Pawg

Quad Rock 50 Race

05/14/2013 17:01:00

Quad Rock 50 Race, Rockin BBQ & Fire Dancing

Saving Dogs One Hungry Athlete at a Time!

by Mary Watterson, Fort Collins Pet Sitter, Dog Walker & Trail Guide

Animal House Rescue was on hand for the second annual Quad Rock 50 Race, grilling up burgers and dishing out veggie Tambuli to hungry athletes and their adoring families, friends and admirers.

Gnar Runners put on this amazing endurance trail race at Lory State Park this past Saturday. The event boasted over 176 runners finishing the 25-mile leg and 111 finishing the 50-mile course! Holy Cow! These runners are fit, fun and friendly!

Animal House Rescue organized the BBQ for the event which included hamburgers & chips, black bean burgers & veggie salads, and even gourmet drinks and home-made cookies.

Undeterred by charcoal that refused to stay lit, volunteers from Animal House, led by Volunteer Coordinator Extraordinaire Kim Clarkson, did a "fire dance" and somehow managed to serve up over two-hundred burgers. Many thanks to all the hungry folks who so patiently waited to get served! This was one classy event, all the way around!

The fun people, cool dogs and groovin' band were only improved by the immanently drinkable Quad Rock 50 Remittance Ale, brewed special for the occasion by Pateros Creek! Hats off and cheers! Note to self: "Come back next year for the best time ever!"

All proceeds from the BBQ went to support Animal House Rescue, a no-kill dog rescue located in north Fort Collins.

Thanks to everyone who made this event possible and for supporting Animal House Rescue!

Call Animal House today to see how you can help support its mission of Less Lives Lost!

(970) 224-3647

Poochy Doos In the News

05/10/2013 14:56:00

Poochy Doos in the News!

Digging Ann Jones...

The News Release reported everywhere...

Poochy Doos, LLC, A Company Boasting One Rat Terrier as its Publicist, and Another as VP of Social Media, Welcomes New Business Partner, Ann Jones

Poochy Doos, LLC is gearing-up for big growth. With a growing client-base, large community presence and revenues that promise to eclipse last year, Poochy Doos, LLC offered a 50% partnership to a former part-timer.

Fort Collins, CO - Poochy Doos, LLC welcomed Ann Jones as a 50% Shareholder on May 10, 2013. Jones accepted the offer after having been with the company for just over six months. “Ann has a natural talent communicating with people and animals,” said Founder, Mary Watterson. “From the very beginning, Ann demonstrated a radical passion I’ve only seen in shareholders chasing a dream. I knew immediately I wanted to keep her around.”

Jones originally hails from Plymouth, Connecticut. Ann and her husband Chris moved to Fort Collins six years ago where they now reside with their son. Jones received her Masters of Science in Therapeutic Recreation & Leisure from Central Connecticut State University. She is currently enrolled in a six-month professional pet sitter certification program through Pet Sitters International.

Along with day-to-day canine fitness and behavior, Jones will be focusing on finance, business development, events and community outreach. “The future looks very bright,” said Jones. "We’ve seen a 52% revenue increase in the first quarter this year over last. That says a lot about our vision. It speaks to our commitment of holistic care. We’re all about wellness – the total integration of fitness, cognition and emotional well-being.”

She said 'Oh my God' and did a fist-pump...

“I was nervous,” said Watterson. “Ann had only been with me for a short time – six months - and I had already been thinking about offering her a partnership. I didn’t want her to think I was the type of person who went off half-cocked. I wanted the offer to be a reflection of the incredible talent she brought to the table and not about me or the timing of the offer. It turned out great! She said ‘Oh my God’ and did a fist-pump. We went to see an Eagles game that night and toasted each other with plastic pints of beer. I texted her later that night that her acceptance ‘made my year.’ She texted back that my offer ‘made her decade.’ It was pretty sweet!"

Ann smiles when remembering the offer: “When Mary offered me a 50% partnership I nearly fell off my chair. She totally surprised me…I was absolutely giddy! Sharing my enthusiasm and desire with someone whom I have the utmost respect and admiration for is the icing on the cake. We’re both committed to continuing education and expanding the roll Poochy Doos plays in our community.”

Poochy Doos, LLC is a pet sitting, dog walking and dog hiking company located in Fort Collins, CO. They are bonded, insured, certified in pet 1st aid and licensed by the Colorado State Department of Agriculture.

Contact: (970) 420-9181

Email: bark@poochydoos.com
Browse: poochydoos.com

Dog Hiking with Poochy Doos, LLC

05/04/2013 13:27:00

Dog Hiking with Poochy Doos, LLC

by Ann Jones, Senior Trail Guide

Fort Collins is an excellent place to live for outdoors enthusiasts and for folks that are dog parents. Our wonderful trail system is something that dogs enjoy and derive great benefits from, as it provides great access to exploring new places, smelling new things, and building positive social bonds. The physical exercise, the brain stimulation, and the resulting positive emotional effects from a great dog hike are all outcomes that we all would want for our dogs.

Although walking dogs in the neighborhood is very beneficial for you and your dog, it can become redundant and routine if that is all we do. Your dog also needs some variety in his life – new scents to smell, interesting terrain, and natural turf and dirt to walk on instead of cement. Just like us, dogs need new experiences and a little fun now and then. Hiking with your dog gives him a mini vacation from his daily routine.

Likewise, dog hiking is a great way to combat boredom. Boredom is a primary reason why dogs may become destructive, temperamental, bark or whine, or even gain weight. If this sounds like your dog, a dog hike is just the activity they need to perk them up and burn-up all of that pent up energy – especially true of younger, energetic dogs.

If you're really busy or work full time, hiking with your dog may be relegated to weekends – which are already full of things you want to do and not enough time to do them in. That’s where we can help! We are trained trail guides familiar with all of the trails in our local area, and we are certified in pet CPR and First Aid. We provide 1-4 hours of pure dog hiking fun in various urban, natural area and foothill locations. You can choose the dog hike that suits your dog’s energy, fitness level and your wallet! See our dog hikes!

We’ll pick your dogs up, have a fun ride together to the trail head, go hiking, exploring & playing together and then send you a digital record of your dog’s hike. You get geo-tagged pictures, complete with a map and notes of your dog’s adventure delivered same-day, right to your in-box. We provide bottled spring water, treats, plenty of individualized attention and lots of love. Your dog’s hike will conclude with another fun car ride home – often with a very tired or sleeping dog relaxed in the back!

So, at the end of your busy day, you've accomplished even more than you thought you could, plus you get to come home to a very happy, relaxed and tired dog! What could be better than that?!

Call and reserve your dog hike today!

Fuzzy Balm: Soul Love for Pets & Seniors

04/14/2013 13:39:00

Fuzzy Balm

Soul Love for Pets & Seniors

By Mary Watterson, Fort Collins Pet Sitter, Dog Walker & Trail Guide

So Spring has sprung, or is definitely springing, here in Fort Collins, CO. Song birds are back in full force singing and winging about, tulips are pushing up their brilliant faces toward the sun, and Old Man Winter is packing his bags and heading South.

And what could be more illustrative of the new life that Spring brings than the new life a loving pet can give to a senior – or vice versa? You only need a pulse to realize that when you’re around a soft, snuggly dog or cat, you smile on the inside. As that brilliant, life-philosopher Charles M. Schultz once observed: “Happiness is a warm puppy.” In fact, pet ownership is so beneficial, it may actually help seniors live longer, healthier and more fulfilled lives!

Indeed, the Eden Alternative, a residential home for seniors that recognizes the importance of the human/pet bond, is home to a menagerie of animals. They not only have dogs, cats, a private aviary, rabbits and chickens, they boast a 15 percent lower mortality rate for their residents, compared to traditional nursing homes. Likewise, research conducted in the 1990s supports the Eden model. In May of 1999, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society published a study which showed that independent-living seniors that have pets enjoy better physical health and mental wellbeing than their sans-pet counterparts. Not only are they more active physically and socially, they cope better with the stresses of daily life.

These findings are further evidenced by an earlier study conducted in 1997, which demonstrated that senior pet owners had significantly lower blood pressure than seniors who didn’t own pets. Likewise, just petting a dog or cat for a few minutes can lower blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature.

So just how do pets accomplish these little miracles? From increased physical wellbeing to the intangibles of having the companionship of a fuzzy friend, the ways pets positively impact our lives are almost too numerous to count. Nevertheless, there are some very practical explanations of why pets are little medical miracles.

To begin, I smile every morning when my dog wakes me up! Her sweet little face, her warm little body all snuggled into mine, and that expectant look she gives me after she’s stretched and is ready to start her day. There’s just something about that recognition - that love and acceptance in a pet’s eyes. Clearly dogs and cats “get” what some of our human counterparts often miss. Our worth isn’t based on what we can do, how we look, or how healthy we are – our worth is intrinsic and pets love us for exactly who we are right now.

Also, the fact that pets need our loving care plays a significant role in our own wellbeing. At a time when so many seniors can sadly feel left behind and even incidental to their children’s busy lives, their pets nevertheless crucially need them. The importance of this emotional reality is almost incalculable. Pets need to be let outside, played with, fed, given fresh water, loved-up on and groomed. Furthermore, pets encourage our interaction with them throughout the day, and that physical contact has been shown to be immeasurably beneficial, starting with brain stimulation and ending with a feeling of overall wellbeing.

And all of these interactions require our physical, intellectual and emotional engagement. Getting up to let the dog out, playing with our pets or even changing the kitty litter, while all minor physical movements, nevertheless positively affect our cardiovascular system. Likewise, all that bending and stretching, all that walking and petting, keeps our joints active, limber and flexible. And that’s saying nothing about all the hours of laughter and joy, which definitely keeps our hearts young!

Lastly, beyond pets providing companionship and physical activity, they also can act as a real support system, especially for those seniors who aren’t afforded frequent contact with family and friends. And that pet/owner bond is very real and it’s positive impact on our lives should never be underestimated. Pets depend on us! And that dependency can give seniors a real sense of purpose and meaning. Obviously, that strong emotional bond, comforting presence, empathy and acceptance that pets provide, can go a long way to combat depression - one of the most common ailments that many seniors struggle with.

So, now that we have you convinced that pet ownership is a great thing, our next article in the “Fuzzy Balm” series will look at how to choose the best pet for you, given your needs, personality and living situation.

Choice City Comedy Nite

03/15/2013 20:25:00

Choice City Comedy Nite

SIT! STAY! SPEAKEASY!

by: Mary Watterson, Fort Collins Pet Sitter, Dog Walker & Trail Guide

Join Poochy Doos, LLC in supporting Animal House Rescue by attending its 2nd Annual Choice City Comedy Nite: Sit! Stay! Speakeasy! fundraiser, April 13th from 6:30 - 10:00 at Lincoln Center, Canyon West Ballroom, 417 West Magnolia Street, Fort Collins.

This fun event will feature national and local comedians, (including Brandt Tobler as seen on Comedy Central) jazz music, heavy appetizers, cash bar, giveaways, prizes, success stories from local adopters, and of course some adorable puppies!

This is your opportunity to give back to Animal House Rescue who has given so much to our local community and the thousands of animals they've given a second chance of life to. This is their biggest fundraiser of the year and will set the stage for their continued growth and success.

Ticket prices are $35 in advance with discount pricing available for groups of four or ten. Prices include entry, appetizers, and hours of fun and laughter!

Need more info? Please see their website, phone Ali Eccleston: (970) 224-3647 or e-mail Ali with your questions.

St. Cat-ricks Day

03/13/2013 07:24:00

Fort Collins Cat Rescue Adoption Fair

St. Cat-rick's Day

by Mary Watterson, Fort Collins Pet Sitter, Dog Walker & Trail Guide

Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay/Neuter Clinic will be holding its quarterly Adoption Fair March 16th in the classroom at The Farm at Lee Martinez Park featuring adoption specials for kitties age 6 months and older.

Foster volunteers who have been taking care of the kitties will be on site to share information about the little fuzz balls, including habits, personalities, environment, diet and play.

The adoption fee for these kitties is a very affordable $20.00. If you're interested in a more mature cat, cats 1 year and older can be adopted for $10.00.

Their first rescue event in December was extremely successful with the adoption of 27 cats and kittens in only three hours.

This is a great opportunity for folks to visit with kitties not normally housed and and readily available at the Shelter. With over 60 volunteers, the Shelter is able to house and care for over 150 cats, making it a very impressive organization and valuable community asset!

Be sure to come out for this fun event and show your support!

Need more info? Please check out their website or call them at: 970-484-8516!

Shameless Cones

02/17/2013 13:10:00

Shameless Cones

Rehab in Style

by Mary Watterson, Fort Collins Pet Sitter, Dog Walker & Trail Guide

Bella, being highly interested in fashion, was recently searching her Haute Couture Haunts on Twitter, when she was introduced to Shameless Cones.

Having had to wear an appalling plastic cone herself after an accident at the pedicurists, she immediately started Following them and they soon became friends.

Shameless Cones is a family-owned business that was bright enough to ask the question: "Why do e-collars have to be so butt ugly?" Soon afterward, their newly launched R & D Department (comprised of various and sundry dogs) came back with the answer: "They don't."

And so they launched an e-collar business they aptly named "Shameless Cones." Bella's favorite is the Sunflower design, featured below on a very happy dog!

Why, you may ask (besides them looking so cool) are colorful e-collars a plus for your dog? Well, that again, goes back to the genius of Shameless. You see, knowing both dog behavior and dog-owner behavior, they knew that owners respond emotionally to their pets. Seeing your beloved pet in an ugly, e-collar may illicit such thoughts as: "Man, you poor pathetic dog!" or "I'm so sorry I have to do this to you!" or, worse still: "It must suck to be you!" Needless to say, they were right! Our energy translates directly to our dogs.

I guarantee if you put your dog (or cat) in one of these cool cones you'll have nothing but smiles and positive energy oozing from your body. In fact, you may even start to wag!

We hope you support our good friends at Shameless Cones. Please visit their great website to see all of their cool products. Personally, we can't wait to see what they come up with next. Bella is hoping to see a Court Jester line. Bailey wants an NFL line...

Be sure to forward this post to your vet so they too can spread the happiness. Rehab does not have to be a bummer when you accessorize it with a Sunflower Cone!

The Yellow Dog Project

02/13/2013 10:31:00

The Yellow Dog Project

Respecting a Dog's Space

By: Mary Watterson, Fort Collins Pet Sitter, Dog Walker & Trail Guide

You've heard the adage: "A picture's worth a thousand words." How about seven?

This is a great idea from The Yellow Dog Project!

Please be sure and spread the news by forwarding this post to your friends and Vet's office to post!

I'm thinking a yellow poop bag would make a nice "ribbon."

Spot's Light

02/09/2013 13:12:00

Spot's Light

Lighted Collars & Leashes

By Mary Watterson, Fort Collins Dog Walker, Pet Sitter & Trail Guide

And God said: "Let there be light."

And Spot said: "Make mine neon!"

So, as many of you know, Bella handles our Twitter account here at The Poochy. The other day, she was minding her own business, when a dog named Honey started following her.

Being the friendly pooch she is, she stopped what she was doing and made friends. It turns out Honey is the R & D Director for a very cool family-owned company named Spot's Light. So, after passing some Tweets back and forth, Honey beamed Bella a package of light containing an awesome collar and leash - that light up. Too cool!

Bella, being a tiny dog of large character, gave it to her friend Bailey...a much bigger pooch, and Bailey has been sporting it ever since!

Here at Poochy Doos, LLC, we've found Spot's Light to be an invaluable tool and way over due! The collar and leash are constructed of sturdy nylon with a swivel clip and they light-up for night-time walking.

I can't tell you all the close calls we've had at Poochy Doos walking dogs at night with good drivers (or bikers) who just didn't see us or were distracted. That being said, we're not your average dog walkers. Our dog walkers are trained to be "actively scanning the horizon" for potential hazards that can threaten a dog's safety. We don't chat on cell phones, listen to i-pods or walk and chat with friends along the way. We're simply there, walking our client's dog, and paying attention to our surroundings.

This product is perfect for the average dog owner who frequently walks their dog around the neighborhood or bike trails at dusk (perhaps the poorest lighting of all) or at night. It provides a six foot lead lit-up with very bright, neon-color lights that projects your presence from several yards away. It is also reasonably priced. In fact, for the same price you'd pay for a regular collar and lead, you could purchase the added security of Spot's Light!

Used correctly, the visibility this product provides could easily help avert accidents that could otherwise occur from distracted drivers, bikers (and dog owners)!

We hope you check them out and support their great products!

Dog Rescued from Frigid Pond

12/10/2012 18:42:00

Dog Rescued from Frigid Pond in North Fort Collins

By: Mary Watterson, Dog Walker, Pet Sitter & Trail Guide

Arriving home early this evening, around 4:30, I followed a Larimer County firetruck, dispatched from Country Club & Terry Lake Road, almost to my doorstep. They pulled in next door and were soon joined by two Sherriff's Department vehicles, another fire engine, and an ambulance. Everyone headed for the partially frozen pond next to my house, just East of Terry Lake.

Parking, I hurriedly walked back and arrived at the shore just in time to see a rescue worker sliding across the ice on his stomach, before plunging in to the icy water near a large, struggling dog.

After just a short while, the rescuer had the dog's front legs under his forearm, and rescuers on the shore began to pull both of them in using a safety line. Myself and a bystander both gasped, as the dogs head went under the water for approximately five seconds as it neared the shore.

With one final heave from rescuers on shore, they were safely out of the water! I went to the dog to try to get a feel for his body temperature. We were rubbing the dog and the poor thing was just ice, ice cold. It was soon apparent that the dog was hypothermic. The poor dog was shivering, seemed confused and had difficulty trying to stand.

They rushed the dog to the CSU Emergency Vet Hospital. I gave them my card, as I believe the dog belongs to one of my neighbors behind the pond. I understood from a rescue worker who called me enroute to CSU that they didn't know who the dog's owner was. They said they would call CSU to inform them.

I sent a brief news release to Channel 9 News with photos in the hopes they would air pictures of the dog. Hopefully someone will see these pics and be able to notify the owner! The dog looked to be some sort of Pyrenees-cross.

Please pass this news on to your friends. Hopefully the community can help identify this poor dog! And a big, big "thank you" to all the rescuers! I had no idea the Fire Department came out to rescue dogs!

UPDATE: As of 7:30pm, sources at CSU Vet Hospital say her temperature is now up to 96 degrees, she has a small puncture wound, and they think she'll be just fine! Also, they found the owner! YAY!! Thanks to everyone who spread this story around!