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...