Luika and I have been on the waiting list on our local dog training centre for 4 weeks now.  Of course I am training him myself, but I cannot provide the interaction and socialisation gained by being part of a group.  For anyone considering a puppy, and who already have a puppy, I cannot emphasise the importance of socialisation enough, especially with a German Shepherd Dog. 

 Luika is at best, extremely intelligent, with selective hearing and a penchant for playing in and drinking our pond water.  He has also developed a taste for flower heads, and has made it his mission to eat every one, regardless of colour!  In fact, his preference is most definitely yellow and the only ones standing are those in my hanging baskets, and a few salvaged from my tubs.  I am not hopeful however, that they will remain for long.

 Anyway, where was I?  Oh yes, the training class.  Well, we have been invited to sit in on the classes, affording Luika the opportunity of making friends and getting to know the instructors.  Most of the puppies have been attending for weeks, and older than he, but when we were asked to join in a couple of weeks ago, Luika had gained in confidence and was certainly up for the challenge.

 He had become firm friends with a young Boxer who despite his lovable character requires bribery to perform even the basic of tasks, whilst although Luika is always game for a laugh, is eager to follow my commands and receive a small titbit, and lots of praise.

 The lesson ended on a high and a game of musical downs.  The music would begin with us walking to heel, and dropping as the music finished.  The last dog standing left the ring.  When Luika and I were one of only three dogs remaining, I felt we were actually in with a chance!  He was oblivious to my elation, but when we were announced the winners, and he was walked up to receive his prize to deafening applause, his tail went into overdrive.  At 13 weeks old, he had beaten all at his first attempt.  How proud am I?

Goodness, I had no idea how long it had been since my last post.  Luika is now 13 weeks old and is charming all he meets, and one of our two rescue cats Melody, has just returned from the vets, having the majority of her teeth extracted due to bad gums!  Our recruitment drive continues and we have a new member of staff in our office, all be it part time.   

We are hoping to take Luika to Bournemouth this year.  There are parts of Southbourne beach which are still accessible to dogs and it will be Luika’s first taste of the sea.  Our previous German Shepherd Dog’s adored water, so we are hoping that Luika will also enjoy splashing about in the waves.  We may even take him across to Poole, since we have never ventured onto the beaches at Poole, but sadly, so many are now closed to dogs, which is a real shame.  Responsible owners would never allow their dogs to soil the beaches, but due to a few irresponsible people, the majority are suffering as a consequence.

Bournemouth and Poole are fairly new areas for us at Nina’s Nannies for Pets and our pet sitting service, but we are now into our third year, and business continues to be brisk.  Our pet sitters are firm favorites with a strong client base, and we are now seeking further people from the Dorset area.  We are also hoping to take part in the Hampshire County Show next year. so we hope that our regular clients will come along for a chat, and meet the newer members of our team.

We would also like to welcome our new pet sitter, Sue Grady from Coalville in Leicestershire.  Her police background check has just come through, and she is ready to start her first assignment.  Sue plans to cover the Coalville, Whitwick, Ibstock, Measham, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Shepshed, Ratby, Groby, Desford and surrounding areas of Leicestershire and is eager to meet her first client.

I thought it about time that I made a special mention to a particular on line pet shop, whom I have found to be extremely helpful, not to mention reasonably priced.

Having Luika made me realise the need for a crate and various other puppy related items and since I was recommended www.Petshop2u.co.uk I thought that I would give them a try.

I had done the usual internet searches, but this on line pet store was a little different in that they actually had a contact telephone number.  Yippee I thought an actual person that I could talk to, which is very rare these days!   

True to form, I had got the measurements wrong, so when the crate arrived, it was a little smaller than we required.  Having spoken to the shop, they very kindly offered the crate until a larger one could be ordered, and agreed to swap them over the following week.  Such a rarity in today’s market.  Since our initial contact, they have offered us a first class service, and I would like to thank them personally for their support.  Along with my personal recommendation and  a mention on my blog. 

At last and as promised, we are happy to introduce our newest addition.  Our 10 week old German Shepherd Dog Luika.  This picture however, was taken at 9 weeks, but already he is showing signs of being a handsome dog.  He settled quickly, and now sleeps right through the night without interruption. 

He is finding this hot weather a little tiresome and has found a wonderful cool place in our tiled kitchen.  It is also the coolest part of our house, so for hot puppies, the ideal space.  Melody (one of our little rescue cats), finds him fascinating and another source of food!  She has quickly discovered his feeding times, and lies nonchalantly on top of his crate (also his dining place).  Since the door to Luika’s crate is invariably open, she will quickly nip in and try to prize away his feeding bowl.  I caught her the other day, sliding his bowl towards her with her front paw, to which Luika picked it swiftly up in his mouth and padded away, spilling its contents all over the floor.  Edna (our other rescue cat), was watching with extremely interest, and upon seeing Luika’s dilemma, she joined Melody in eating as much as possible before I intervened!  If I had only had a camera to hand!

Goodness has it been that long since my last post!  With the arrival of summer, and the beautiful weather, bookings have rocketed and that, together with a computer crash a couple of weeks ago, has really eaten into my leisure time.  Oh and I forgot to mention the arrival of Luika, our 9 week old German Shepherd puppy.  We have some wonderful photographs to show you all, which I hope to post imminently, but my new Nokia N95 phone has refused to acknowledge the cable connection!  Yes, you guessed it, another technology glitch.  I seem to be having a lot of those just lately!

Our recruitment drive has brought some wonderful new pet sitters in Weston Super Mare, and the Clevedon area of Somerset, as well as the London, Kent, Hampshire, Surrey and Dorset areas, all of whom are just awaiting their police background clearance.  However, due to the continuing demand for our pet sitting service, we are always keen to hear from any new applicants, so please do not hesitate to contact me, should you have an interest.

Luika takes up most of our spare time, and has his last injection next Wednesday.  The following week he can start to experience the outside world, albeit a little exercises at a time.  It has been thirteen years since Zak came into our lives, and truth be told, I had almost forgotten how demanding puppies can be!  One look at that cute little face however, makes it all worth while.  I am hoping that my next post will allow you all to see what a cheeky little chap he is.

How time flies! We are experiencing our busiest year yet, the office is buzzing, and our recruitment drive is in full swing. So much so, that I am hoping to announce the newest members of our team in the forth coming weeks.

There is also much excitement as Saturday approaches, since it is the day we collect our new puppy. We have yet to make our choice, but from the beautiful photograph the breeder sent me, you can see how difficult that will be!

It has been thirteen years since we welcomed a puppy into our home, and although memory’s of Zak are still fresh in our mind, we are hoping that he would have approved. There is a crate to order, new toys to be brought and new bedding for his puppy bed.

Melody and Edna (our two cats), are totally oblivious of our impending new family member, but we are hoping that eventually, with a gentle introduction, all will become firm friends.

After much deliberation, we have decided on the name. I had hoped for him to be called Luika, but Doug (my husband), was not keen, so we have settled on the name Lutha. It is a name of peace to which I hope he will aspire and updates will follow throughout the coming weeks.

I have just stumbled upon this poem, which I found extremely upsetting, not to mention thought provoking.  Please do not think that this does not happen in our rescue centres, because in some, it DOES ..

Today is the death day of nobody's dog
Nothing will mark it but a note in the log
I'm faceless and nameless and no tears will fall
For I know in your world I have no worth at all
To you, my sweet someone, I'm a friend and a dear
We ran the wind daily and you held me so near
But the gate was left open - I chanced a walk on my own
I'd have cowered in fear if only I'd known
I know how you cried on the night that I strayed
I know how you searched, I know how you prayed
But I went to a pound far far from our home
Where I crouched in despair in my kennel alone
I know that you phoned for I heard your dear voice
And I hoped you would hear me so I barked myself hoarse
Although I'm a Lab cross with stockings all white
On their form I'm a Staff cross - the description's not right
So they said I'm not here and I sank to my bed
My kennel cough's worse and I can't raise my head
The rescue came yesterday but they hadn't a place
For an un-neutered cross breed with his mucus-streaked face
If only you'd come to search for me here
You would have known me at once, you would have sensed I was near
You would have sorted my ills, you would have carried me home
And I promise our God no more would I roam
Now my eyes plead for mercy for my seven days are done
And I am waiting with dread for the final vet run
No arms will caress me as they inject me to death
No words will comfort me as I take my last breath
When the body man comes, it is fitting I'm found
In a bin bag in the freezer in the depths of the pound
Thrown away like the rubbish - no respect and no shame
Denied even the time to find you again
My loyalty and devotion they did cruelly betray
Without microchip or nametag, I am just a dispensable stray
Once waggy-tailed, once proud, beloved and free
Oh Dad look with pain at what mankind's done to me!

Pound dogs - if we can't get them out they will die!!

Yes, you are correct, it was love at first sight!

Having visited with the breeder in our next village, it did not take long for our hearts to be melted.  I rather think we both had butterflies as we were led to mum fussing over her new puppies.  She met us with a wagging tail and was only too proud to show off her brood.  There they were, slumbering peacefully, blissfully unaware of our presence.  One by one however, they opened their eyes and proceeded to trot around their crèche. 

We still have another 4 weeks until they will be ready to go to their new homes, but once we bring Luka home (hope you approve of the new name), I will post his picture for you all to see.

As another Easter draws to an end, I have to admit that I do envy peoples chill time. Pet sitting is something of a love affair. It has to be, since you are working when everyone else is playing happy families and enjoying time out.

An act of complete barbarism has come to my attention, which is the worst case of animal cruelty I have ever seen.

I act as a dog behavioural advisor on a couple of pet related web sites and when this came to my attention, the sheer sadistic nature of this act made me ashamed to belong to the human race.

It appears that a Costa Rican artist known as Guillermo Habacuc Vargas, paid children to catch a stray dog which was brought to his gallery. The dog was then tethered to a wall, and a bowl of food and one of water, was put out of its reach and displayed as a work of art. The poor creature later died of starvation.

To say that I am outraged is an under statement and I am pleading for visitors to this blog, to PLEASE sign the following petition This person is a criminally insane sadist, who should at least be imprisoned, along with the people who visited and witnessed this poor animals suffering.

It also seems that the Cos Rica government has awarded his actions by inviting him to represent them in Bienal Centroamericana Honduras 2008!

I cannot remember a time in my life without the company of animals. As a small child I remember Springer the marauding Collie cross, who would terrorise the bin men on their weekly visits and Shiner the worlds greatest escape artist, who would, at every opportunity, find his way to our local police station just because he enjoyed a trip home in a panda car and of course Charley the lovable Cavalier, who simply adored the ice cream man.

Goodness, I had no idea that it had been so long since my last entry! We are still recruiting for live in pet sitters at the moment, and this is taking up a lot of my time. If any one is interested in this type of work, we still have vacancies in the Hemel Hempstead, Dunstable, Surrey and London areas. If you know of anyone who may have an interest, please visit our become a pet sitter page for further details.

Melody is turning out to be a cheeky little girl who is into everything. Both have settled extremely well, and have us catering to their every whim! Edna is what I would call a typical little cat and talks for England. It sounds a little alien in tone and Melody gives her the oddest of looks, but it has formed an endearing part of her character.

I am amazed to find how domesticated Melody seems. Each morning she will watch me washing up (no dish washer for us), and seems mesmerised by the water and clonking of dishes. So much so that tries desperately to help by swishing her paw through the water and circling the sink! It is a shame that she is not so interested in the hoovering! She is certainly unafraid of the hoover and seems to relish the opportunity of finding another tag partner!

Last night after three grueling hours in the office she leapt from window sill and started playing chop sticks on the computer keyboard. Needless to say my last few documents were lost, but her cheeky grin was apology enough, but I have made a note to keep her away from our office now at all times!

How anyone could have willingly relinquished their care is a complete enigma.  My suspicion is therefore, that they had no choice and were confiscated by the R.S.P.C.A.  What surprised me though, is how well adjusted they both are.

This is without doubt the most common problem that I address in my working life and can occur more frequently in dogs that come from rescue centres and puppies being left alone for the first time.

Goodness, it has been a while since my last post, but each day brings new enquiries, and our recruitment drive for live in pet sitters, is taking up such a lot of my time.

January has seen a rush of bookings and as a consequence, I have yet to introduce our two new rescue cats, Melody and Edna.

January hails our new recruitment drive, due to the ever increasing demand for our pet sitting service.

Last year brought expansion into East Sussex, Kent, Somerset and Europe, but we are particularly recruiting further pet sitters in the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, London, Northants, Kent, Surrey and Devon area.  Why not visit our recruitment page for further information.

Pet sitting work is ideally suited to people who have no other work commitments. It is essential that anyone interested in working with animals, have the relevant experience and are adept at caring for pets with special needs, such as puppies, kittens, elderly pets, and those on medication. Experience with livestock such as goats, horses, donkeys, etc are a bonus, but not essential since the majority of our work is with domestic pets.

2007 was hugely successful for Nina’s Nannies for Pets and I would like to take this opportunity, of sending our sincere apologies to those people whom we were unable to help. We are however, hoping not to disappoint too many people this year, but we must maintain our high standards and commitment of care, hence our comprehensive vetting process.

Our usual Christmas party was cancelled last year due to our work commitments, and the death of our beloved dog. Zak, was a huge part of our life, and Christmas festivities was far from our mind during the December period. However, we are planning a gathering of sorts in February. It is an opportunity to catch up with old friends, and to introduce the new members of our pet sitting family. A time to reflect on lost friends, and raise our glasses to new ones. Our members relish our annual meet up and invariably the odd story is told, and funny one recalled.

So come on all you potential Pet Nannies, from the Guildford, Virginia Water, Egham, Staines, Northants, London and Devon area. There are friends to be made, on two legs and four, new places to visit, and stunning walks to find. Who knows, if your application is successful, you too could also be attending our next Christmas party, so pick the phone and lets have a chat.

As Christmas fizzles out with the new year, and calm ensues at last, it gives us time to reflect on our empty house, reminding me that this I have no dog to hug, and to share our country walks.

At Nina’s Nannies for Pets we are constantly expanding and therefore welcoming new pet sitters into our fold. This year saw the addition of Terry and Ruth Lincoln from Hertford   Liz Mosby and Ruth Berry who have joined our pet sitting team from Milton Keynes,  John and Marcia Russell from the Sandbanks area in Poole, Bob and Eileen from Weston Super Mare, Kathy Cross from Hemel Hempstead, Liz Norris from Stevenage and last but not least, Pat and Roger Caveille from St Neots in Cambridgeshire.

All are now firm favourites with our clients, and already have numerous repeat bookings. Liz and Ruth are now able to cover a wide area of Buckinghamshire, and next year we already have plans to venture into Lincolnshire and beyond.

I would also like to say a special get well soon to Jan Harris from Hedge End near Southampton. She is still recovering from an appendix operation and we know how much she is missing all of her cat and doggie clients. 

It has been a very difficult end to our year, losing our beautiful dog Zak, and to be honest, neither Doug or myself have felt much like joining in the festive fun. However, we are both working over the Christmas period, so keeping our minds off our bereavement.

We are awaiting the arrival of two little rescue cats from the R.S.P.C.A centre at Blackberry Farm, and in the not too distant future, hope to welcome another German Shepherd dog into our family. I will of course keep you updated and hope to post their photographs on our website very soon.

Doug and I, would like to take this opportunity of wishing both our staff and our clients a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Not forgetting your kind support following Zak’s death.

Yesterday we bid a final goodbye to our 13 year old German Shepherd Dog Zak.  His health had started failing 5 months previously, yet several trips to the vet had failed to bring a firm diagnoses.  I only wish that dogs could speak, telling us of their pain.  Instead it is up to us to monitor diet and exercise and try to determine where it hurts and when!

His collapse was sudden and without reason.  It was reminiscent of our second German Shepherd Dog, and my heart lurched as we carried him into the car.  His gums were white and his breathing laboured.  I do not want to go into details about his final passing, since it would serve no purpose and is too personal.  We were with him until his took his last breath.   It was our final act of love.  He died in our arms and will remain in our hearts forever.

Its been a few days since my last post, but Christmas is our busiest time of the year, and there is always so much to do. 

My mind inevitably turns to rescue centres at this time of year, as the old dogs make way for the new!  It is a sorry state of affairs but a common story, and it is criminal for an old dog with very little hope of finding a new home, to be subjected to the rest of his life behind bars.  My Christmas message would be to please remember (yes, you guessed it), A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas.

On a happier note my old German Shepherd Zak, is now into his second week on steroids, and is at last showing some signs of improvement.  Our vet is yet to discover his problem, and at nearly 13 he is doing incredibly well.  He still takes liberties, and this morning saw a welcome sight, he chase old Squirrel nutkins from our apple tree, something is has been unable to do for many months!

Keep watching this space for an update.

Today has been extremely difficult for me, since my 12 3/4 year old German Shepherd Dog has started displaying the early signs of degenerative myelopathy. It is a disease for which they is no cure, and is prevalent in this breed. This is a progressive disease, thought to be autoimmune, and affects the spinal cord. He is also developing weakness in his hindquarters with a loss of balance, and yesterday evening he fell from the top stair to the bottom. Such a large impressive dog, with boundless energy and a real zest for life, it has left him totally bewildered. Of course I rushed to his aid when I heard the commotion, and his eyes held a fear that I had not witnessed before. I managed to get him to his feet and he regained his composure, but I am extra vigilant for fear of him falling once more. Zak is my constant companion, both in the office and out on our rounds, and I cannot bear the thought of losing him. We have an appointment at the vets this coming Tuesday, and I fear that the news will not be good. I am including this entry as a warning to all German Shepherd owners, as I believe if caught in the early stages, a change of diet, appropriate exercise and a course of drugs can at least slow down the disease. I know that the outcome is inevitable, but each day with my beloved soul mate is a bonus.