It doesn’t seem fair. As soon as I posted a story about Teddy, a former foster dog, I heard from my friend Ilona, who adopted Oscar from me years ago. It was one of the saddest phone calls I’ve received. She was inconsolable. She came home from babysitting her granddaughter to find Oscar had died with no warning. The only sign was that he seemed tired and wouldn’t eat that morning. Even though Oscar was adopted through Southern California Lab Rescue, I confess he wasn’t even close to a L... Read Full Story

Fun time! Haley the Bearded Collie, Rex the Lab and Porter the Lab cavort in the yard. These are the two biggest labs I've ever seen, except maybe Nate, who also spends a lot of time here. They are each about 100 pounds and never sit still. As for Haley, well they don't call them Bouncing Beardies for nothing. She loves all the action, but whoa, what a grooming project!© 2009 Terry Albert. All rights reserved. Read Full Story

Are you temperamentally suited to be a pet sitter? Here’s something to think about.I am not a morning personI remember in college, lying in bed on a cold dark winter morning, swearing I would someday have a job where I could sleep until at least 7 am. Getting up when it was still dark left me tired and grouchy all day. It didn’t help that those were the party-hardy years, when I’d sleep until 11 am on a Saturday morning, when Grandma Johnson pounded me out of bed so I could eat lunch. Being M... Read Full Story

Halloween marks the beginning of the holiday season. The stores are already full of Christmas decorations; Thanksgiving is right around the corner. The weather has cooled (thank goodness!) and days are shorter.Pet sitters are gearing up for their busiest months: November and December. Many of you are already filling up with holiday bookings. What steps should you take right now to make the holidays easier on YOU?Contact clients: Find out who is planning to book you for the holidays and hasn’t... Read Full Story

While looking for something else in my files this morning, I came across a photo that shows Red Ted's spot on his head! So in the interest of full disclosure, here it is :)I still think he looks a little like an Ibizan Hound.© 2009 Terry Albert. All rights reserved. Read Full Story

Oh I love these designer dog names! My two newest clients arrived today. Claire, their owner, a perfectly rational person who has long been involved in Dalmatian rescue, has two new dogs. I asked her what breeds, and she said "One is a "woodle." Huh?I've heard of labradoodles, goldendoodles, schnoodles, puggles, malti-poos, and more, but never a woodle. Claire has decided Bogey is a combo between a poodle and a Wheaten Terrier. Well, maybe, but he looks suspiciously like a cockapoo to me! Reg... Read Full Story

While we're out there having fun, our pets are terrified by the sights and sounds of Halloween. This is a great night to keep your dogs and cats indoors and confined. Don't let them rush the door every time the doorbell rings. They'll be greeted by scary costumes and noisy kids, and may bolt out the door and get lost...and ultimately injured.Danielle Chonody, who writes a pet sitting blog, posted some tips for keeping your pets safe at Halloween:http://workingwithpets.com/pet-safety/keep-your... Read Full Story

Pet sitters often add in-home dog boarding to their services. There are many benefits to your clients: their dog is not in a kennel, the pet is supervised 24/7, less stress for the dog, the caregiver knows dog better and can more easily provide for special needs.  You, as a pet sitter, can customize the services you offer. For example, you can limit boarding to small dogs or take only as many as you are comfortable with. I have offered boarding in my home for over 10 years now, and my bu... Read Full Story

“In Loving Memory of Care Bear, SCR No. 786, a therapy dog to many seniors, a true gentleman and friend to all.”On the Collie Wall of FameAs I looked through the Southland Collie Rescue website, I found my former foster dog memorialized on the Collie Wall of Fame. To me he was Red Ted. But to the 99 residents of the Sunbridge Care Nursing Home, he was Care Bear.Teddy’s StoryI told the Oceanside shelter staff I would pick up their collie on Sunday afternoon, in order to give him the weekend to... Read Full Story

poop bagslitter scoopant traps (non-toxic)leashes, collarssunscreen, hatfirst aid kitfanny packtowelspaper towelsflashlightpillowcasecan opener, scissorsphone number of emergency vethand sanitizermaps/GPS or cell phone with maps applicationtrash bags           As I wrote up this list I kept thinking of more stuff to add to my car kit. So I went out to the car to see what I had. Biggest thing I forgot to list: TOYS! Cats love laser pointers or fishing pole to... Read Full Story