animal crack

Ultimate Dog Tease

2011-10-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

A tribute to Dexter

2011-06-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

Written by Joanne Brown

Dexters life companion

Oaxland (Oaxaca in Oakland): Shape Shifter: "Shape Shifter is an homage to my sweet boy, Dexter, who died on June 17. He was, in all regards, a miraculous and wonderful dog, the swe..."

Where is the Primal Pattie Tree?

2011-06-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

Next to the money tree

"Squirrels in my Pants" Music Video

2011-06-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

I was told that this is Archie's favorite song!

Trouble

2011-06-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

How can such a fuzzy cute face make dogs so crazy??

just melting butter

2011-02-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Useful Dog Tricks performed by Jesse

2011-02-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

Dogs in Love - A Valentine Story

2011-02-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

Simon's Cat in 'The Box'

2011-02-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

Ode to Nicki

2011-02-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

With Valentines Day around the corner, I started thinking about how some of us fall in love with our pets. It's a weird thing but I think this chemistry exists. One of my clients who recently lost her dog has been looking at some of the homeless pet websites. She even went to a shelter to meet some puppies. She said they were adorable, and sweet but she just didn't feel that any one of them "spoke" to her. She left and didn't feel bad that she didn't take one home. That conversation got me thinking. There IS something that happens when you meet "the one". Most of the animals I have shared my life with have either just shown up or had some urgent problem and ended up mine. The one dog that I did go out and purposely get only had a short list of requirements. Under 20 lbs. (check) healthy (check) cute (double check). Nicki had been found wandering the streets. She was picked up and brought to the Friends of Fairmont Animal Shelter. I was told that I would need to wait the required 7 days before she could be placed. It turned out, I wasn't the only one that was smitten with that little terrier face. There was a list of 10 people before me that wanted her. I added my name never thinking it would happen. I shopped for treats, beds, collars without buying anything because I just knew that the first person on her list of admirers would be the lucky new "parent". Imagine my surprise when I got the call! All 10 of the previous people flaked. Nicki was to be mine! I was so excited. I raced over to get her. We went shopping, we went to Pt Isabel we had a great "welcome to your new home" party. She seemed happy at first but after a couple of weeks, I realized something was wrong. She didn't connect with me! The problem was, she LOVED men. Believe me when I say she had no discretionary taste. She just loved men. Ted Bundy, Charles Manson - it didn't matter . She just had a thing for the guys. Don't get me wrong, she liked me - but she LOVED men. I had a hard time with it for a while but I finally accepted it and learned to be second to whatever guy happened to be in a 5 mile radius. I guess that unrequited love made me want her heart all the more. We had a long and happy life together but even in her final days she found comfort in my brothers arms. I was so thankful he was there for her. It feels sad to write this but I know in my heart of hearts that it was a good life for us both. So no matter what fur ball you are sharing your life with right now, Give them an extra treat and love this Valentines Day. It may not be perfect but it is true and you gotta love them for that!

Success!

2011-01-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

This is Jackie aka Jackie O (as in oh no) or Yakity Jackity.

She was adopted from the Oakland Animal Shelter about a year or so ago. She has no impulse control. She jumps ALOT and barks nonstop while playing in the group. She does not have a mean bone in her body and her recall is excellent but that barking......

Last year I completed a couple of courses at the Marin Humane Society under the instruction of Trish King. It was $1,500. well spent. One of the many things I learned was about correction. When there is a behavior that is undesirable, DO NOT MARK IT! At first that didn't make sense to me but I was willing to give it a try. I always keep 6 foot skinny leads on the dogs that need help. When bad behavior happens, I am not to say anything. I just remove the dog from the activity. Jackie gets overwhelmed with excitement during play and starts that *%## barking. Instead of yelling her name 1,000 times and getting frustrated with her for not listening, I am to just pull her out of play and give her a time out. I started doing this about 2 months ago. Her schedule has been irregular with me but in January she has been on a daily schedule. 10 days ago my helper and I realized something was missing. JACKIE'S BARKING! I was elated. It worked! Every once in a while she forgets and barks and I forget and yell but we both check ourselves and do the desirable behavior. It has made such a difference for all of us. Now for that jumping.......

Cats Playing Patty Cake

2011-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

DEUTSCHER SHAFERHUND - 110 YEARS OF EVOLUTION-BY EDUARDO DURAN HAEDO -

2011-01-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

Lengthy but a very interesting documentation of what man has done to this once healthy, beautiful breed.

Have a stinking fun weekend

2011-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Yipee It's Friday...

Why do dogs roll? Why do dogs roll in smelly stuff? I like to think it's because they are happy and have an itch for life but that's not what the experts say. Some say it is the same as humans putting on perfume or cologne. Other experts say it is a technique to camouflage their scent for hunting. I am going to stick with my theory that it is just plain fun. I take care of one dog in particular that just cannot wait to share with me the latest most disgusting thing he has rolled in. He runs like a mad man with pure joy in his eyes and jumps up on me. Doesn't matter how much I fuss or complain he just acts as though I am really missing out. Maybe I am but he hasn't convinced me yet - but who knows.....there is still plenty of mud out on the trails. Whatever your weekend brings I hope you find the joy of a good old fashioned roll in the mud....

Happy New Year.

2011-01-02T16:09:00.000-08:00

What happened? It's 2011 already! Thanks to those of you who have not given up on Animal Crack. I plan to do better this year by bringing all the muddy slobbery stories from the trails and beyond.
I continue to be humbled by the love and joy these incredible animals bring to those of us that pay attention. I hope you continue to join me in celebrating their lives and the lessons that quite frankly we could learn a thing or two from. How about starting with "Surprised Kitty"?

Cats

2010-04-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

The walls have eyes, ears and a nose!

2010-03-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

ALL IN ALL, IT'S JUST ANOTHER BARK IN THE WALL

HAMPSHIRE (UK)—So you think you've got troubles? A 6-month-old Husky named "Keano" somehow got his entire face stuck in an ornamental wall. A neighbor alerted the pup's guardian who called Hampshire Fire Service. Rescuers arrived and were able to chisel away the wall, freeing the dog without any injuries.

(Photo

Friday Light

2010-03-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

MASAYA (Nicaragua)—Four-footed revellers came dressed as clowns, ballerinas, soccer players or au naturel to celebrate St. Lazaro's "Carnival of the Dogs" last month. The yearly fiesta is a religious event specifically for pooches, descendents of the dogs whom St. Lazaro healed and cared for, according to legend. This pooch is adorable, of course, but... how many of you noticed something terribly wrong with this picture?

Goodbye Daddy

2010-03-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

In Memoriam: Daddy the Pit Bull
Cesar Millan, all his family and friends, his staff and volunteers, and dog lovers all around the world will mourn the passing of one of the most loyal, trusting, well-balanced, and influential pit bull ambassadors the world has ever known. Daddy, Cesar’s longtime friend and partner in canine rehabilitation, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday the 19th of February. He was sixteen years old.

He lived each day of those sixteen years happy and fulfilled as Cesar’s right-hand-“man,” helping to shape the behavior of entire generations of dogs by showing them the way to balance. He stood as champion for calm-submissive pit bulls everywhere, and was instrumental in helping to repair their image as violent, savage, uncontrollable beasts. He successfully battled cancer and weathered chemotherapy, and even got the opportunity to present at the 56th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards!

His name is now added to that honorable roster of dogs gone by whose influence is still felt today, and which includes some of Cesar’s beloved childhood heroes: "Rin-Tin-Tin." "Lassie." … "Daddy."

He has been immortalized by Dog Whisperer fans in all mediums, from painting, to photographs, to charcoal drawings and papier-mâché sculpture. And, of course, he lives on in his work, reflected in the balance and calm-submission of his protégé Junior, the countless animals to whom he was a positive role model, and in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him as a calm, sweet, and mellow example of a widely misunderstood breed.

In Loving Memory.

If you would like to honor Daddy’s memory and the contribution he made to improve the lives of other animals, you can make a donation to Daddy’s Emergency Animal Rescue Fund, which will provide assistance for dogs who are victims of abuse or violence, man-made disasters (hoarder and puppy mill rescues), and large-scale natural disasters (hurricanes, fires, and other natural catastrophies.

Something to Smile About Monday

2010-03-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

Week of March 16 2010

2010-03-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Happy St Patricks Day

2010-03-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Day dog

AP/paddyjokes.com

When you think of St. Patrick's Day, visions of leprechauns and clovers probably pop into your head. Yet, these fanciful images don't really signify the contributions into modern day society made by the Irish. People from Ireland have given us everything from Celtic art (including tattoos) to music, movies, dance and language. They've even given us several great dog breeds. The American Kennel Club recognizes eight Irish dog breeds. They are the Glen of Imaal Terrier, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel,Irish Wolfhound, Kerry Blue Terrier andSoft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. What makes these canines stand out are their unique coats, gallant postures, alertness and endurance. Most dogs with Irish lineage were hunters or guardians. However, today, they largely serve as domesticated companions. The most common Irish dog breeds are the terrier and setter. They are beloved by people worldwide. However, the particular Irish dog breed that makes natives of Ireland gush is the Kerry Blue Terrier. This dog symbolizes the regal nature, loyalty and determination many Irish people like to attribute to themselves. To find out more about Irish breeds of dogs, visit the American Kennel Club. There, you can get more details about the appearance and temperament of these dogs. Also, you can find out if one of them is right for your home

Irish dog breeds

Irish dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Photos: AP, Wikimedia

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More About: Dog · breeds · Irish · St. Patrick's Day

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Something to Smile About Monday

2010-03-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hachiko

2010-03-14T13:28:00.001-07:00

Hachikō
Picture of Hachikō

Clients of mine are currently in Japan and sent me a photo of the two of them standing in front of the statue of Hachiko. Here is his story according to Wikapedia.

In 1924, Hachikō was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at theUniversity of Tokyo. During his owner's life Hachikō saw him out from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting.

Hachikō was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

This continued for nine years, with Hachikō appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station.

That same year, another of Ueno's faithful students (who had become something of an expert on the Akita breed) saw the dog at the station and followed him to the Kobayashi home where he learned the history of Hachikō's life. Shortly after this meeting, the former student published a documented census of Akitas in Japan. His research found only 30 purebred Akitas remaining, including Hachikō from Shibuya Station.

Professor Ueno's former student returned frequently to visit the dog and over the years published several articles about Hachikō's remarkable loyalty. In 1932 one of these articles, published in Tokyo's largest newspaper, threw the dog into the national spotlight. Hachikō became a national sensation. His faithfulness to his master's memory impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachikō's vigil as an example for children to follow. A well-known Japanese artist rendered a sculpture of the dog, and throughout the country a new awareness of the Akita breed grew.

Eventually, Hachikō's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty.

Each year on March 8, Hachikō's devotion is honored with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Tokyo's Shibuya railroad station. Hundreds of dog lovers often turn out to honor his memory and loyalty.

For more information go to Wikapedia

Week of March 8 2010

2010-03-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Faith's story

2010-03-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

Humility

2010-03-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

Ever notice that no matter who you think you are, dogs just have a way of putting things in perspective? I think of President Bush and his dog Barney. As if the President didn't have enough problems with his public persona, Barney the Scottish Terrier would act up in a most public way. He would routinely show a complete disregard for the President. It used to make me laugh out loud to watch Barney duck and dodge as the President tried to grab him. Barney even bit a reporter and was captured on film doing it! Take that!

One of my personal moments happened at La Taza restaurant. I was feeling very special.

It was my birthday brunch celebration and fundraiser for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. The owners of the restaurant allowed us to bring our dogs. Everybody was having a great time when Bentley showed up. We were all very excited to see him and made quite a fuss at his arrival. Bentley walked to the middle of the patio, squatted and left a very nasty stinky pile. In a flash, the range of emotions went from happy, disbelief, disgust, acceptance and finally humor. Voila - a memory made. Some people turned away like it didn't happen, others left the patio and pretended to have urgent business inside but most of us just groaned "Bentley" and laughed while he tried to steal some food off of one of the plates left unattended.

A friend once said babies and dogs bring out the best and worst in people. I have to agree. Lucky me. I am surrounded by people that love their dogs, have a sense of humor and know how to forgive - maybe not forget - but certainly forgive!

Hello March

2010-03-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Kleenex worthy

2010-03-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

Picnic gone wrong!

2010-03-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

Monday's something to smile about

2010-03-01T07:54:00.000-08:00

Goodbye February

2010-02-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

Free Love

2010-02-27T21:22:00.000-08:00

Meet Tom and Dave

Tom Kelleher (on the left) is getting a high five from his boy Dave.

Tom Kelleher has just released his book "Free Love - True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet". This is his first book and Dave could not be more proud! Take a look at Tom's website www.tomkelleher.com to learn more about his book and blog.

Cat Talk

2010-02-24T20:45:00.000-08:00

"Off the Beaten Path" Tijuana opening

2010-02-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

See our very own Randy Rosenberg (Sadie's mom) in her debut "You Tube" presentation of her world wide exhibition "Off the Beaten Path". The exhibition can be seen after the welcoming speeches. For more information about Randy's non profit organization go to http//www.artworksforchange.org .

2010-02-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

Our Movie Pick

2010-02-19T07:56:00.001-08:00

thursday 2/18/10

2010-02-18T21:15:00.001-08:00

Wed 2/17/10

2010-02-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 2/16/10

2010-02-16T22:05:00.000-08:00

Smile!

2010-02-15T22:21:00.000-08:00

To our VIP family

2010-02-14T08:40:00.001-08:00

http://www.funpunch.com/Ecards/View/e94a7ae5-3877-4305-a421-4debe2096c63

A Valentine Date

2010-02-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day! I know just the place for a perfect morning with your four legged valentine. Montclair (Oakland CA) Start the day with coffee at Peets (on Antioch), Nellies, or Starbucks - on Mountain Blvd (they are all dog friendly). Then go up to the top of LaSalle and walk the Shepard Canyon trail, come back to LaSalle and stroll through the Farmers Market. Stop by Glamour Paws, do a little window shopping finish off the morning at the Malt Shop. Ice cream and frosty paws for you and your Valentine. Now tell me that does not sound like a great day!

Friday 2/12/10

2010-02-13T00:47:00.000-08:00

Lexie's dance moves

2010-02-12T21:41:00.000-08:00

Thursday 2/11/10

2010-02-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

february 2010

2010-02-11T00:10:00.001-08:00

Valentine

2010-02-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a special card to send your valentine, check out Jaquie Lawson's e cards. To view her collection go to www.jacquielawson.com

sadie

2010-02-09T09:53:00.001-08:00

Saysay

2010-02-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

Hold a good thought for Sadie today. She has not been feeling well for the past few days. She is at the doctors office again today as they try to figure out what is going on. We miss her sweet fun energy. Hurry back sweet Saysay.

Mr Sandman

2010-02-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

Bring me a dream. Make him the cutest that I've ever seen. That song must have been written about our Archie!

Wag for the Weekend!

2010-02-05T20:15:00.001-08:00

2010-02-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

The Broadway Terrace Cafe is a great place to stop for a coffee and pastry before or after a walk at the Mountain View Cemetery. The Terrace has a dog friendly area with tie downs, water bowls and biscuits. If you happen to be without dog - there is a lovely covered outdoor patio, or tables and chairs inside the cafe/gift shop. It is located next door to Village Market at 5891 Broadway Terrace.

The cemetery is such a beautiful place for a walk. There are 226 acres and leashed dogs are welcome but please, please, please pick up after your dog (we don't want to lose the privilege). The cemetery opens @ 7am and closes 1/2 before sunset. It is located at the end of Piedmont Ave. for more information go to their web site www.mountainviewcemetery.org . It's a great way to get some exercise and fresh air without the mud! Have a wonderful weekend!

Voodoo Doll

2010-02-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Misty is pictured above peeking out the door of the exam room - nervously awaiting Dr Taylor. Once every couple of months Misty gets acupuncture. She has an unoperable anachnoid cyst and this is what we do for her in hopes of keeping her condition at bay. Misty is a miniature schnauzer and her disposition is already a little uptight. After all, her nickname is rigamortis because she completely seizes up when she is held. Imagine my surprise to see that not only does she tolerate these needles being poked into her, she actually falls asleep during her treatment! A true testament to Dr. Taylor and her talents.

Recall of Merrick Beef Filet Squares

2010-02-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

Be safe and keep these snacks away from your pets as the FDA issued a warning about Merrick Beef Filet Squares. If you still have the resealable package, check for a "Best By 11/19/11" date — those batches may be contaminated with Salmonella. To be on the safe side, if you're not sure when you bought the treats, and they look like this, discard and treat your pooch to something else instead.

Luckily no illnesses have been reported yet — the bacteria was caught in a routine inspection in December — but be careful when handling the treats (to discard them), remove anything else they could have contaminated, and thoroughly clean any containers, too.

Closing time @ the Dog Show

2010-02-01T09:01:00.001-08:00

Annie

2010-01-31T22:38:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon (after taking care of the horses), I rushed over to the Cow Palace with my friend Ms. Pat to watch Annie (Steve O'Donnell's dog) in the agility demonstration. We made it just in time and it was so worth it! I was able to catch Annie right before she went on. I could tell she was nervous. She gave me a bunch of kisses and stepped into the ring. The crowd went wild. They cheered her on as she made her way through the maze of posts with Steve walking beside her encouraging her the whole way. She certainly was not the fastest but I believe she was the favorite. She was the essence of dog in that ring. Scared but brave and doing her best for those she loves. Big Hug Annie. You were amazing!

January 2010

2010-01-29T20:38:00.001-08:00

Looking for something to do?

2010-01-29T08:10:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, consider a drive over to Alameda.

Remember Monica?

Monica Sanchez used to work for Very Important Pets 5 years ago. She is the pretty, ambitious, smart young woman, mother, wife and entrepreneur (among many other things) that worked at Very Important Pets for a couple of years. She and her husband were managing Ultimate Grounds on Park Blvd in Oakland when I asked her to come to work for me. She did some part time work while developing her own pet sitting business "Pick of the Litter" all the while working at Ultimate Grounds (aah youth.....). Anyway, fast forward to 2010. Monica and Miguel are now proud owners of Wesend, a coffeehouse at 1536 Webster St. in Alameda www.thewescafe.com ! It is beautiful AND DOG FRIENDLY!!! They have thought of everything. They have installed an awning for protection from the elements on their gorgeous patio! Heat lamps, lights, a fountain, etc... -all the comforts of a perfect stop for breakfast, lunch, snack or whatever you and the pup are in the mood for. They have hit the ground running and their little shop is already a hit. Monica would be thrilled to see some of her "Very Important Pets alumni". Stop by to see her before or after an outing in Alameda.

FYI - There are a couple of dog parks near Wesend. A small dog park (under 30 lbs) www.alamedasmalldogs.org and the big dog park right next door within Washington Park . I recommend sitting in the parking lot and watching the crowd before going in so you can make sure the dogs are playing nicely. There is also the Main St. Linear Dog Park @ Main Street and Atlantic Ave. It is right next door to the Alameda ferry terminal. It stays pretty quiet and it has a beautiful view. No water for the dogs though so bring your own. For a lovely walk (with or without the dog) go to the shoreline at Crown Beach (another East Bay Regional Park gem) . The beach is off limits to dogs but the walking path welcomes leashed well behaved canines. There are bags supplied for picking up after our pets.

For more information regarding Crown Beach go to: /www.ebparks.org/parks/crown_beach. It is a lovely way to spend a day in Alameda.

How to Make your own Pet ID

2010-01-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

www.marthastewart.com/article/pet-id-tags

Photo: Johnny Miller

Tools and Materials

Shrinky Dinks printable plastic sheets
Regular or decorative-edge scissors
Hole punch
Pet ID tag template

Instructions
1. Download Pet ID tag template to your computer's desktop. Open the file and type your pet's name and your phone number.

2. Print tags on a Shrinky Dinks printable plastic sheet. Cut out with regular or decorative-edge scissors and punch a hole where indicated. Bake according to package instructions; let cool. Seal both sides with matte clear-coat spray before attaching to collar.

For all you cat lovers- look familiar?

2010-01-26T22:36:00.001-08:00

something to smile about

2010-01-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Sundays at Hossmoor

2010-01-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

Every Sunday rain or shine I can be found at Hossmoor a beautiful piece of heaven. It is an equine stable and boarding facility located at 1151Bear Creek Rd. in Briones. Felicity (Sonny's mom) - shown riding Ellie Mae, introduced me to this place 2 years ago and suggested that I volunteer. My friend Karen and I make the trek with coffee and carrots to fuss over our charges Dusty and Amber. For 2 to 3 hours we escape into the sounds and smells of the horses. All problems and worries seem to disappear as we walk, groom and spoil our adopted ponies. Hetty (owner/operator of Hossmoor) is a real cowgirl and it's not uncommon for us to see her out in the pastures or barn running things as only Hetty can do. One day she gave Archie and I a ride in the cart to the arena. Archie was in heaven. Most of the dogs I take out to the barn get a real kick out of watching all the commotion. When I take Amber for walks, we always stop by the truck to greet the dogs. Hetty has a spot for dogs to hang out. She provides front row seating under a shade tree with a water bowl and chairs so we can all sit and watch the world go by. To learn more about Hossmoor you can check out their web site @ www.hossmoor.com

Best of the East Bay 2009 - Paws and Claws

2010-01-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

Paws and Claws won "Best of the East Bay" 2009. Ruth (left) Diane (center) and Vanessa (right) are the dynamic team that make Paws and Claws the success that it is. Ruth and Diane are the owners of this little gem and Vanessa is their right hand woman! Hard work and a commitment to their customers have earned them the bragging rights to this very competitive "Best of the East Bay" award.
Walking into their store is like going to your best friends house. There is a comfortable and friendly energy to greet you and a sincere desire to help. They make time for everyone providing first class service and product selection. They are located at 2023 MacArthur Blvd. Parking can be a pain so I will share a little known secret with you. The liquor store across the street allows short time parking in their lot.
Tell Ruth, Diane, or Venessa you are a client of Very Important Pets and see what that gets you. I know you will (at the very least) get a warm welcome and maybe (just maybe) a little somethin somethin for your pet!

TGIF

2010-01-22T21:25:00.001-08:00

East Bay Regional Parks

2010-01-21T21:37:00.000-08:00

The East Bay Regional Parks is the largest regional park district in the nation. It is made up of 100,000 acres, 65 parks and over 1100 miles of trails. Redwood Bowl is one of my favorite parks within the system. Not only are the trails beautiful, the bathrooms clean, water fountains for people and pets, the rangers are wonderful. Everyone that works there loves animals. When I take my groups to the Bowl, the dogs go nuts when they hear the carts (aka mules). I have to leash most of them so they wont throw themselves in front of it. The rangers always stop to say hi and fawn over the dogs calling them by their names! Most of the rangers have dogs and cats of their own so they have a real soft spot for animals in general. If you find yourself in the area, stop by and say hi. Let them know how much they are appreciated. They work very hard to keep the park safe and clean for us. Check out their web-site. I have provided a link under "resources".

Another Great Idea

2010-01-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

Sylvia dosRemidios had the brilliant idea to make a "Missing Dog" poster to have on hand in case of an emergency.
In light of the horrible earthquake in Haiti, I thought I would share her idea with you. I have also put a link to the ASPCA site with their list of recommendations. Most important, make sure your pet has legible identification with current information. I cannot tell you how many times I have found dogs wandering the street with tags that are impossible to read! I know alot of my kitty clients do not have collars with identification. The Oakland Hills Firestorm had a number of cats delayed in being reunited because they were burned beyond recognition. They were finally identified once their fur grew back. How sad was that?!
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is currently working in Haiti. I have planned to donate 10% of January's income to them from
all of us at Very Important Pets.
Now where is my camera? I have some posters to make!

A good day to snuggle

2010-01-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

Meet Earnest (top) Julio (left) and Bella (right)
For 16 years it was Ernest and Julio. Littermates, brothers, best friends, and partners in crime. Ernest and Julio were inseperable. For the past year plus Ernest had been living with an illness that affected his mood and appetite. Julio was his constant companion. A little over a month ago Ernest passed away. Everyone was heartbroken but none more so than Julio. I was told Julio walked through the house calling out for his brother day and night sometimes howling from the pain of his loss. Debra and Brian did everything they could to try and help him adjust. Food therapy, lots of attention, tons of cuddling but nothing seemed to be working. Last week (with alot of uncertainty) they made the decision to get another cat. Meet Bella. A one year old Berkeley stripe. They found her at the Berkeley Animal Shelter. Julio was mortified. His wailing and howling turned into hissing and growling. Bella ignored him. She gave Julio his space - occasionally offering her friendship. Each day was a little less hostile. Finally this morning Julio gave in to the sweetness of his new friend. Although Bella will never replace Ernest hopefully she will help fill the emptiness in Julio's heart. Looks like they are off to a good start.

Very Important Pets Slideshow

2010-01-17T18:26:00.001-08:00

High Five!

2010-01-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

Give me 5! My web site is up. Still some fine tuning to do before I unveil the finished product but I am happy to be on the internet. Thank you to all for putting up with the whining and complaining. This was my New Year's resolution from last year.

I am a little like Archie (but not as cute) I might take a while to get there but I do eventually show up. Hope it's worth the wait!

The end of an era.

2009-02-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

The downside of owning a dog walking business are the goodbyes.
I just received notice that one of the original members of the Very Important Pet "Rat Pack" has died. Rico was mentioned in my last post as being the unlikely boyfriend of Lola. He had the Frank (cool), Dean (sexy), and Sammy (fun) combo going for him. Everyone (except cats and squirrels) found him irresistable.
Lola, Rico's girlfriend was always getting us in over our heads. One day she started a snarlefest with some unsuspecting dog and Rico did not like his tone. He chased after him talking smack. I was terrified he was going to get in a fight! I screamed "NO RICO"! He stopped in mid air, turned around and slowly walked back to us glaring over his shoulder at the other dog.
Of course Lola didn't let on that she was impressed but I think that day Rico became our hero. He was the consummate gentleman.
Rico I'm told lost his battle with cancer. His short time here touched many lives and even though Rico will forever live on in the chronicles of Very Important Pets...I sure hate to see him go.
Goodbye dear friend

The Look of Love

2009-02-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

I have attempted to play cupid throughout the years without much luck. The friends that are still speaking to me will agree that I am not very good at it. My lack of matchmaking skills apparently spill over into the animal kingdom as well. When a new pup joins our group, I always think "I can't wait for "x" to meet "y". They are going to love each other"! Most of the time I am wrong.

A perfect example is Lola. A beautiful weimaraner with long legs and neurosis to match. I had her pegged for Apricot. A handsome golden retriever with the disposition of a southern gentleman. Nothing got under his skin. But no, Lola fell for Rico. A pit/shepard mix from the wrong side of the tracks. He growled, she snarled they were in love!

Another miss was Archie. He's a very big flirt in a jack russell body. I knew he was going to love Cici, a black cocker with eyelashes so long they should be illegal. Wrong again. Archie's first love was a blond vizsla/lab mix named Lexie. Unfortunately Lexie traded love for a career (she does search and rescue of tennis balls ). Archie's current object of affection is an older woman named Cokie. She's a stinky basset with an attitude that rivals any diva! They are still an item.

Then there is Rita and Sammy. I can't imagine those two any other way. Rita snorts, Sammy skips. They are storybook cute with a love affair straight out of a Disney movie. They are currently living together and probably in some adorable cuddle pose as I write.
Next but not least is Dexter. He is the player of the group. He looked so cute with Tala the English Shepard but he's one of those guys that can't be tied down. He loves the girls AND the boys.....Who knew?

With love in the air, I guess it's best I give Cupid back his bow and arrow. If you are out there looking for love maybe it's best to follow the lead of our furry friends. Just close your eyes and let that arrow fly. You never know what might happen. Hopefully it won't land on a stinky basset!

Have a wonderful Valentines Day!

nicki

2009-02-02T23:58:00.001-08:00

Nicki and I found one another in the spring of 1993. I had no idea what I was in for. I thought that getting a puppy while starting a new business would be a great way to start out my new career as a pet sitter. Hah!
I brought Nicki home from the local shelter. We had a week or two of being head over heels in love. Then the honeymoon was over! For the next 15 years that girl did not let up. She was relentless. The garbage cans, the shoes, the hunting excursions, the late nights, the parties, the list goes on and on. She filled our lives with so many adventures, laughter and tears. I wouldn't change a thing. Her antics usually led to some lesson to be learned. Nicki taught how to be tough when necessary, strong when challenged, joyful, forgiving, and most important, how to love with an open heart. Nicki died last year. Her little 18 pounds of scruffiness may be gone but that terrier spirit is still here guiding me through this next adventure - the trails of the Internet. I hope to somehow share the essence of what we started 16 years ago. Our labor of love "Very Important Pets".