A mixed breed rescue dog that this week discovered a hiker who was trapped for days on Riverside's Mount Rubidoux was awarded the "Heroic Mutt Award" for finding the man

Mole was with his owner, Ramon Llamas, on a hike when the Mole found a man stuck under a pile of large rocks on the busy Riverside landmark.

The German Shepherd mix tugged Llamos' pant leg, whimpering and taking him toward a cluster of boulders. Llamas found a man trapped inside.

"I shouted, 'Is somebody there?'" Llamas recalled Monday. He replied 'I'm a tourist. I'm hungry.'"

Lllamas called for help and stayed with the man, who said his name was Paul, until a rescue team arrived. Llamas gave water to the man, who reported he was visiting from the East Coast and had been stuck for four to six days.

"He was so thankful," Llamas said.

Paul was hospitalized with severe hydration, but specifics about what happened were not available since he preferred not to speak to the media. Rescuers said it couldn't be certain exactly how long he had been trapped.

On Wednesday, the animal rights advocacy group PETA deemed Mole worthy of its "Heroic Mutt Award" for finding Paul.

"He'd be dead if it wasn't for that dog," said one firefighter.

Mole will get a doggie bag with vegan treats, a new harness and toy as part of his award "for saving Paul's life," PETA said in a press release.

"Dogs are more than our best friends — as Mole demonstrated, they're our family members, our protectors, and our heroes," said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "PETA hopes that Mole's tenacity and care will inspire anyone looking for a dog to head to an animal shelter — they're full of lovable, wonderful mutts just like Mole."

rescue dog | dog | PETA award | heroic mutt award | hero dog

The following statistics were compiled from the American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey. Interesting that only 20% of pets are coming from pet shelters. We still have a long way to go to get the word out there that adoption is a wonderful way to go when adding a pet to your family!

Dogs

• There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the United StatesThirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog
• Most owners (60 percent) own one dog
• Twenty-eight percent of owners own two dogs
• Twelve percent of owners own three or more dogs
• On average, owners have almost two dogs (1.69 percent)
• The proportion of male to female dogs is even
• Twenty-one percent of owned dogs were adopted from an animal shelter
• On average, dog owners spent $248 on veterinary visits (vaccine, well visits) annually
• Seventy-eight percent of owned dogs are spayed or neutered

Cats

• There are approximately 86.4 million owned cats in the United States
• Thirty-three percent of U.S. households own at least one cat
• Fifty-two percent of owners own more than one cat
• On average, owners have two cats (2.2)
• More female cats are owned than male cats (80 percent vs. 65 percent respectively)
• Twenty-one percent of owned cats were adopted from an animal shelter
• Cat owners spent an average of $219 on routine veterinary visits
• Eighty-eight percent of owned cats are spayed or neutered

For additional information on pet ownership statistics, contact the AAPA at 255 Glenville Rd., Greenwich, CT 06831, 203-532-0000, or visit www.americanpetproducts.org.

pet ownership | dog ownership | cat ownership | statistics | Appa | dog information

We all know our beloved canines age faster than we do but it's hard to make sense of what stage of life they are in vs their human counterparts. This list is a handy tool for understanding in human terms, your pets stage of life.

DOG AGE     EQUIVALENT HUMAN AGE

6 months          10 years

2 years             15 years

3                       28

4                       32

5                       36

6                       40

7                       44

8                       48

9                       52

10                     56

11                     60

12                     64

13                     68

14                     72

15                     74

16                     77

17                     80

18                     82

19                     85

20                     87

dog life stages | dog years | dog age chart

Scientists have noticed and they've started to explore the complex way animals affect human emotions and physiology. The resulting studies have shown that owning and handling animals significantly benefits health, and not just for the young. In fact, pets may help elderly owners live longer, healthier, and more enjoyable lives.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in May of 1999 demonstrated that independently living seniors that have pets tend to have better physical health and mental wellbeing than those that don't. They're more active, cope better with stress, and have better overall health. A 1997 study showed that elderly pet owners had significantly lower blood pressure overall than their contemporaries without pets. In fact, an experimental residential home for the elderly called the Eden Alternative, which is filled with over 100 birds, dogs, and cats and has an outside environment with rabbits and chickens, has experienced a 15 percent lower mortality rate than traditional nursing homes over the past five years.

How do they do it?
There are a number of explanations for exactly how pets accomplish all these health benefits. First of all, pets need walking, feeding, grooming, fresh water, and fresh kitty litter, and they encourage lots of playing and petting. All of these activities require some action from owners. Even if it's just getting up to let a dog out a few times a day or brushing a cat, any activity can benefit the cardiovascular system and help keep joints limber and flexible. Consistently performing this kind of minor exercise can keep pet owners able to carry out the normal activities of daily living. Pets may also aid seniors simply by providing some physical contact. Studies have shown that when people pet animals, their blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature decrease.

Many benefits of pet ownership are less tangible, though. Pets are an excellent source of companionship, for example. They can act as a support system for older people who don't have any family or close friends nearby to act as a support system. The JAGS study showed that people with pets were better able to remain emotionally stable during crises than those without. Pets can also work as a buffer against social isolation. Often the elderly have trouble leaving home, so they don't have a chance to see many people. Pets give them a chance to interact. This can help combat depression, one of the most common medical problems facing seniors today. The responsibility of caring for an animal may also give the elderly a sense of purpose, a reason to get up in the morning. Pets also help seniors stick to regular routines of getting up in the morning, buying groceries, and going outside, which help motivate them to eat and sleep regularly and well.

Pets in residence
Many nursing homes have taken this information to heart. For years, organizations like Pets on Wheels and Therapy Dogs International have been bringing thoroughly vaccinated, groomed, and behavior-tested animals into hospitals, hospices, and assisted living homes to give seniors a chance to pet and play with them. The residents get to have some therapeutic physical contact and a fun activity to break up their day. More recently, some resident homes have even begun letting animals live in the home full time.

The most important benefit that dogs can provide to their senior citizen owners is companionship and relief from boredom. Another reason, active seniors are a great fit for Sleepover Rover as dog boarding Pet Hosts. The dogs help to bring out the natural ability to love in human beings. Taking care of a pet gives one a great deal of joy and satisfaction. Older people greatly value their friendship with pets. This greatly improves their emotional health. Furthermore, it helps one to overcome one of the greatest nuisances of old age, boredom. The responsibility of taking care of the pet dependant on them gives them a reason to live their life meaningfully. As far as the pet, having such good companionship from an owner is very good for their overall pet health.

dog | dog care | hosting a dog | dogs and seniors | dog boarding

Great article from Walker Valley Vet which summarizes the over-the-counter medications you can give your dog and the doses. http://www.walkervalleyvet.com/otc-meds.htm

You may help to ease your pet's symptoms with the use of some over-the-counter medicines. However, it's never a good idea to just assume a human medication will be a safe and effective treatment for your pet. Contact your veterinarian before starting any medical therapy, to discuss your options. Always let the veterinarian know your pet's symptoms and what you have been treating it with. As with all illnesses, persistent symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor's office.

Here is a list of over-the-counter medications that can be safely used for your pet. Please read everything before administering an OTC medication to your pet. If it is not on this list -- do not give it!

IMODIUM (loperamide):
Can be given to some dogs and cats for diarrhea. WARNING: Certain dog breeds related to Collies may have adverse reactions to Imodium (loperamide). Do not give this medicine to Collies, Shelties, Australian Shephards and Long-haired Whippits. See http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl/" href="http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl/">this site for more detailed information. (Thanks to Ken Brookner for this correction.)

For those animals for which this medicine is appropriate give 1 teaspoon for every 20 pounds. This dosage can be repeated every 4-6 hours until symptoms begin to resolve, not to exceed 24 hours.

PEPTO-BISMOL:
Can be administered to dogs (never cats!) with upset stomach or vomiting. Give one teaspoon per 20 pounds of weight every 4-6 hours for 24 hours, or until symptoms begin to resolve.

BENADRYL(Diphenhydramine):
Benadryl is an antihistamine that helps relieve swellings and itching from allergic reactions and is used long-term to treat allergies. The dose is one milligram for every pound given twice daily. (Although safe to use, Benadryl is not very effective in cats, and other antihistamines are more commonly prescribed.)

ASPIRIN:
Can be given short term to dogs (never cats!) to help relieve inflammation and pain. Buffered Aspirin (Bufferin) is easier on the stomach but regular (non-coated) aspirin can also be used. Aspirin may be given once or twice a day. Always give aspirin with food.

Aspirin has potent blood thinning properties, and continued usage may be dangerous in some animals. For long term pain relief there are safer veterinary-specific alternatives.

DRAMAMINE (Dimenhydrinate):
Dramamine is an antihistamine that works well at preventing motion sickness in both cats and dogs. This drug works best if given at least ½ hour prior to travel.

TAGAMET (Cimetidine) /PEPCID-AC (Famotidine) /ZANTAC (Ranitidine):
Reduces the amount of stomach acids and can be dispensed to dogs and cats suffering from ulcers, acid reflux or belly ache. Sometimes they are used to prevent ulcers in animals taking other medications. These medications are given once to twice daily. It's best to discuss the exact dosage with your veterinarian.

HYDROCORTISONE:
Can help to relieve itchy, raw or irritated skin. It can be used topically to reduce itching from hives, hot spots, and insect bites and stings. Apply a small amount up to two times daily.

GAS-X (Simethicone):
Simethicone is used in dogs to help with unusual flatulence or gas discomfort. Any dog suspected of http://www.walkervalleyvet.com/emergency.htm#bloat" href="http://www.walkervalleyvet.com/emergency.htm#bloat">Bloat should get 2 doses immediately before transport to the Emergency Clinic.

GLUCOSAMINE:
Glucosamine (and glucosamine in combination with chondroitin sulfate) is used to treat joint pain associated with arthritis. This is a long term treatment and its effects may not be immediately noticeable.

ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENTS:
Are helpful in the treatment of small wounds, bites or minor infections. Always thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water first.

ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP:
Can be use to clean any wound or injury.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE:
1 - 10 teaspoons given orally can be used to induce vomiting in dogs. (See toxicities.) Never induce vomiting unless being directed to by a veterinarian. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially posionous substance, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Hydrogen peroxide is not as effective to clean wounds as antibacterial soap and water.

NASAL SPRAYS:
Saline nasal spray and pediatric nasal sprays (Little Noses) can be given in kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs to alleviate dryness and nasal congestion associated with a cold. No other type of OTC nasal medication should be used unless prescribed by your veterinarian.

Consult your veterinarian before administering over-the-counter medications.

pet medications | over-the-counter pet medications | dog medications | dog over-the-counter medications

Here's a LOS ANGELES child actor with a CAUSE! This 16-y-o cutie has saved over 20,000 doggie LIVES since founding KIDS AGAINST ANIMAL CRUELTY two years ago!

dogs | dog advocate | dogs and kids

Sleepover Rover had a busy and exciting Fall, adding both Reno, Nevada and Colorado Springs to the list of cities we serve. Colorado Springs, listed as one of America's Top Ten dog friendly made perfect sense as the next growth area as Sleepover Rover makes its way across the United States! There are lots of dog friendly parks and restaurants, some of which allow off-leash exploring! Colorado Springs is noted for Pikes Peak, the Pioneers Musem and the historical downtown tour. Now our clients that want to visit Colorado Springs can enjoy the sites while their beloved canine is in the loving care of a Sleepover Rover host! For Colorado Springs residents traveling outside of the city this holiday, we have wonderful host families available to care for your furry family member while you're away.

Welcome Colorado Springs!!!

dog boarding | dog boarding colorado springs | pet boarding | pet | dog

Sleepover Rover, Inc. Press Release: The company that founded the in-home dog-boarding business in 2004, just enlisted premier journalist and dog lover, Blair Tindall, to lead the company’s social media and public relations.

When Blair became a pet host for Sleepover Rover, Co-Founders, Tina Myers and Maggie Brown found that Blair’s hilarious email communications and phone calls creative, with the endearing humor not unlike George Takei, the beloved Erma Bombeck, or Bill Cosby and identified her as a huge talent that they wanted as the “voice” for Sleepover Rover.

Blair taught journalism at Stanford University, at Berkeley, and at Mills College, and her shocking expose of the music world, Mozart in the Jungle, has sold over 3 million copies. Blair was also a staff business reporter at the Examiner^[10] (Hearst) and critic-at-large for the Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek. She went on to write for The New York Times, Agence France-Presse, the Los Angeles Times, Sierra, The Sydney Morning Herald, and the International Herald Tribune.

Blair spent 23 years as a professional musician with the New York Philharmonic, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. She presented a critically acclaimed solo debut at Carnegie Recital Hall. Blair has performed on many film soundtracks including Malcolm X, Crooklyn, and Twilight. She has also performed with Rolling Stones’ drummer Charlie Watts at the Blue Note Jazz Club.

Blair’s passion for music and writing is clearly rivaled by her love for dogs and the people who cherish them. Follow “Host Blair” on Sleepover Rover social channels, Twitter and Facebook.

Blair Tindall | dog boarding | pet boarding | Sleepover Rover | dogs | dog | pet sitting | pet

Here's a great shot of Joanne's dog with family guests! Are these guys well=behaved or WHAT?

Sleepover Rover | sleepover rover dog boarding | dogs of sleepover rover | dogs

For Immediate Release:

The Biggest Little City in the World just got Bigger and Better! This month the two founders of Sleepover Rover, Inc. have been in town establishing Sleepover Rover dog boarding services in Reno. This successful women-owned business is expanding rapidly across the country with a unique way of uniting excellent stay-at-home dog lovers with pet parents determined to find a better solution than a resort or pet sitter for their dogs.

“We’ve always enjoyed visiting Reno and are thrilled to have identified some fantastic host families to charter the expansion of Sleepover Rover in Reno,” says founder Maggie Brown. “Reno could very well be the jewel in our crown,” says co-founder Tina Myers. “Never before have we so quickly found such high quality dog lovers to serve our clients as pet hosts. Reno is a dog-rich environment, and we feel right at home here.”

The co-founders explain, “We ask ourselves: Would we leave our own dogs in this home with this family? If the answer isn’t a resounding “yes” we do not certify the applicant.”

Sleepover Rover, Inc., the dog boarding alternative for choosy pet parents, provides host families to care for dogs in their home.

Requests for Sleepover Rover services have surged as pet parents rave about guilt free vacations and business trips. Sleepover Rover identifies dog-loving retirees, stay-at-home parents, or professionals who work from home offices as hosts. Unlike on-line listing bulletin board services advertising pet hosts, Sleepover Rover carefully screens hosts and inspects homes. Host families are certified only after multiple interviews culminating in an intensive in-home interview and home inspection. Host families must have a pet safe home and be home full time. Furthermore, the host and client meet at the host’s home before a match is made. Its founding principle is that each match must be a win for everyone involved; the dog, the client and the host!

Originating in Phoenix in 2004, Sleepover Rover, winner of the 2007 Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Athena Power link Award, is a privately held dog-boarding service company operating in six major markets in the southwest: Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, and now in Reno. The company was founded by two Phoenix area women who loved dogs and refused to leave their own dogs in a home environment rather than a kennel or pet “resort” when they had to travel.

866-817-0500

Sleepover Rover | reno dog boarding | sparks dog boarding | pet sitting reno | pet sitting sparks | dog boarding nevada

Since we all work from our home offices, the team at Sleepover Rover gets little face-to-face time. We enjoyed a great night out this past Saturday, with a delicious and leisurly dinner at the Melting Pot! We tried to limit our conversations about the dog boarding business, but there were funny stories to tell and share! It was great to learn more about everyone's off-duty adventures too! These are the gals that support our host families, find PERFECT host matches for our clients, and help with an enormous amount of details required to keep Sleepover Rover running smoothly. From left to right back row: Joanne, Kathy, Tina and Patti. From left to right front row: Maggie, Barb, Debbie and Brandy.

pet boarding | dog boarding | Sleepover Rover Team

Xena, a 4-month-old Labrador, will be the first assistance dog in Costa Rica  to help a 7-year-old autistic boy named Aaron adapt better to his surroundings,  thanks to a solidarity project undertaken by Spain's Association of Dog-Assisted  Therapies, or AIAP.

Miguel Angel Signes is one of the instructors in charge of training the  canine, and since early this year he has been in Costa Rica with AIAP President  Nuria Luengo promoting this kind of treatment to aid the integration of people  with disabilities or special needs into society.

Such therapies can help with the education and general treatment of children  suffering some disability like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism and more,  Signes told Efe.

Aaron is suffering an autistic disorder and thanks to Xena will be able to  lower his stress and anxiety levels, since "the simple act of hugging, brushing,r walking the dog or Dog boarding  is enough to reduce both symptoms," Signes said.

"The dog will also teach him to walk down the street correctly and will  direct his steps in the right areas, as far away from the edge of the sidewalk  as possible," Signes said.

The animals are used in such cases as motivational agents to reduce attention  disorder, boost self-esteem, memory, concentration and even improve emotional  relationships.

"The boy's disruptive behavior will be calmed down by the dog's presence,  since he'll be bound to it at all times," Signes said.

Training an assistance dog can cost as much as 16,500 euros ($20,300), but in  this case Xena's training will be free thanks to an agreement between AIAP and  Aaron's parents.

"The project is very much a novelty in Costa Rica because up to now no  assistance dog of this kind has been trained for that country or delivered  there. But best of all, the boy is already having therapy sessions with Xena,  which later on will help his adaptation," Signes said.

Therapies with animals are based on sound science. According to Signes, it  has been proved that sessions with dogs and other animals are effective in  working on the patient's behavior, communication and sociability.  http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2012/08/20/spanish-group-trains-dog-to-help-autistic-boy-in-costa-rica/

dog sitter | travel | costa rica | puppy | service dog

14th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk! September 30, 2012   9am to 1pm

Join thousands of animal lovers and their canine companions Sunday, September 30th for the 14th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk – A Fundraiser for Animals! Located at Brookside Park, just south of the Rose Bowl, the Wiggle Waggle Walk is a one or three-mile route around the Rose Bowl starting at 9 a.m. A family fair and pet expo featuring a variety of pet products, free samples, K9 demonstrations and contests will take place immediately following the walk and lasts until 1 p.m. Registration is free and fundraising is encouraged! Your efforts help provide quality food, safe shelter, and veterinary care for the 12,000 animals the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA cares for every year. Register today at www.wigglewagglewalk.org. You can also call 626-792-7151 ext.167 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Race for the Rescues!Pasadena Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Drive
Pasadena, CA, US
(661) 803-2909

Do you love to walk? Do you love helping animals? Then join Team AngelDogs Foundation at Race for the Rescues, Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. Dogs are welcome to walk, too! This fun event costs $30 per walker to register. Additional funds raised by Team AngelDogs Foundation will help us provide low-income spay/neuter to low-income pet owners across Southern California. Every pet we fix means dozens, hundreds, even thousands more that will not become a stray or sad shelter statistic. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Thank you!

Live Music @ NoHo Dine OUT-FREE!The Parking Lot
11458 Burbank Blvd
North Hollywood, CA, US
818 618 9091

Live Music Every Friday @ “The NoHo Dine Out” And it’s FREE 5:30-9pm Come hear local bands and singers + Food Trucks Art & Craft Vendors Hooping Dog Adoptions (Donation is given to a local dog rescue group from the proceeds) For more information, please call 818 618 9091 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Wag N Walk 2012! Rancho Simi Community Park
1765 Royal Avenue
Simi Valley, CA, US

Details for the 7th Annual Wag N' Walk event: Check in and on-site registration 7AM; Open ceremony 8AM; Walk 8:30AM; Event end at 12noon. A fun three mile fundraising walk for you and your canine companions. Join us for a day of Fun, Family and Fundraising! Event benefits Animal Rescue Volunteers, a non-profit rescue organization in Simi Valley. The event includes a continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m., 3 mile walk at 8:30 a.m., prizes for the top fundraisers, doggie costume contest, dog demonstrations, silent auction and doggie adoptions. For more information and to register, visit www.arvsimi.org or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it You don't want to miss this!

dog boarding | dog boarding los angeles | dog events | dog activities

My name is Brandy, I grew up in Colorado. I have lived in Arizona for about 17 years. I have a wonderful husband Brett and 10year old son Balin . We have 3 dogs: a Golden Lab, a Min Pin, a Yorkie Poo, 2 cats and a very large Desert Tortoise. Thanks goodness my family loves animals as much as I do!

My hobbies and interests include: Hanging out with my family & friends, playing with our dogs, drag racing, volunteering for MDA, helping out at my son’s school, gardening, boating, quilting or sewing of any kind and when time permits just relaxing.

I am very excited to be part of the awesome Sleepover Rover Team!

dog boarding los angeles | dog boarding la | dog boarding

by Rebecca Brown

The thought of leaving your pup behind anywhere can be worrisome for pet parents. And of course the very first time is the worst. You are rife with worry and concern. Will my chosen caregiver take good care of my baby? Will my dog receive much needed love and attention? Will they be safe? Will my pet be heartbroken because of my absence? As both a Sleepover Rover client and host, I’m here to tell you why you do not have to worry when you drop your dog off for his or her sleepover.

First, let me give you a little bit of history. When my fiancé and I got our dog three years ago, we were surprised how quickly we became attached to our little guy, a Schnoodle named Jagger. Jagger might as well have been a human baby (I admit we were both a bit ridiculous about the new addition to our family. Like crazy dog lady ridiculous.) Anyway, everything was great until we had to go away for a wedding. Then it hit me. Who was going to watch our baby?

We certainly couldn’t leave him in a kennel. And a pet hotel, no matter how luxurious, would still feel big and impersonal and scary to our tiny puppy, who had quickly weaseled his way into a permanent nighttime spot in our bed. I almost didn’t want to attend the wedding. I thought it would be easier to stay home with Jagger so he wouldn’t freak out. But then I realized how crazy that was. I loved my dog, but I couldn’t stop living my life. Plus, I didn’t want to officially be a “Crazy Dog Lady” (especially at such a young age!)

Fortunately for us, I had heard of Sleepover Rover. One quick phone call and I had access to a network of fabulous hosts, one of which would be the perfect fit for Jagger. Maggie and Tina (the owners of Sleepover Rover) and their team of amazing customer service reps went to work and found us several amazing options based on the environment we wanted for Jagger. Together with the Sleepover Rover team, we ultimately settled on a host named Bruce, who seemed to be a perfect match for our little guy.  

The meet-and-greet at Bruce’s home went great. We loved Bruce. Jagger loved Bruce, loved his home, and loved Bruce’s two dogs, Bodhi and Emma. And Bruce didn’t mind when Jagger, in all of his puppy glory, lifted his leg in the middle of his impeccably decorated living room. Major. Relief.

Flash forward to the actual sleepover drop off. Once Jagger realized we were leaving without him, he went bananas. Code red, epic meltdown bananas. It was heart breaking (remember, this was the first time we had ever left him with anyone.) Bruce assured us that Jagger would settle down once we left, so we booked it out of there for Jagger’s sake, if not our own. In the car, I got teary-eyed. (Total baby. I know.)

An hour later, we received an email update from Bruce with pictures of Jagger, who looked happy as could be, engrossed in play with Bruce and his dogs. How could this be? Jagger was traumatized to see us go, and now he looks, well, happy. Really, really happy. Doesn’t he miss us? The pup I had imagined would be glued to the window, pining after our car as we drove away, was completely content. He was even smiling in these photos. How could that be?   

Well, shortly after using the service for Jagger, we started hosting dogs in our home. And now, after hosting numerous doggie houseguests, I can honestly answer that question for you.

Based on my personal experience, in both leaving my dog with a host and taking dogs into my home, dogs are resilient little creatures that just want to be loved. Loved by you, loved by me, loved by the nearest human; most pups don’t discriminate. Especially ones whose parents have taken the time to find a cage-free, loving home environment for their pet rather than a kennel or pet hotel. Our clients’ pups are certainly some of the most pampered pups in town, and tend to be open to love and affection from their hosts.  

Yes, don’t worry, your pup definitely misses you when you walk out the door, but with another loving human there to keep him company, and perhaps another dog to play with, trust me, your pup will be just fine. Happy even!

Nine out of ten first-time clients warn me that their pup is fickle with new people, or will take some time to warm up to other humans, or might not ever warm up to us. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. As a parent to a stage-five clinger of a pup, I’ve come to understand that when I am around, of course my dog doesn’t want to be bothered with anyone other than me. However, once I am gone, along with my nervous energy and worries about leaving my baby, he’ll settle down and actually enjoy being pampered by his host family. The same goes for your pup. Even the shiest of dogs doesn’t take too long to warm up to our loving hosts.

I’d venture to guess this is because all of our hosts are true dog lovers. Yes, the extra money you make as a host is nice, but it’s not enough to make a living off of, so the hosts that we certify tend to do the job simply because they love dogs. And because of this, your pup will receive an unprecedented level of care that you won’t find anywhere else. In fact, your pup will probably even receive more personal attention that he does at home.     

And finally don’t worry…your pup will not hold your absence against you. One pet mommy was concerned that she didn’t know how to communicate to her dog that she would be back to get him. Fortunately, your dog doesn’t worry about these things. It’s just not in their nature. I think as pet parents we project our own thoughts and concerns onto our pups and assume that they’ll feel as we would when we imagine ourselves in their situation, but alas, they don’t. When you arrive to pick up your pup, he or she will welcome you back enthusiastically with open arms, serious jumps, and loads of kisses.

There is one thing I should warn you about though…there will come a time, after many sleepovers, when your pup will not be sad to see you go. This happened to us when we dropped Jagger off at Bruce’s house after a few visits. Jagger jumped into Bruce’s arms and greeted Bruce just as he would greet us, with his famous hugs and lots of kisses, and then he was off to find his best friends, Bodhi and Emma. Jagger used to make a huge production when we tried to sneak away, but this time, he didn’t even look back to say goodbye. Whereas before I was sad because I didn’t want Jagger to think we were abandoning him, now I was sad because it felt like he was abandoning me! Of course, my happiness from seeing Jagger so thrilled to see Bruce far outweighed my own insecurities about being left in his dust. Mainly because it only reaffirmed what I already knew—that Jagger was in good hands with his Sleepover Rover host and that I had absolutely nothing to worry about other than enjoying my travels.

dog boarding | Sleepover Rover | pet services | pet sitting | pet hotel | los angeles | in-home dog boarding

Farnoosh Torabi, financial expert for Yahoo Finance spoke on the Today Show about ways for Stay-at-Home moms to earn money from home. She cautioned about opportunities that required up-front enrollment fees and recommended tutoring, becoming a personal assistant, and Sleepover Rover for dog boarding from home! Here's the link to the video segment.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/46992872#46992872

today show | Sleepover Rover | work from home | jobs from home

Curtis joins the family business as the Inland Empire Representative. He graduated from Arizona State University with dual degrees in Finance and Economics. In this capacity he will assist us in expanding our host base east to Palm Springs as well as expanding our marketing network. Curtis is a life-long dog lover and pet parent to a wonderful rescue Pitt Bull, Brownie. Curtis will bring a fresh perspective to our business and we are excited to tap into his talent as we continue to offer pet parents the BEST dog boarding SOLUTION when they need to be away from their beloved pet.

east los angeles marketing represen | los angeles

 Check out the great article in the March issue of Redbook about Sleepover Rover. We are getting a great response from all over the United States from readers who want to provide our service in additional cities to the ones we serve. We are in the process of responding to the avalanche of interest about Sleepover Rover in-home dog boarding service from this article!

Redbook Magazine | Sleepover Rover | article | in-home dog boarding | dog boarding service | jobs from home | income from home

Our Sleepover Rover webmaster Allan, has been fostering needy dogs for over 4 years for the Humane Society. He has taken in everything from litters of puppies to injured dogs that needed rehabilitation to become adoptable and has been instrumental in saving many lives in the process. One of those fosters was a 2.5 year old one-eyed pit bull that was brought in as an injured stray. He originally fostered him while his eye was still stitched up and healing, and during that time Allan discovered he had a bad food allergy towards most dog foods.  Well, about a week after his fostering was over and he had returned him, the Humane Society called Allan  saying they couldn't keep Jack any longer because he was reacting to their food, and they couldn't keep feeding it to him.  Also, they didn't have the ability to test him to find out what he is allergic to, nor would they be able to buy him the special food that he would need if they did find out. They tried the local rescues in the valley, and no one could/would take him for the same reason the Humane Society couldn't keep him.   They called Allan to see if I would take him as a last resort, and he just couldn't say no. His full name is Captain Jack and he's been a great dog. We wanted to acknowledge the great work Allan has done over the years fostering dogs, and share with you this great adoption success story. We hope you will look to the many wonderful adoptable dogs waiting in foster care or at shelters and humane organizations if you are considering adding a pet to your family!

humane society | pet adoption agency | adopt a dog | one-eyed jack | pet adoption | dog adoptions