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Gwinnett County Animal Shelter

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Looking to adopt or rescue a new pet?  Check out the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter, located at 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville, Georgia.  They have many cats and dogs of all sizes and ages available for adoption.  The animal shelter takes in about 15,000 animals every year, so there are more than plenty to choose from.  Only about one third of these animals get out safely from the shelter.  The shelter receives an unusual amount of purebred dogs, so instead of going to a breeder, it is a wonderful option to adopt and save a life.  The shelter offers many resources for you when you are looking to adopt.  They can give you advice on pet care, specific breed information, choosing the right pet, and tips to help make a new pet adjust to your home environment.  The shelter has a web site with pictures and descriptions of the dogs and cats available for adoption.  You can look online or go to the actual shelter during their business hours to interact with pets.  I have rescued several animals and the feeling is very rewarding to save a life.  Many animals have no issues and just want a home to call their own and to be loved : )

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.

Your Puppy and their Pet Sitter

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Well it is definitely that time of year where people have gotten puppies for Christmas presents. They are totally adorable bundles of fur and love.  You took the time to pick the perfect puppy that will fit in with your family. You have spent days coming up with unique name for this wonderful new arrival. Now the real work starts. While the puppy is young it is the perfect time to instill the rules of the house to ensure a lifelong loving happy relationship.

 

The phones at Gwinnett Pet Watchers are ringing off the hook. New and existing clients are calling to get our help in raising their new puppy’s. This is one of our favorite times of the year. After all we get all the snuggles all the puppy breath without ever getting our shoes chewed on.

We have a special product called a potty break. We offer this service for all of Lawrenceville, Buford, Dacula ,Sugar Hill and Suwannee . We also offer this service to most of Loganville, Grayson and Snellville. We added the potty break to our line’s of  services when we realized there were a lot of people in Gwinnett County that are away from home for long periods of time Monday through Fridaybecause of their long commute to work . The potty break is ideal for the dog whose owner is at home in the morning, and in the evening to walk and give it plenty of attention. What we do is come in the middle of the day and get the pup to outside for a bathroom break.

People with new puppies use this service a little differently. Many will have us come in at 10 or 10:30 AM for the first break and then come back around 2 or 2:30 PM for the second break. With this schedule the puppy is only in its crate for 3 to 4 hours in between breaks. The client pays $10 per visit and in this example $20 per day. A price that is well worth the jumpstart to house training.

 

When the puppy gets to be about eight months old (like children each puppy develops at a different rate) we can usually move to one 30 minute walk. This gets the puppy out of its crate for a nice walk to get some exercise and to expel some energy. This  makes for a much happier experience for the owners when they come home from a long day at the office.

Call us today 404-819-3641 to  set up your free consultation. We can come up with the perfect plan for you and your new puppy.

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.

Gwinnett County Parks

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These are our favorite dog parks in Gwinnett. We live in Lawrenceville, but we will travel across Gwinnett to Grayson, Duluth, Suwanee, or where ever we hear of a new dog park close to us! Here are OUR top 5 favorite dog parks in Gwinnett:

5. Lenora Park

4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville 30058

4. Settles Bridge Park

380 Johnson Road, Suwanee 30024

3. Rabbit Hill Park

400 Rabbit Hill Road, Dacula 30019

2. Pinckneyville Park

4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Norcross 30071

1. Ronald Reagan Park

2777 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville 30044

Puppy Boot Camp :Potty Training

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New Puppy Boot Camp: Potty Training

Introducing your new puppy to potty training can be a frustrating and grueling task but with patience and consistency you will succeed. In this post I will describe ways to make potty training easier for both you and your pup.

Eliminate the Possibility of Accidentspuppy white background

Accidents are inevitable but there are a few things you can do to lessen their likeliness of happening.

  • Keep a constant routine. Make feeding time and potty breaks the same time each day. Eating at the same time each day will usually mean needing to go out at the same time too. Scheduled potty breaks can also teach your pup that they can rely on you to let them out and they won’t need to resort to going inside.
  • Take away water in the evening so that your pup doesn’t need to go out during the night.
  • Clean up soiled surfaces. Pups are likely to return to the same spot, especially if a residue or scent remains. Invest in carpet cleaner to get out tricky stains.

Praising & Scolding

  • When your puppy goes to the bathroom outside make sure you immediately respond with praise, whether in the form of cheer or a treat. This reaction lets your pup know that he or she has done something good and that this good thing makes you happy (and might even result in a yummy snack). Be consistent with your potty praise so that your pet associates one with the other.
  • Scolding when your pup goes to the bathroom indoors is necessary but needs to be done right. If you come home to an accident, it’s too late. Your pup will unlikely connect your anger with the accident. However, if you catch your pet in the act, it is wise to quickly interrupt them by distracting them (speaking loudly works) and then instantly taking them outside so they can continue. Once they have finished outside it is then appropriate to praise as usual to signal that the change in behavior was good and appreciated.puppy potty training bells

While You’re Away

Pups under a year old need a little more TLC than older dogs. A young puppy will need to go to the bathroom every couple of hours so if you have a fulltime job or expect to be out of the house for a long period of time, it is best to have someone let your pup out for you during the first year.

At Gwinnett Pet Watchers we offer an affordable service called Potty Breaks. Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. you are able to call on us to let your pup out for a quick ten-minute break. Call us at (404) 819-3641 or send us a message if you’re interested in learning more about this service.

 

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

Things To Do With Your Dog In and Around Atlanta

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Things to do with Your Dog
Week of 10/17-10/23/2012

 

The Humane Event
Thursday, Oct 18 7:00p
at Summerour Studio, Atlanta, GA
Join Atlanta Humane Society’s Junior Board, the 1873 Society Club, for the 3rd annual Humane Event. Guests will enjoy cocktails and bites from favorite Atlanta restaurants including Aja, Cruzado, D.B.A. Barbeque, JCT Kitchen, Miso Izakaya, The Optimist, The Shed at Glenwood, Spice Market, Tantra, Yum Bunz and Whiskey Park, then dance the night away with a live performance by Kidd Koby Roc. read more

Creator: LizLapidusPR

 

Atlanta Beagle Rescue Bowling for Beagles
Friday, Oct 19 8:00p to 10:00p
at 300 Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Price: $25 per adult $18 per child under 18 $85 for a team of 4
Phone: (404) 273-6297
Age Suitability: All Ages

Come out and support Atlanta Beagle Rescue next Friday, October 19!. Come by yourself or create a group to celebrate Friday night, beagles, and bowling!
It’s at 300 Atlanta – bowling with everything entertainment under one roof: state-of-the-art lanes, floor to ceiling video screens, dining and friendly servers. Registration includes bowling fees, shoes, pizza and unlimited soft drinks.
Register online at http://www.atlantabeaglerescue.org/upcoming-events/event/2-bowling-for-beagles.html.
Event Website
Categories: Charity & Volunteer, Pets
Creator: Roxie Beagle

 

Fall Pet Photo Shoot
Saturday, Oct 20 12:00p to 4:00p
at City Dog Market, Atlanta, GA
Price: $25
Age Suitability: All Ages

Please join us on Oct. 20th from 12-4 and on Oct. 21st from 1-4 at City Dog Market for photos taken by Jane Davis Photography to benefit Ahimsa House.
Donate $25 to Ahimsa House and receive a mini photo session of your canine ghost or human goblin (costumes welcome!), with a complimentary 4×6 print.
Proceeds will help provide a safe haven for the animal victims of domestic violence.
To make a appointment, sign-up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FAEAD2FA75-fall
Event Website
Creator: ahimsahouse
Atlanta Kennel Club’s 113th Anniversary Dog Show
Saturday, Oct 20 8:30a to 6:00p
at Atlanta Expo Centers, Atlanta, GA
Love dogs? Bring your family & friends to the Atlanta Kennel Club dog show, obedience and Rally obedience trail. Watch the regions best Junior Handlers vie for a $1,000 scholarship from Atlanta Kennel Club, meet dogs you’ll see on TV at the Westminster Kennel Club show, visit with nearly 2,000 dogs of all breeds, learn grooming tips for your best furry friend, and shop great pet supply vendors. read more
Creator: Kachme27
Strut Your Mutt, Picnic and Party
Sunday, Oct 21 12:00p to 4:00p
at Heritage Green, Sandy Springs, GA
Price: FREE
Phone: (770) 613-0880
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: music, park, party, pets, dog, animal, rescue, shelter
Furkids Strut Your Mutt, Picnic and Party is going to be a blast for the whole family! Come participate in our dog costume contest, visit adoptable dogs, enjoy a BBQ lunch, acoustic entertainment, and much more. All proceeds benefit a Georgia’s largest animal shelter!
We hope to have a great time while enjoying the setting at this beautiful park conveniently located directly across from our Petco in Sandy Springs!
Enter in a 50/50 Cash Raffle too! See website for details.

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 Website
Categories: Charity & Volunteer, Pets
Creator: goodmews

Another reason I love my dogs!

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Miss Jennifer is back from vacation this morning and has taken over her accounts. That means I only have one kitty cat sit today and one meeting with a new client.
The house is a wreck as you can imagine after a week of 14 and 16 hour days. My office looks like a hurricane has gone through, with files stacked here and there, and the inbox, well we won’t even talk about that. But as I look around trying to come up with a game plan to dig out, I see five beautiful faces, saying “Mom, please we have missed spending time with you, we have missed our nice long walks, and when was the last time we went to the dog park together. The dirt will be here when we get back and really we don’t care, we just care about being with you and having some fun!”
Just another reason I love my dogs, they help keep me grounded, they remind me of what is really important and today that is spending time with my pets and visiting my mother, everything else is just noise. So with that said we are off to the park …