As you may have noticed, I made an executive decision and
cut the original price increase on Daily Dog Walking. Hopefully this will benefit all of us. In June and September I will
re-evaluate.
Summer is winding down and I must say that the economy surely
took it's toll on DC area pet sitting. Most of my pet sits were much shorter than those in years past.We have continued
to add new clients to compensate for the shorter vacations. I have yet to take my annual vacation. I suspect I will shoot
for October or very early November. (Fingers Crossed :) I can tell you one thing for certain, I will not miss the Hazy, Hot
& Humid Summer.
It has been a sad Summer as some of my older pups are aging
far too quickly. In July, I received an email from a long time client that my buddy, Max , a sweet and adorable King Charles
Cavalier, had lymphoma and that he had received chemotherapy yet he had not improved. By the end of the month, his mom sent
me a note telling of Max's passing. We are all so heart broken. His picture and a beautiful video are linked here. Now, I'm
being told that Balota, a very senior pug who has been with me for nigh on ten years, is fading as well. Here's to happy jounts
through tall cool grass in Doggy heaven . We miss all of them so much.
My two newest puppies, in two different households, (Tallula-
a feisty terrier/black lab mix and Hokie-a very sweet and vibrant little pug rescue...who has given Old Balota a run for her
money) are still working on expending their endless energy. I've introduced Tallula to Old Jake, in hopes that he might
give her some pointers on how to be a cool laid back ball dog. :) Little mini Hokie is holding his own while running with
the big dogs! In a freak accident on my friend's birthday, lil Tallula actually snapped my left ring finger. Yep, it broke
at the top nuckle and made for a very interesting summer. Let's just say, I never knew how important a ring finger can be
for a doggy walker.
I 'm looking forward to another season of teaching for the
Creative Cauldron. The Grand Opening to their new "ArtSpace" is coming up. On September 18, 2009 we will be having an Open
House where we will exhibit the many classes and arts offerings to come. Working with the Creative Cauldron has
been a very good outlet for my pent up creativity.
I hope that everyone is continuing to survive the economic
woes and that all good things are coming your way. Some of my clients are finally starting new opportunities and I fully expect
them to be returning to our daily schedules this Fall. We can only hope for better days.
Because of so many issues, now lay-offs, Animal Shelters and
National Rescue Groups continue to send out blanket pleas for foster families and adoptive families. With so many pets rescued
from puppy mills, all over the nation, shelters can barely keep up with the constant flow of rescued animals.
If you have a place in your home for a second or third pup
or kitty there are so many just waiting for the perfect family. You can click on any of the links here to get more info
on available pets.
Let's hope for happy endings for all of the four-legged babies.
All
the Best,
Annette
"Don't Forget to send me your news."
In Loving Memory of: Max (forever young),TC (17+),
Charly, Sammi, & Corky (Old Age), Clinton (Age unknown), Dari (8), Dean (5), Thor (12), Bacchus (15), Romeo (13),Blackie
(15) Nuzzie-girl (We won't tell her age...let's just say she had quite the long life and looked half her age.) I know you're
all running free...We love you so!
