Are dogs really just ingratiating parasites?

If you’re a  Perfect Pet Sitter it stands to reason you adore pets, so some years ago seeing an article stating dogs were ingratiating parasites left me full of indignation - how could anyone say such a thing? However, I thought it reasonable to step back and take an objective view of the content to see if there was any basis for such a statement.

Bailey the Golden Retriever

Dogs have been around humans since records began. At first they scavenged around encampments, but the humans quickly realised the dogs alerted them to intruders or dangerous animals, and so started a beneficial, co-dependent relationship where dogs were encouraged by scraps to stay close and in return protected their human pack.

Could not resist Sie doing this!

When investigating the origins of the human/canine relationship, some interesting facts emerge. For example, canines in the wild interpret showing teeth as hostility, so did you know dogs had to learn not to respond with aggression when we smile and show our teeth? And if dogs have learned to adapt to human smiles that doesn’t make them parasites – it makes them smart!

Did you know why dogs today continue to act like puppies even when fully mature? The answer is because in the wild a puppy must learn to hunt to eventually become part of the pack and take on responsbilities. With humans as the provider our dogs are free to act like a puppies all their lives. They’re not required to grown up as they don’t need to provide for themselves. Living with us, with the exception of our specially trained human helper dogs, most of them have no responsibilities so they remain puppies in their soul forever.

A puppy Border Collie 18 months playing with Chilli
the Miniature Schnauzer who is the same age

Yes it’s true our dogs no longer have to worry about providing for themselves – but that doesn’t make them parasites.  Parasites cause harm to their hosts or at minimum take and give nothing back. Whereas we are repaid daily when we see our furpals living in ‘the now’ and playing without a care. This is a valuable reminder that fun and joy in your life is vital.

Sie and Chilli playing

Dogs give us their hearts and we frequently hear how they have sacrificed their own lives to save those of their human friends. They are happy just to be around us and provide us with company and unconditional love. Having them encourages us to exercise where otherwise we might sit in the house. And by getting us out and about, they even broaden our social lives.

Was there ever a doubt that our dogs could be parasites? Of course not. Human and canine is a two way street, we benefit from them every bit as much as they do from us as anyone who has shared their life with a beloved dog will know.

I have my own reason why the guy wrote the article, I think he was trying to be controversial to sell a book! 

Big or small, you can't help but love them all.

Who's a handsome boy?

Your VIP (Very Important Pet) cared for by Perfect Pet Sitter

There are plenty of pet minders…. and then there’s Perfect Pet Sitter.

We mix love and care for your pets with a professional approach, keeping your pets’ company and with your dogs, more often than not, taking them out and about with us just as you would. This is what sets us apart from other pet minders, because your dog is our job, and our 24/7 care is exactly that - care around the clock for your pet (& home too). 

Importantly, every day - EVERY SINGLE DAY - dogs get  exercised in the form of our Adventure walks. Frequently dogs are taken our for well over an hour. Uniquely, our Adventure walks are recorded with GPS data of maps, plus photos of each exercise session to show you the fun your dog had every day. After reading their dog’s diary one of our clients summed it up when they said “Wow, she’s had her own holiday!” So that's now what we call our live in stays!

Don’t take my word for it, instead take a look at some typical - yet amazing - extracts from the 135 page diary of Chilli the miniature Schnauzer & Sie the Jack Russell.

Above is proof of what happens when Perfect Pet Sitter cares for your pets. Others might live in and offer a basic level of attention, but none of them – NOT ONE – offers the incredible range of extras which are standard with each Perfect Pet Sitter stay. No one else provides a log of daily exercise as we do providing you with an exclusive diary of your pet’s activities every day you're were away. 

I was told Sie gnaws his fur when stressed and his owner warned me he would probably do that when they were gone. During my 30 night stay Sie never once chewed  himself  - he was too happily tired from all the exercise, fun and social doggie dates that’s why!

Perfect Pet Sitters do not - as some who say they do pet minding do - simply sleep in your home and then go out to work all day. Because, once more:- your dog is our job.

As you would expect, our matchless and unique service will cost more than kenneling. But if the absolute best with the least possible disruption is what you want for your pet when you go away – then nothing is better than the high end,  personalised care we offer. 

We received an outstanding testimonial from the owners of Chilli and Sie the subject of this blog, to read it click here

It is our reliability, attention to detail in assessing your individual requirements - and the level to which we do things -  that sets us apart. To find out more, give me a call on:
0426 976 006

Avoiding puppy problems with small children

A new puppy in the home is very exciting  and we Perfect Pet Sitters love our clients’ pets – new or old - almost as much as they do! We certainly give them endless attention and whether living in (our premier service) or visiting your pet’s daily, they’re treated like stars.

As well as the love of pets, something else that unites us and our clients is abhorence of cruelty to animals. And something I saw recently made me think how ‘problem pets’ can be caused by what they experience in the very homes where they should find only love and kindess.

Let me explain. My previous blog was about little Harry who my clients rescued. From the way Harry would cringe they suspect he’d been beaten in his past.

Now with loving, caring owners, Harry finally has great life. And when I went to to live-in with him, I took him everywhere with me – even on a Road trip to Kiama. It was as I was walking around Kiama town that the following scene played out in front of me.

I was standing letting Harry do some sniffing, and right in front of me a man is his late 30s was sitting on the grass talking to friends. Behind his back limited by the length of lead was a tiny bundle of fluff I took to be a Cavoodle, probably not even 14 weeks old. As I stood with Harry, I saw the man’s daughter hit the dog on the head a number of times, then she poked, then prodded – until the distressed puppy yelped in pain.

How could anyone hurt a puppy?
This is a model - not the puppy ill-treated as described in this blog!

The father carried on talking completely ignoring the dog’s cries and the horrible scene going on behind him. The tiny puppy in trying to defend itself against the onslaught made a little growl which the 4 ish year old girl took as her cue to pick up a stick and then repeatedly hit the puppy over the head with it.

Fully expecting to get abuse, I nevertheless decided I could not walk on by and spoke to the man. However, whilst he acknowledged what I said, he simply threw the stick a few feet away. From his casual response (plus the fact he said nothing at all to the girl) I thought how she was treating the puppy was not the first time.

Here’s the thing – children are often rough with pets. But what this girl was doing was more than a little rough play. In fact it is not uncommon for children to hurt animals and there has been much written around the subject. Partly it’s about a child developing, realising their strength and finding they have power over something. But at some level a child knows what they are doing is wrong when they do it furtively.  

With the Instinct to fight or flight a puppy will try to escape, but children can be relentless and pursue them. Eventually if the torment continues the fight response could surface and the desperate animal might well snap at or even bite its persecutor. Once a child is bitten the dog is always blamed. If lucky it might get a second chance through Rescue. But if labelled ‘aggressive’ will likely be euthanised - a very unfair end to what is nearly always an avoidable situation.

No parent wants to think their child could be cruel  – but it has to be  acknowledged that this behaviour does happen and that small children and young, vulnerable animals are not always a marriage made in heaven.

I have witnessed first hand the way tormenting behaviour can change the character of pet which in a different home would have made an ideal family dog.

If you would like a copy of my PDF detailing the top 10 actions which will help puppies, and any dog including rescue dogs, fit in and be happy with your family, email me at perfectpetsitter@hotmail.com I will send you a copy.

Harry was beaten, but he's not beaten

Most pets that Perfect Pet Sitter meet must be amongst the luckiest in the World. They're adored by their owners and pampered and treated as VIPs when Perfect Pet Sitter comes to visit. But even in Sydney, not every pet is so fortunate.

Centennial Park - go visit if you haven't - dogs allowed off lead

Case in point, let me introduce you to little Harry.  We don’t know exactly what he is, but he’s Jack Russell size, and black and white. His age is unknown as he was abandoned, but estimated to be about 10.

Eastern Suburbs many and varied walk options

Harry’s current owners met him whilst volunteering at a dog rescue centre - and they fell for his gentle soul. They guessed he had been badly treated, but the full extent of the cruelty he must have suffered only became clear when they got him home.

Harry was very lucky that he had patient and adoring new owners. They helped Harry, but he was still nervous in many situations where he came across people. His owners felt if he had to go back to kennels he would be upset and regress  - and as they had a trip to the UK booked before they met Harry, they were worried about what to do.

Harry & Chico we were also minding 

About this time the owner came across a guest blog I’d written and she contacted me. Coogee is not a usual area we cover, but hearing Harry’s story it was clear he needed us – so it was Perfect Pet Sitter to the rescue (again!)

Curl Curl Lagoon, he was tired but didn't like being carried

Overlooking Bronte

With our comprehensive checklist for owners completed, they additionally flagged up that Harry likes his tummy rubbed at night on the sofa and to sleep on the bed with you. These points plus specific behavioural issues (doesn’t like little children or skateboarders) were very helpful. They meant I was aware of situations to watch out for both in the home and when out and about.

By giving Harry my attention and care (including those tummy rubs and letting him sleep on my bed! He bonded with me very quickly.  Each day we’d find a new place to explore and, aside from food shopping, I barely left him. He became my little pal and one of his Adventure walks was a road trip to Kiama - so Harry had his very own holiday!

How much is that doggie in the window?

Whilst they were away I sent Harry’s owners frequent texts to keep them updated on his progress. Then when they came home they received Harry’s diary covering each day of their little furboy’s adventures  – all 43 pages!

As all dogs do, Harry got on really well with dear Elly

Today Harry’s almost a celebrity with his very own website and on their return his owners wrote a blog:- 'Harry's holiday with the Perfect Pet Sitter' 
http://sydneydogslife.com

Most of all it’s wonderful to know this big dog in a little body has found a caring home where he can live out his life in safety and in the future know nothing but kindness.

He's smart - he really did this!

To paraphrase a saying; ‘It’s a (Sydney) dog’s life’ – and in Harry’s case he at last has the love and attention he so deserves. 

GSP Darcy, met during one of our walks

Queens Park, more of the locals:-)

If your pet needs high level care and you want the absolute best for your special dog or cat, no other pet minding offering can match the 24/7 live-in, one-to-one care that Perfect Pet Sitter provides. Check out our costs and be amazed by how much is included within our ‘no extras’ fee scale.