Links

Humane Society of Indianapolis
http://indyhumane.org/

I have a touching story of the great staff at the Humane Society.  They recently helped a starving, injured puppy that I found by the side of the road.  I was deeply moved by their compassion and encourage everyone to donate to their efforts to help animals.


NAPPS-For Pet Parents Page
http://petsitters.org/index.cfm?section=PetOwners

This is the organization I chose to join.  They offer training and resources to make this a career, not a hobby.


ASPCA-be prepared for disasters
http://www.aspca.org

 Natural disasters can strike anywhere at any time. These tips can help to prepare you and your pet against a disaster:

·         Identify two or three places you can go with your pet in advance. Don't wait until you get an evacuation order.
·         Prepare a pet evacuation kit that includes a week's worth of food, bottled water, a week's worth of medications, veterinary medical records, extra leashes and collars with IDs, portable food and water bowls and blanket.
·         Post a rescue alert sticker on a visible window of your home that alerts firefighters and rescue workers as to the type and number of pets inside your home.
Learn more about disaster preparedness by visiting the ASPCA's site HERE.


PETCO Foundation
www.petco.com

I donate 10% of profits to the PETCO Foundation.

The following story underscores the PETCO Foundation’s commitment to giving senior animals another chance at life. Because you’re never too old to love or be loved.

Through dim senses, distorted hearing and eyesight that failed in darkness, the love in Maggie’s heart never waned for her guardian Lillian. Not in life. Not in death. Maggie waited patiently on the rug next to her person’s bed, which now stood empty.

From joyful puppy to loyal senior dog, 12-year-old Maggie and 70-year-old Lillian grew old together. When the end was near – in a voice no louder than a whisper – Lillian made her best friend Charlotte promise to take care of Maggie and keep her safe. Charlotte agreed.

Unfortunately, Lillian's best friend had no intention of keeping her promise. To Charlotte, Maggie was just a stinky, old dog riddled with health problems. Charlotte called animal control and reported Maggie as an abandoned dog whose owner had died. She then left the bedroom and never looked back.

 
Caring for our animal best friends can be costly but aren’t they worth it? After all, each senior animal rescued has given their all to their person. Senior companion animals should never be penalized for outlasting their guardians!

When a senior pet’s guardian passes away or becomes unable to provide care, the PETCO Foundation works with humane groups to continue their outreach to these loving animals.

 


LUV A DOG RESCUE
www.luvadog.petfinder.com

I met Christina at Petco.  She is there with adoptable dogs while I am there with the Presents 4 Pets campaign to help rescue groups, like Christina. You can call her at 317-523-4785 or email caninematchmaker@yahoo.com

 

Any dog adopted from Christina  will get one free service from Ask Linda Pet Sitting (must be within my service area) Get your coupon card from her.


Presents 4 Pets
http://www.petsitters.org/index.cfm?section=Home&content=p4p

I started my Presents 4 Pets campaign October 15th at the Petco on N Michgan Rd. I have a huge green dog crate set up and the challenge is to fill it with supplies for two rescue groups: Rescue Me (the cat rescue at that Petco) and reTail Neighborhood Pet Place. If you are in the area, please stop by. You can either buy something at Petco, or bring something in because they would also like blankets, rugs, towels and even copy paper. Things that aren't sold at Petco. I am only there a few hours at a time when I can fit it into my schedule, but the crate will be there until the end of the month. Of course, when I'm there, I will give you a treat for donating. mmmm chocolate.

Campaign ends October 31st.


Never used a pet sitter before?
http://petsitters.org/index.cfm?section=PetOwners

Never used a professional pet sitter before?  Here is a link that provides good information:

 
           
 


Casa Del Toro Pit Bull Education and Rescue
www.casadeltoro.org

I met Rachael and others in the group one Saturday at Petco on Michigan Road.  As the owner of a pit mix, I support this effort to educate and help promote the humane treatment of all animals and stop dog fighting.

Any dog adopted from this group will receive a 10% discount on first time service.  Please check that you are in my service area.


PetTech pet first aid and CPR training
www.pettech.net


Removing pet stains and odors
http://www.catgeek.com

Removing Pet Stains and Odors

You know how it goes: The minute you turn your back, your pet decides that your new carpet is the perfect place to relieve himself. You clean and clean, but you can't get rid of that smell. What can you do?

Well, for starters, you need to find which areas are soiled and then re-train your pet to avoid eliminating in those areas. And to do that, you'll have to clean those areas, and clean them well. Here are the steps you'll need to take:

  • Find all soiled areas using your nose and eyes. A black-light bulb will usually show even old urine stains. Turn out all lights in the room; use the black-light to identify soiled areas and lightly outline the areas with chalk. Black lights can be purchased at home supply stores.
  • Clean the soiled areas appropriately to remove the odors. To do this successfully, follow our recommendations below.
  • Rule out medical causes for the behavior by visiting your veterinarian.
  • Figure out why your pet is urinating and/or defecating in inappropriate areas. (For help, see our tips on Solving Litter Box Problems, Housetraining Your Puppy, and Reducing Urine-Marking Behavior in Cats and Cats.)
  • Make the areas unattractive and/or unavailable. (For help, see our advice on using aversives to modify your pet's behavior.)
  • Make the appropriate "bathroom" area attractive. (For help, read our information on Positive Reinforcement: Training Your Cat or Cat with Treats and Praise, Housetraining Your Puppy, and Solving Litter Box Problems.)
  • Teach your pet the appropriate place to eliminate by using positive reinforcement techniques. SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE AT THE LINK BELOW

http://www.catgeek.com/Articles/Removing%20Pet%20Stains%20and%20Odors.shtml


Your Family Dog Positive Training
http://www.yourfamilydog.net/

Cammi and I took an advanced obedience class with Trevaesa .  In 5 minutes she analyzed a behavior problem that I had been dealing with for years.  Following her suggestions,  I practiced for the next week and the problem was solved.  Sometimes, it really helps to have someone look at a situation from "outside".  She is my recommended trainer for common behavior problems.

 Trevaesa  is our staff trainer too. 


Clicker trainer Connie Swaim's blog
http://indyhumane.wordpress.com/

Cammi and I visit with Connie about once a week to work on new moves for our doggie freestyle.  Connie works as a trainer at IndyHumane and also does search and rescue with her dog Condor.

 


Dog Training Classes offered at IndyHumane
https://indyhumane.org/index.php/services/dog_training

IndyHumane now offers an alternative to standard dog training classes: it combines the best of a group class and individual instruction.  Connie Swaim is a certified clicker trainer and offers you the choice of what you want to teach your dog.

This gives your dog the chance to work in an environment where there are other dogs (for distraction) but everyone is working on different things.  I think this is a great idea.


Linda Beatty talks about adoption at press conference
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013130108023

I was proud to be asked to be a part of the press conference Tuesday January 8th with Mayor Ballard and CEO of the Humane Society John Aleshire.  They announced a new initiative by the city of Indianapolis and several private sector partners to improve the animal over population problem in Indianapolis.


VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1ue8yEhy20


Ask Linda Pet Sitting Services

If you have to ask yourself if you're walking your dog enough, then you probably aren't.
But if you work an 8 to 5 job, then your pet care options are somewhat limited. You could come
home during lunch and dote on your dog, or if it works for (both of) you, you could send your
pooch to doggy daycare. But if your dog needs a more one-on-one approach, and you can afford
it, personalized pet care might be more your speed.
Fortunately, professional dog walking exists in Indianapolis, Zionsville and Carmel.
Linda Beatty operates Ask Linda Pet Sitting Services. A 30-minute mid-day visit, which is
everything from belly rubs and fresh water to training and a walk, costs $16.
It's just somewhat less expensive than the going rate for a day's worth of doggy daycare, though
it's admittedly more brief. But it is a more personalized service.
Compared to doggy daycare, Beatty says her service is less about physical stimulation.
"We offer an active walk to provide a good exercise session appropriate to the dog’s age and
condition. This is one-on-one, giving each dog what is needed physically; mid-day visits are
about exercise, potty breaks, boredom breaks and human contact.
During complete pet care, I supply the emotional care and companionship as well as the physical
care; this is important, because the owner is gone," says Beatty. "We watch the house and the pet
to give the client peace of mind while they are away. We keep a written journal, and send text
messages too if requested."
Beatty’s staff isn't a group of teenagers working a minimum wage job. They are skilled, she says,
in animal training and management, and each is certified in animal first aid, CPR, and delivering
medications. She and the staff bond with your pet, which, if you have a skittish dog or cat, can be
very important. Linda meets with each owner and their pet(s) to be sure the pet is comfortable
with her before ever taking a job. Cats really like to stay at home, rather than being taken
somewhere to stay in a cage. They can be more of a challenge than dogs as far as bonding, but
once a cat trusts you, you have a friend.
This career choice began in 2008, after being downsized from an administration job. "I loved that
job and planned to be there until retirement. But the economy happened. There were no jobs.
So I created one by following my passion, which is animals," says Beatty. "I always had animals
growing up, and even had a farm for 8 years in Ohio."
In 2011, she started actively advertising and the business has grown. Her business currently
covers the northwest side of Indianapolis, West Carmel, Zionsville and parts of downtown
Indianapolis. To learn more please visit: www.asklindapetsitting.com