While more and more pet-owners are taking their pets along on vacation and boarding facilities are becoming more popular options, many pet owners prefer to leave pets in the comfort of their own home under the trusted eye of a caring professional pet sitter.  Working as a pet professional has given me new insight into the many ways owners can make these experiences as comfortable as possible for their pets and their pet sitters. The most important element in creating a positive experience for owners and their pets is to find a trusted pet professional.  Once you’ve located possible candidates…

With the weather warming up, the high travel season is fast approaching.  A number of owners are taking pets along for the ride but there's plenty to consider before setting out with your pet.  Here are some considerations to keep in mind before traveling by air with your furry friend. First, consider your pet’s health. Remember that some pets may not be physically up to the stress of traveling – older pets, those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, and those with extreme anxiety, for example, should probably not fly.  If you have any reservations about your pet’s ability to…

For many, the arrival of warmer weather means its time for a road trip. Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a day on the lake, there’s nothing like sharing your travel adventure with your pet pal.  In this series of articles, we explore a few measures you can take to keep you and your pet happy and safe as you hit the road. One of the simplest things you can do to ensure your pet’s safety also happens to be one of the most frequently overlooked: Always, make sure that your pet is wearing a collar with some form of identification just in case he or she slips away and finds herself lost.  Make …

In light of the enormous tragedy in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, there has been an increased focus on disaster preparedness here in the United States.  The government has long encouraged citizens to be prepared for emergency circumstances, but we often inadvertently overlook how to ensure our pet’s safety in these situations.  While there are some crises beyond the scope of our ability to prepare, there are a number of steps pet-owners can take to anticipate an emergency situation and help keep their beloved pets safe as well. The American Society for the Prevention …

Last weekend the sounds of bag pipes, drums, and festive Irish music filled the air in downtown Alexandria.  And then there was the sound of barking, baying and general bedlum.  The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town has gone to the dogs, and that’s not a bad thing.  Prior to the start of the annual procession down King Street, many of Alexandria’s finest four-legged friends gathered at Market Square for the pre-parade Dog Show, and it was canine craziness.    For those of you unfamiliar with the Old Town St. Patrick’s Day Parade, it is a beloved Alexandria tradition.  For thirty …

Recently, I experienced something truly moving in our little corner of Fort Hunt. I learned about the passing of a beloved four-legged friend: Tucker, a jumbo-sized jolly old lab and a fixture on our street.  Every dog lover I know has a special place in their heart for that special dog who stood out amongst their many four-legged friends.  For some of us, it’s the dog who became our best friend and trusted confidant as we faced the challenges life brings together; for others it was the rescue dog we took a chance on that blossomed in our patient and loving arms; and for others it's that …

My dear puppy’s daily habit of chasing squirrels and birdies got us both into some trouble a couple weeks ago when her pursuit landed her in the middle of a prickly bush in the back yard.  In the process, Little Miss Squirrel Stalker poked her eye and earned herself a visit in the Emergency Veterinary Hospital early on a Sunday morning. Though she didn’t sustain any lasting injuries, she needed a week of eye drops and an E-collar (I.e.; “cone of shame” for those of you who’ve seen the movie Up).  I got a whopping $400 dollar veterinary bill.  My pup continues to stake claim to the title of “…

One of the most entertaining parts of my daily dog-walking and pet-sitting visits are enthusiastic greetings I receive from my furry friends upon my arrival.  I’m particularly entertained by the fair number of pups who excitedly greet me with their favorite toy or “treasure.”  Everyday a happy-go-lucky middle-aged golden retriever proudly drags his latest stuffed animal victim, sans its stuffing and an arm or leg, to the door where he presents me with it.  Another daily dog-walking buddy, an old lab, springs to life, retrieves a giant stuffed purple hippopotamus, and barrels down the hallway…

Despite the fact that the ever-reliable Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog has proclaimed spring to be just around the corner, it seems evident to me that Jack Frost has yet to release his grip on Fort Hunt.  There’s nothing more relaxing to me after a full day outside in this cold-winter air walking dogs then coming home to warm snuggles with my pup.  After putting up a good fight for the first few months and refusing to let her on the couch or on the bed with me, this winter has done me in and I’ve relaxed the rules long enough for at least cuddle or nap time.  I have to say that my dog has proven…

I often find inspiration for this column from my daily dog-walking adventures, my pet-sitting pals or my own furry friends and this week is no different.  This time around the subject of my ponderings is the phenomenon I’ve dubbed Snow Spaz Syndrome.  For those of you with your own dogs, I’m sure you are familiar with SSS even if you’ve got another name for it. (If you're not sure, check out this video).  I’m talking about that sudden and sometimes silly, at other times completely crazy, hyper-active reaction when dogs experience snow.  Whether it’s running around in circles, plowing head …

Having weathered last year’s Snowmaggeddon, this year’s winter weather seems anemic by comparison.  As a dog walker on the “front lines” last winter my daily job was nothing short of an adventure, as Fort Hunt became an arctic arena.  Like a Sherpa leading a team to the summit of Mt. Everest I deftly negotiated giant mountains of cleared snow, icy sidewalks and giant half-melted slush puddles with terrified Chihuahuas and other uncertain pups in tow.  After I led my dogs out for their daily walks, we would return to our home base for de-slushing, warming up and treat time.  I quickly learned …

Last week I had the great pleasure of taking care of a pair of perfectly content middle-aged house cats that were quietly enjoying watching TV while their owner was away on travel.   Both cats are laid back indoor kitties whose daily entertainment alternates between cheering on contestants on The Price Is Right and staring out the window and watching the busy intersection below.  Neither is particularly high strung or vocal so I was completely caught when one of the kitties began bouncing up and down onto the kitchen counter; climbing atop the refrigerator and leaping from counter to counter …

Just over a week into the New Year many of us are enthusiastically pursuing that resolution to get fit and healthy. Last week we talked about how many of our pooches could stand a bit more exercise too. While the cold and bitter winter months can make a daunting prospect of daily dog walk time, I've become quite enamored of a local outdoor spot which provides a great dog-friendly place to get fit while having fun with your pal. Fort Hunt National Park is open from 7am until sunset and provides over 105 acres of outdoor space perfect for exploring with your pooch. For those of you with enough …

After the indulgences of the holidays, it's no surprise that eating healthier, slimming down and getting fit are at the top of many New Year resolution lists.  Many of my animal friends have set their own goals in place for the New Year, and they're surprisingly in sync with our human ones. Take for example, Sierra Bear, a Rottweiler who was once the runt of the litter, has now tipped the scales at over 100 pounds. At almost 3 years old, Sierra has fallen victim to a slowing metabolism, fewer long walks and romps in the park, and too many milk bones.  While it's normal for growing pups and …

'Twas the Night before Christmas when all through Fort Hunt All the creatures were stirring from show dogs to mutts; Barks of excitement filled the cold air, Knowing St. Nicholas soon would be there; A few kitties and pups were already snug in their beds, With visions of cat nip and milk bones filling their heads; The rest were alert, awake and on guard, Ready to chase flying reindeer away from their yard; Sure enough as expected St. Nick soon arrived; And our four-legged friends could not believe their eyes! Away to the window scrambled the cats; To the front door to greet him went the dogs…

There's nothing more magical than when snowflakes start to fall, especially now at the height of the holiday season.  While we may not feel quite the same degree of excitement that we did as a child, I was reminded of that wonder and magic as I experienced it through two of my puppy pals who had their first introduction to snow this past week.  What an entertaining snow day! My rescue pup, Sophie, spent a good part of the first six months of her life in a garage so her gradual exposure to the great outside world has been an adventure in discovery.  She missed the Great Snowy Winter of 2010 …

In the frenzied weeks leading up to Christmas there's no shortage of extra visits from the postman, the UPS man, and the FedEx driver.  For us humans these visits often mean cards and greetings from old friends, surprise Christmas packages and all sorts of goodies.  For dogs, these visits seem to be evidence of an invasion of unwelcome intruders. So what is it exactly about the postman, and package deliverers, that drives dogs so crazy anyhow?     I've heard many theories about the reasoning behind dogs' collective dislike of these holiday visitors. Part of the answer is simply the dog's …

The recent blast of arctic air sent me running to the coat closet to dig out my warmest winter jackets, hats and gloves.  It is during this time of year with its wind chills and freak snow storms that I question my choice of jobs – as a dog walker it means pulling on the long johns, layering up and wrapping up tight before heading out for my daily walks with my four-legged friends.  It also means making sure my pals stay warm – and dressing some of them up in their own winter woof wear.    I am frequently asked whether I think it's appropriate for dogs to wear coats or sweaters and I've come …

The holiday season has officially begun and while many are busy making preparations to enjoy the coming months with family and friends, it's easy to overlook making the holidays an enjoyable experience for our favorite animals too. As a pet professional I have the distinct advantage of being able to learn from the experiences of some of my furry friends – my daily dog walking and pet-sitting "clients"­– about what it takes to keep them safe this holiday season. Take for example, Princeton, a Beagle known for his nose's uncanny ability to sniff out all things edible and his voracious appetite…

Hello Fort Hunt Patch readers. I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a column, which I've dubbed Dog Walker Diaries– a new addition to Fort Hunt Patch.  I envision this column as a place to share some of the many funny, heartwarming and even educational adventures, I've experienced as a dog-walking pet-sitting professional and as a pet owner.  I know what it's like to be a dog lover in Fort Hunt. I was born and raised in Alexandria and have always called the Fort Hunt area home.  I worked as a veterinary assistant at the Fort Hunt Animal Hospital before leaving for Mary …