As you all know, I love to take care of your pets in the comfort of your home. I started this business because I struggled with having to take our dogs to a foreign environment. I researched my different options and found that I like to keep my babies at home. What is your preference? What information can I provide that would help you make the right decision? Please give me your feedback!
Losing Ringo
Losing a beloved pet is so hard. We have all been through this. We recently had to say goodbye to our sweet Ringo. Our hearts are so sad.
Ringo came to us about 7 years ago. He was part of a litter of Border Collie mixes who had been abandoned by the side of the road. His brother, Trooper, came to us first. We named him such because our son-in-law was about to embark on his second tour to Iraq. Trooper has always been a feisty, social dog, so after having him for a year, we decided that he needed a playmate. As it turned out, Ringo, who had been adopted by another family, had been dumped at the pound. Upon learning this, we made a beeline there to adopt him into our loving family.
Ringo was very timid from the start. Rumor had it that he had been in a family where the children were less than kind to him. We would have to earn his trust. As each day went by, Ringo became more comfortable with his new environment. He and his brother became fast friends and roamed our yard causing havoc! Although he became more at ease with us, he was still cautious about new faces. It took him several years to sweetly greet visitors to our home.
Two months before his passing, we noticed that he was losing weight. This was so unusual as Ringo had always had a voracious appetite! The joke in our home was if you wanted to keep your fingers, you best wear gloves when giving Ringo a treat! We tried some new foods to see if we could get him to eat more. Finally, we decided to take him to the vet for tests.
The initial tests showed some disparity in his liver enzymes. The vet suggested that we take x-rays as she suspected he could have cancer. We declined and decided to treat the liver condition with diet and supplements as recommended by our vet. My husband worked diligently preparing special foods and teas for our sweet baby. He would take a bit or two of his favorite food and turn away. We were devastated and decided to get the x-ray to confirm our suspicions. The vet showed us the scan and we fell apart….cancer all over his tummy. My husband left the room as the vet explained his prognosis to me. I keep hearing his voice…”take him home for the weekend and have some special time with him, we can talk next week.”
Sadly, we took Ringo home for what would be his last weekend. We decided to take him to the local dog park so he could have one more good run. Ringo mustered up enough strength to make the rounds with his brother. We took his weakened body home and prepared him a good steak dinner. The next morning we called the vet and they took us in immediately. We stayed with Ringo for the first shot that relaxed him. Before the vet administered the final shot, we professed our love for him and showered him with hugs and kisses.
I will never forget our darling Ringo. I miss his sweet demeanor and loving kisses. I especially miss him jumping up on my lap and burying his head behind my back. I am so happy that we gave him such a loving home.
Trooper is still with us but still looks for his brother. Losing Ringo was hard on us all.
Dog Nutrition and Food Ingredients.
Understanding the ingredients of your dog’s food is a must for dog lovers and dog owners. Whenever you feed your dogs with different kinds of foods, you should always read the label and understand ingredients. Food types can include both fresh and dry food. Fresh dog food is prepared in homes and generally consists of ingredients like freshly cut chicken pieces in addition to cranberry juices, blue-green algae, etc. Prepared food may contain different kinds of preservatives which might create food allergies in your dog. In prepared foods, you should consider the amount of moisture in the food. Some dogs prefer a more moist mixture, while others prefer a dryer version.
In vegetarian based diets, include beet pulp, pasta, soy bean oil, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, copper sulphate, iron sulphate, zinc oxide and choline chloride. In a non-vegetarian diet, common ingredients include raw eggs, chicken, beef, mutton, fish and quail. Most premium dog foods also contain essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins A, D, E and B complex vitamins. Zinc is an essential ingredient for skin health. Calcium is an essential ingredient for bone growth and muscle tone. Better quality dog food products should contain these ingredients. If these minerals and vitamins are not in your existing dog food, you should consider these as supplements for your dog.
All About Shelley
Hi, my name is Shelley and I am a Mobile Pet Nanny! I started this business as I have dogs of my own and always struggled with having to leave them when we went away! My dogs are my family and I shuddered to think they would be with strangers! I have always taken my dogs to the local kennel, which I trusted completely. I just hated the stress on my babies’ faces as we approached the registration desk. A friend had told me of a lady that stayed at your home. I tried her and loved it and found that I could never get an opening with her.
I knew that there were other people who felt like me. People who love their animals and want the best care for them. I could fill that need for them by offering loving, trustworthy, reliable and dedicated care. Since I come to your home, your pets remain in their own environment, reducing separation anxiety. A special service that I offer is sleeping with your animals! Yes, you heard me right! If your dogs are used to sleeping with you, then they can sleep with me! I only ask that they don’t steal the sheets!
If your pets are fine on their own at night, I can stop by and see them during the day. I will provide the same loving care while playing with them or serving their favorite meals! We can play in your yard or sit and watch Dr. Phil together!
Please call me if you need more information and don’t forget to check back again for more stories about the Adventures of a Mobile Pet Nanny!