Gone To The Dogs

07/21/2014

Gone to the Dogs will be on vacation from August 10th until the 24th. I look forward to lots more walks when I get home!

05/22/2014

On the subject of the dogs who perished in the back of their dog walker's vehicle in B.C.

The news recently has been filled with the heartbreaking story of the deaths of these 6 dogs and I feel the need to share my thoughts on it.

My first reaction upon hearing the news was sorrow. My heart goes out to the families who have lost a family member in such a shocking and terrible way. Anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet knows the grief their deaths bring, and there is no comfort to be found in the manner of their parting. Dying of heat in a vehicle is no way for any living thing to go. Their deaths were entirely preventable.

I also feel anger towards the walker. As someone who cares for other people's dogs, it was her job to be extra vigilant. Just as one tends to be extra cautious when caring for a friend's children, caring for another person's pet is no less a responsibility. My pets are my family. I expect the dogs I walk and the animals I care for are as important to their families as mine are to me.

This person’s actions have, no doubt, made all pet owners think twice about who we allow to care for our most vulnerable family members when we cannot. As a pet owner, I know that I always worry about my dogs when I have to travel and they are boarded in a kennel. I always research the facilities in advance and I return to those I have found reliable, but the worry is always there. As a dog walker, I am angry that has this tragic event has called the trustworthiness of all dog walkers into question. What’s more, that she would lie to the owners is heinous. That she panicked is without question, but her choice to lie has made a horrible situation so much worse.

I walk dogs because I love dogs. I walk dogs because they are family members who deserve the care and exercise they need. I believe that every dog, be it a pampered house pet or a homeless stray, deserves dignity and the best life possible. I know I’m not perfect, but I do my best. Thankfully, this has always been enough to earn the love and respect of my dogs.

So, fellow dog owners, hug your pooches close. Love them and spend time with them. If there is anything to be salvaged from this tragedy it is the reminder that no dog should be left in a vehicle, even on a moderate day. Cars are like solar cookers and it doesn’t take long for the air conditioned comfort to become too hot to bear. Veterinarian Dr Ernie Ward put himself in a parked car like people leave dogs. His description of the experience is worth listening to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbOcCQ-y3OY

http://drernieward.com Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward stays in a parked car on a summer day to see how dangerous it is to leave a pet inside a car. The car reac...

05/20/2014

Check out our ad in the Fort Qu'appelle Times!

05/13/2014

It was a blustery day today, but Jada and Tyson had a good time checking out gopher holes and peering curiously at the frogs in the slough. Their ears were flapping like they had their heads hanging out a car window!

05/13/2014

Gone To The Dogs ~ Price List


½ hour walk ~ $15 ($5/additional dog)
1 hour walk ~ $25 ($10/additional dog)

House Sitting
Basic ~ $8/visit
Security check, mail/newspaper pickup, water plants, adjust lights and curtains

Small Pet ~ $15/visit
Basic house sitting service
30 minutes of care –food, water, cleaning, play

Cat Basic ~ $20/day
Basic house sitting service
Food, water, litter box cleaning
30 minutes of play

Additional Cats ~ $5/cat

Additional Services ~ fees determined on consultation
Lawn mowing, garden care, snow removal etc. available upon request.

05/12/2014

05/10/2014

Hekuba is the ruler of the roost around here. She keeps all the dogs in line and keeps herself busy monitoring sunlight levels in the south window. She's also the most travelled of the gang. She was born on the streets of Bursa, Turkey and found her way into my life while I was living abroad.

05/10/2014

Koones was born in my friend's basement, one of a litter of 10 belonging to Mama, a dog she was trying rescue. I fell in love with the little 'snowflake' and she's been my best friend ever since. Any time it snows, she is the first out the door, bounding around and diving into drifts like all her birthdays and Christmases have come at once.

05/10/2014

Floe~ A husky/lab/whatever from Berens River. She adopted me 7 years ago and has been a faithful marathon training buddy ever since. This girl was born to pull a sled, but a 25km run will do with or without the extra gear.

05/10/2014

My youngest dog, Jenny. A rescue from Pasqua FN, she started out shy and scared but now she loves EVERYBODY!