 I'm listening Spock! |  I'm still listening Spock!! |
Each house and pet sitting assignment is memorable pets and owners all special, I've said many times our home owner clients often become valued friends, the e mail below arrived in my in box this morning I wanted to share with you because it captures so perfectly how we connect. I house sat for Lynn and Ken in March of 2013 while they took a well earned Alaskan cruise, they had used friends in the past I was their first "stranger" first formal sitter. Lynn is a knowledgeable dog breeder and trainer also very knowledgeable in all things equine, above all both she and Ken are absolute animal lovers their three dogs, four cats and two horsespets are their family nothing is good enough for them, their care and well being paramount. Ken had lost his French Bull Terrier a year before we met and was so desperate for another "Pal" enter Spock who arrived in late 2013 the following is a moment in their lives which I'm privileged to share, thanks to this TrustedHouseSitters assignment.
Lynn and Ken are able to travel more than ever before thanks to house sitters, how else could they leave all their critters and travel with such peace of mind. They're even going to become house sitters themselves bringing their wonderful animal lovers skills to other pet parents and enjoying new travel experiences ..... lucky home and pet owners of the future!!
"This morning Spock went with Ken to the local dog friendly coffee shop over
in Snoqualmie Ridge - the apex of Ken's usual walking route. This is the
first time Spock's gotten to join him. When they got there, Ken called so I
could come pick up Spock. It's a long trip! Spock managed to strain
something in one hip - probably playing too hard with Maizie; so he's been
on limited activity for the past month. Now he's up to longer walks and
being allowed to go up the bedroom stairs on his own. Still no outdoor
roughhousing with Maizie just yet. Other than the 2 weeks of the Terrible
Terriorism phase - probably brought on by teething and hormones
(while was dealing with Tango's severe case of laminitis...) -
Spock is clearly growing up to be a good egg and we
are honored to have him with us. He and Ken start obedience classes next
week, so we know things will continue to improve.
We just got Spock's American Kennel Club registration number and are getting
ready to enter the Seattle Kennel Club show in mid-March, as well as making
a 10 day road trip with Spock to Sacramento April 7-17th for 2 days of Bull
Terrier Specialty dog shows and 2 more of all breed shows. Woo-hoo! I do
love TrustedHouseSitters.com!!
The best news is that Tango seems to be going to recover, which really has
come as a bit of a surprise to both the my vet and shoer. Given the x-rays
and the severity of the rotation of the coffin bone, they weren't making any
promises. However, Tango and I were significantly more optimistic ;-)
Admittedly, it will be a long haul, but he's off all pain meds and clearly
isn't hurting nor minding being on his feet. At the end of the month, the
vet will take new x-rays and the shoer will trim back more toe accordingly.
I'll be interested to see the changes in the x-rays. Of course, Tango's
bored silly having to be confined to his stall and Bo is equally as bored
not having his brother out in the paddock to play with; but, so far, we're
making it work. We put an aluminum pole gate we had across the front of
Tango's stall and Bo has done a fine job of bending the top tail by leaning
on it to lick or nibble Tango - as his mood dictates.
Ken, Spock and I are escaping to a posh and dog-friendly hotel in Portland
for 2 nights - just to 'get off the merry-go-round' and celebrate our 21st
anniversary. Given the frigid weather the rest of the country is getting
right now, we won't complain about the cool and damp weather we'll be
dealing with. The past 2 days have been clear and blue. This cold is
tolerable. I could be back in Wisconsin freezing my ass off!!!
I think of you and John and your wonderful sitting experience and look
forward to applying for some of the wonderful shorter sits I read about -
one of these days. Maybe next year...
Happy New Year!!!
With love,
Lynn, Ken and the gang"
Happy New Year Lynn and wonderful news about Tango I'm sure he'll manage the long road back to soundness and enjoy Portland!!
Love Angela and John in Sunny Spain xxx
Lynn and Ken are able to travel more than ever before thanks to house sitters, how else could they leave all their critters and travel with such peace of mind. They're even going to become house sitters themselves bringing their wonderful animal lovers skills to other pet parents and enjoying new travel experiences ..... lucky home and pet owners of the future!!
"This morning Spock went with Ken to the local dog friendly coffee shop over
in Snoqualmie Ridge - the apex of Ken's usual walking route. This is the
first time Spock's gotten to join him. When they got there, Ken called so I
could come pick up Spock. It's a long trip! Spock managed to strain
something in one hip - probably playing too hard with Maizie; so he's been
on limited activity for the past month. Now he's up to longer walks and
being allowed to go up the bedroom stairs on his own. Still no outdoor
roughhousing with Maizie just yet. Other than the 2 weeks of the Terrible
Terriorism phase - probably brought on by teething and hormones
(while was dealing with Tango's severe case of laminitis...) -
Spock is clearly growing up to be a good egg and we
are honored to have him with us. He and Ken start obedience classes next
week, so we know things will continue to improve.
We just got Spock's American Kennel Club registration number and are getting
ready to enter the Seattle Kennel Club show in mid-March, as well as making
a 10 day road trip with Spock to Sacramento April 7-17th for 2 days of Bull
Terrier Specialty dog shows and 2 more of all breed shows. Woo-hoo! I do
love TrustedHouseSitters.com!!
The best news is that Tango seems to be going to recover, which really has
come as a bit of a surprise to both the my vet and shoer. Given the x-rays
and the severity of the rotation of the coffin bone, they weren't making any
promises. However, Tango and I were significantly more optimistic ;-)
Admittedly, it will be a long haul, but he's off all pain meds and clearly
isn't hurting nor minding being on his feet. At the end of the month, the
vet will take new x-rays and the shoer will trim back more toe accordingly.
I'll be interested to see the changes in the x-rays. Of course, Tango's
bored silly having to be confined to his stall and Bo is equally as bored
not having his brother out in the paddock to play with; but, so far, we're
making it work. We put an aluminum pole gate we had across the front of
Tango's stall and Bo has done a fine job of bending the top tail by leaning
on it to lick or nibble Tango - as his mood dictates.
Ken, Spock and I are escaping to a posh and dog-friendly hotel in Portland
for 2 nights - just to 'get off the merry-go-round' and celebrate our 21st
anniversary. Given the frigid weather the rest of the country is getting
right now, we won't complain about the cool and damp weather we'll be
dealing with. The past 2 days have been clear and blue. This cold is
tolerable. I could be back in Wisconsin freezing my ass off!!!
I think of you and John and your wonderful sitting experience and look
forward to applying for some of the wonderful shorter sits I read about -
one of these days. Maybe next year...
Happy New Year!!!
With love,
Lynn, Ken and the gang"
Happy New Year Lynn and wonderful news about Tango I'm sure he'll manage the long road back to soundness and enjoy Portland!!
Love Angela and John in Sunny Spain xxx
