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A Common Saying…

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I am sure you have seen posted far and wide the saying, “All you need is love…and a dog.”  From Facebook to Twitter to wall signs…I have seen it just about everywhere.  Why is it seen from coffee mugs to t-shirts?  Because it is the universal truth.  Our dogs keep us healthy and happy.  Literally.  The American Heart Association found that pet owners lowered their risk of heart attack. And people who have heart disease and who own a pet are more likely to survive a heart attack.  Even the CDC has a “Healthy Pets, Healthy People” portal on their website dedicated completely to pet owners.  No doubt, pets are a huge part of our lives.  Reading and watching all of the scary things that go on in our world, our pets keep the innocence and sanity in our homes for us.  Whether they are licking your face, curling up next to you, or wagging their whole body when they greet you when you are coming home from work, all you need is love…and a dog!

German Shepherds

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Looking for a breed that is clever, courageous, faithful and fearless?  The german shepherd may be your pup of choice.  They are very muscular and strong, obedient, and ready to learn.  They have been known to give their lives for their humans and are a very loyal breed.  They love their families, but can be wary of strangers.  They should not be left alone for long periods of time and need to be around their people.  They are usually not big barkers, unless they find it necessary, but they can be whiners!  They do require a strong handler and training from an early age or they may get skittish and definitely need socialization.  They love to have “jobs” and do great as working dogs in the police force, guide dogs, tracking, or security positions.  They are not couch potatoes and if they are left to sit around in the house or locked in a back yard, may become very destructive and out of control.  German shepherds are heavy shedders and shed year round.  Some of the common ailments and diseases that can affect the breed are hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, bloat, epilepsy, and flea allergies.  Our own Gwinnett Pet Watchers, Robin, just rescued a german shepherd puppy and she is a love!  If you want an active and protective pup, then they would be a wonderful choice.

Events for Saturday, September 20th

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There are two events on Saturday, September 20, 2014.  The first is Bark for Life Canton.  The American Cancer Society sponsors it and it is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.  Go walk for a great cause!  The other event the 10th annual Hot Lips Hustle 5K in Marietta. This fast, flat, certified 5K race in Marietta is fun for the whole family (and dogs, too)! Chip timing, live DJ, trophies in 14 age groups, prize giveaways and great t-shirts define the Hot Lips as the must-run race of the fall. Entries will be capped at 500 participants for this celebratory event, so register now! Families, dogs, runners and all walkers are welcome. All dog participants receive special collar tags and the top three dog finishers receive special awards. This race was founded by a Marietta girl born with cleft palate who wanted to give back to needy families with children who cannot afford treatment for this crippling birth defect. Since inception, the Hot Lips Hustle has changed over 200 children’s lives through The Smile Train.  People are encouraged to let their dogs participate for an additional $5 per dog.  Both of these activities are benefiting great causes!

Looking for a small, sturdy dog…

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The jack russell terrier may be the dog for you if small and sturdy is your goal.  They are highly intelligent and trainable to do a wide array of tricks.  For this reason, they are often seen on tv shows and movies.  The breed is cheerful, loving, and absolutely fearless.  They need a very firm owner or they may walk all over you.  They do require lots of exercise and may become aggressive or destructive if enough energy is not expelled daily.  They can be suitable for apartment life if properly exercised, but do best in a home with a large yard where they can run around.  They do not have many health problems, but common ones include eye disease, deafness, and dislocation of knee caps.  The breed requires little grooming, only combing and brushing; bathing when necessary.  Jack russell terriers have been used to hunt small game, especially fox and they are considered a working breed.  They are also great at agility.  They are definitely for an active owner and are not couch potatoes.  They have a life expectancy of 15 or more years.  We have several clients with jack russells at Gwinnett Pet Watchers.  My personal opinion is that they are very fun and active dogs and I really enjoy spending time with them.

The Best Pet Sitter in Gwinnett County!

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Last Friday one of my sitters was having car trouble so I had to fill in. This was not a planned vacation so it gives me an excellent opportunity to check in and see how my sitters are treating our clients.
At one home I found a note thanking Amelia taking the time to pick up a little as she was washing the pets bowls. At another house the client came home while I was still walking their dogs so I had a chance to visit the owners. They could not say enough about how wonderful Amelia is. The praises range from her wonderful text messages, neighbors seeing how happy the pets are when being walked , and the fact the owner know the pets love her!
I am not saying that it is easy to find good people, but it sure is easy to recognize good people when you find them. A very special that a girl to Amelia, obviously you are going above and beyond to take care of our clients. Thank you for all you do every day!

amelia and her jack

If you live in the Lawrenceville, Buford, Sugar Hill, or Suwannee area and would like to have Amelia take care your pet(s) give me a call 404-819-3641 and we will set up a free consultation.

A Trip to the Vet

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Jake split one of his nails playing fetch over the weekend. I took it to the vet this morning to have the nail cut back and see if he needed any antibiotics. You know these crazy people with their pets who are so overprotective that they actually make the dog nervous and obnoxious, oh my God I am That pet owner!!
When the vet tech came in I explained that and Jake is very skittish and i was concerned that he might nip if he was frightened. I proceeded to put a box muzzle on him to protect him from himself. She then put a leash on him and was going to walk him to the back room to get weighed and get is now clipped. As she was leading him through the door he put on his brakes and looked at me with those big brown eyes. I told her he might not go with her and that I probably should walk with them. She looked at me with the same look I give my clients and said trust me as soon as that door is closed and he can’t see you I will have better control of him.
A few minutes later they came back in. She had the muzzle in her hand and Jake was wagging his tail. she said he had been perfect. He had let them cut his nails and got his rabies shot. She said he was a perfect gentleman not a whiner and did everything they asked him to.
It’s funny how I know all this stuff and put it into practice daily, but when it comes to my pets I turn into “That” pet owner.  I really could be one of my own clients.

Saying goodbye

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About two weeks ago I got a call from a client who has two dogs and two cats that I have taken care of for several years. One dog is an older Doberman with a large inoperable tumor on his chest.
When I answered the phone the owner told me she had some bad news. I thought that Rocko the Doberman had passed away. But then the owner said, “it wasn’t Rocko, it was Rusty.”
It has taken me two weeks to even be able to write about it. Rusty was a very special boy. He was a rescue so we don’t know his entire story. He was a very shy boy. When I first started taking care of him, I would put his dinner down then leave the room and go love on the kitties, because if I was anywhere around he would worry and not eat. I remember how happy I was the first time he let me pet him. And then there was the day he let me give him a belly rub, I think I liked that belly rub as much as he did.
Rusty was all ways a finicky eater, but over the last six months it had gotten worse. When the Vet diagnosed him with cancer he only lasted two weeks.
I love them all but some time there is the one who worms their way into your hart. I love you Rusty and will miss you. My hart and prayers go out to your family. It helps to know that we will all see each other again on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

Around Town With George

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Things to do 11/7-11/13/2012

Paws for Cocktails benefiting Furkids Animal Shelter
Thursday, Nov 8 5:30p to 10:00p
at Park Tavern at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA
Phone: (770) 613-0880
Age Suitability: 18 and up

Please join us for a fun evening to benefit Furkids Animal Shelter, Georgia’s largest no-kill animal shelter caring for over 600 animals daily.
Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, a raffle and spectacular live and silent auctions. Plus fabulous free prizes – and surprises!
Follow the event on Facebook for silent auction previews and event details as they come! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paws-for-Cocktails-Atlanta/314390051993107
Event Website

 

Fun things to do Around Town with Your Pet

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Weekend of 10/24-10/30
Glamour Paws Annual Howl-O-Ween Party
Friday, Oct 26 7:00p to 10:00p
at Glamour Paws, Atlanta, GA
Price: Free
Phone: (404) 885-9285
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: family, halloween, dogs, party, pets
Ghosts, Goblins and Witches Brew…but it wouldn’t be a party without You! Jump on your broomsticks and bring your pets to Glamour Paws for our Annual Spooktacular Soiree. There will be costume contests with awesome prizes, live music, screamingly delightful drinks & hors d’oeuvres for you & your four legged friends, and more!
780 N. Highland Ave. Ne, Atlanta, GA 30306
Event Website
Category: Pets
Creator: glamourpaws

• Atlanta Pet Expo
• Saturday, Oct 27 10:00a to 6:00p
• at Gwinnett Center: Convention Center at Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA
• Price: Free
• Age Suitability: All Ages
• Bring your pet to the ATLANTA PET EXPO! Sat, 10/27/2012, from 10AM to 6PM, INDOORS at Gwinnett Center with FREE admission and FREE parking! Check out a special appearance by SHORTY ROSSI (and his pit bull, Hercules), star of ‘Pit Boss’ on Animal Planet, 125 + PET-FRIENDLY EXHIBITORS, live demos, LOW-COST VACCINATIONS, giveaways, DISCOUNTS on your favorite pet products, contests, RETAILERS and much more FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Plus a MEGA-ADOPTION event with 300+ pets available for adoption.
• Event Website
• Creator: AmazingPetExpos
• Pet Parade at the Johns Creek Arts Festival
• Saturday, Oct 27 12:00p
• at Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek, GA
• Price: Free
• Phone: (678) 512-3309
• Age Suitability: None Specified
• The Johns Creek Arts Festival features a “Pet Parade” at noon, Saturday, Oct. 27, giving local pets a chance to get in on the fun.
Dress your pet in its best costume and then march your furry friend across the festival stage for a chance to win “Best Costume,” “Cutest Critter,” or “Best of Show.”
The Pet Parade is open to the first 60 pets registered. Registration is free. All pets must be on a leash or in a cage.
For more information, visit www.JohnsCreekGA.gov or call 678-512-3309.
• Event Websit
• Creator: jennifer.chapman

Dog First Aid Class
Saturday, Oct 27 12:00p to 4:00p
at Dog School 101, Marietta, GA
Price: $60
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: dog, rescue, first aid
What to do if your dog becomes sick or injured? Join us to learn the basics of dog first aid. Learn what to do in case of accident or injury to your pet, and when to go right to the vet.
Space is limited, please reserve a spot by e-mailing info@ashepherd.org.
Portion of ticket sales benefits GSD Rescue of GA.
Event Website
Creator: gsdrga

Loews Atlanta’s Costumes on the “Woof”
Tuesday, Oct 30 7:00p to 9:00p
at Loews Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, GA
Price: Free to attend
Phone: (404) 745-5000
Age Suitability: None Specified

Party with your pets this Halloween at the Loews Atlanta Hotel’s third annual Costumes on the “Woof” event! On Tuesday, October 30, from 7 to 9 p.m., Loews will open up the terrace for a pet costume contest, music mixed by DJ Joel Rabe of Lethal Rhythms, specialty cocktails and canine friendly cuisine. Proceeds from Costumes on the “Woof” will benefit Canine Assistants. In the unlikely case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. To RSVP, please email loews@thereynoldsgroupinc.com.
Event Website
Creator: triciaTRG

Good Mews Animal Foundation Holiday Sale
Saturday, Oct 20 9:00a to 5:00p
at Sandy Plains (Publix) Shopping Center, Marietta, GA
Price: FREE Admission
Phone: 770-499-CATS (2287)
Age Suitability: All Ages

Good Mews Animal Foundation will be having a Holiday Sale this year so mark your calendars! We will be selling all holiday items, so you will be sure to find a lot of great things! The sale starts Friday October 12th (9-5)and will run every Saturday 9-5) and Sunday (Noon-5) thru the first weekend of November.
The sale will be located at the Sandy Plains (Publix) Shopping Center:
1860 Sandy Plains Rd at Scufflegrit Rd. Marietta (2 doors down from Publix)
For information, viisit www.goodmews.org
Event WebsiteCreator: goodmews

Sponsor a Pet Friday

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Let’s make today Sponsor a Pet Friday!!! Here is just a couple you could choose from. Please send the money you would spend on a cup of coffee or a sandwich it would make such a difference to these animals in need.

Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
It is me Weddles presenting my 5 remaining babies. I gave birth to 11. I grieve for them but know I will see them at the rainbow bridge. I was very sick and my babies needed help. We had to be at a vet. If you can please help with my big vet bills. I didn’t want poor Angels to have to spend so much on me but they tell me I am worth it. All of us will be grateful to all of you who prayed, shared and donated to us. More doggies like me could be saved if fosters could be found for mom and babies. Sweet Andria Levine took my picture!!!! Angels will post her site. God bless and please donate to that bill. www.angelsrescue.org
IMOM (In Memory of Magic)
Sirocko is a 19 month old Persian cat sick with a partial urinary blockage. Sirocko is currently at home with his owner and is losing a lot of weight. He needs a perineal urethrostomy, to allow him to urinate on his own. He has had several obstructions and has been treated for this already. We are trying to raise $1359.80 before he blocks again. To donate, please visit http://tinyurl.com/79og6jd and mark your gift “Sirocko Adkins” or we also have paypal, our address is paypal@imom.org. To read more about Sirocko, visit his topic in our online community at http://bit.ly/Q6b0p8.
Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
These little Angels desperately need your help!!! Poor Momma Winnie developed mastitis and an awful ear infection 10 days ago and stopped nursing her babies. A wonderful foster has been bottle feeding the babies, but they have coccidia and are not absorbing nutrients, as they diarrhea continuously. If the foster falls asleep and doesn’t feed/medicate them every 2 hours, they will literally start dying and she has to revive them. They are so tiny and fragile and we are so afraid of losing them. We are wanting to take them to a 24 hour vet so that they can be monitored, medicated, and fed every 2 hours, but their care is going to be sooo expensive 🙁 Poor Momma Winnie needs to go to the vet too, as she hates getting her medication so much she spits out most of it and has basically stopped eating and drinking. We are begging you to help us pay for their care, they are all very pitiful and sick, when just 10 days ago they were happy healthy kitties. It’s so sad to see. Please donate at www.angelsrescue.org with Winnie and Sick Babies as subject line. We desperately need your help! Thank you and God Bless! ♥ ~R — Please Help Us Save Poor Winnie & Her Sick Babies!!
Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
Hi! I’m Flip Flop and I am so worried. I urgently need a foster or adoptive home. Yes, I know I am a pit mix, but I never asked to be born. I’m just a baby. Maybe 6-8 mos. I don’t deserve to die because my mom wasn’t spayed and because my owner didn’t love me and my sister, Mittie. Our time is up and luckily the shelter gave us a bit more time over the weekend . They believe in us despite our breed mix, but every day, dogs like me get dumped here at the pound or picked up as strays. Please sponsor me and Mittie, my twin sister, and most importantly consider fostering me to save my life. $150 each is needed for our vetting. Anything not needed goes to help another dog or cat in need. Please hurry. Applications and PayPal at www.angelsrescue.org
Foster@angelsrescue.org