Puppy takes on Boxer - AND WINS!

Q: What do you get when you mix a Wheaten Terrier puppy with a stately Lady Boxer?

A:  A very interesting Pet Sit!

Dog sitting on the Northern Beaches and Sydney area brings many surprises. One is how you forget when you haven’t looked after a puppy for a long time just how much energy they have. In theory you exercise, feed and play with them – and then they sleep.  Hmmm, only problem is, someone forgot to tell the puppies that!

I recently had a fun two weeks looking after Audrey a cuteness itself six month old Spaniel – but boy did she keep me on my toes – no sleeping for Audrey and certainly not much for me! Then Claire and Elly (her own 8 year old Boxer) together spent three weeks looking after another energetic puppy -  Chico a 7 month old Wheaten Terrier.

Chico is typical of pups of his age – masses of energy and a lot to learn! So it was going to be interesting to see how stately lady Elly and the teenage Chico got on.

Elly in her younger years was very ill. Having recovered from a death’s door condition, these days she looks robust - but looks can be deceiving. She has a severely fused spine and arthritis and ideally should keep to easy walks. But as soon as she met Chicho he wanted to play – and Elly couldn’t resist his cheeky charms!

Chico & Elly - Chico uncharacteristically quiet!

The pair developed quite a bond and became real fur pals. In the house Chico jump would on Elly or lick her face, and she being very good natured didn't mind. But now and then if she was tired she would make it clear play time was over – and Chico knew to give her a rest!

On walks Chico loved being chased and his favourite game was finding a stick and teasing Elly to try and take it. Not something she managed very often as he literally did run rings around her.

But Elly taught Chico a few things, like drinking from a running tap. He used to watch her and then one day did it himself. She also taught him limitations and few manners! In turn being around a high energy bundle helped Elly re connect with her ‘inner puppy’. She became very playful and seemed to get younger.

So although it seems the Pup wins when it takes on the Boxer - in fact when young meets old, the energy of the one and the wisdom of the other means pups or dogs - they all win:-)

Dont let your dog give you the brush off!

Recently one of my daughters and I were discussing our past experiences of Kennels.

My experience was years ago in the UK with Flash, our German Shorthaired Pointer.

Dear Flash in the Backround being lead around by our other GSP, Harry

Claire’s was before I arrived in Oz when she was stuck and had to put her two Boxers in kennels for a long weekend.

Flash was two years old and desperate to find a new home when we found him. Not only was it his third time returned to rescue, but it was his last chance as he was days from being put down. We took him on and with patience and love over time he became a great pet.  Then we went on a family holiday and left him at kennels for two weeks…..  When we came back he was like a different dog, hoarse from barking and pent up from being locked in a cage – we’d been told he would get exercised daily - clearly he hadn’t.

Back home he sulked for days - it took a long time for him to forgive us and re-settle.  Claire said it was the same with her Boxers – just a weekend away and they gave her the cold shoulder for days.

Then recently Helen, the Owner of the two fabulous Rhodesians Ridgebacks Oscar and Mia

Oscar on the left and Mia on the right - how majestic!

(that Gail looked after & I Blogged about on 3/1/14) sent us a great reference which included this extract:-

Normally we get the brush off after having a holiday. It can take Oscar a day or so to accept us back, laying his head on our lap acknowledging we are back in the good books. This time round they were happy to have us home the moment we got back, and clearly happy with the 5 star experience they got whilst we were away, no brush off, just happy dogs.  (For the full reference see ‘Testimonials’ or click here).

It made me realise it's common for dogs to feel betrayed when they're sent away. It’s not that all kennels are bad. But even in the best it’s very stressful for your pet – for when you go, how does your dog know you are ever coming back?

My experience with Flash stayed with me and was instrumental in my setting up Perfect Pet Sitter - a unique and professional 24/7 live-in pet sitting service for dogs (and cats) in their own homes.

Nothing comes close to the one-to-one attention your fur pals receive all the while staying in their familiar surroundings and keeping to their usual routine. That’s what Perfect Pet Sitter is all about for pets young or old –  premium care when you can’t be there. 

And we can also help with Doggie Day Care too.