Dogs and hot cars don't mix

Please help us keep pets safe this summer by sharing this story far and wide:
http://www.petfinder.com/blog/2011/07/06/a-sad-reminder-of-the-dangers/

New Hampshire implements "poo prints". San Francisco bans pet sales

Two great advances in the pet world this week!

• A New Hampshire apartment complex is enforcing all pet owners to provide their dog's DNA sample, in hopes of imposing greater responsibility among dog owners to pick up after their dogs.
  http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/06/27/new.hampshire.dog.dna/index.html
• San Francisco, CA is attempting to ban all pet sales from pet shops, as this is seen as inhumane, and would promote adopting pets from over crowded shelters and rescues organizations.
  http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-goldfish-20110627,0,6881137.story

This is great.  I love seeing changes in the right direction.
Now, when will Los Angeles join in with New Hampshire and San Francisco?  =)

New images

I've been playing around with photo filters lately, and they add quite a cute twist to my photos!
I know... photo filters are all the rave right now with photographers, but I have not seen them used much for animal/pet photography!

National Volunteer Appreciation Week

It's National Volunteer Appreciation Week!
A big thanks to everyone who spends their free time volunteering at animal shelter and rescues.

For those interested in findings ways they can help homeless pets, please visit this site for several tips and ideas:
http://www.petfinder.com/how-to-help-pets/volunteering-local-shelter.html

 Future National Volunteer Week Dates
    * April 10 - 16, 2011
    * April 15 - 21, 2012
    * April 21 - 27, 2013

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

Did you know that April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month?

Learn more about it here:  http://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-april/
Report animal cruelty here: http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty.aspx

Thank you to everyone who works to keep animals safe and healthy!

National Poison Prevention Week + Springtime Safety tips

My sister is an avid animal lover and she passed along 2 pieces of news to share with everyone.

The first is that this week is National Poison Prevention week!  (I know the week is almost over, but I've been busy, so that's my excuse..). 
A reminder for pet owners to please keep toxic household cleaners away from where your pets can find them.
For the complete list of common toxic household items, please follow view this page:
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-poisons/poison-prevention-week-2011/

Because I run a Doggy Daycare and Overnight Pet Boarding service, it's especially important for me to keep all toxic items out of reach.


Also, last sunday was the Spring equinox! 
You know what Spring means: blue skies, flowers blooming, birds chirping, mild breezes and temperature...
The arrival of Spring time also means to be extra safe, now that you and your pets are spending more time outdoors.
To find out more on how to safely enjoy the outdoors with your pets this Spring, read this fantastic article:
http://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/spring-safety-tips-for-dogs

How to help your dog age gracefully

CNN just published a great article on how to help your dog age gracefully.
Even if your pooch is still years away from being a senior, this is still a good read, so you can be better prepared for when the time arrives.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/03/12/mnn.aging.pets/index.html

March is National Adopt-a-Guinea Pig Month

Did you know that March is National Adopt-a-Guinea Pig Month?  Of course you knew  ;)

Julie Morris, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) senior vice president for National Shelter Outreach, designated March as Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea Pig month. Morris states: “The idea behind the celebration month is to encourage future adopters to think of shelters and rescue groups first.”

There are many guinea pigs in shelters in need of permanent homes, so if you have room in your heart (and home) for a new pet, please consider adopting guinea pigs.  I have 2 of my own, and they are such sweet and gentle animals.

There are many guinea pig rescue organizations across the country where you can adopt from.
Here are a few:
California:
Los Angeles & Orange County : OC Cavy Haven  http://www.cavyhaven.org
Los Angeles (Chatsworth): LA Guinea Pig Rescue  http://laguineapigrescue.com
San Diego: Wee Companions Small Animal Adoption  http://www.weecompanions.com
San Francisco Bay Area: Cavy Spirit  http://www.cavyspirit.com

Texas:
Texas Rustlers Guinea Pig Rescue  http://theguineapigrescue.com

Colorado:
Cavy Care Guinea Pig Shelter and Sanctuary  http://www.cavycareinc.org

Washington DC: 
Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue  http://www.mgpr.org

There are many guinea pig rescues in non U.S countries as well.  Contact me if you need help finding a guinea pig rescue near you!
Also, please come to me for any guinea-pig-care related questions as well -- I am quite an expert.  ;)

For general animal adoption (any animal), please go to PetFinder.com.  There are many different animals out there in need of permanent, loving homes.

Here is one of my own guinea pigs.  She is adopted from OC Cavy Haven

Join the Peachy PetCare Team!

Looking for a job taking care of pets?
Peachy PetCare is looking to expand our team! 
If you are interested in joining the Peachy PetCare team, please go to the "Jobs" page for more details.

Please visit the "Services" page to view the popular tasks our clients requests.

The ideal candidate is responsible, consciencious, responsive to phone calls, text messages, and emails, and has some experience in pet care.

Happy National Pet Dental Health month!

I know this month has exciting events such as throwing Puppy Super Bowl parties, running away for a romantic getaway on Valentines Day, and hosting Oscar parties.  But please do not forget it is also National Pet Dental Health month!!

Please find the time in your busy February schedule to brush your dog's teeth and establish a routine.  Brushing daily is ideal but if you can't do that, then 3 times a week is a good place to start. 

Also, consider looking into other "fun" options to supplement your brushing routine, such as teeth cleaning toys, dental chews, Flossies, and dental swipes.

Keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy and strong.

New peachy photos are up

New photo gallery of peachy pets has been added to the site.   Head over to the Just Peachy! page to check it out!

Warning: be prepared for lots of "awwwwwwww"s.

Puppy Bowl VII: Sunday, February 6 on the Animal Planet

Please don't forget to watch the Puppy Bowl VII this Sunday (yes, it's also SuperBowl Sunday) on the Animal Planet!  It on at 3pm Eastern and Pacific, 2pm Central.

What is the Puppy Bowl?
It's a show shown on Super Bowl Sunday, where puppies play in a model stadium.  Commentators use football terminology to illustrate their behavior and actions.

Did you know....
The puppies featured in the Puppy Bowl are from shelters, and the show contains information on how viewers can adopt rescued puppies and help their local shelter.

For "Tail" Gate ideas...
http://animal.discovery.com/tv/puppy-bowl/tailgate-party/tailgate-party.html

Learn more about the Puppy Bowl HERE.

New Content Added: Services and Pricing page

Two new pages were recently added to the site:

The "Services" page has a detailed description of all services offered by Peachy Pet Care.
And the "Pricing" page has all the rates for all services.

Take a look and leave a comment if there are any questions!

Fight Fleas and Ticks Naturally

I came across this article on CNN and I thought it would be a good article to share.

"Controlling your pet's fleas and ticks naturally" offers alternative methods of tick and flea control rather than using products made of synthetic insecticides.
Here is a the quick summary of options, please read the article for more detail:

• Use a flea comb
• Read the label carefully and look for ingredients like "Pyrethrin"
• Neem oil
• Oral treatments
• Peppermint and clove oils 

Read the entire article here:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/01/25/mnn.natural.flee.products/index.html?hpt=Sbin

What method of flea and tick control do you use?

New Facebook "page"

Well folks, I caved in and jumped on the Facebook bandwagon and created a Facebook "page".

Hopefully I will be better about updating that, than I am with Twitter or this blog.  =)  I dont know how people can keep up and remember to update their social network sites so frequently!

Please check out my Facebook here, and click the "Like" button!

Spoiler Alert:  as we speak, i am working on a new logo for Peachy PetCare!

Real Simple article: 5 Things You Can Learn From Your Pet

Real Simple magazine published an article, listing 5 things that people can learn from their pet!
The 5 things are:

1. Celebrate Everything
2. Just Being Present is Enough
3. (Brain) Size Doesn’t Matter
4. Don’t Try So Hard
5. You Can Get Along With Anybody

Do you agree with these 5?

Read the article in-depth here:  http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/family/pets/5-things-you-can-learn-from-your-pet-00000000050030/index.html?xid=cnn-rs-links-011311&hpt=Sbin

Meet BB, L, and P

I recently had the pleasure of boarding 3 very sweet cocker spaniels in my home: BB, L, and P (I only use the first letter of names in my blog).
Despite the fact that they are older dogs, you would not be able to tell -- they are full of life and energy!
They enjoyed the leisure walks around my neighborhood, and loved jumping onto every couch they encountered.  When I sat down to watch TV on the couch, they quickly snuggled up tightly against me, beating my husband to the punch!

And of course, here is the eye candy:

This is my fav picture.  Look at BB's tongue!

L loves her couches

P, the beautiful buff colored cocker

Amusing Photos - Part 1

During my adventures in the pet care world, I sometimes come across amusing things that I just have to take a photo of, and share with my readers.   

This is an adorable sign. 
And it bothers me to see un-scooped poop lying around.

I found a pile of Culver City street signs and stop lights by the
(currently closed) Culver City Dog Park

How random!

Beware of loveable cute dog.  She may steal your heart.

New service: Overnight Pet Sitting

I am happy to announce that there is a new service added to my list of services: Overnight Pet Sitting.

Now, whether you are out of town or have to work graveyard shifts, your pet will longer be lonely through the night. And your pet can stay in the comfort of their home rather than in a kennel. Also, if you are out of town, an overnight pet sitter gives your home a "lived-in" feel.

My Overnight Pet Sitting service is available for all pets.
For dogs, walks are provided evenings as well as early morning. Pets are fed according to your schedule. Mail and packages are brought in, and your plants are watered.

Rates are $60 per night, with discounts when booking 5+ consecutive nights.

We need more dog friendly parks and rec areas

I stopped by Culver City Park this morning to check it out (it was my first time).

Upon arriving, I was pleased to see a trail of blue paw prints on the ground.  I thought this meant that dogs were welcome at the park so paw prints were "decorating" the pavement.

The 2 paw print trails

After reading the signs, I was disappointed to learn that that paw prints meant that dogs were only allowed to stay on the paw print trail and are not allowed anywhere else in the park!  Not even on the grass area!

I followed the paw print trail, curious to see where it led me to:
 - 1 trail led me to the water fountain
-  1 trail led me to a small dog playground (score!).  However, the dog playground was under construction, with tractors plowing through the area.  (drats!).
So I turned around and left.

We definitely need more dog friendly parks.

Do you sponsor any pets?

Do you sponsor any pets?
Sponsoring a pet is an easy way for you to make a difference.

I just came across this site today, where you can sponsor a guinea pig in need:
http://sponsoraguineapig.blogspot.com/

The pet of the month is Pablo from Orange County Cavy Haven (I have volunteered for this organization in the past), a blind and deaf guinea pig that is unable to eat on his own. Poor thing!

Of course, there are many other rescues and organizations out there that need help.   A quick search on the internet will find you many results near you.

Why I love the internet

I came across this photo online, and I just HAD to share.
Who doesn't love a guinea pig squished in a slipper?!

--------

And an adorable video showing just how smart dogs are!

Free Pet Rescue Window Cling

I just came across this great deal today!


Get a Free Pet Rescue Window Cling from Castor & Pollux!!
Help keep your pets safer with the Rescue Me window cling. Just fill in your pets’ info, then apply this removable cling to a window in your home.

It would be a nightmare if my pets were trapped inside my house during a disaster.

Animal Photographer, Tim Flach

I just came across an article on animal photographer Tim Flach on CNN and I was blown away by his work.
I have always been intrigued by animal photography, and have attempted a few animal photography sessions myself.  =)

See more of his work here
Photographer Tim Flach: Capturing man's best friend