Thanksgiving -Pet Sitting

Thanksgiving is approaching have you booked your pet sitting yet with Buckhead Pet Pals? If not please log in at www.buckheadpetpals.com and make your reservations or call the office at 404.603.5355.

Thanks
Rocky~

Pick of the Litter

Pick of the Litter is having a Fundraiser on Saturday November 13th from 5-7pm at 10 South at 4183 Roswell Road Atlanta GA, 30342. $25 advance tickets or you can just donate at www.ourpickofthelitter.com

Check it out!

Rocky~

Loving the Cooler Weather

The weather is so wonderful right now. All the smooshed face dogs are happy, we can finally breathe. When the air cools down it gives me so much energy! All I want to do is run and would love to chase some cats, but Mom says that is not cool.

Lady and I have had a few play dates lately. I still cannot catch her, she loves to heard me, which I don't understand why border collies do this but I still love her.

Enjoy the weather and remember Buckhead Pet Pals is taking reservations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Give us a call at 404.603.5355 or visit us at www.buckheadpetpals.com

Rocky~

The Bark Busters dog training is going great! I am learning a lot of discipline. Max says, "fear aggression" I will give him fear aggression. I have NO FEAR I am the Alpha dog!

Mom and Catherine are working hard on their BAHHHHS with me. I have to admit it helps me behave better. I love when they are so proud of me, they talk about me all the time. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I hear Michael and Olivia ask Mom not to say BAHHHH when other people around they get embarrassed. They will have so much more to get embarrassed the older they get then a little BAHHHH.

Rocky~

Good Dog

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

It isn't really true, strictly speaking. But we do get a little harder to train with age.

Luckily, I'm still young.

After months of complaining about my behavior, Mom called someone.

Mind you, I think my behavior is fine. I am enthusiastic, and assertive. I am puppy-like, really. But a big puppy. Who's totally in charge of the entire neighborhood. And who is, chronologically, a little past puppyhood.

I can't imagine what's bad about that.

Mom called her friend Max Alligood, who's a trainer with Bark Busters. Max came over, and got to know me a little better. I liked that he came to my house. I don't feel as jumpy when I have my Things, and he didn't seem threatening on My Turf.

We talked, we walked. He got pretty pushy. Apparently, according to him, it's not a good thing that I'm in charge.

While I know, in my admittedly not-too-large dog brain, that Mom is my Alpha, I forget when I get outside and start smelling eau de neighborhood pup on the air...

I stand taller, I prance higher, I tug harder. I take inventory. I can smell them: bossy jack russells, clumsy-footed labradoodles, the giant great dane, the three-legged lab from up the block, the proud mini pin, the australian cattle dog around the corner, the chihuahua that needs to be reminded how little he is, the border collie that thinks she's really smart, the weimerauner that looks like he matches someone's couch,... that show-offy well-behaved other boxer... and the CATS....they ALL need to know I'm the Boss.

Apparently, Coach Max and Mom both disagree. He called me the "worst dog" he's seen all year. While I'm certain he just hasn't seen many dogs (After all, I know all those dogs I just mentioned - and some of them have very bad things to say, if you speak Dog. Which I do.), I'm still a little insulted.

I'm going to try really hard. And I'm going to get really good. I just know it. I love a pat on the head, a treat, a belly rub. I'm going to work a little harder at earning them, and at making Mom look good.

And if you have a dog that could use a little coaching? Call Buckhead Pet Pals and we'll refer you to Max. If you book with him, he'll have a little something extra for you.

I'll keep you posted on how this goes, but I'm betting on "Most Improved." (I'll still be the Boss of the Neighborhood, but I'll try to be a little more subtle about it.)

Cat Safety by Guest Blogger Sydney

Poor Rocky. He gets all overexcited and says too much.

My turn. I am Sydney. The Cat of the House.

I stay inside and I lay low. I am clean. I traveled to the beach and Rocky didn't. I have been with the Family far longer than he has. I am his elder, and despite how he presents things here, he mostly respects that.

I thought it only fitting that I take over his job at the keyboard and present my side of things, keep Rocky from making it look like Buckhead Pet Pals is prejudiced against cats. Of course they aren't.

In my humble opinion (as if I know anything about humility!), dogs are desperate, loud, slobbery creatures given to fits of jealousy. We, on the other hand, are subtle, independent, and often unobtrusive - heck, most of the time we're napping. Plus, we're smart.

Still, we are domesticated, and most of us need human help.

With emphasis on the "smart" part, I now offer my Small Pawful of Basic Cat Safety Tips:

• Indoor cats fare better than outside cats. They are safer. There are fewer hazards. That said, cats need exercise and are natural explorers. If your cat stays inside, give them places to climb and things to tear up (scratching posts) so they don't become bored, destructive, or overweight. (The ASPCA acknowledges the longer lifespan of inside cats and has tips for transitioning your outdoor cat inside.)
• Keep your cat hydrated. It is the hottest summer on record for much of the US. If your cat IS an outdoor cat, make sure they have shaded shelter and fresh water. Inside or out, cats especially love moving water and drink more if they can get it. Cat water fountains appeal to cats and help protect them from the dangers of dehydration. Amazon has a bunch.
• Keep fleas away. Summer is flea season. Use cat-specific flea preventatives quantities recommended by your vet so as not to endanger your cat or kitten in the quest to kill fleas. There is, of course, a tremendous amount of information on the internet about the various flea-prevention methods available. Do your research, then seek your veterinarian's advice.
• Keep your cat identified. Outdoor cats especially need IDs, but inside cats get out - and are less savvy, thereby needing the extra protection of clear identification. Ensure your cat wears a break-away collar and ID at all times, bearing current information. If your cat is too active or too smart for a collar (unlike dogs, we know how to remove them - and often will!), microchipping becomes especially important. These small computer chips (the size of a grain of rice) are injected under the skin by a vet and hold your cat's identifying information. If your cat were to get lost and end up at a shelter, most have the ability to scan chips and will contact you.
• Bring your cat in at night. Cats are nocturnal and, as such, are instinctively most active at night. Indoor cats can get rambunctious, and outdoor cats crave the outdoors. For indoor cats, take time to play with your cat earlier in the evening so she's calmer when its time for you to go to bed. For outdoor cats, train them to come in during the evening with scheduled feeding times. Your cat isn't the only nocturnal creature, and foxes, birds of prey, and fast cars provide specific nighttime hazards best avoided.
• Keep poisonous plants out of your house. Know what houseplants are dangerous to cats. The ASPCA is a good reference.
• Get your cat regular checkups. Cats hide their symptoms pretty well - there is a range of cat-specific illnesses, but by the time you see outward signs, the cat is usually pretty sick. Checkups help you prevent those illnesses before they happen, and ensure the health and safety of your kitty.

I have now done my part to ensure cats get the respect they deserve. I think I'll go take a nap.

Make way for the... Cats??

As a dog, if I'm outside, I'm atttached to a leash. At the other end of the leash is a human. I can pull the human around, but the human is still ultimately in charge.

If I were to wander alone, leashless, people would scream. Calls would be made. A man with a white van and a net would swoop me away. My mom would be fined. I would do time.

I think. I only know what I have heard - and when tethered to a leash, you really only get to hear so much.

But I can see. And what I see is cats roaming free. All over the neighborhood, you see those creatures slinking around corners. Sleeker than shadows, without collars or tags or people - they slither around, mocking us. Crouched in the grasses, darting under cars, balancing on fence posts, they lick their whiskers and taunt.

It's not just here, either.

Mom saw this sign in Indiana. Apparently, at Lake Michigan, not only do the humans not mind the behavior of free cats, but they encourage it. Make way for the sandy, free-range cats enjoying the beach and wandering out in the open.

I am outraged, really. Man's best friend, indeed.

A tired pup is a happy pup: reasons to engage a pet sitter

Summer's ending, at least here in Atlanta. Many of the small people in my neighborhood start back school today. Today! August isn't even half over. It doesn't seem right to me. By next week, they will all be back in school - full force.

My own people leave today for their last hurrah. Luckily, Mom's people are 'on it,' so I don't have to feel quite so abandoned once the house is empty again during the day.

The good thing is, mom's people are YOUR people. That is, if your dog is faced with the same issue - an empty house after a summer of fun - you have the resources on this site to FIX that. Because, as it turns out, pet sitting isn't just for vacations. Some other reasons you might click over to schedule some home help for your pup include:

• You're anticipating long days at the office. Summer is slower all over the globe - and come fall, everyone's making up for those lazier days. Office hours are longer and commutes are less predictable. If someone else walks the dog, you can be free to stay late and not worry.

• You're injured, not your dog. Injuries happen. If you have even a minor injury, your speed and gait can be altered as you recover. This doesn't mean your dog NEEDS less exercise, just that he GETS less exercise. Make sure he doesn't get less when you do.

• "Sorry, I can't. I have to walk my dog." Happy hour is where deals are made, and cubicle scores are settled. Missing out on office social hour can hurt your credibility AND personal morale. Go ahead and have that cocktail. Let someone else worry about Spot.

• "Sorry, I can't. I have to walk my dog." Part II. Your interests shouldn't be truncated because you have a dog. A pet sitter helps ensure you get to chair that committee, meet with your daughter's teacher, or even just go shopping before you brave the traffic home.

• Restless dog syndrome. Nervous, anxious, or bored dogs will find ways to entertain themselves. If no one is there to monitor that entertainment, it may not be all that fun for you. (Tearing a hole in a couch doesn't SOUND fun, unless you are a dog. When bored, we find that sort of thing fascinating.)

• You walk, but your dog wants to run. Your dog may be pulling that leash to it's furthest point because she doesn't like your pace. You can schedule a sitter that is a runner - they train, your dog gets to run. Everybody wins... and you don't even break a sweat.

• Maternity leave ends. Your attention is already divided with the new babe in the home. Stave off bad behavior stemming from jealousy and reduced activity by engaging a sitter - for your dog.

• Family peace. A tired pup is, generally, a happy pup. That sleepiness reduces chaos and helps everyone appreciate their four-legged-companion without seeing him or her as only a distraction from the things that need to get done before it's time for another day.

Schedule now! Our people are standing by...

Vote for Buckhead Pet Pals!

It's the voting time of year. Best of Atlanta and Best of Smyrna-Vinings polls are being circulated, and we want to make sure Buckhead Pet Pals gets the recognition it deserves.

Please take a minute to vote at Best of Atlanta and Best of Smyrna-Vinings.

Here's my countdown as to why you should pick Buckhead Pet Pals. I admit to some bias, but even so, every one of these is true:

10) Ease of registration. People just go on line to register with the service, or to book an appointment. You type in the dates you need, and tell them all the quirks of your house and your pets. The system asks every relevant question - so you provide details you might otherwise forget. And Buckhead Pet Pals does the rest.

9) Great customer service. When you call, a human answers. And helps. If you sign up online, a human contacts you with very quick turn-around and a commitment to the dates requested. And - the REAL customers, that is, the pets, are all very well taken care of.

8) Reliability. The sitters come when they say they will come. They clean cat boxes, freshen water bowls, and take extra-long walks. They brush fur and rub bellies. And they come when we expect them to, when we need them to.

7) Keep in touch. The sitters keep in close contact with pet owners. If anything is amiss - a cat is out too long, a dog won't eat, an alarm goes off... the sitters contact the pet's people immediately.

6)Accountability. Buckhead Pet Pals works with over 100 sitters. When a commitment is made, it is made on behalf of Buckhead Pet Pals. Each sitter is committed to ensuring everything goes well. They have a rock-solid reputation to protect.

5) Peace of mind. Buckhead Pet Pals sitters keep an eye on your house, bring in your paper, and have an up-close view of life in your house without you. They know as soon as anything at all is amiss, and their regular appearance helps deter would-be criminals.

4) Peace of pet's mind. Pets are homebodies. A sitter helps keep routine and known territory around your pet when you travel. Your pet hosts the sitter, rather than having to be hosted by someone else, in a strange environment, full of odd smells and foreign noises.

3) Fantastic people. All of them. Mom runs it, and she aligns herself with only the best sitters. They are reliable, conscientious, and kind.

2) Love. Buckhead Pet Pals are pals. They are friends to the furry and feathered. When they come around, they seem genuinely glad to see us. And that comforts us when our parents are away. (Frankly, all I want is love, my own home, food, and a clean bowl of water. They give me all that. Perfection.)

1) BECAUSE THEY DESERVE IT. Buckhead Pet Pals has won Best in Atlanta and Best in Smyrna/Vinings for several years now. Because they ARE the best. Help them get that continued recognition. And thanks for your continued support...

Girls Girls Girls

You know how, sometimes, you will be in a strange place - maybe even a different state - and you run into somebody you know? It's fun, seeing somebody all out-of-context like that. If you like them, I bet you wish you could wag your tail.

That happened to my Mom yesterday. There she was, at the grocery store in her small town in Florida, mid-way through her beach vaycay, when someone called her name. It was our neighbor! Turns out, she is staying not far from my Mom. Neighbors in Atlanta, and now for July, neighbors in Florida.

It kinda feels like that every day for me. I never know who I might see when walking the 'hood. Still getting over that extended cooped-up time when I was getting my heartworm treatment (8 weeks of isolation! And me, a young boxer!), every excursion is a treat. My longer-term memory isn't the best, so every sighting is a surprise. I never know who I might see, or whose smells I might catch as having covered the path before me. It's fun to collect all that information.

I also get visitors at home, and different ones than when Mom is around. While my family is gone, I have had 3 sitters! Neighbor dogs, when they see me, wiggle with jealousy and curiosity - trying to sniff out who all these women are. I reveal nothing. Let them think I have a harem, I say.

The truth is, I am SO grateful for the continuity my girls (that's how I think of them) provide. Instead of brooding about my missing brood, I get to enjoy all these different and fun people. I'll tell you about them each - just don't tell the neighbor dogs they're paid (it will destroy the mystery.)

Laurie gets me everyday for my midday walk. She is super-reliable, super-friendly, and I just love how she calls me "Rocketman." It makes me feel all tough, like a super-hero.

Michelle came for recent overnights... it was her first time staying with me and I broke her in. (I can't be certain she was prepared for all my energy! It was fun watching her jump to respond to me!)

Finally, there is Catherine. O! How I love Catherine. I might write her poetry if I could figure out how to hold a pencil. She takes me on hikes and overnights and pretends I am her own. I hear she even talks about me... and? She is supposed to be taking me to Florida to visit my People!

I can hardly wait to find out who I see tomorrow, and what's in store for me then!

July Animal Happenings in ATL

We're going to start keeping an eye out for things in the Atlanta area that might interest animal lovers. If you know of something we should be telling others, please let us know!

Coming up this weekend is the Exotic Bird Fair at the North Atlanta Trade Center in Norcross. At the fair, you can learn about birds of all times, purchase birds, and stock up on everything you need to care for them.

Extend summer with the Atlanta Pet Rescue raffle to win a 7-day Hilton Head vacation September 18th-25th. Enter now! Raffle tickets are $10 each and you can enter on via their website. The winner will be announced July 31.

Every month, Cocktails 4 a Cause selects a local charity to help raise funds and awareness. Atlanta Humane Society is the charity for July! Join the Atlanta Humane Society at the W's Market Restraunt in Buckhead , 3377 Peachtree Road NE, from 6-9PM on Thursday, July 8th. Your $10 suggested donation will benefit pets in need and will earn you complimentary appetizers and one drink.

The Georgia Aquarium Lecture Series provides ample opportunity to learn more about sea life. This weekend is an especially timely lecture, given the crisis in the Gulf. Learn about the Georgia Aquarium's sea turtle rescue efforts at Saturday, July 10th's Breakfast with Biologists: Turtle Conservation and Rehabilitation. The talk is from 8:30-10 A.M. Learn more and reserve a spot.

It's not quite directly related to pets... but everybody benefits from a healthy family, and we all love Piedmont Park. Check out the Green Market this weekend and every weekend from May 1st through December 11th.

How'd you like to petsit a warthog? Zoo Atlanta offers a program for teens and adults that provides a firsthand look at working in a zoo. Through this program, participants get to spend a day helping zookeepers with their daily routines of food prep, cleaning, and animal care. The two upcoming programs include one for Elephants & Warthogs (July 10 or August 7) and one that focuses on Australia and Carnivores (July 24 and August 28.) Learn more at the Zoo Atlanta website.

And lastly, for a cause close to Rocky's heart (literally), the Atlanta Humane Society is sponsoring an educational meeting about canine heartworm disease. The event is Thursday, July 29th at 6:30 PM at the Atlanta Humane Society Auditorium at 981 Howell Mill Road NW. Heartwork disease facts, signs, treatment and prevention will be discussed, and drinks and snacks will be provided. (This is a great event for sitters!)

Prepared

My People are at the beach. Most of them. Which leaves me to Dad (when he's home) and the Girls. That's how I think of them, the sitters that love me. It's great now that I can get out and about again... I like the variety of having other people spend time with me, and I the extra belly rubs.

Knowing just how much attention I need, Mom and Dad have the Girls come take care of me even sometimes when they are home. When Mom and Dad both leave town, they help the Girls by letting them know exactly what I need all the time - so I get extra-super care.

I have heard, though, that some aren't as good at receiving sitters. "Jessie" (I am changing her name here, to protect the innocent) is a cat, and her people left totally unprepared. Her sitter is my sitter, so I pick up on some of it. And I worry about her (my Girl, not the Cat) because I like Laurie a lot. I want to make sure that doesn't happen with anybody else's sitter.

To help out, I have made a list. You can use it the next time you go somewhere. Maybe for that 'last hurrah' later in the month, before school gets back in:

• Checkup. Before you go, get your pet's annual checkup. Make sure he/she t is in good health, with current registration. Tags are critical for outdoor pets, and consider getting an ID chip under the skin. (I can't even feel mine!) If there are medical requirements, make sure these are clear to your sitter before you go.
• Food. Have a big bag of whatever food is your pet's favorite. Have enough back up so there is no chance of running out. Have treats you don't usually buy to bribe your furry friend if she or he is feeling lonely. Wet food if they usually eat dry, some Snausages. Whatever it takes.
• Water. It is summer time. For cats, have bowls everywhere. For dogs, too, put out an extra bowl.
• Alarm. Make sure your alarm is in good working order. If you have a remote to turn off the alarm, leave it when you leave your keys. Show your sitter how to use the alarm. Demonstrate. Test it one week before you go, so you can have your system serviced if it doesn't work. Let the sitter know what number the alarm company calls if something goes wrong, and share all applicable passwords.
• Keys. Also on your walk-through, show your sitter how to work the door with the key your sitter will be using. Make sure nothing sticks, and have the sitter lock and unlock the door so she/he can learn the quirks of your key/lock. Also, if there is an extra deadbolt and you are only giving the sitter one key, tape over the lock that will not be used.
• Litter. Or bags for poo. With litter, if you have more than one cat, consider having more than one box while you are gone. Disposable turkey pans work great. This helps ensure clean litter. Keep back up litter, too, just like the food. And leave waste disposal bags in a central location so litter is easily cleaned, or so your sitter can clean up behind your pooch on walks.
• Check your profile. Check your profile at the Buckhead Pet Pals Power Sitter scheduling tool and make sure everything is current - phone numbers, vet information, alarm codes.
• Rules. If you have a cat that divides time between inside and outside, leave instructions for what to do if the cat goes missing, or stays away for longer than expected. Have a back-up plan to leave food outside.
• Emergency. Let your sitter know who to call if there is an emergency, and ensure that the information of record at the vet's is up-to-date. Your sitter should have two emergency numbers - the vet and a non-vet emergency number as well.

Once all that is done, you can go in peace - knowing your pet will receive the best care imaginable (and will probably even get those extra belly rubs I mentioned!)

Spoiled?

Who's spoiled? I'll present the evidence, and you can decide...

I live with a Cat. I am not pleased with this, but it is what it is. The Cat is named Sidney, though I prefer not to refer to the Cat by the Cat's name - for reasons that may seem obvious only to me. We are not friends, so why bother with niceties?

I just realized that when my People leave for the Beach, the Cat is going with them.

I hope its fur gets caked with sand and sand burrs. Which doesn't sound nice of me. But here's the thing: the Cat gets to go, and I get left behind. Why'd they pick the Cat? What'd that Cat ever do to deserve vacation?

I've been pouting about this since I found out - just after my last post.

Then I read my post again and remembered: I get the sitters! Mom and Olivia and Michael will leave, and Dad will be with them on and off. I will be at home - and now it will be MY castle. No Sidney! And coming in and out will be sympathetic, wonderful women who adore me. They will speak doggie talk, and pity me because my People are gone. They will scratch me behind the ears and call me pet names and give me treats and generally love on me. My walks will be long and many, and when I come home.... NO CAT! When they want to pet something, they will land one place: on ME! All the attention, for once, will go to me. Not to children, not to the Cat... but to ME.

So.

Who's spoiled now, Cat?

Now it all makes sense...

I was trying to make sense of it.

Mom leaving, Dad going back and forth between here and there. It's going to be an extended period of time. Apparently, Olivia's godfather gave Mom the keys to his place on the beach. Lucky them.

Laurie will take care of me. This is good, see, because Laurie never skips my mid-day walk. (Not pointing any paws at anyone here - but maybe, just maybe, I don't get every single afternoon walk every day.... I'm just saying.)

The part I wanted to figure out is how Mom is supposed to manage pet sitting, and talking with her clients and pet sitters, if she's somewhere else. I'd hesitate to say I'm dumb, but I AM a boxer, and am not known for my reasoning skills. It didn't quite add up.

Then I heard her on the phone with her other company PowerPetSitter.com. And it's all making sense.

PowerPetSitter is an online business management tool Mom developed for pet sitters so she could be home more with the family (that's me. Plus the kids. Mostly me.) She can, remotely, continue to schedule appointments, maintain client relationships, and get paid. Freeing her to travel to the beach on an impromptu extended trip!

Which makes it easier for her to leave me. Which I know has got to be difficult for her. I mean, sure, I'm getting a top-notch pet sitter who will give me even MORE attention than I can count on from Mom and Dad. My question is... what's SHE going to get? Loud water she can't drink, sun beating down, and sand between her paw pads.

It's a little sad, isn't it?

Mark the spot

I can't believe I haven't said anything about it... but I have been free two glorious days!

I can no longer count the number of walks on my four paws - there have been that many! I thought I would be going crazy out there, but in fact, I think I am confusing Mom and Dad with my relative calm. It's information overload, with a lot of smells to process. Now that I am back out there, I can't imagine how I stayed pent up for as long as I did.

I have a list of Dogs. The German Shepard who reminds me of the one that jumped me that time, the Weimaraner with his detached demeanor and cool good looks, those two Jack Russells that say threatening things to me (as if..!) I am trying to leave messages at every fence that I am Back. (Didn't I mention this is MY neighborhood?)

Most of My People and My Cat just found out they are going to Florida for July. They are hustling about, running errands and getting things together - which makes me a little nervous. Especially given that I have picked up on the fact that it is a long time.

The one good part about it is that My People know People. A sitter is coming, and will walk me daily. I think that means I will get three walks a day for most of the time... which is always what I strive for. Plus I'll sleep in my own bed, and get a chance to finish re-processing all these smells.

Besides, I've got stuff to do here. When they get back, I hope to have barked at and left my mark on the fences of every one of my nemeses.

Sweet Freedom

I can almost taste the freedom...

They call it the "dog days of summer" for a reason. Life is good, no responsibility. Even people get to lie around panting with not a lot to do. This summer, though? The expression seems a little like a cruel joke. I have breathed more air conditioning in the past two months on this heart worm healing prison sentence than all my previous time on the planet. I need some air - even if it's hot, even if it's muggy - it's REAL, and I want to get me some.

In honor of my pending release I have put together my 'to do' list:

• Dog park. I live across from one! I can see it from my porch, and I swear the other dogs are starting to mock me. I can't wait to sniff some tail, run fast. Chase and be chased.
• Trail walk. This town has a lot of trails, parks and pathways. I plan to take my people and hit the Silver Comet Trail, Piedmont Park, and our little West Side stretch of the Beltline.
• Eat out. Maybe I'll get to visit a dog-friendly restaurant when out and about. Maybe get a cold bowl of water at Park Tavern while Mom and Dad drink a pitcher of beer...
• Sniff stuff. There is a lot to sniff outside the confines of this house! It's the only way I can know what's what, whose come through. We will leave the porch, and I will sniff it ALL.
• Pee on things. It sounds crass. But how else will the other dogs know I'm FREE? This is my neighborhood. Time to get marking.
• Bite water from a hose. When the kids are playing in the hose in the yard, they sometimes point it at me. Jumping up, biting water as it leaves the hose on a hot day? That's magic, man.
• Bark. Loud, excited, woofs. And louder woofs. Woofs that go beyond my porch!
• Chase. More chasing! Not just dogs, in a proper dog park.. but squirrels! Cats! Chipmunks! Birds! Chasing things up trees, around corners, into and across the street....

I plan to stretch that leash to its limits, people.

Time to put the Dog back into Dog Days of Summer.

9 days left and counting!

It appears everything is going great with my heart worm treatment. I have 9 days to go until I get some activity. The Vet was happy I am gaining weight. What was she thinking, of course you gain weight if you do not exercise! I am eating the exact same amount and gained weight, I try to explain how this works to my Mom. However, she always says she can't understand why she can't lose any weight. I know LOL.

Rocky~

Best Pet Sitting Company

Please vote for Buckhead Pet Pals as best pet sitting company in Smyrna

http://www.smyrnavinings.com/smyrna-vinings-2010-pet-sitting-poll/

Ormond Beach

The family is at Ormond Beach, all I get to do is get on FB and read about their daily happenings. Mom posted a picture of her holding a hammer head shark. She acted as if she caught it, not a chance. I imagine her sitting on the beach with a frozen cocktail not a fishing pole. They did throw the hammer head back in the ocean!

Rocky~

June

I am so happy the kids and Mommy are home all day. I get lots of attention and have 3 more weeks before I can act like a real dog again. I find now that I am in the house all day there is not too much excitement for me to write about. Stay tuned for the fun to begin in July!

Rocky~

Cushions

What does a good dog do when he cannot go outside and exercise? He eats cushions on the front porch. Not a good idea, my Dad has now banned me from a 1/2 day on the front porch. The kids get out of school on Friday and I will have company all day, except when they go to the pool. I am so excited! I have been such a good dog through the heart worm treatment. I cannot wait until I have something exciting to blog about :)

Love
Rocky~

3 weeks down, 5 weeks to go!

I am starting to get stir crazy. No where to go, nothing to see. Man this is boring. Now I know what my Mom felt like on bed rest with Michael and Olivia.

I am starting to try and get creative and bust a move from my Mom, here is how it plays out. We go outside, I casually walk around sniffing she lets the lead extend with full trust I have to go potty. When she takes her eye off of me...I bolt back towards her and try to dash around the corner of the house. Mom is now getting to smart, she has pulled the pinch collar out and takes me to the dog park across the street with my leash and collar on. Yesterday when she was in the dog park with me on my leash a neighbor comes by and asks "what are you doing?" She did not know about the heart worm, so Mom did look a bit silly :)

5 weeks to go!

Love Rocky~

Getting Fat

Wow what a difference exercise makes with your body image, all I do is sit around the house waiting for the 8 weeks of heart worm treatment to be over. I have always been one of those thin boxers with one or two ribs showing. I hear my Mom tell the vet, she tries to fatten me up, but she can't get any weight on me. Turns out it was not my diet it was all the exercise I do daily. Now that I am sitting around the house, my ribs are not showing anymore. My Dad told my Mom last night to cut my food back. Oh come on, all I have to look forward to is eating and the kids coming home from school. My Dad has some nerve telling her to cut my food back as he is chowing down on 20 hot wings in front of me! I sure hope Mom doesn't put on any weight since she is not walking me anymore :)

Love Rocky~

The Pet Parade

I was not able to go to the Atlanta Humane Society Pet Parade this year. Mommy and Olivia went to educate people about pet sitters. I will be there next year!

Rocky~

Big Weekend

We had a big weekend at the Centola Family household. Saturday Michael made his first Communion. It was a beautiful service, so I hear. They shipped me off to Aunt Catherine's, they were worried I would get too excited with all the people and with my heart worm treatment it would not be good. Sunday was Mom's day, it was great but Dad had to go to work. Mom says she gets a do over, yeah we will see how that goes LOL. Grandma and Great Grandma left to go back home to NY. I am home alone again.

Rocky~

Cinco De Mayo

Happy Cinco De Mayo

I hope all of our Buckhead Pet Pals clients and friends have some fun planned for today. Tacos, cheese dip, and Margarita's sound great today. I of course will be still locked in the house with 7 weeks to go before I can party! I do not think my parents have any plans either except driving the kids from school to gymnastics to hip hop today.

Rocky~

I don't do rain

I have been such a good boy during my heart worm treatment. I just hang out in the house and get extra treats and love all the time. I have got into a few things like taco seasoning, a plate of brownies, and a sponge. But what do you expect I have not done any form of exercise in a week. I look forward to my outings you know walk 10 feet go to the bathroom and come back in, some outing that is? it was storming so bad today I would not even go out to use the bathroom, coming from an Italian family I said, "forget about it"

Love,
Rocky~

treatment

I began my treatment for heart worms today. I got x-rays and Dr. Dani said I had stage 1 or 2. I got a shot with a long needle and a steroid shot. The shot is making me nervous and I am pacing back and forth in the house. Dr. Dani says I should calm down in a few hours. I cannot decide if I want to sit or walk. I have not ate or drank since 8pm last night. I do not even have an appetite as of now. I am on huge restrictions. I can only go outside to go potty and right back in the house. No walking for 8 weeks! It is important I stay calm, I do not want one of those heart worms released in my blood. Dr. Dani will be back tomorrow for another shot.

To all my friends with pets....please give your heart guard to your pets all year around. My mom was afraid of putting unnecessary drugs in my body and look where I am now :(

Rocky~

Heart Worm

I have been diagnosed with heart worm. Get my x-ray tomorrow to find out how severe and then I begin my treatment. 8 weeks of no exercise! Not sure how I am going to manage no exercise when I am still a puppy. Say a prayer for me and I will blog about my treatment and journey through this experience.

Rocky~

Hike

We went on a hike last week. When I see we, I mean Catherine and I. My parents were in Moultrie GA for the Spring Fling. Catherine and I hiked 11.5 miles with our friend Carrie. Catherine and Carrie are going on a hike this weekend in TN. No dogs allowed, who heard of such a thing. I will enjoy the weekend with my family. I love hanging out with the kids.

Rocky~

Brownies Field Trip to the Atlanta Humane Society

Olivia's Brownie troop took a field trip to the Atlanta Humane Society. Thanks to all the Buckhead Pet Pals clients who donated items and money. The girls enjoyed the trip and there was even a boxer there, my Mom wanted to bring home. My Dad said, "we already have a boxer at home" and I agree. I love all the attention!

Rocky~

Pizza

Last night we had a neighborhood get together. We ordered pizza and drank some spirits. I guess the spirits made my parents tired and forgetful. They went to bed and left a whole pizza on the counter, spicy sausage and banana peppers. I tried to be good, but I kept smelling the pizza. I had to get that pizza, it is all I could think about pizza, pizza, pizza. I jumped up and stood on my back legs and successfully pulled the pizza on the floor. The box was closed and now upside down. How can I get in the box it won't open? I did like any other dog would do, I chewed through the box...ahhhh pizza.

The pizza was so good, but the spicy peppers have done a number on my tummy. It burns when I poop and I have diarrhea. I am dehydrated and can't get enough water. It was worth every bite! Thanks Mom, Dad and all my neighbors.

Cheers,

Rocky~

All About Me!

It has been brought to my attention that this blog is all about Rocky! I have had people email me and ask questions about Sidney. For all of you people who want to see Sidney our cat, here is her picture. She is a great cat, however she hates me and I am not quite sure why she dislikes me so much. She has been known to jump on my back just to get me down the stairs. She has the "crazy eye" as my Dad calls it. However, my Mom and Olivia love Sidney so much. When they pet her she purrs so loud! Sidney is about 16 years old and is full of life!

Rocky~

Amicalolo Falls

I had another big adventure this weekend. Catherine took me to Amicalolo Falls for a 7 mile hike! I love when I stay at Catherine's house it is like club med! All Mom did in return is cook her Easter Dinner, I think I got the best end of that deal.

Look how far ahead of Catherine I am. I felt like I was pulling her up the hills. Oh Catherine, Oh Catherine where are you? I am not even panting yet!

Rocky~

What a gorgeous day! The kids are out of school and I truly benefit when they are home. Mom took us all on a hike at the Chattahoochee. I have never been on a hike at the river with my family. The weather was nice and I even go to go into the river. I have to admit, I am not one of those dogs who swim in water. I just got my paws wet and observed the water flowing over the rocks. I am not sure what to make of this water thing, I am not a water dog :)

Kids are out of school until Monday. I cannot wait to see what adventures we will have each day.

Rocky~

Wold of Coke

Yesterday my family went to the Wold of Coke. Sariah our niece is in town for a week. The day was exciting first the World of Coke than Centennial Park. The kids got all wet playing in the Fountain of Rings. Glad Mom was able to find some $5 I Love ATL shirts for the kids to put on. After the park they walked to Hard Rock Cafe! The perfect tourist day for the Centola family. Glad Sariah is in town from Indiana for her Spring Break. The benefits of owning your own pet sitting company you are able to enjoy the nice days when the sun is shining!

Olivia's Brownie Troop will be visiting the Humane Society

This is a picture of Olivia volunteering last year at the Humane SocietyPet Parade.

Olivia's Brownie Troop is taking a field trip to the Humane Society on Friday. If you have anything you would like to donate please get in touch with my Mom and she can take it for you. Here is the wish list www.atlantahumanesociety.org/donate/wish-list.asp

Rocky~

Paws, Whiskers, and Wags

Last night Mom had a Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters meeting at Paws, Whiskers, and Wags - Your Pet Crematory. The ladies at Paws, Whiskers, and Wags are amazing. Christine Hunsaker has become a personal friend of my Mom's. Everyone needs to have a plan when their pet passes away. My older brother Balboa passed away on New Years Eve 08' Christine met my family there and made them feel better during the tough time. You can take a tour of their facility or visit them on line at http://www.pawswhiskersandwags.com/

In loving Memory of Balboa!

Today my Mom went to lunch with a friend. When she came home she started talking about Max saying, "you may be meeting Max soon". I am thinking Max is a dog. Guess what Max is the owner of the local Bark Busters Dog Training www.barkbusters.com. Why would she say I will be meeting Max soon. I am a well behaved dog what is she thinking? I will be on my best behavior!

I went for a 3 mile run today. I will be good all day. The trick to a good dog is a well exercised dog. Catherine....Do you want to go on a hike this weekend. I am available :)

Rocky~

Happy St. Patty's Day

Everyone is wearing green today. My Mom even put my St. Patrick's Day collar on me today. I like my other collar better. What is she thinking? I am not an Irish Setter!

Mom is beginning to cook Shepherd's Pie. Looking at that meal she is preparing, I know it is for me. Meat, Vegetables and Potatoes gobbed on top it looks delicious. I know it is coming my way. I am licking my bowl now just so she knows I am ready to eat it!

Uh oh, Mom is putting it in one of those fancy casserole dishes... and she is going to a St. Patty's Day party. The chances of me getting this meal are slim.

Happy St. Patty's Day

Rocky~

The Bed

Big weekend at the Centola house. Olivia got new bunk beds! She is such a sweet girl she said I can still sleep in there with her even though the beds are new. Nothing is off limit for me in the house.

Since we moved the office out of the house. We now have a spare bedroom again. We moved the queen bed back downstairs. Dad has a whole mans den down there and he said he could start sleeping down there because his snoring keeps Mom awake at night. The kids and I watched Mom's face not sure how she was going to reply. No way telling which way this could go....She said sure and jumped up and down with excitement!
Last night was the first night Mom can officially sleep in the "Snore Free Zone" around 8pm everyone starts sniffing around Mom and Dads bed. Michael starts asking is Papa going to sleep downstairs. He calls Dad "Papa". Mom says I don't know. Around 9pm kids finally asleep in the new bunk beds. I hear Mom walking upstairs to bed and so does our cat Sidney. Sidney dashes towards the empty king size bed. Now, those of you who do not know us personally do not know that Sidney HATES me! I have to beat her to that bed or she will hiss and jump on me. I make my move. I slide across the hardwood floors jump over Sidney and jump in the bed. Yes! I win it is going to be just me and Mom in the bed.

Mom and I are in bed until 11pm just snuggling and enjoying each others company watching Desperate Housewives and our other shows. When all of a sudden the door swings open....it is Dad he is coming to bed. I ask what happened with sleeping downstairs and letting Mom sleep in peace. He has no respect for me, he doesn't even answer me. He just gets in the bed and scooches me over.
Around 1am the bed is too crowded for Mom she has to get up and sleep in Michael's bed. She would rather be uncomfortable in her own bed then disturb me when I am sleeping. I love my Mom!

Rocky~

No Pets Allowed!

My Mom gets this new office and leaves me home by myself all day. I ask why I cannot go to the office. She says no dogs are allowed in the office. Catherine is in the office working with my Mom today and she sends me this photo to my cell phone. Yes a dog in the office named Taylor. She is a brown female lab. Do you think they are discriminating because I am a male boxer? Or do you think because she is the building manager dogs?

I am going to keep Catherine on a retainer as a spy!

Check out Taylor she is cute.

Rocky~

Rain Rain Go Away! Little Rocky Wants To Play!

Yesterday was a big day for me, because of all of this rain I stayed in the house all day by myself! I did have my favorite pet sitter Laurie come walk me in the pouring down rain. I appreciate her, but I need an umbrella. I did not chew up anything or eat anything I was not suppose to chew for the 8 hours I was left to roam the house unattended. You would think my Mom would be very happy about this, but instead she sounded like a nag. She kept telling my Dad to put the guitar away downstairs saying I may chew it up today when I would be in the house all day. You know she just wanted him to put it away to keep the house clean and she blames it on me! The problem with being a dog is that you cannot say anything or stand up for yourself.
I hope the rain stops so I can see Lady and have a play date. She had a bath on Tuesday and her parents don't want her all muddy or slobbered on by me :)

Rocky~

Michael turns 9

Today is my best friend Michael's Birthday and he was on the local fox news for his birthday. I wonder if my family will submit my photo to the local news for my birthday and wouldn't it be cool if they published it.

Happy Birthday Michael

The Dump

Do you ever feel like you are in trouble for something you did not do? You even start thinking you did do something wrong when you did not. People can really get in your head.

My parents kept saying "The Dump" this weekend. Last time I heard my Dad say the dump...you know what that meant and I was in big trouble!

Turns out The Dump is actually this cool furniture store that opened this weekend in Atlanta www.thedump.com. They bought Olivia a twin size bunk bed. I have a feeling there won't be much room in the bottom bunk for me and do not see me climbing up to the top of the bunk. Could you imagine the jumping down from the top bunk that would be pretty scary. Do you think she really wanted a bunk bed or are they just limiting the beds I can sleep in the house?

Rocky~

New Collar and Leash

Check out my new accessories!

I thought this fashion thing was just something my Mom got in her head and bought me to make her feel better. I soon realized that fashion no matter if you are a dog or a human is important. I put on my new leash and collar and took a strut down the street. I met this new female dog "Lady" what a perfect name for her. She has a beautiful coat and a great personality. She is a Border Collie and plays quite differently than I do. She "herds" me around the dog park, I think I like this type of female control.

I have walked our streets daily and never met her before. Is it a coincidence or the accessories?

This morning my Dad wakes my Mom out of a dead sleep to ask what shoes he should wear today. He does not trust her opinion so he comes back in and wakes her up again asking the same question. I can tell by the look on her face she should have picked the other shoes to wear. She immediately tells him to switch shoes. This goes to show you fashion is very important no matter whose shoes you are walking in....

Rocky~

Ohhhhh Nooooo! Mr. Bill

My big adventure yesterday was going to City Dog Market. If you have not visited this fabulous store you should http://www.citydogmarket.com/. I got all natural treats, a new collar, leash, snake and a Mr. Bill toy. My Mom remembers Mr. Bill from Saturday Night Live and thinks he is funny. When I bite Mr. Bill it says Ohhhh Nooooo, my Mom and Dad get smiles on their faces remembering Mr. Bill. Glad I can make them so happy!

Rocky~

Nice Weekend

The weather was still cold but the sun was shining. The kids went for a bike ride while I tried to keep up with them. Walked the trails by the house it was enjoyable hanging out with the kids all weekend. They are on spring break this week. I hope they have some fun things planned with me. By the end of the day my Master Michael and I were very tired!

Rocky~

Cold Weather

I am wondering where the nice weather is that we had last week. I went on a great hike and now it is cold outside again. It snows one weekend the next weekend it is high 60's now it is cold again.

I am excited the kids will be on spring break next week with me. I get bored at home when they are at school. They are promising me great walks and lot of ball time.

~Rocky~

Buckhead Pet Pals Office

Buckhead Pet Pals has moved it's office to Buckhead! Candace, Catherine and I are excited about our new location. Great places to walk to eat and very convenient for our sitters.