Russ McCutcheon

I may not be able to see War Horse. I still cannot watch When the Levees Broke or Philadelphia. Its always hard to watch people and animals suffering. Played repeatedly, it becomes disaster pornography. After 10 years working in disaster spiritual care management, and another eight years in hospital and hospice settings as a chaplain, I need and receive much emotional and spiritual support from many sources. I am extremely sensitive to animal support stories, whether reflecting on World AIDS Day, or the high human cost of battle, hospice experiences, or remembering pets lost in disaster. As a person of faith, I have been changed, and see many connections in a diverse spectrum of specialized settings — the battlefield, the hospice and the path of the tornado. I now devote more time to walking the dogs, watching the river, and filling the bird feeders. But, this reflection will remember dogs.

10 years after the September 11 attacks, nine years into the Iraq invasion and continuing battles in Afghanistan, the renewed emotional and spiritual support value of trained canine units is well documented. At home, many groups have matched dogs with returning combat veterans, and the expansion of pet therapies for emotional and spiritual support services across healthcare.

Military chaplains, healthcare chaplains and disaster chaplains can advocate for the inclusion of companion animals as well as the family dog as part of the reentry into civilian life as well as support for the chronically ill patient. When disaster strikes, the whole of community response also includes a provision for the evacuation, care and feeding support of the entire household — which may include a dog, cat, parrot or pony.

For those who are taking care of our soldiers abroad and public safety officers at home, or improving the end-of-life care of their patients, or being the compassionate presence after the storm or flood, self-care is basic and non-negotiable. For some, that care may come from the family dog. From rural American to studio apartments, dogs serve as companions for children, the elderly, and all types of families, and work as guardians, sentries, protectors, and cures for isolation and depression.

War. Battlefront dogs have companioned and served our nation by supporting our troops –individuals and units — as morale boosters, humanitarian search and rescue, bomb snifters and scouts. Stateside reunions may appear extravagant unless one has had their life saved by a unit canine. There are monuments to heroic canine soldiers, and the services of animals in war, on Park Lane in London and in South Africa, and, for humanitarian service in Central Park. The emotional and spiritual impact, the cultural interpretation and power of the story have intense value. The emotional and spiritual impact of the theatrical version of War Horse has been mentioned and fully documented. The holiday movie follows suit. Baby boomers, who grew up with Lassie, Old Yeller and Rin Tin Tin, also had Noahs Ark and The Good Shepard. So, did many mental health and spiritual care professionals. The traumatized and vulnerable may remember hope, may identify care, and transcend momentary pain and suffering when reunited with a canine best friend.

Natural and human-caused disaster. A society may be judged on how it cares for the most vulnerable — special populations including children, the elderly and those with functional needs — and, animal welfare. In natural disasters and human-caused disasters, ie the accidental, and the criminal, our environment is shared, and the impact is shared. The recession is also a disaster. Animal shelters have been receiving dogs and cats where their owners are no longer able to provide due to the economic downturn. Severing bonds that have been established and nurtured, the pack unraveling, is not independent of homelessness, poverty, and hunger, our spirits descend even as we seek to identify basic hope and find some future optimism.

Can one be fully human and not care? I am emotionally and spiritually treated for compassion fatigue through, in part, the animal kingdom, and their proxies and our privileges, the family dog, the backyard birds, and the giraffes and pandas that live three miles away in the zoo.

Hurricane Katrina gave us heart-wrenching images of dogs on rooftops when rescuers could only take people. The severe impact by this combination natural and human-caused disaster fused new relationships that developed into co-sheltering families with their pets in proximate locations — not only for public health reasons, but also for the positive emotional and spiritual value of maintaining a united family. Families may have endured the loss of a home and neighborhood, the separation of children and loved ones, and stay strong, but the loss of a treasured family pet is inconsolable.

New training for capturing and caring for animals in disaster and emergency evacuation plans for horses and other livestock now exist and are normal considerations for the extreme abnormal event — the flood, earthquake, or wildfire — not only humane, but also good business and government practice. Truly, the whole of community approach to emergency planning for disaster and other disturbances.

A two-week-old baby pulled from the rubble lifts the emotions and spirits of earthquake rescuers and all amidst great destruction, death and despair. Though certainly not the equivalent to a successful human rescue, many also celebrated the retrieval of a puppy from a collapsed apartment block. When hope has been dimmed, any sign of life may give considerable solace and peace, and add meaning and comfort to those who risk their lives to save others, and the greater world that supports their efforts.

AIDS and Healthcare. 30 years into the AIDS pandemic, in reflection and remembrance, I am grateful for pets in hospice settings — a smaller historical coda to a time when failure to thrive was part of an end-of-life diagnosis. Yes, this hospice chaplain walked dogs, and was gifted by a newer inclusive best practice that illuminated the need to include domestic pets into the treatment plan for the emotional health and spiritual support of the chronically ill patient. Dogs and cats were welcome and could spend the night in the patients bed and give solace and comfort, and, for some, unconditional love. I remember my patients. I remember my colleagues and team. I remember their families. I remember what helped sustain some and comfort others when disowned by family and religion… oftentimes that was their dog. Loyal to the end.

From staff reports:

Dog, cat and ferret owners will now be required by Washington State to have their animals vaccinated for rabies. According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), this new requirement takes effect Jan. 1, 2012, and “aims to reduce the numbers of rabies exposures in Washington.”

While rabies vaccinations are often required at the city and county level, there has not been a state level rule regarding this.

The DOH says that hundreds of Washington residents are required to get their own rabies vaccinations and shots, due to contact with possibly exposed animals. Vaccinating domestic pets is one of the easiest ways to combat any possible exposure, the DOH notes.

According to the DOH, most domestic pets exposed to rabies in Washington results through contact with wild bats. When pets are exposed to a sick bat, oftentimes the owner ends up handling that bat, increasing the owner’s chances of contracting the disease. Twice as many cats as dogs test positive for rabies across the US, the DOH notes.

In the event that a pet owner comes into contact with a rabid bat, the DOH notes that post-exposure vaccination is required, or the results could be life-threatening.

The DOH advises people to never handle wild bats, but if they do, to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The last two humans infected with rabies in Washington state occurred in 1995 and 1997, and the last positive test of a domestic pet for rabies was in 2002.

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Furry friends of all shapes and sizes had an opportunity to visit with Santa Claus on Sunday at West Ridge Mall.

Nancy Romine and her two daughters, Danielle and Cassie Romine, all of Topeka, were the first three people in line at 6 pm with their dogs, Olive, a shih tzu bichon, Jayla, a rottweiler shepherd, and Molly, a silky terrier.

Pets have wishes, too, just like children, said Tricia Gentsch, marketing director for West Ridge Mall.

Gentsch watched as the Romines and their three dogs nestled next to Santa and had their photographs taken.

We did it last weekend, too, Gentsch said of Sundays event.

Robin Evans, of Topeka, brought her French bulldog, Yoda, with her for a photograph, too.

Hes my baby, Evans said while she held Yodas leash.

Pet owners were allowed to bring domestic pets to the mall from 6 to 8 pm for photographs. All animals had to be on a leash or in a pet carrier.

The pet-friendly opportunities were in addition to Santas regular hours at the Santa set located in front of the childrens play area on the lower level of the mall.

Ellen Noll, of Meriden, helped her dog, Tasha, don a Christmas-red tutu for photographs.Noll adopted Tasha, an Australian cattle dog and Catahoula mix, 12 years ago.

She is spoiled rotten, Noll said with a laugh. She has three cats at home. Shes an only dog.

Ann Marie Bush can be reached

at (785) 295-1207

or ann.bush@cjonline.com.

NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2011 — /PRNewswire/ — Jorge Bendersky, celebrity dog groomer and stylist, selects boutique public relations firm Whitegate PR as his agency of record.#xA0; If youre looking for that perfect hair stylist, your dog might have beaten you to the chase. Bendersky has surpassed the expectations of dog grooming and has positioned himself as a dog stylist, utilized by many celebrities and socialites. As the top dog of groomers, he goes way above the standard clipping, snipping and wash-up of his furry four-legged clients. Visit his website at http://www.planetjorge.com/.

Bendersky believes an essential component of perfecting the art of styling is to truly understand each dog inside and out. He pays close attention to their movements, their genetics, their history and better yet, their lifestyle. Dogs used to stay at home as domestic pets, with their appearances on the street confined to walks.#xA0; Now they are a part of the social scene, with the dogs style a reflection of the person accompanying it.

It wouldnt be a surprise to find Bendersky on speed dial for P. Diddy, Ralph Lauren, Ellen Barkin and many other A-list dog owners. Jorge is available at all hours for his VIP clientele and often finds himself picking up midnight shifts for dog grooming emergencies. He truly goes above and beyond for his clients, but of course everything comes with a price and his services do not run cheap. Especially if it consists of a late-night cleaning or grooming call!

Our culture has been significantly amused by dogs, apparent by the number of dog reality shows airing on a number of networks. Jorge was featured on Animal Planets reality show, Groomer Has It, in 2008 which really shifted his career into high gear. Jorge has become the go-to groomer for media outlets seeking grooming expertise presented with wit and style.#xA0; His many television appearances include The Today Show, ABC Nightline, E! News, Regis and Kelly, and more.#xA0;

Theres a lot in store for Jorges future and he is extremely energized about it. I am so excited to be ramping up media appearances and PR activity in 2012 and promoting adoption. Bendersky continues to present superior results and indisputably as an idol in the dog styling industry, unleashing his abilities one dog at a time.

Dont wait any longer to learn more about Jorge Bendersky. Visit his website at http://www.planetjorge.com/.#xA0; Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jorge-Bendersky/41534569481 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FM8XPZRWz0.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JorgeBendersky.

SOURCE Whitegate PR

Most often, the wily, wild canines could be heard, not seen, with their eerie howling breaking the silence in the middle of the night.

They were waking us up about every night, about 3 or 4 am, Dennis said.

Dennis decided to call a professional trapper, who trapped and killed nine coyotes in about a months time on the former Spartanburg County councilmans property. (State law requires that the trapped canines be killed, not relocated somewhere else).

The animals were a nuisance, but more than that, Dennis worried that his grandchildren or other young children in the area could be attacked. His trapper snapped a photograph of a coyote on Dennis land. Its paw in a trap, the coyote snarled, showing its sharp teeth.

It looked vicious, didnt it? Dennis said. Theyre dangerous. Theyll get children.

Coyotes first appeared in the Upstate in 1978, and they are now present in all counties of South Carolina.

In 2009, a 9-year-old Pacolet girl was attacked by a rabid coyote. She survived and underwent a series of rabies shots to protect against the deadly disease.

Though attacks on humans are extremely rare, coyotes can still be a nuisance to hunters and to farmers, as the animals often prey on domestic poultry and livestock, especially calves, sheep and goats, according to SCDNR.

Due to coyotes territorial nature, domestic pets can also become prey, another worry for Dennis, who has two Labrador retrievers and a Welsh corgi.

I go out with my dogs at night, he said. I keep an eye on them.

In addition to rabies, coyotes also carry other diseases dangerous to pets, such as mange and distemper.

According to SCDNR, hunters are also finding coyotes a nuisance to their pastime.

South Carolinas deer population peaked during the mid-1990s with just a bit more than one million deer in the pre-hunt population. The statewide deer population is estimated at about 725,000, according to the results of a SCDNR study released in May.

Top counties for harvest in 2010 included Bamberg, Allendale, Orangeburg, Anderson and Spartanburg with each of these counties exhibiting harvest rates in excess of 15 deer per square mile, which should be considered extraordinary, the report states.

But DNR officials say that, over time, coyote populations are expected to stabilize allowing deer, turkey and small game to still exist in healthy numbers in South Carolina.

The state does allow property owners some recourse against nuisance coyotes.

No hunting license or permit is required to shoot coyotes on your property within 100 yards of your home, but property owners must follow local laws and firearms ordinances.

Coyotes can be hunted throughout the year with a valid hunting license. Coyotes can be hunted at night with certain weapon restrictions outside of the deer season in some parts of the state.

The trapping season for coyotes is Dec. 1 through March 1, although no license or permit is required to trap a coyote within 100 yards of your home.

Poisoning coyotes is in violation of federal and state laws, according to SCDNR.

Now, the woods around Dennis home are quiet, but Dennis hopes that legislators will continue to pass laws that make it easier for residents to control the coyote population around their residences.

State Sen. Shane Martin serves on the Fish, Game and Forestry Committee that deals with these issues and says most of the members want to do more to stop the infestation.

Martin filed a bill that was approved by the General Assembly and went into effect July 1 that allows trapping and shooting of destructive coyotes year-round with a depredation permit from SCDNR, without a hunting or trapping license. DNR can place restrictions on what weapon can be used when issuing the permit, Martin said.

Martin, a deer hunter, is concerned about the coyotes effect on the states deer population.

In the 1990s when the deer population was at its peak, a doe averaged 1.5 fawns per year that made it to maturity, according to DNR numbers, Martin said.

Now, it takes three does just to get one fawn to maturity, Martin said.

A study we had done showed that coyotes killed 70 percent of the fawns

that didnt make it to maturity. It is obvious that the situation is getting much worse and I am extremely concerned. We need to do something to get them in check.

Anyone with questions for SCDNR about coyotes can call 800-922-5431 or visit the agencys website at www.dnr.sc.gov. For more information about depredation permits, contact the DNR Furbearer Project at 803-734-3609.

Guests invited to bring their domestic animals for holiday pictures!

HOUSTON, TX – Furry friends are invited to The Galleria for Pet Photos with Santa! Proud parents can bring in their domestic pets for memorable holiday keepsakes on November 20 and December 4. All animals must be leashed or in a pet carrier.

These special, pet-friendly opportunities are in addition to Santa’s regular hours this holiday season at the Santa Set in Galleria 2, lower level in front of Ann Taylor, where he will be posing for photos and listening to holiday wishes through Christmas Eve.

COST: Photo package prices vary.

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 4

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

WHERE: The Galleria – Galleria 2, Lower Level in front of Ann Taylor

5085 Westheimer Rd.

Houston, TX 77056

MORE INFO: www.simon.com, (713) 966-3530

A consulting firm was brought in and laid out a blueprint for the downtown that municipal officials followed in the ensuing years.

We had to work from the inside out, which included widening the pedestrian area downtown with the promenade, the mayor said. An offshoot of that was closing several alleyways that were causing havoc with traffic.

The next phase of the renaissance was cleaning up Mechanic Street, which had become a drug-infested area of the community. Borough officials used the power of eminent domain to acquire properties, and two office buildings were eventually built on Mechanic Street.

Borough officials also had to contend with the vacant Aamp;M Karagheusian rug mill.

We had two fires there and it was a disaster. We finally cleaned it up, made affordable housing for families and for seniors, and brought the YMCAback to the borough with a community center (in the former rug mill), Wilson said.

Another eyesore that was cleaned up was the former Department of Public Works yard on Manalapan Avenue, which is a main entranceway into the borough from Route 9.

We moved the DPW to Center Street and now a beautiful assisted living facility sits on that (Manalapan Avenue) spot, the mayor said.

Wilson said he is proud of the fact that Freehold Borough was able to negotiate regional contribution agreements with municipalities that were trying to meet affordable housing mandates. Those agreements brought revenue to Freehold Borough and paid for the rehabilitation of substandard housing in town.

Grants were applied for and received, and the money paid for various beautification projects, including brick sidewalks that now extend from Main Street to Throckmorton Street to Court Street.

All of the things we did were done with brick and mortar, like restoring an old house, Wilson said. We have always tried to constantly maintain our town and to continue to give our residents good services.

The mayor said he has a few regrets from his time in office, including the challenges the town has faced as the result of an influx of illegal immigrants the borough has had to deal with over the past 15 years.

An issue that began on a local level eventually became, and remains, a national debate.

We led the fight against this. It is a failure of both political parties. Our open borders have created a drain on our schools, housing and medical services. We fought the fight and then realized this is not a town issue, this is a federal issue and thats the ballgame, Wilson said, adding, The ball is in their (federal officials) court now.

Wilson recalled one difficult incident that took place two months after he became mayor.

It was a baptism into the job, he said, reflecting back to a painful memory.

The incident, in which a black resident of the borough was shot and killed by a white police officer, almost led to civil unrest, according toWilson.

The mayor said he was out of town when he received a call from the police chief telling him to return immediately.

They advised me to stay away from the scene, Wilson said, referring to police and other officials. I told them I knew these folks. I grew up here and I didnt want things to get out of hand.

I was around in the late 1960s and remembered all that went on here (civil unrest). I wanted communication with residents in this very tough situation, he explained. I had to do what I felt was right in my gut. Sometimes the feelings you get in your gut are a lot more reliable than the ones you get from your brain.

Incidents such as this were the hard part of the job, according to the mayor.

Wilson eventually spoke with residents and problems that could have arisen from that incident were avoided.

On a lighter note, the mayor remembered with humor amending an ordinance that had been on the books for years regarding animals in the borough.

We found out someone was keeping a horse on their property and bringing it into their dining room at night. I told the council, lsquo;If we dont head this off now we could be looking at elephants and giraffes as house pets, he said, laughing. We then prepared an ordinance for domestic pets, which are cats and dogs, not horses and other animals.

One of the best moments Wilson remembers spending as mayor was the day President Bill Clinton came to Freehold Borough to speak at Monument Park in front of the Monmouth County Court House.

It was awesome, Wilson said, adding that before Clinton arrived in town, he was visited by Secret Service agents who asked him if the president could come to his house to freshen up before delivering his speech.

Wilson said yes and then watched as every room in his home was examined by Secret Service agents and police dogs.

Another priceless memory was a solo concert given by Wilsons former classmate, Bruce Springsteen, at the St. Rose of Lima School gymnasium.

He came to Freehold to do a concert at our alma mater, St. Rose of Lima, the mayor said, adding that after the concert he and Springsteen spent time hanging out in the back room of Federicis restaurant.

So we could talk about the glory days, Wilson teased, referencing one of Springsteens most popular songs.

The visit from Clinton and the concert by Springsteen both occurred in 1996.

In addition to serving as a councilman and then as Freehold Boroughs mayor, Wilson worked in real estate for 30 years. He then worked for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority for eight years, retiring in January.

As for his future plans, he said, Im going to take a deep breath first. Im still relatively young so I have to see what will be next. Ill still be hanging around. Freehold Borough will always be my hometown.

When Wilson was asked how he would like to be remembered in the coming years, his response after a moment of reflection was, That I did the best job I could.

AMARILLO, TEXAS — Our four-legged friends are often included in holiday festivities, so veterinarians are offering some tips to keep them happy and healthy.

New people and new activity often cause stress within domestic pets.  This stress can lead to stomach problems and other health issues.

According to Hope Veterinary Clinics Dr. Yaicha Peters, people food is the most common cause of animal illnesses during the holiday season.  Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are some foods she recommends no one feed their pets.  

The one that a lot of people dont think about because they think its ok are bones, she said, and we see a lot of problems with bones being fed intentionally and also dogs getting them out of the trash.

Many people decorate their homes like Clark Griswolds.  Dr. Peters said that is fine as long as those decorations are out of reach of cats and dogs.

Glass ornaments and tinsel- the glass, you can have concerns about breaking it and animals either trying the glass- Ive seen that- or cutting themselves on it she said.  And then tinsel- animals swallowing it and getting whats called a linear foreign body.

Dr. Peters recommends outdoor pets be kept warm and pets that are taken on road trips be given food, water and frequent potty stops.

Following these guidelines can make for a happy fuzzy friend this Christmas!

Berlin – Outsize boxes of tissues are on the tables, soft music sets the sombre mood, and a book on the topic of whether we will see our domestic pets in the afterlife is on show.

A Berlin company called Portaleum provides animal lovers with a complete package for bidding farewell to their beloved pets.

We collect the animals, offer our mourning rooms, cremate the animals and discuss with their owners how best to dispose of their remains, says Eberhard Leis, one of Portaleums staff of four. There have long been animal cemeteries, and the number is on the rise. In Germany it has risen from 25 to 120 in just eight years.

Between 25 and 50 mourning owners arrive every week at Portaleum, which opened in February. The Portaleum team has cremated pets ranging from budgies to Great Danes in its ovens. The most exotic was an iguana measuring more than a metre in length. We provide the opportunity to grieve, Leis says.

And the owners vary just as much as the pets, according to Leis. He recalls a real hard man covered in tattoos and riddled with piercings, who brought in his small rat. He shed bitter tears.

A look at the crematoriums website shows how emotionally loaded the theme is. A thank you message from a customer reads: We were able to find a place in Portaleum for our dwarf rabbit Charly where we could lay him to rest in a way consistent with our feelings.

Most pet owners decide to take the ashes of their favourite animals home in an urn, but they can also be buried beneath a rose bearing a nameplate in the crematoriums garden.

A diamond made of the pressed ash is the most exclusive way of commemorating a loved animal. Thus far just two customers have opted for this method, which costs from around 4,000 dollars upwards.

Leis believes that pets often become established members of the family, and for this reason their owners do not stint on money and effort when it comes to providing an appropriate last resting place. Other animal cemeteries are experiencing a similar rise in demand.

Owners dont allow their deceased animals to be taken by the vets, because theyve heard about what happens to them there. Theyre shredded, boiled and turned into wallpaper glue, says Ralf Hendrichs of the association of animal funeral parlours.

But Christian Laiblin, a vet at Berlins Free University, denies this. She says the dead animals are cremated and the ashes disposed of, not used as feed additive, as some believe.

And Marcel Derichs, a spokesman for a waste disposal company, says that this would in any case be illegal. There are precise European Union rules on these matters, and the companies are regularly inspected. The bodies are cut up and then burnt, he says.

Ive had Shelby since she was eight weeks old. I socialized her with other domestic pets. She loves cats and rabbits. Dogs, not so much. Shes very selective about dog friends. That could be why Shelby detests boarding. Id take her to tour the best-rated kennels. During the walk through, Shelby would give the scene a disinterested look-over before pulling us toward the exit as though her fur was on fire.

#13;

If I boarded her at a kennel, she reportedly sat staring out the kennel run door-constantly. At dog recess she was annoyed by the attention of other dogs. She sat staring out of the fence like a federal prisoner contemplating escape. She liked the staff, but would react jealously if other dogs came near the staff. She snapped at a German Shepherd once in the yard. She had to be removed from the general population.

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If there was a shred of enjoyment for her at a kennel, it was when her antics landed her into solitary playtime. She savored the embracing arms of staff that coddled her.

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Oh, and the hunger strike. I always packed Shelbys favorite food, treats and toys when she went to the kennel. Still, she refused food.

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Miss Harris, we dont know what to do. Weve sprinkled Parmesan cheese, tuna fish, and more on her food. She wont eat. Our staff has given her pieces of hotdogs or cheese used to hide medications. Sometimes she eats those, but usually she turns up her nose. Were at our wits end. Ive gotten that phone call time and again from kennel managers.

#13;

Whats a dog mom to do?

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It turns out that my dog will go on a hunger strike no matter where shes kept if Im gone too long. I was gone from sunrise-to-sunset due to work. I arrived home and my boyfriend, who threw up his hands, said that she refused to eat. Hed put cheese on her food. Nothing worked. (He was somewhat offended that she didnt feel secure enough with him to eat without me there. Yes, we had a Dr. Phil moment). I sat down at the kitchen table near her food dish. Shelby went to her dish, looked over her shoulder at me, and then started eating.

#13;

Its enough to make a dog mom feel guilty.

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That is, until I discovered her hunger strike was selective. My best friends mother watched Shelby for several days during a summer vacation. The family owns and operates a popular restaurant. Guess who enjoyed restaurant take-out every night? No hunger strike. When I returned, Shelby had gained a little weight. I also learned that she enjoyed the restaurant fare from the comforts of a heat pad on the over-stuffed couch. Nice.

#13;

I want Miss Shelby coddled while Im gone, but there must be boundaries. I dont want an unmanageable dog that demands heat pads and restaurant take-out!

#13;

I do not attempt to board Shelby anymore. I dont burden family friends with holiday pet care. I hire a pet sitter.

#13;

Oh, weve had pet sitter mishaps, mind you. Once, Shelby wouldnt eat so a pet sitter cooked them both steak. (I told the sitter that she was welcome to eat at my home and help herself to any food or drink). Shelby wouldnt eat her dog food for days thereafter; she wanted steak. It was a battle of wills for a week. I didnt give in, although I had weak moments. Shelby finally got hungry enough that she ate dog food.

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This month my boyfriend and I are taking a ski vacation in Colorado. The pet sitter I used in the past is not available. Oy! The search is on. Ive never had a bad experience with a pet sitter because Ive always chosen someone by referral or listed with the Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters (GNPP).

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A sitter, referred by a neighbor, is meeting with us tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

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Does your family pet struggle with boarding or sitting during your holiday travel? Share your story in the Comment Box below.