The Perfect Pet Sitting Client

Alright Camp Bow Wow Albany fans, do you have what it takes to be our perfect client? If you can relate to any of the listed items below, you just may want to give us a call!

• Your pets eat better than you do. 

• Your parents refer to your pets as their “grandchildren".

• Your dog owns more sweaters than you do and is constantly being complimented on her style.

• There is a basket somewhere in your home that is overflowing with pet toys.

• Your pets have their own Christmas stocking hanging on the mantle (and it is overflowing with gifts).

• Every other photo on your smartphone is of your pet doing something cute.

• You celebrate your pet’s birthday with cake and party hats for everyone.

• You sign your pet’s names on holiday cards - each pet has their own style of handwriting.

• You have to remind Fluffy at times that it's not nice to hit her brother, Otis.

• You have your pet sitters number on speed dial.

• You have more pictures of your pet on your desk at work than you do of your own family.

• Your pet has their own Halloween costume. It changes every year.

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Winterizing Your Dog

The first day of Winter is December 21st. Although that day has not yet arrived, the snow certainly has. More people will be tossing down the salt, and the trucks will be dumping it all over as Jack Frost does his thing to keep the Capital District white and fluffy for the next few months.

This means we will need to do a little extra prepping when taking our dogs out for a walk. The snow, salt, ice and wind can really do some damage to your pup, so be cautious when going out! Your pup will thank you for it!

Bundle up! You, the walker, should wear warm snow boots or shoes equipped with good traction in the snow and on the ice. A warm jacket and gloves are essential for winter walking, especially while holding that leash!

Make sure your pooch has good paw protection and is protected from the elements. Dogs, just like humans, are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. A warm sweater or jacket may be needed depending on how thick your dog's natural coat is.

Try booties for his paws. Make sure they are not too tight, but snug enough that they won't fall off in the snow, or let snow inside. 

Apply a soothing balm to your dog's pads. Try Bag Balm, Musher's Secret or Vaseline. 

Make sure you are seen. Walking in the snow and around snowbanks can be difficult, which may mean you have to step into the road from time to time. Add some reflective strips to your dogs leash or jacket so you can be seen at any time of day.

Keep the walks short. If you see your friend shivering, or he seems anxious, it's time to go back inside and warm up. 

Salt and de-icers can be toxic and riddled with chemicals. Make sure your pooch does not lick up any sidewalk slush. Advise your neighbors to use pet-friendly de-icers on their sidewalks and driveways.

Make sure you clean your dog's feet before he licks them clean.  Gently rub your dog's paws down with a warm washcloth to remove any snow or toxic salt from his pads and under his nails.

I hope these tips help you on your winter walks. Feel free to post photos of you and your pooch on a walk!

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Home Buddies

I find that a good majority of people today seem to be surprised when they hear about In-home Pet Care.  It is as if they have never thought about the possibility of hiring a professional to come in to their home and care for their pets. Some people have no idea that Pet Sitters are out there. 

When I ask these people how their pets are being cared for when they go away, they reply with “kennel boarding, or asking friends and family.” Some people say they "never travel because they have a pet."

While asking your friends to help supplement care for your pets while you are out may sound like a good deal every now and then, utilizing a pet sitting service minimizes feelings of inconveniencing those friends and neighbors. It also reduces "travel trauma" to pets who need to be transported to a care facility while you are out of town. 

Don't think that just because you have a high maintenance pet means you can not travel! Having a Pet Sitter come in to your home maintains the animal's daily routine and schedule, keeping stress levels at bay for you and your pet. This makes life so much easier and your loved ones down south will thank you for the extra gas money in their pockets. 

Pet Sitters are trained and ready to care for your pet just like you would. Most of them are bonded, insured, and have gone through animal First Aid and CPR courses. Some sitters have years of experience caring for animals under their belts, as well.

When you go out of town, your pets will be left in good hands and if they are anything like Home Buddies Pet Sitters, they will go above and beyond the requirements to meet your pet’s needs to keep you happy and worry-free.

                                                           Our Certified Caregivers Are:

  Bonded & Insured by Business Insurers of the Carolinas

 Pet First Aid & CPR Certified by Total Learning Center (Instructor Renee Earl)

Background Checked by Sterling Infosystems

What Our Clients Are Saying:

“Referred by someone I trust. You were prompt, professional and gave me immediate feedback. Camp Bow Wow came highly recommended by my groomer whom I've known over twenty years. I was impressed by their quick follow up and complimentary interview. It was very important for me to know who was taking care of my dogs. They came when I requested, called me when they were finished, and gave me an oral and written report of the day's activities. It took a tremendous load off my mind and put a smile on my face knowing my pugs were getting the exercise and attention they crave.” 

- Curt R. of Albany, Listen360 Survey Rating 10/10

 “Anyone who knows me, knows that my three dogs are the love of my life.  I have a seven year old German Shepherd, a four year old Great Dane and a seventeen year old Pug.  I do not board my dogs and have been fortunate to have a home sitter for the past three years, but she is not always available.  I stumbled upon Camp Bow Wow through Facebook and I am so happy I did!  I met with Samuel and Christina and immediately knew that I could trust "my girls" with them.  They came to my house, met my brood, took notes about feeding and play, and quickly became best buds with my girls.  I have since had Christina come   to my house for home visits while we were away.  There is nothing more comforting than receiving a text message with photos of your dogs playing in the yard when you are 3000 miles from home.  I would recommend Camp Bow Wow without reservation.  I am so happy that there is now a local service available to those of us who want our pets cared for in their own home!”

- Ellen F. of Loudonville, Listen360 Survey Rating 10/10

 “Professional and organized service. Christina was very good with the dogs and they seemed very happy with her care. Everything was done exactly as discussed. I would definitely recommend Home Buddies to friends and family members. I liked everything about my experience with them.”

- Wendy G. of Niskayuna, Listen360 Survey Rating 10/10

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Pictures with Santa

Every year, I make it a tradition to dress my dog up in her winter sweater and take her to the pet store for photos with Santa. I love it, my dog loves the car ride, and you can use the photo to make a great holiday card, gift or a nice keepsake.

If this is a tradition in your furry family, check out these nearby places and have your pal strike a pose with Santa!

Community Resource Federal Credit Union - Pet Photos with Santa - December 7th, 20 Wade Road, Latham NY from 12:00pm-3:00pm. All proceeds benefit Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

Colonie Center - Pet Photo Night with Santa - December 10th 6:00pm-9:00pm - Entrance #1 between LL Bean and Sears

Pet Smart - Santa Claws Holiday Photo Event - December 7th and December 14th from 11:00am-4:00pm! Make a $5 donation at checkout to benefit local animal welfare groups.

Pet Co - Photos with Santa - December 7th and December 14th from 1:00pm-4:00pm! All proceeds benefit a local animal welfare partner.

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Becky's Dog Walking

Becky Steiner is a dog walker from Slingerlands, New York. I met her through Samuel Dearth, owner of Camp Bow Wow.

We made arrangements to meet in Voorheesville, New York to walk some of her clients. We ventured off on a trail that runs parallel to the power lines; well kept, grassy, a little muddy, and everything a pooch could ask for on an early weekday morning.

I met up with Becky again this past week. She pulled into the Capital Hills Golf Course parking lot with the dogs in tow. Five of them piled out of the car and instantly led the way through the course… after taking care of business that is. 

The thing that sets Becky apart from other dog walkers is that she takes her client’s dogs out on an off-leash group walk. There is no better way to get friendly dogs exercised and socialized then letting them get together in a pack and be “free.” Becky does an excellent job at keeping these pups happy, healthy, and tuckered out when it’s time to go back home.  

To begin this off-leash walking process, Becky will sit down with the dog’s owners, and have a discussion with them to find out if it is something that they are interested in for their dogs when they call her for service.

After the discussion, Becky will do a trial run with the owner’s permission. She will get to know the dog on and off-leash and check him out with the other dogs to gauge their behavior together.

On average, Becky walks about 5 or 6 compatible dogs together at a time. She always carries extra supplies such as leashes, bags and treats to make sure the walks go smoothly. Becky is insured and Pet First Aid/CPR certified. She is prepared and ready if an emergency situation ever broke out. 

These photos are from our most recent walk at Capital Hills Golf Course in Albany, New York

Becky saying "Hello" to a visiting pooch.

Time for treats!

Becky also recommends taking your dog to some of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy trails. You can find them here.

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Better With Age

A lot of seniors get overlooked at shelters, and people seem to gravitate towards the puppies and kittens. Why not look deep into the eyes of an older dog or cat that may have had to be surrendered or was found wandering the streets? 

Older dogs and cats already know the house rules - It takes very little training, if any at all to get accustomed to your way of life. Senior cats make the best lap companions, and will keep you warm throughout the colder months, while senior dogs already know the way of the leash, and will happily go for a leisurely walk with you. 

My family took in an old Maltese that was brought into the animal shelter that I worked at. The Animal Control Officer said he was found in an apartment, after his owner had passed away.

He was a shaky, frightened old dog and we could not bear to see him stay in the shelter, after being someone’s lifelong companion until the very last day of his owners life.

I brought him home to my parent’s house, which was home to four cats. He had no problem adjusting to them, or to my parents, and was soon King of the Couch. 

He had a great life with my parents, and brought them so much happiness with his unconditional love for them.

This is just one success story. Why not visit your local shelter or rescue, and save a senior cat or dog of your own? You can then share your success story with those around you.. or even introduce each other! 

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