New Services for 2006                             

Hello from Your Furry Godmother!  We wanted to take an opportunity to thank you for continuing to trust us to provide your pets with exceptional care in your absence.  We have also had several referrals from you lately which tells us we are doing a good job.  We are continuing to grow and we really appreciate you telling your friends about our services.

In an effort to provide you with the best care possible, we would like to introduce you to our newest programs and services.

   Safe Return Program

Each of our daily dog walks are going to receive a new identification tag. The tag reads: "In the care of Your Furry Godmother Petsitter  248-376-3480".  I decided to do this when I heard a sad story from a man in Ferndale last week.  He called me to walk his dog, but he never called back.  When I called him to ask if he still needed our services, he said the family member who had been walking the dog lost her!!!  I realized that we do not live in a magical world where nothing ever goes wrong. So if you dog ever gets lost under any circumstances, and you cannot be reached, we can always be called as a backup so your dog can be returned home safely.

   Lullaby and Goodnight Program

At the Pet Sitters International conference this year, they are emphasizing the research that has been done on providing certain kinds of music for your pets to listen to.  This has been researched by The National Humane Society and the American Kennel Club among others.  So I have ordered music CD's for dogs and cats.  Some are peppy and upbeat and fun, some are soothing and relaxing.  I have been listening to each CD and determining which music I think would best suit each dog.  We will be providing a music CD and a CD player for each of our daily dog walks within the coming weeks.  After each dog walk, the music will play for 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the CD. Please let us know if you notice any change in your pets - positively or negatively.   We are looking forward to offering this fun new service.

   Neighborhood Dog Walk Discount Program

Tell all your friends and neighbors about Your Furry Godmother and we'll give you all a discount on your services!  Hooray!  If we book five or more dog walks within one mile of your home, you will all receive a 10% discount every day!  To jump start this program, we have created door hangers to walk in each of your neighborhoods.  We will begin walking these around beginning next week.  Offering this discount is one way we can thank you for being such good clients.

   The Cat’s Meow

We are developing a program for our cat sits.  We are looking for ideas that will do two things: stimulate cats mentally and relax cats physically.  We are researching play activities and some pet massage techniques.  This program will be in place by the end of 2006.  Check back for more information.    

   Good Deeds

You have helped us build Your Furry Godmother into a successful pet sitting service.  And we know that those of you who are willing to hire a professional pet care giver provide the very best of care for their dogs and cats.  We would like to give something to help those poor dogs and cats who aren’t so fortunate by donating a portion of our profits to support non-profit organizations.  So each time you make a payment, you will be helping dogs and cats in need.  If you have any favorite animal charities, please let us know. 

We decided to start this program after my daughter came home with two stray kittens last week.  They were infested with fleas and ear mites.  They have colds and conjunctivitis.  I made a deal with my daughter who has been helping me pet sit for years.  I would pay the vet bills if she would nurse them back to health.  These two got so lucky.  Cori feeds them and medicates them day and night.  Their brother, whom we could not catch, died within two days.  They were all so sick.  So we are starting with these two little kittens.  By the way, did I mention they now have names?  (Tom Cat and Alley Cat)  And that it looks like we will now be a four cat family!  But you know what?  They make us happy!  

   Red Cross Pet First Aid Certification

All of our staff will be attending training in September 2006 to receive their certification or recertification in Red Cross Pet First Aid Training. 

This comprehensive four hour course covers the following topics:  

What is normal for a dog or cat How to approach a sick or injured dog or cat Administering medication Recognizing and emergency How to detect dehydration CPR and rescue breathing Shock Choking Bleeding Abrasions   Allergic reaction Bloat Bone, muscle and joint injuries Blood sugar emergencies and diabetic emergencies Burns

Car accidents Collapse Lacerations Drowning Ear problems Electric shock and electric cord bites Eye emergencies Falling Frostbite Heat stroke Pad wounds Poisoning Puncture wounds and bite wounds Seizures Snake bites

Whether you use Your Furry Godmother, or decide to use another service, please make sure your pet sitter is pet first aid certified!  This course is also available to pet owners.  For more information, contact Your Furry Godmother.

  Ian from Live Safe Academy