
2 Jenna Wessels Apollo
7 Chelsea Kaiya
218 Rachel Lasseter My Pekichin, Mushi!
0 Jeff Femenia
4 Glorymar Rosa Linda
0 Michelle Kim Rigney
4 tabitha adams little lady
0 Yarittza Almora
0 GABRIELLA FIGUEIRA
0 Amalia Heichelbech
157 lis prado Abby, our Tiny Maltese with a Big Personality
3 estela altamirano Diva
8 Sarah Brezil My Angels
18 Jessica Orzeck Gamble
0 Kim Carlona
3 carol richart Katie
4 Day Longsomboon "FAI"
133 David Seltzer Maggie May
10 jennifer huston tinkie

Byan's days may be limited

An email from one of our client:


I volunteer at Broward Animal Control and there is a very handsome and very gentle bulldog mix name Bryan who has been at the shelter for a couple months.  I heard a rather sad rumor that needs to find a home soon, very soon, or else his days at the shelter may be limited.

I've been volunteering for about a year and I've met many, many dogs. Bryan is a very kind soul who would be a great companion for someone.  He came into the shelter as a stray, so no one knows his background. The staff guesses he's around 3 1/2 years old.

Bryan looks like a tough guy, but he's actually kind of a big lap dog and likes to have his belly rubbed.  He's also very smart, easy to train and pays attention when you talk to him.

If you know of anyone who is looking for an adult dog to add to their family, would you please pass along the information about Bryan?
He's at Broward County Animal Care, 1870 SW 39th St, Fort Lauderdale.  His number is A1419697.  I'm attaching a photo of him, but he is much more handsome in person. :-)

Florida dog bite law

Nebraska lawmakers have re-defined a “dangerous dog”, focusing more on the individual behavior of the dog than it’s breed. If a dog attacks a person or another dog in a vicious manner, the owner could face up to one year in jail, and a $1000 fine. Repeat attacks could cost the owner a felony, plus five years of jail time and a $10,000 fine.

Read more: http://dogsgowalking.com/pet-article/Dog-bite-law-in-Florida/16

and join the discussion here: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=126069693622&topic=14422

Holiday fireworks and your pets.

The 4th of July brings to mind a relaxing summer day shared with family and friends, enjoying bbq food and fireworks. Sometimes it's easy to forget that our best four legged friends don't enjoy it as much as we do. In fact, you may think it a good idea to bring them along to enjoy the festivities. However, this is not a good idea.

Almost all dogs feel anxious, nervous and scared at the sights and sounds of firework displays. Removing them from their home, their place of comfort, only causes more confusion and fear. Never take your pets with you and think you can leave them in the car during the fireworks, talk about trauma! If your dog spends most of his time in the backyard you should bring him inside. Find a quiet room with little or no windows and set up with food, water and toys. Dogs have been known to chew through leashes, dig under the fence, jump out of windows and cars at the frightful sounds of thunderous noises. Their primal instinct is to flee, so make sure they have their id tags on and are micro chipped.

If you are staying home with your pet, playing with a toy and using radio or tv to distract from the noises can help. Don't coddle your pet at signs of nervousness, this only reinforces the behavior and creates more anxiety. A hand on their back or light massage can help ease the tension. If you feel the problem is severe, talk to your vet about some options, they may provide you with some ideas to help ease the stress. We're here to help make your holiday celebrations worry free. We wish you a safe and happy holiday!

Summer Vacation

Summer is here! That means travel for many of you. That long awaited summer vacation, your shoulders just sink at the thought. Before can you think of reasons as to why you can't go, let your pets not be one of them.
Most of you are familiar with our service and that was the first thing on your checklist after you selected your dates :). Maybe some of you haven't discovered the awesomeness of having us around. Either way, we're here. We love catching up with our pals and making new friends.

Some tips to help prepare your pet for their vacation with us:

1. Call your pet sitter to confirm your travel dates.

2. Stock up on pet food, paper towels, kitty litter, medications ect., enough to last for the duration of the trip and consider possible delays.

3. Make sure pets have their ID tags on.

4. Your emergency contact information

5. Call your vet and let them know your pet sitter will be caring for your pet and to extend medical care in case of emergency.

6. If boarding with us, up to date flea protection and clean bill of health.

7. Note any recent changes you've made to your pet's diet.

8. Secure all doors and windows.

9. Don't forget their favorite toys.

Call your pet sitter today to schedule your travel dates or for a free consultaion.

http://www.dogsgowalking.com/ "trusted care when you can't be there".

Paco & Lucho - Pet Sitting by Nydia in Kendall

Meet Paco and Lucho, two English Bulldogs that I had the pleasure of pet sitting this weekend among many others. Their parents found our pet sitting service and were able to enjoy their Memorial Day weekend far away from home with little worry. While Mommy and Daddy were relaxing and enjoying their vacation Paco and Lucho were enjoying their home with cool A/C and scheduled playtime with me. English Bulldogs, due to the structure of their face and nose may have breathing problems and very intolerant to heat. Paco however, loved to play outside no matter how hot it was. I was surprised at his energy and agility. On our visits, Lucho enjoyed getting his belly rubbed and playing tug while Paco enjoyed our walks and pestering Lucho.

It was a fun and busy Memorial Day weekend. If you missed out on a mini vacation because you didn't have anyone to watch your pet, call Dogsgowalking, we're here so you don't have to be.

Nydia from Dogsgowalking
www.DogsGoWalking.com

West Palm Beach Pet Sitting - Ms Canine America hopeful

This is stella a future Ms. Canine America hopeful; who like all other beauty queens wishes for world peace.

Each day she sets off to do her part and meets with new and interesting felines. Just earlier this month she convinced Lil Girl in from Asia that sharing toys is the right thing to do, especially when so many don't even have one to play with. Carmella (Maine coon) warmly greets her with a quick nose smooch to start things right before attending the summit on pet healthcare reform.

After all this she is tuckered out and lays down for a quick "cat nap". After all she's only a puppy!

visit our website at: www.dogsgowalking.com

Maddie - pet sitting in Kendall

Maddie, Maddie, my little kangaroo. I never get tired of watching you play. Where do you get the strength? When we first met, your Mommy told me you had a heart murmur and I would get scared when I’d see you run and leap through the air, I thought you would have a heart attack but now I know you’re unstoppable. You and your sister run the neighborhood, you scare the mailman away! So little and tough, you’re the best!

Pet sitting in Miami FL - Misha

Misha, my dear friend. In your eyes I see wisdom, compassion and strength; A great role model for your sister Maddie. I love it when I see you two playing, running around in the back yard or shaking the life out of one of your toys. I’m proud of you for taking such good care of her and your family. I always feel safe with you around.

Read more about Misha's pet sitter Nydia

Dog beach, Dog park visits with your pet sitter

Missy is a Rhodesian mix who loves nothing better than to be outdoors on a sunny day. Like any other native floridian she loves the beach; especially if it involves wet slobbery tennis ball fetch! Its a great way to keep this large breed in tip top shape. Contact your pet sitter to schedule a dog beach outing this summer! www.DogsGoWalking.com

Happy Birthday Tuppence

Peanut Stefaniak

Hello, my name is Peanut Stefaniak. I am a 7 month old red shorthair miniature dachshund. While I am still a puppy, I recently learned to bark, which has come in very handy in my self-appointed duty as the Guardian of the House!

For example, I’m not sure exactly how all those animals managed to get inside our television set, but I do keep a vigilant eye on them, never hesitating to issue a stern warning bark to remind them to keep to their side of the screen! I know that mommy and daddy can sleep more soundly due to my new found barking powers! Check out my mom here

Spike, my little fuzzy bear

Spike, my little cuddle buddy, I miss you so much. I hope your daddy will leave for a long trip again and I can have you back with me. Jeff is missing you too. Your girlfriend Sasha is staying with me and she is looking for you.

How is your tail chewing? Thank you for giving up on that silly chewing your tail while you were here.

In memory of a good dog

In memory of a good dog. I miss you Maya.

The cutes bad doggy.

Bosco looking like an angel on the picture. I cleared the table, nailed everything to the ceiling before I picked him up. I bought a sealed dog food container only because of him visiting us sometimes. He just surprised me again when I went home from one of my dog walking visit, he chewed around the sealed dog food container. He just have to have food, food, food.