a present? for me?

it's understood that vegetarians do not eat eggs that carry even the slightest possibility of being fertile, and vegans do not eat eggs at all as not to contribute to the mistreatment of animals and to avoid supporting commercial farmers. i often wonder, since i've taken this particular stance... how many vegans would eat eggs if they raised the hens themselves or had access to the eggs of [verified] humanely raised chickens?

sadly, my friend sally lost her rooster earlier this year... although he was likely sterile long before then. remaining, she has 3 hens, that apparently took a liking to me over these past 3 days that i've been caring for them... the reason i know is because today i left with the following treats :P



...i haven't eaten eggs since october. i'm so excited that i can't decide what to do with them!! pancakes come to mind, but a soy chorizo scramble sounds delightful!!!

...anyway - new clients this week - stay tuned for photos & updates!

UPDATE: scrambled lightly with chopped garlic!!

Goodmorning Ladies...

"...unfortunately that's not a dog bath, please keep them out of the fountain...........thank you"

How grateful I am, now we can all rest assured that Cal State Northridge campus patrol are doing their jobs :)

This morning was great - who knew that one could have so much fun before noon. Tilden and I got up at 6:30am this morning to meet with our dog walking buddy Sally and her German Shepherd Molly... I believe I've mentioned them before. Instead of doing the usual loop around Lake Balboa, I met Sally at her house and we decided to cruise the CSUN campus... hence my introductory quote! I will point out however that we were given a farewell compliment of "beautiful animals"... works for me!! The walk was nice and the campus was much different then I remembered it back in 1999. There is a lovely koi pond there... although I didn't notice any koi... but I was able to spare 2 quarters for the food dispenser so that we could feed the ducks & turtles.

After that we headed back to the house where the dogs had the time of their lives running [and chasing and peeing, lol] all over Sallys backyard - and Tilden was even lucky enough to be allowed in the pool... he LOVES water. Thanks again Sally!!

This weekend, for the first time, I'll be "sitting" for doves, pigeons, and chickens.... way to add feathered friends to my resume!

10am was my goal to head over and walk Kingo... I was running a little behind, so Tilden came with. Kingo is so good and non confrontational with other dogs that I didn't worry about the two of them at all. They got on very well. While walking, nature called, and of course I was armed and ready with a poop bag... Well to my surprise I was "interrupted" [in an OK way] by a guy riding past on his bike... he's a writer... and told me of the website Writers Almanac... said I'd find this mornings poem-of-the-day quite interesting, even humorous.

here it is...

Cleaning up after the Dog
by Jason Tandon

Pull plastic bag from pocket
and wave it like a flag

or diploma. Make sure many people
congratulate your care
for the community.

Check bag for holes.
Double check.

Inspect stool for odd hues.
Greens, blues, blood.

Evaluate consistency.

You don't want to leave smears
on the sidewalk or grass—no prints.

Getaway must be clean.

Prepare to go in for all of it.
Hold breath.
Grab, clamp, reverse bag, twist, knot, cinch.

Smell hands.

Hold loaded bag high in the air,
assure onlookers that Everything is Okay.

If a cop should cruise by,
his crew cut bristling
in the sun,

hold that bag higher,
so he, too, can salute
your contribution.

The bomb diffused,
the world a little safer, a little cleaner,

will not offend the deep treads
of someone's shoes.

funny indeed. thank you tarzana onlooker & good luck with your writing career.

iPetsit LA - Kingo Approved!!

Kingo and I had a bit of a rough start...but its dogs like him that make my job so rewarding. I've never been one to initially spoil, or baby, or get in a dogs face while boasting that "oh, all dogs love me". Its not realistic and I don't see it as respectful to the dog and their space. Some dogs love you from the start [these are usually the dogs that LOVE EVERYONE from the start, lol, i just so happen to own two of them]... but other dogs it takes a bit of time, patience & work... In just a couple of weeks, to see Kingo go from barking at me, to cautiously approaching me with head down, ears back, tail tucked...now to happily running towards me, tail wagging, smiling, doling out kisses and sharing his toys - I have to admit, it almost brings tears to my eyes. I love him so much already!!

Kingo my first week of sitting for him:



Kingo now :)

Oh Oliver...

For those of you who don't know, Oliver is the resident tortoise over in these parts. This is my 3rd year having him and over the last year he's been completely free range. The dogs & cat don't mind him... nor is he phased by them in the slightest. Well occasionally we "lose" Oliver. And I put lose in quotes because I always know that he's at least on the premises and that sooner or later he'll emerge for food. Lately I've been finding him on the dog beds. Never too sure what to think of it, but it always makes me giggle.

Fast forward to this morning. I noticed Gia pacing the living room and letting out her infamous deep whine [moan I guess?] all while carrying around her little basketball [she always grabs a toy when she's excited or frustrated]. She was doing everything to avoid her bed even tho I'd told her twice to go lay down. She finally figured out a way AROUND her issue [after several minutes mind you] and when I arose - I noticed WHY she was so disgruntled and unable to get comfortable.

Oliver had pooped [an extremely messy poop no less] right on her bed!!! My poor girl!!



...and the culprit himself, having since moved and hiding behind the door...

...brown dog morning

i had no early morning clients on monday, so i called it a late night sunday [with plans of sleeping in] and stayed downstairs with the pups watching movies until i fell asleep. sure enough, 8am, i had a nose in my eye [sydney] and i no longer needed to wash my face because of all the kisses. the second i got up, so did the remaining dogs and everyone rushed to the backdoor - surely you'd think it was because they had to go potty... but immediately sydney went to a bed to bask in the sun bypassing any sort of potty time. shortly after, inca and buckley joined her... they stayed there for a good 45 minutes...