day/night care

Holiday time brings special anxiety for any dog owner who wants to travel. What to do with the pet during this busy time of the year? A quick check of Craigslist shows that there are plenty of people out there willing to come into your home, either to feed and walk the dog, or even to stay overnight. But only the most desperate are going to turn over an animal (who can't tell you what went on) or a house to a perfect stranger.

There may be kennels in the Greenwich area, but I have yet to meet someone who's willing to recommend one. More often, people ask me who I use, since they know I have multiple animals. More recently, I've been lucky enough to have a close friend stay with them, but since he moved to CA, my only experience is with Kristin, owner of the Canine Athletic Club. Two years ago, when I had only one dog and 4 outdoor cats, she (or someone from her team) came to the house to walk and feed Chessie, taking her to her "day camp" from midmorning to late afternoon. This year, when I thought I would need her services for several days, including Christmas, I contacted her again, and she was very prompt to reply, via email, that she could indeed do the job. She requires extensive documentation, and information about the animal, its habits, its vet, to convince me that she knows how to deal with any emergency. And when I cancelled, she was equally polite. For my money, and for my sanity, I would feel quite comfortable hiring someone who has been in business for at least two years. I would NOT feel the same about someone who is new at the game.

guests

Two situations:

1. You want to travel with your dog. Where to stay?
2. You have guests coming who are allergic to your pets. How to purify your house so they don't end up with a serious medical problem

As it happens, many luxury hotels now accept, and even cater to, pets. But in meeting the needs of pet owners, they also have to make sure they can guarantee clean rooms to those who just don't want to sleep in a room that has been inhabited by a dog or cat. Some of the measures they take to clean up are outlined by The Wall Street Journal.

Estate Planning

What happens when you're gone. Really gone. Who will take care of your dog(s)? Are you sure someone is really going to love your pet enough to find a good kennel when they travel, seek out the best vet, and take it out for a walk in nasty weather? Maybe now is the time to think about the unthinkable, and the Wall Street Journal has put together a few suggestions on how to plan for your pet's care.

looking for a trainer?

There will come a time when you consider a dog trainer. Dog chews when you're out, dog pees on the carpet when your attention is on someone else; dog pulls on the leash when you're out for a walk. But anyone scanning the message board at Pet Pantry for a GOOD trainer is sure to be confused. Which to choose?

The New York Times, in its Thursday Styles page, recently addressed that issue in A Chorus of Dog Whisperers offering some ideas on why there are suddenly so many trainers along with some hints on how to choose the right one (if indeed you need one)