Did you know LAX has a dog park?

It’s ultra tiny but it comes complete with water, faux grass, a working fire hydrant and poop bags. It's everything a dog needs after a long flight. You’ll find this little slice of heaven in five different locations around the lower levels. Here's a handy little map showing all the "relief stations" that you can print out the next time you travel... Here.

GPS Tracking For Your Pet!

I keep running across ads for new gps trackers for your pet and I think they are such a great idea. Basically, your cat or dog wears a gps tracker on it's collar and you specify a geographic "zone" that your pet is usually in. If your pet leaves that zone, you receive a text and email. The best deal I've seen so far comes from Tagg.com. The devise is about $200 and includes the first year of service. After that, it's $60 a year. They are light weight and water resistant. The Tagg device allows you to see your pet's location online at all times and sends you directions of how to find your pet if he is lost. Other companies don't have the online tracking and use more of a concierge service that you can call in and find out where your pet is. I think that is more of a hassle plus they charge close to $200 a year! So, if you have a dog that likes to bolt, check it out... www.tagg.com

Pet Lover Gift Ideas

For the cat who has everything. It ain't cheap but most cats appreciate the finer things in life.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/83058631/modern-cat-house?ref=cat2_gallery_21



The Upcycled Vintage Pet Bed from Etsy.com. Tres Chic!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/64418582/upcycled-vintage-suitcase-pet-bed?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=cat+bed+suitcase&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=1&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade



The "Mod Cat Litter Box" from uncommongoods.com are very discreet and pretty!
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/mod-kat-litter-boxes

My New Greeting Cards!!

I am very happy to announce that I have just signed with Recycled Paper Greetings and they will be publishing my greeting cards all over the US and Canada! Next month my first 8 designs hit the stores. Look for them in Target and Walmart stores, among others. Special thanks to my models and muses Carlos, Reya, Parker, Obie, Vido and Sancho.

Pooping Guinea Pigs

One of my favorite pet sitting stories comes from my friend Mike. He was once hired to look after 2 small dogs which involved several visits a day. Mike showed up at the new clients house to meet the dogs and go over their routine. During the tour, Mike noticed a cage with 2 guinea pigs. The family never mentioned the guinea pigs and so Mike never asked. He assumed they would be self sufficient or perhaps someone else would be caring for them. (Rule #1 never assume anything in this business) So, for whatever reason, no one mentioned the guinea pigs.
Well, on the first visit, Mike was greeted with a note that just casually mentioned that the guinea pig would need to be cared for after all. To Mike's horror, he discovered that "Jimmy" was a little constipated and usually needed help pooping. The instructions and picture left for him are priceless. My favorite part is when they say "There is no need to empty him completely". Oh, what a relief!