Today, I am in Carlsbad Ca completing (yet another) course.  I am being certified as a Pet First Aid /CPR Instructor.  Typically our pet sitter / dog walker day goes something like this – we roll up into your driveway, meet your happy pup and go off on our adventure and get some good exercise in your neighborhood or nearby park.  Then fresh water, a treat, maybe some rascally love and good bye until next time.  We could be seeing a kitty for string or feather play, lap time, buffet refreshing and cuddles.  Then of course, there are the iguanas, turtles, guinea pigs, rats, chickens, bunnies etc who receive their own special kind of care.  Usually things are pretty straight forward.  HOWEVER, occasionally things don’t go so smoothly.  Sadly, we have walked in on pets in distress, major distress that has required calm quick thinking and appropriate care.  Having taken the pet first aid course has been very helpful.  (I’ll include one story at the end of this note, though I have several.)

Do you know how to assist your pet if they are choking, bleeding, in shock (and for that matter, what causes shock)? Do you know what to do if you suspect a fracture or injured limb? What about signs of poisoning, snake or insect bites? Do you know how to properly muzzle (if necessary) and transport an ill or injured pet? In an emergency – there may not be time to jump onto the Google-machine and figure out what to do. Do you know the where the nearest emergency facility is and is their number on your speed dial? Can you take your pets temperature?

I’ve sat with transitioning pets while waiting for their Pet Parents to come home.  I’ve taken critically ill pets to the vet for Pet Parents while they were away and stayed with the pet while they made their transition.  Being able to provide  comfort and appropriate care in these situations has been invaluable.  Please feel free to contact me if you’d like to learn more about Pet First Aid/CPR/Pet Safety.

One day I arrived at the home of  a sweet senior dog.  A real beauty – red fluffy fur, sweet sweet eyes.  Although she was aging, she still had some spunk.  Yes her walks became shorter and shorter so we’d spend more time brushing and catching up on Dancing With the Stars .  Usually she was on her bed on a shady part of the patio.  Honestly, I heard what I thought was a yipping that sounded like ‘help’ ‘help’.  I rushed to the patio and saw her lying in the sun.  She had fallen and couldn’t get up.  It was a hot day and she was quite fluffy.  I cooled her down and offered water.  I had cared for her for many many years and knew that today was different.  I had been in constant communication (daily) with her Pet Parent and although quite difficult, I had to ‘make the call’.  ‘Mom’ was at work and rushed home.  I stayed with her and brushed her and comforted her and we reminisced.  She waited for her parent to return.

That evening I was on my way to an overnight.  Two brother Golden Retrievers who look very much like the sweet girl I had just left.  One of the brothers has a history of seizures but with great health care and medication the chances of him seizuring were slim to none.  There is an emergency kit handy – just in case.  I was familiar with the medication, procedure and instruments.  I never thought I’d have to use them.  We were out running and roaming in the yard when brother 1 looked a little strange.  He slumped down and yep, started to have a full on seizure.  Brother 2 (litter mate) was right there and although I’m sure he was trying to help, I had to get him back into the house.  I took B2 into the house (being a large property, we had to hustle!) and with the dog gates – I was jumping hurdles, grabbing the emergency kit while in midair  (practically), getting the vet on the phone, and putting medication into the syringe all while zooming out the front door.   Thankfully too, I grabbed the car keys – just in case.  Needless to say,  this was quite alarming.  I had just had a similar looking pup dying in my arms hours earlier.  I was determined to save B1.  Although my heart was racing, I remained calm, stroking the dog, had the vet on speaker – just in case.  The injection required is an anal injection so there is a hose, the syringe, the syringe needle and cap and vial of medication.  In other words, lots of stuff to sort through,  the dog is seizuring – I think you get the picture.  I am happy to report that B1 came through with no problems.  Of course that episode flashes through my mind every time I drive through their gates.  And you bet, every time I or one of the sitters is caring for these guys, the procedure is reviewed thoroughly.  Having a bit of training under our belts was invaluable.

What a well-traveled clientele! The summer took EBPC clients to all parts of the country and world – Canada, Italy, Washington DC, Machu Picchu, Martha’s Vineyard, Mexico, Greece, Egypt, Florida, New York, Australia…..

It was our pleasure to care for your loved ones while you were away.  Thanks for allowing us that pleasure.  Many thanks to Jena, Thomas, Kate, Avril, Julie H and Julie C for all of their great work!

Another summer has come and gone and now we move into autumn. We’re keeping our rain gear close by and although many of you have already done so, we ask you to please dig out the ‘dog towels’ and put them out for our use.

You’ll receive an email over the next few weeks asking for updates to your contact info – cell, work numbers, vet info etc.  We want to make sure your contact info is up to date as well as your pets veterinary info.  Thanks in advance for returning  any updates.

The holidays are just around the corner so; should you need service, please let us know as soon as possible.  Thanks to those who have already reserved time for their precious ones.Please email your requests to EBPC rather than text when possible.  We strive to reply to and update your requests in a timely manner, and email is the most efficient method.  Thank you.

EBPC office hours are Monday – Thursday 7am – 6pm, Friday 7am – 2pm.  Saturday, Sunday & Holidays messages are checked frequently between 9am and 4pm.  Our voicemail and email systems are monitored 24/7 for your emergencies. Please send favorite photos of your pets to us.  We’d love to include them on the website.

Dog Parks & Outings – in the spring of 2012 (after the rain) we will be continuing our Dog Park Visits and Outings.  Many already subscribe to this service, but basically  –   Visits and Outings are Monday through Friday 10-12:30 and 1-3:30.  Well socialized dogs with great recall are eligible.  Please call for more details.

San Ramon Valley Police Dog Fund 10/31/11 from 2-5pm at Alamo Plaza.  There will be vendors, police dog demo, games, prizes, kids costume parade and more.

Over the past several months I have been taking classes and have become a Level 2 Animal Reiki practitioner.  In April of 2012, I will complete this phase of study and attain my Master/Level 3.  Reiki is a Japanese healing art – (‘google’ it) or talk to me. (Reiki – pronounced Ray-Key)

Our classes are held at an incredible facility in Santa Rosa called Bright Haven.  It is the most incredible place on earth.  Gail and Richard Pope founded Bright Haven 20 years ago.  It is a refuge for animals that due to illness or circumstance would have been euthanized.  Bright Haven cares for horses, goats, a hog, geese, ducks, chickens, cats and dogs.  The atmosphere that Gail and Richard have created is like no other.  Can you imagine introducing several adult cats into a household and have complete harmony?!  My Reiki classes were amazing, but Bright Haven really opened my eyes to what is possible with committed caring love and positive energy.  Gail and Richard are truly an inspiration, I urge you to visit their website to learn more. Bright Haven does accept donations and for 2012, EBPC, LLC will be donating a percentage of our services to them.

( Joey and Bev at BrightHaven – yes Joey is on wheels and gets around just fine!)

Through my Reiki work, I have been invited to join an organization called SARA – Shelter Animal Reiki Associates.  SARA is a non-profit organization committed to enriching the lives of shelter animals by offering Reiki.  The shelters SARA works with (throughout the US and Canada) welcome and accept Reiki as a viable means of healing. I look forward to caring for the underserved pets in shelters.

We are so fortunate to work with each of you – we see the very best in much loved and well cared for pets. The best loving care and concern, food, snacks, equipment, bedding, veterinary care and of course – pet sitting company.

As always, many thanks for your trust and confidence in allowing us to care for your pets.

All the best –

Bev

Greetings!
 
I hope you had a wonderful summer!
 
I’d like to catch you up on a few things that are going on at East Bay Pet Care.
 
EBPC will be participating in the 2nd Annual Doggie Day In The Park at Hap McGee in Alamo on Sunday, October 17, from 11am – 5pm.  Many of you attended last year and, not only was it great to see you, it was an afternoon of much fun.  EBPC will present a workshop on ‘Pet Safety Tips for Kids’ – so please, let the kids in your life know (and the people that drive them).  Also – a big hit from last year – the Sheriff’s K-9 unit will do a demonstration – fascinating!  There is lots more, please check out the attached flyer.   We hope to see you there.
 
And speaking of fascinating dogs – I’m so excited!  Many of you know that I have been on a training team for specialized service dogs.  The training process and amazing dogs are extremely interesting to me.  I will be going to Washington, DC to the DOJ (Department of Justice) / ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms) to meet with, observe and spend time with the trainers of these truly amazing ‘bomb sniffing’ dogs.  I can’t wait!  I will be away October 20th – 26th and, as usual, Jena, Vanessa, Thomas & Julie will help out.
 
Earlier this year, I completed a Certified Pet Sitter course.  I love what I do and am always interested to learn as much as I can about the health, safety, well being and care of pets.  The course was very interesting to me and covered care of all pets from those that live in salt water; snakes & reptiles; bunnies, Guinea pigs & rodents (did you know that the name Guinea came not because they’re from Guinea but, because when being sold on the streets of London, they cost a Guinea?); birds & chickens, and of course our cats & dogs.  The course covered everything from behavior, body language, nutrition and lots more.  It was great.
 
I’m not the only one who has been busy volunteering and diving more deeply into the pet world.  Joanne continues to foster not only dogs, but also volunteers at ARF and the Lindsey Museum – she has even fostered a flock of quail.  Avril has fostered service dogs and Vanessa volunteers at the animal shelter.  Jena continues to work on her equine studies and Thomas will take the Pet First Aid Certification soon.
 
Last year I attended the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters conference in Orlando, Florida.  I was very impressed with the Association, not to mention my colleagues.  I was totally blown away by the caliber of speakers and courses and am looking forward to attending the conference in January 2011 in New Orleans.
 
And last but not least, I recently became the ‘Travel with and for your pet’ expert (working on a better title) for NBCs (Bay Area) Great Getaways TV show.  It’s a new show and still in process, but when something exciting happens, I’ll let you know.
 
So, we’re keeping very busy – I have a great team that truly goes the extra mile to be the very best in providing outstanding pet care.  Thank you so much for your continued trust and confidence in us and our services. 
 
We hope to see you at Hap McGee on October 17!
 
It is truly our pleasure to work with you!
Thanks so much & all the best –
Bev aka Top Dog (woof!)