We started pet sitting as a way to earn extra income 10 years ago. We were attending Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock, TX and had been married for all of 4 months before we realized we needed help getting our finances in order. After attending 'Financial Peace University' we started taking care of pets! After 10 years, we're learned and grown so much, but it's just the start!

Our feline friends hold a very special place in our hearts. Often overlooked and sometimes forgotten, we care deeply about their physical and mental well being. September is the purrr-fect month to celebrate our felines and make them happy! Below are 10 things you can do this month to better connect with your cat and keep them healthy.

There are a few moments in life that really knock the wind from your sails. One of them is definitely the death of a pet. No matter the length of time they’re with us, we are left wholly changed when they leave. Whether it was unexpected, or a planned passing, the grief is still very real and something we are left searching for answers and meaning for a longtime.

Fewer things are more adorable than seeing a baby interacting with a puppy or a dog. These ‘melt your heart’ moments are the things many parents, grandparents, and friends, intentionally try to make for photo opportunities. Unfortunately, these scenarios can actually be rather dangerous and place both the baby, and dog, in unnecessarily stressful situations. Your dog will face an overwhelming number of novel sights, sounds, and smells with the introduction of a baby. It may be a difficult time for your dog, especially if he or she has been the “only child” for a while.

Have you ever needed to travel but didn’t know how to make sure everything was taken care of at your house? Getting a house sitter may be your best option. Not all house sitters are the same, and building a good relationship with one is the best way to ensure you have peace of mind while you’re away. Your home, animals, plants, and property, shouldn’t be left to just anyone. An hour of research and messaging will be very beneficial.

The Missouri State Fair is a wonderful place to experience some of the best things Missouri has to offer! This year is no exception. Starting today through August 23rd, there will be nonstop events, rides, exhibitions, and funnel cake. An estimated 300,000 people are expected to find their way into Sedalia over that time. Unfortunately, when it comes to being pet friendly, the State Fair has a long way to go.

Your pet does adorable things all the time! Most of us wish we had more photos of them just being themselves. We get asked a lot about how we capture the photos we send as updates to clients, and what magic we use to take them. The truth is, getting a good photo of your pet isn’t as difficult as it may seem. While it does take a tiny amount of skill, the really important part is patience. We’ll break down 5 of our best tips to make sure you get the best photo possible. 

Walks are not the same for each dog or even for different activities. Depending on the goals you have for your dog, the care they need, plus their age and breed, as well as weather conditions, the walk can be tailored to fit all sorts of needs. Walks provide many benefits beyond just physical exercise and stimulation. There is also mental stimulation from being exposed to new scents and scenarios, and then there is also the benefit of continued leash training reinforcement and working on new commands.

Our front yard seems to be a haven for stray pets. We found another pup in our front yard yesterday! Thankfully, we returned him safely to his owner. Having a pet run out an open door, escape through a fence, or jerk the leash out of your hand is one of the scariest things a pet owner can go through. Whatever the reason, there are a few things you can do to recover quickly.

Dehydration is no laughing matter. Just as in humans, staying well hydrated is critical to the health and wellbeing of your dog. Water regulates your dog’s body temperature, aids digestion, waste removal, and muscle and nerve function. It also helps fight bad breath! Your dog should take in about 1 cup of water per 10 pounds of body weight.

When people discuss crate training, they often think it’s not for them, they know it’s something they should try, or they tried it once and it didn’t work out. Some may also have misconceptions about what it is and why they would find it beneficial. Crate training is not forcing your dog into the crate and then leaving them there for hours at a time. This actually does much more harm than good, both psychologically and physically. It is also traumatizing to you, the owner.

We recognize that not every pet is able to be boarded, and sometimes drop-in visits just are not enough. Whatever the reason, house sitting may be the solution you need. House sitting is when the pet sitter comes to your home and stays overnight with your pet. Many sitters will still leave during the day, just as you would while going to work, and return in the evening. This helps keep the routine of your pet intact while you’re away. 

We like to put our name on things that are ours, usually in permanent marker or pencil. Not a big deal. It’s a different story when our dog puts their name on something, with urine. Marking can be very annoying and destructive to your belongings and home. Before you stress too much or begin the next few tips, take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for the urine-marking behavior. If they get a clean bill of health, use the following tips to make sure they don't start marking their territory.

July 4th is right around the corner! While many of us will be celebrating with grilled foods, friends and family, our furry family members might not be as excited about it. Fourth of July and New Year’s are when most pets go missing. Fireworks are a major driving factor of pets getting scared and running away. Thankfully, there are precautions owners can take to ensure their pets have a safe and happy celebration.

Summer is in full swing, and with that comes needing to keep our pets safe in the heat. Summer is a great time to be outdoors and to have fun with friends, family, and our dogs. It also means we need to be more vigilant for signs of heat stress and heat exhaustion. While you may be ready for longer walks in the park, hikes, or bike rides, your pup may not be conditioned or ready for that.

We focus on dogs a lot, but that doesn’t mean the Funky Feline Bunch isn't just as important to us! The right cat with the right owner is a relationship and bond that will last up to 20 years. Because of the longevity of some cats, bringing one into your life isn’t something to rush into. Too often an adorable kitten is picked up on a whim, only to be dropped off months later because they grew and weren’t getting the attention they needed.

Are you concerned about separation anxiety or general uneasiness with your pet when you leave? Mental stimulation is key for a happy and healthy lifestyle for your pet. Not only do puzzles and games provide mental exercise but also some physical exercise and dexterity improvements. Providing a few puzzles or toy options for your pet decreases anxiety and boredom, which can lead to decreased destructive behaviors. It also helps release pent-up energy during the day.

We have been noticing a trend in dogs recently, and not a good one. 2020 saw us all staying home more, and with our pets almost 24/7. While this was a wonderful time for bonding, and our dogs definitely loved it, now that we are out more, our dogs are left at home alone and confused. We’ve been seeing an increase in signs of separation anxiety in pets, both young and old. While it may seem adorable that your dog wants to always be around you and whines when you leave, separation anxiety is no joke and definitely impacts both your and your pets quality of life.

We LOVE podcasts. They’re audio shows you can listen to whenever you want. There’s a podcast for pretty much everything and everyone. Because we know you’re a pet lover, we wanted to recommend some of our favorite podcasts for pet lovers! You can listen to podcasts from your computer, or from one of the many podcast players for your phone. If you need a specific recommendation, let us know!

Celebrated every May, Lyme Disease Prevention Month is something that benefits both humans and our pets. Lyme Disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial infection transmitted by certain species of ticks. An infection that impacts specific organs and joints, it can lead to lifelong illness. While not particularly common in Missouri, it has been growing in prevalence in recent years.