Archive for the ‘Confessions of puppy sitters’ Category
Doggy friendly Vancouver
Never have we been to such a pet friendly city. First we saw specially sculptured doggy fountain on the waterfront. Then the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel has two Labradors that live in and around the hotel. Eight year old Mavis arrived at the hotel in 2003. She lives on the Fairmont Gold Floor with one of the staff members. When we arrived she was having a “sickie” and had to go to the vet. Beau, the male four year old Labrador, came to the Fairmont in 2007. He lives with one of the concierges. Fairmont patrons can take the dogs for a walk during the day. We did book Beau for a walk on Saturday but he was also having a sickie. (Are these Australian dogs?) These are Fairmont dogs so Mavis has a Louis Vuitton collar and Beau’s is straight from the Gucci shop. But this morning at 8:00am, both dogs have returned to work and ready for the challenge. Loaded up with doggie treats and doggy poo bags, we walked them for an hour, along the Vancouver waterfront seawall. Beau knows every piece of green grass along the way and set himself a challenge - to kill all the grass along the way by lifting his leg onto it. But not only does the Fairmont Vancouver have its own dogs, it actually lets other dogs stay here as well. They also let cats stay as well. This is an extract from the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel In room dining service booklet. Fairmont Pet Menu Furrrst Course Doggy “Bison Meatloaf” (2 muffins) Made with locally sources, hormone free meats. Farm fresh produce and organic whole grains and herbs. These muffins are loved by even the most particular dogs!! It’s a completely balanced, vet approved meal suitable for the pooches with sensitive tummies. Succulent Salmon Stew for Cats A natural, wholesome meal for the discerning feline. Ideal for cats of all life stages, this hearty stew is made of the highest quality ingredients, including salmon and veggies like zucchini, pumpkin and carrots. Purrfect Fun (one selection from three choices) Wild Salmon Jerky Very high in protein and essential Omega-3 fatty acids, these gourmet wild salmon jerky strips are “purfectly” wholesome. Stop, drop and drool (two selections from three choices) Organic Beef Granola Bars Handcrafted in BC, these super-healthy, protein-rich snacks are worthy of your big dog! Certified organic extra lean beef, whole oats, eggs, fresh veggies and apples. Eco-friendly Turtle Made from safe, durable and eco-friendly fabric and fill created from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, it not only diverts waste from going to your landfill but also uses eighth times less energy than producing fabric from virgin fibrers. Fresh and nutritional treats specially selected by Mavis, Beau and their friends. 
Confessions of puppy sitters-Quite a menagerie
House sitting has also given us experience as farmers… or orchardists … or something like that. In July 2008, we looked after an orchard in a very picturesque valley the Darling Ranges east of Perth. Luckily the orchard was in that dormant phase so there was nothing we had to do for the trees. Luckily because that left us to concentrate on the two dogs, five cats, five geese and three ducks. Quite a menagerie.
Confessions of Puppy Sitters: Zorro and Zena
We are currently looking after Zorro and Zena. Both are boxers, one tortoise shell and the other white. Zorro and Zena are some of our regular doggy friends. We started looking after Zorro when he was a young boy. Zorro was the king of his castle. His deep bark would frighten any intruder. Zorro’s most distinguishing feature was the stream of slobber that dripped from his jowls. Then he would shake his head and globules of slobber would fly across the room. “Look out” was the cry.
Confessions of Puppy Sitters: Tilly
I always wanted a pet, but our travelling lifestyle doesn’t allow for it. However one thing led to another and now we are house sitters – well pet sitters really. Dogs and cats, (geese, chooks, ducks and birds) are much more at ease in their own house. So when pet owners go on holidays they get us in to look after “Nip and Fluff”. It can be quite a juggling act coordinating our own travel assignments with pet sitting engagements. So over the years we have looked after a menagerie of animals. This blog gives us an avenue to explain some of the funny animal personalities we have come across. Every month we will write about our “foster” pets. We will not however delve into the controversial subject of pet owners because they of course another breed to themselves.
The first pet we ever looked after was Tilly. Tilly is a beautiful Golden Retriever who really does know how beautiful she is. With her long peroxide blonde hair and contrasting purple collar she is very striking dog. In fact a tip for single men is to get a beautiful Golden Retriever because they are chick magnets. When walking with Tilly, we are stopped by many admiring people, mainly women. Especially heading to the beach where Tilly carries her own pink boomerang.