Feel Like Complaining

Last week was a fun one for us. First was a last minute request from a couple that has been traveling in their RV for 13 months. They were visiting friends a little out of town and wanted to go somewhere with them but couldn't take their dog. We met her one day and Cookie came back to stay the next. Dogs like this make it so worth it. Although she had a little accident during the meet, she was good from there on out. We loved walking her and she minded very well. I doubt that we'll ever get to see her again but it would be great if we could. Cookie During that same time, I was doing drop-ins for a couple of cats. It was only once a day for three days and they lived real close. One needed pain meds, a liquid syringe in the mouth. He didn't fight too much but wasn't real happy about it either. The next day came Chico, the cutest little fella. He's a 9 year old Chihuahua/Dachshund. His dad has already booked him for February and maybe even Christmas. He's...

I've spent time in some really nice homes since I've been sitting. I've mentioned before that they are not for me because of the cookie cutter feel they have. But lately I have noticed the impracticability of them all. In the summer my usual routine is to open doors to let the early morning cool air in. Then the fan goes on to circulate if it's going to be really hot. I can usually delay turning on the a/c by an hour or so this way. In these houses though, that usually isn't an option because there are no screen doors and strict rules about not letting cats out. Rooms rarely have windows that open either or have shades/blinds to cover them. It's nice to let the light in, but not the blasted heat! Big French Doors and arched windows above them are pretty but not functional at all if you can't keep the heat out or let the cooler air in. I'm forced to turn on the a/c at 6:00 am for a projected 97 degree day. These same people that have a Nest ther...

Last week was a record week for me. Last weekend we started with 2 little dogs. Sometimes the parents are more difficult to work with than the dogs. In this case it was both. She is such a helicopter mom and the dogs show it. Very specific eating/treat times with dinner at 3:00 pm. The female eats fine but the boy doesn't and she wants to eat his. The owner says that the dogs need being in very close proximity but that proves to be difficult when feeding them. I finally had some success by feeding her, then taking his to the dining room and sitting on the floor with him. When she came in, I would hold her back and pet her so he could eat. It got old fast doing it twice a day but I was making it work. We are always somewhat worried about boy dogs marking in a new house, so we are always prepared. But it was the female that peed 3 times in 2 days; once as we were watching TV as she just jumped down off the couch and peed right in front of us. The owner was surprised and embarrassed...

Sadie Awhile back we had a request from one of our favorite repeats, Sadie. It was just for the 4th only. Then another favorite family with two dogs also requested the 4th but for a total of four nights. I booked Sadie but didn't want to turn the other family down because we make our best money over the holidays. Someone with two dogs over a holiday is even better. All the dogs are about the same size so I asked Sadie's Mom if she would share the holiday. Sadie has stayed at many other places with several dogs. She agreed and the second family agreed too, so it was a go. Sadie ended up staying two nights and I thought we'd have a great time. Gigi Bella It wasn't horrible but not as great as it had played out in my head. Sadie really didn't like the other two. If they initiated play, she growled. Occasionally they would run around together but it never lasted long. She also needs a lot more walking and exercising and that didn't really happen so ...

I have never been one to take naps. Tony, on the other hand has been a napper since the day we met, and before. I guess it's what you get accustomed to when younger. I started occasionally taking naps last fall when Faith was in her last quarter at college, maybe just out of boredom. Plus while he's sleeping I had to be kind of quiet, so I figured why not? Now, some days it's more of a necessity. I am just so darn tired and exhausted. On Thursday I slept in 'till 7, took care of some doggy business, showered, skipped the gym, went shopping, and walked an easy dog. I slept for at least an hour after that. I always turn my phone on vibrate and lay it on my chest so I don't miss anything important. I slept through a phone call and its notification of a message. What the heck, was I in a coma? And yet other days I wake up with lots of energy, go to the gym, and keep busy the whole day without a problem. I have noticed I'm a lot more tired after I've done...