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Pets, Padres Together at Petco Stadium!

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

“Dog Days of Summer” Baseball at Petco Park

by Kelsey Uruburu on July 26, 2011

I use to work for the San Diego Humane Society and one the perks of the job was being able to bring my dog, Dash, to work with me.  He would get so excited every morning when I would strap him in this seat belt harness and head to work.  Every single day when we would pull on to the block where I parked, he would let out a loud excited yelp.  It never got old for him!  Having him at work was great for me too.  It’s been proven that petting an animal is shown to lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety.  Most of the time, he would chew on a toy, or nap in my cubicle, but when I needed a break he was always there for a good pet.  The San Diego Padres, who are sponsored by PETCO also have this philosophy.  Every year, they have a “Dog Days of Summer” game where pet parents get to bring their pooch to the game.  This year it’s tomorrow, Wednesday, July 27, against the Arizona Diamondbacks at 7:05 p.m.

If you haven’t already registered to bring your dog, unfortunately it’s too late this year, but there will be plenty of other people’s dogs for you to love.  This year is going to be extra special because the Guinness Book of World Records officials will be present as the organizers attempt to set a world record  for most dogs at a professional sporting event.  Last year’s sellout event was open to 500 dogs, and this year the event has been expanded to allow up to 750 dogs to participate and become part of history. 

Participating dogs will have the opportunity to attend a pre-game “tail” gate party and on-field pet parade.  Prizes will be awarded to the top costumed dogs in a variety of categories. Once the game starts, dogs and their people will cheer on the Padres from the Park at the Park.  Local adoption partners will also be in attendance to place homeless pets in loving forever homes.  Just because you didn’t show up with a dog, doesn’t necessarily mean you will be leaving without one!

Only dogs with a valid “dog ticket” will be allowed to attend.  Dogs who were approved to attend showed proof of current vaccinations and valid animal license prior to June 20, 2011.  PETCO will provide animal care staff on the day of the event. 

There are still tickets available for humans though, but buy ahead of time.  This event sells out and when else will you get to be part of a Guinness Book of World Records, record?  For more information or to submit a witty pet phrase to be displayed at the game, visit www.petco.com/petcopark.  To purchase tickets visit the San Diego Padres ticket page.

Wag more, bark less and enjoy the game!

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Padres and Pups!

Saturday, May 28th, 2011

Take your dogs to Canine Cocktails, Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter’s regular Yappy Hour event. Once a month 50 dogs and their humans gather at Level 9 Rooftop Bar for an unobstructed view of Petco  Park.  On June 9th, the hotel will host a Padres-themed event:   Pads v. Washington Nationals –  with complimentary dog bones, snacks and water bowls for all four-legged attendees.  For their two legged BFF’s, there will be drink and food specials as well!

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Protecting Pets In a Disaster

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

With numerous earthquakes and fires around San Diego, local experts are saying it’s not a matter of if -but when – a major natural disaster will strike San Diego. The best way to protect your family pet in the aftermath is to have a disaster plan. Being prepared can save their lives.

The 3 components to preparedness include:

• a portable pet disaster supply and first aid kit,
• a pet crate or container
• and a safe place to take your pet in an emergency.

A good kit includes, 3 days or more supply of dry, sealed food and unopened bottled water.  A blanket for warmth, a leash and collar (for cats too), and a 3 day supply of your pet’s medication, if necessary. You can make your own or purchase a ready-made kit. Here is a link to a variety of affordable options of pet first aid kits.

A pet crate is also important depending on the circumstances of the emergency, this may be the only place where they feel safe and in certain situations they may need “protective custody”. Be sure to include adhesive tags with up to date identification to include your dog/cat’s name, any allergies or behavioral problems, along with your name, address, phone number, a trusted out of state alternate to a friend or family member, and your vet’s number. Be sure to have these things ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Crates can also be expensive and the most affordable can be found used on craigslist under their pet section. Before making the purchase, check to see that there are no loose metal bars, that it can be latched securely, that it is big enough for the dog/cat to turn around and you are able to clean and sanitize it before your pet uses it. If you would rather get a new one this site offers free shipping on new crates.

Act now to protect your pets at the first sign of disaster. You may not be home when evacuation is inevitable. In advance, find emergency pet shelters out of the danger area, check which hotels take pets and advise your petsitter or neighbor the location of a house key, where your pets most likely will be found, their favorite hiding places, location of emergency supplies and a prearranged destination to meet up.

Our pets are not only members of our family, they depend on us for their safety and well-being. Prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave home.

Tags: crates, earthquakes, fire, first aid for pets, La Jolla petsitters, natural disasters, pet evacuations, pet safety, pets, San Diego dog walkers
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MRSA and Your Pet

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

One Sick Puppy!!!

Pets as well as humans carry the MRSA virus. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus are staph bacteria that are resistant to regular antibiotics and require a lengthy hospital stay. This staph bacteria, like many other bacteria, normally live on your skin and inside your nose without causing problems unless your immune system has been compromised. MRSA is different from other bacteria as it can only be treated in a hospital setting with a Vancomycan i.v. drip for six hours a day.

Researchers found that the same strain of MRSA on your pet is the same deadly virus that humans are susceptible to. The bacteria can be transmitted from mammal to man and vice versa. Although animals can deal with MRSA more effectively than humans, it is always wise to treat all of your pets if it is infecting one of them. Cats and dogs with a MRSA infection can get lesions on their bodies and infections range from skin problems and pneumonia to meningitis, blood infection and heart problems. It is important to remember both you and your pet can be colonized with MRSA, but it is not the same as having the active virus. If your pet undergoes surgery, it is imperative that you have them swabbed for MRSA prior to surgery. If the swab is positive, ensure that your vet knows what precautions to take and that he/she will take them.

40% of healthcare workers, veterinarians and nursing home staff have it on their skin and in their nose. It is also found in colleges, dorms, public laundry facilities, hair salons and gyms. A simple process for cleaning the germs out of your washing machine is to run a hot water only cycle with a cup of bleach after every 2 -3 washes of regular clothing. Washing machines only get your clothes clean; they do not kill germs.

What does MRSA look like? Any of these symptoms warrant a visit to the vet:

•Sores or bumps that may look like spider bites

•Boils under the skin (painful bumps)

•Sometimes called impetigo, blisters filled with fluid

•Cuts that are swollen and filled with pus

•Lethargy

Any of these symptoms on you or your pet should warrant a visit to your doctor.

If your dog is a dog park lover as many of my clients are, there are pet wipes, non alcohol-based to wipe the dirt and other dogs’ saliva off the coat of your dog from playtime so they don’t carry extra germs back into your home.

Here are two helpful websites. I spoke with Jill Moss about her blog after the loss of Bella, her beautiful Samoyed. She has graciously allowed a to link to her story: http://www.thebellamossfoundation.com/story.asp

On the other hand, you can contract MRSA from your pet especially if your pet has a lesion. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1216755/Can-snuggling-pet-MRSA.html

Be safe out there!

Julie

Tags: cats, dogs, hospitals, impetigo, lesions, MRSA, pets, veterinarians
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Hot Dog in The City

Sunday, July 12th, 2009

During hot summer days, do not let your pet stand for more than a few seconds on sun-baked surfaces like cement, metal, asphalt or even sand. The two prevalent cooling systems on your dog are their tongue and paws. Add some ice cubes to your dog’s “to-go” water so it stays cool to drink, and check their paws for blisters. Most smart dogs (and whose dog isn’t smart?) will immediately go to the grass or dirt before their paws begin to burn. But if they are on a leash, they won’t necessarily have that freedom to run to the shade. As a pet sitter/dog walker, I take my clients to dog parks frequently. My rates remain the same as long as your dog is happy. Even then it is best to be on the cautious side and monitor how much playtime they get in the heat of the day – 20 to 30 minutes of hard play and exploring with some down time and cool water will keep them safe from heat exhaustion. Some dogs and even cats have a hypersensitivity to the sun. White or light colored dogs and cats especially need extra attention. Noses, stand-up ears or anywhere there is open skin [especially white coloring] should have 15SPF applied before going out in the heat of the day. Unattended, this can lead to skin cancer.

For those of you who surf and want to share this experience with your dog, go to http://wikipedia.com and type in surfing for dogs. One of the best places to train is Ocean Beach at Dog Beach near the jetty. The waves break left and right and are good at all tides. Start with the 1 – 2 foot waves and a soft boogey board. Map to Dog Beach:

This is San Diego: paradise alike for dog and owner; grab a Frisbee, some cool water and enjoy!

Keywords: Google Pet Alerts, Google alert – Pet Sitting Dog Walking San Diego, East Village, Little Italy, Marina District, Gaslamp, Banker’s Hill, Mission Hills, Point Loma, Coronado, Hillcrest, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar. http:www.DogWalksanDiego.com

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From the Bush twins to the Obama daughters

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

“Cherish your animals because sometimes you’ll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.”

~ the Bush twins

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• Testimonials

  

  Julie took excellent care of my dog George while I was away on the east coast for 4 months. George is a rescue with a difficult past, and I had put a lot of effort into training him and helping him become a social, obedient dog. I was very happy and grateful to find a caretaker like Julie, who not only maintained George's training, but also helped him to become an even happier, more social (with both humans and other dogs) animal. Thank you Julie!

  Mark Rosenberg

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