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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Hungry Bowl™ Pet Food Drive

Support the pets of Bay Area Pet Adoptions with a pet food donation

Donations accepted December 1-12

Donation Locations
Bayside Bed & Biscuit, 920 Lawrence, Kemah, TX 77565
Boomerang Books, 907 W Main St., League City, TX 77573
Camp Bow Wow, 300 Anders Ln., Kemah, TX 77565
Cartridge World, 102 West El Dorado Blvd Suite C-2, Friendswood, TX 77546
Falcon Pass Vision Center, 2409 Falcon Pass, Houston, TX 77062
West Marine, 3101 Nasa Parkway Seabrook, TX 77586

For more information, contact:
Trisha Stetzel, Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake (866) 342-4625

Thank you for your support!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Puppy Potty Training Tips

So you brought a new puppy home? And now you are challenged with potty training?! Here are a few tips to keep your sanity as you wade your way through house breaking your new friend.

Establishing a routine when you first bring him home is key. Take some time off if you can. Two weeks is not enough to house train a new pup, but it's a great start!

Pick a pee spot and stick to it. Each time you take your puppy out, take her to the same spot for potty breaks. Leash your pup if needed to keep track of their eliminations.

Choose a "go" word. Consistency is the key. If you choose to say "go potty", then use that phrase each time you go out.

Positive praise is a must! If they make their business, give lots of love and treats!

If needed, keep him on a leash with you in the house. This eliminates him from "eliminating" in the house unsupervised!

Watch her body language. You will learn the signs of "I gotta go potty" from your pup quickly. Common signs are sneaking away, circling, squatting, sniffing at the door, and whining.

When you can't keep your pup on a leash and with you, use a crate. Crates are fantastic tools for house breaking pups and keeps them out of dangerous situations when you are not supervising them.

Don't punish AFTER the accident. You are too late by then. If you catch them in the act, correct them and praise for the right action. Do NOT punish!

Paitience is a VIRTUE! Potty training a pup is like potty training a child, they all learn at different speeds. Hang in there and have fun with your new pup!


Compliments of
Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake

Monday, October 11, 2010

Education Moment for Children and Pet Owners

Do your children know how to approach a strange dog or cat? If they don't, they should and you should teach them how!

Anytime a child (or grown up for that matter) approaches a strange dog or cat they should always ask permission from the owner if they can pet their cat or dog. After asking the owner for permission approach the pet with caution. Let the animal "sniff" you first, the back of your hand is best if reaching out. After the "sniffing" is over it is okay to gently touch the animal or ask the owner how best to touch the pet.

Never EVER run up on a dog or cat (yes, some people walk their cats!) in the park and touch them without permission. Even the most well behaved cats and dogs will bite if startled!

Please educate your children and if you are a pet owner, educate those around you on the proper way to introduce yourself to a strange pet.

Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake

Monday, August 16, 2010

Did you know tomatoe plants are poisonous to cats? Check this list for other plants that are toxic to cats http://ping.fm/JnHIv

Is Your Cat a Good Candidate for a Leash?

Yes, I said it, how about a walk with your cat?

Leash training is much easier if you start when your kitten is young. The adjustment is easier and a harness can become "normal" to the kitten after some practice. Not all cats are good candidates for a harness and leash. These furry friends are better at home, indoors, where they are comfortable. For those kitties who can handle a harness and aren't afraid of the outside world, going for walks can be great mental and physical exercise.

When getting your kitten used to the harness, take it slow. Start with a safe room, make the harness a positive experience, and only start with the harness. Make sure your kitten gets used to wearing the harness before leashing and dashing outside.

If you would like more tips on harnessing and leashing your kitten check out "The Cat Bible" by Tracie Hotchner.

Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Monday, August 2, 2010

Foster a Friend

Thinking about a pal for your pup? Test the waters with a foster pet! Animal shelters, breed rescue groups, and other rescue organizations without facilities (or limited space) place dogs and cats in foster homes. Check with your local shelter and rescue groups to find out what the process entails and the rules/restrictions of fostering a dog or cat. Who knows you might find your dog's best friend through fostering!

Local resources:
League City Animal Shelter
BAPA - Bay Area Pet Adoptions
2nd Chance Pets


Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Pet Owners

Your pets are extremely vulnerable and depend on you for their safety. In order to provide care for your pets during an emergency situation, it is important to have a disaster plan in place.
Pre-Hurricane Planning
*Most shelters, including American Red Cross, do not allow pets, due to sanitation reasons. Call ahead and know where you can stay with your pet in case of evacuation or emergency situation.
*Keep a current photo of your pet along with his medical records, tags, collar, and leash.
*Have a crate available to limit exposure to danger.
Emergency Supply List
*A week's supply of food for each pet
*Can opener (if needed)
*1 gallon of fresh water per pet
*Cleaning supplies
*Favorite toys or treats
*Spare collar and leash (with ID tags)
*Grooming items
*Crate or carrier
*Pet First Aid Kit

Read more from the American Red Cross here.

Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Summer Pet Safety Tips from Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake

As the mercury rises, remember to take a few simple steps to keep your pets comfortable and safe:
^Bring your pets inside during the heat of the day
^Always provide plenty of cool, clean water for your pet
^If your pet is outside be sure to provide plenty of shade, a properly constructed dog house is best
^Don't force your pet to exercise in hot, humid weather. Try to exercise him in the cooler mornings or evenings
^Never EVER leave your pet in your vehicle alone. A parked vehicle can quickly heat up to 120 degrees or more even with the windows open

Love your pet - take special care in this hot, humid weather!

Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake

Monday, May 24, 2010

How To Get The Most From Your Pet Sitting Service

Summer is here and many of you are planning your family vacations. What about Spot and Felix? They need a vacation too! Below are some benefits and tips for getting the most from your pet sitting service.

Advantages for Your Pet
*Reduced Stress - Your pet stays in its own familiar environment.
*Diet and Exercise - Your pet's feeding and exercise routine is followed.
*No "Travel Trauma" - No travel in the car to someplace other than home.
*Health Concerns - Minimal exposure to illnesses of other animals.
*TLC - Tons of love and personal attention while you are away.

Advantage for You
*Travel - You won't be inconvenienced or upset by transporting your pet.
*No Imposition - You don't have to ask a neighbor, friend, or family member.
*Security - Your home appears "lived in" or occupied with lights and blinds rotation, mail/newspaper pick up, etc.
*Peace of Mind - You can fell confident your pet is in capable, caring hands.
*Special Services - Additional home services such as watering plants, lawn, etc.

Always know @ Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake "We've Got Your Tail Covered."

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Top 5 Dog Parenting Tips

Good pet parenting is all about maintaining health and safety, setting realistic goals, being consistent, using nonviolent discipline, stimulating mental and physical growth with play and exercise, and making sure your dog has quiet time and a place to get away from it all.

The Top 5 Pup Parenting Tips

1. Take care of his health
2. Give him exercise and employment
3. Have realistic expectations
4. Give routines and consistency
5. Allow him quiet time

For more on animal health, behavior, and tips on training please visit http://animalwellnessmagazine.com/art/


Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Spring Foward With Your Pets


It's finally getting warm during the day! Now's the time to get your pets exercising again, it has been a very long winter and I'm guessing you and your pets have taken a few days off from regular exercise.

Here are a few tips to get you and your pet moving again in preparation for summer!

1) How about getting your pup on the treadmill - good for days when it's raining. It will take a few practice runs, but most can quickly be taught to accept a treadmill. I've seen a few cats enjoy a romp on the treadmill too!
2) Doggy Yoga - yes, I said it, Doggy Yoga or Doga. There are several places around town that offer classes for you and your dog - search the internet!
3) Your dog needs mental and physical stimulation - try agility! Several of the dog parks offer equipment for agility training. You can also find agility classes around town - again, check on line for one near you.
4) What about a walk in the park? Or a run at the dog park? Try it - you and Fido will love it!
5) Canine Camp - many of the boarding facilities offer day camp. Or you could hire a dogwalker to come take your pup for a long afternoon walk while you are at work!
6) For all you kitty cat owners out there, find their favorite toy, laser, feather, or string and get your cats movin'!

Here's hoping summer is right around the corner!

Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake
www.fetchpetcare.com

Friday, January 22, 2010

Great Year for Pet Sitting!


As I close my books for Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake for 2009, I'm wow'd by the amount of successful work we did! Not only did we make friends with over 220 pets, but we serviced more than 100 human clients and completed 2143 visits throughout 2009! In order to make all those pet clients happy I had the help of 13 sitters! Thank you to all of our human clients, but most of all our furry, feathered, scaled, and some hairless clients! It's YOU that makes us get up in the morning and LOVE to go to work!

Trisha Stetzel, Owner

Professional Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Services

Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake

Sunday, January 10, 2010

2009 Hungry Bowl Campaign Collection Totals

PSI's Hungry Bowl campaign is an international effort by PSI members to collect pet food donations in their communities December 1 - 12 to donate to a local shelter, rescue group or food bank.

A TOTAL OF 17,356.25 LBS OF PET FOOD WAS COLLECTED BY PSI MEMBERS!

http://www.petsit.com/content341395

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Feeding Pets in Need

Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake sponsored a pet food drive for Bay Area Pet Adoptions back in December. The drive ran from December 1 through December 12. I had four local businesses assist as donation drop off locations:

Bayside Bed & Biscuit, 920 Lawrence, Kemah, TX 77565

Boomerang Books, 907 W Main St., League City, TX 77573

Camp Bow Wow, 300 Anders Ln., Kemah, TX 77565

Cartridge World, 102 West El Dorado Blvd, Friendswood, TX 77546

Pet Talk Magazine talks about our success - see their blog at http://www.houstonpettalk.com/2010/01/06/hungry-bowl-pet-food-drive-raises-529-pounds-of-food-for-homeless-pets/

Monday, January 4, 2010

Holiday Pet Sitting

Wow! What a season of pet sitting! The holidays were super busy for us, but no unforeseen incidences this year! Just lots of happy doggies and kitties along with their vacationing owners!