Country Critter Sitters

In Memory

of

Santos

Nov 1, 2000 - Jan 10, 2012

A gentle friend who loved his family and the beach.

Here is a link to a short video celebrating Santos.

Santos

January 2012

The demand for Country Critter Sitters dog care has been increasing. I find that I have to limit the number of dogs that are in my care due to the recent death of my sister and business partner, Cathy.

It has become even more important for me to manage the arrivals and departures as I have a limited amount of time in which to get dogs fed and walked as well as taking care of the usual household tasks. Having to spend valuable time waiting for late arrivals or pick-ups is a big problem for me so if your plans have to change, please call me as soon as possible so I can work these changes into our schedule.

I will be trying to maintain service to my existing clients as much as possible however the

'NO VACANCY' sign will be appearing more often in future particularly during the busy travel periods. You may want to check out some of these other facilities in order to have a back-up plan for your critter.

For people whose dogs have not stayed here before, I suggest that you contact one of the other dog care facilities listed below.

Dogs at Home in Seaforth

Phone: 827-4492 email: dogsathome@eastlink.ca

The Dog House in Porters Lake

Phone: 281-2256 email: info@doghouse-ns.ca

Web Site: www.doghouse-ns.ca

Camp Bow Wow in Dartmouth

Phone: 431-3647 email: hrm@campbowwow.ca.

Kamp Canine in Stewiacke

Phone: 1-888-671-2801

Web Site: www.kampcanine.ca

Wyndenfog Kennels, West Chezzetcook

Phone: 827-5073

Web Site: www.wyndenfog.com

Terra Marina Boarding Kennels in Lawrencetown, HRM

Phone: 435-4248

Flea Control is Every Owner's Responsibility

Just a reminder that all guests must be on some type of regular flea control if they are to stay at Country Critter Sitters. There are various treatment methods available so I suggest you consult your veterinarian or other pet professional in order to determine what the best solution is for your critter(s).

The more common methods require regular application (i.e monthly pill or liquid application) and, if necessary, you can leave a routine dosage with me to be given while your critter is staying here. An occasional flea bath is not sufficient to ensure good flea control. Flea collars also need to be replaced regularly as they lose their efficacy over time.

While I have not had a significant problem with ticks in this area, there have been a few removed from dogs that come here to stay. You may want to consider combining flea and tick control into one application if you are concerned about ticks.

I need your cooperation and assistance!

I just wanted to pass along some information that will help you to help me. I want to remain accommodating and flexible, but as I get busier, it becomes harder to manage my guests and my time. The guests continue to be my primary concern.

Please call to let me know when you are coming to pick up or drop off your critter. Phone 827-3135. Make sure you have this number in your purse or wallet or on your cell phone directory. If you would like a CCS business card, I have a whole box of them, so just ask.

Unexpected arrivals can be difficult to manage, because each critter thinks it's their human and they want to be the first at the gate. I like to get critters ready for departure by having them in the mudroom to greet you. Also, I want to be able to get their bags packed and an invoice ready in advance so you don't have to wait.

Another important reason to call ahead is the beach walk. If I am not sure when you are coming, I may not be able to take the dogs for a walk or the walk may have to be postponed.

If you are going to be late, please call and let me know so I can adjust activities accordingly. Even a half hour can be used for a short walk or a game of Chuck-it, if I know that you are going to be later than expected.

If you have ever had to serve breakfast or dinner to a dozen or so dogs, you will appreciate how difficult it is to stop the process before everyone is fed. Please try to avoid arriving at mealtimes or at least give me advance warning.

breakfast is between 8 am and 9 am
dinner is between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm

Please try to bring the appropriate amount of food. If your critter is only staying two nights, a 20 kilo bag of food is not necessary. Just put enough for the stay in a bag or container and add enough for an extra day or two, just in case there is a delay in departure.

Conversely, if your critter is staying for a long time, then make sure there is enough food plus some extra so I don't run out. I will purchase additional food if I run out and that will be added to your bill.

If possible, please try to drop your critter off between 9 am and 4 pm. Late evening arrivals are difficult as I need time to do the meet & greet before bedtime.

Leaving your critter an extra night or two may be necessary due to travel delays, and I understand this is beyond your control. However, it does create create extra work so please consider this and always call to let me know that there is going to be a change in departure date.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Vaccinations Up To Date ?

I am asking that clients check their dog's vaccination status. If it is more than six months since their last Bordetella vaccination (Kennel Cough) , I suggest that you discuss with your veterinarian the value of getting a booster vaccination before your next visit.

About Us

Country Critter Sitters provide home style dog care services to residents of Halifax, Dartmouth and surrounding communities. The goal is to provide your best friend with the extra care and attention they deserve when you can't be with them.

Before I can agree to care for a dog, I have to determine whether there will be any compatibility issues. I request a visit from the "possible guest" and I observe how they fit in and get along before I agree to have them stay. I recognize that each guest is an individual with their own unique personality and I cater to each one as required. This applies to their eating habits, diet, sleeping quarters, exercise needs, medical support and cuddling.

Guests are supervised at all times during their stay and are generally off leash for the duration of their visit provided they do not go looking for greener pastures. Daily strolls around the fields that surrounds the house and some games of fetch or frisbee are part of the routine. If the weather permits, we race down to the private beach for some long hikes and swims.

I keep a record of activities in a diary report which is updated regularly. Humans are encouraged to check in to see how their fur kids are doing while they are staying with me. I am ably assisted by my two canine hosts who welcome guests with wagging tails.