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Ever since my last dog passed away in December people have been asking me when I am going to get another dog.  I am definitely not ready for another dog right now but who can resist looking at cute puppy pictures?  For my own reasons I know I will get another purebred puppy from a good breeder (breeder versus rescue is a discussion for another day), but when I looked at Rottweilers I cannot think of anything but my last pup Xander.  I feel it would be hard for me to have another puppy that looked so much like my last boy.  I had never before thought of having a different breed but I have really been thinking about what characteristics I am looking for in my next dog.  Here are some of the things I have been considering and that anyone looking for a new dog should think about:
  • What activity level will fit well into your lifestyle?
  • How many hours per day will your dog be spending alone?
  • How much time will you have for training and socialization?
  • Do you have kids, cats or other dogs that need to be taken into consideration?
  • What size of dog will work best for your living situation?
  • Will your dog have a job such as herding, guarding or helping around the house?
  • Will you be interested in participating in any events such as obedience or agility?
  • Do you want a dog that is like velcro or more aloof?
  • Do you want a family dog or one that bonds well with one person?
  • Overall, what role will the dog have in your household, a companion, a working dog or a family dog?
These are all important factors to consider.  I am considering an English Shepherd, but am still open to ideas.  Maybe by the time I am ready for a new dog I will decide to get another Rottweiler, but we will have to see.  What is your favorite breed of dog and what is the main thing you consider when getting a new canine friend?

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_Quinn and Tilly are two of our favorite pups!  Here they are having a great time playing during one of our visits.  Quinn sounds so fierce!
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_I came across this video on my phone recently and had to share. This was taken just shortly before my pup Xander passed away so you can tell he does not feel great, but he and our cat Aislinn always got along wonderfully and this cleaning was almost a daily activity. Sorry for my terrible video skills!
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Our first vet highlight is here!  Gamble Pet Clinic is a fantastic clinic in northern Fort Collins that caters to dogs and cats and focuses on preventative medicine to keep their clients happy and healthy.  Read on below to learn everything you need to consider when choosing a new vet!

Location: 
2108 Midpoint Dr., Suite 4
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Corner of Prospect and Timberline


Phone:  (970) 221-9995
Email: gamblepetclinic@digis.net
Website: http://www.gamblepetclinic.com
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_The holidays are over, my last couple of holiday travelers are coming back this weekend.  It has been a wonderfully busy holiday season and I have been a little lax in doing things like Facebook and blog posts.  I will be the first one to admit that the passing of my pup effected me more than I expected and it has taken me almost a month to feel excited about these activities again, but here we are!

I have some exciting plans for this year!  In addition to more regular, informative blogs and Facebook posts I am going to be featuring different pet business including veterinarians, groomers and trainers.  I have one vet clinic interview in the works and there is some great information there!  It should be up next week so stay tuned.  If there is a business you would like to learn about or have your business featured, send me an email!  I am also finishing up our lending library, full of great animal books.  It should also be available in its entirety next week.  I have been working on offering a new service (it is still hush hush) but if it works out it will be great fun. 

Is there anything else you would like to see from Sidehill Sitters this year?
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_If you are thinking about traveling for the holidays this year, now is the time to plan for your pets!  Here are a few things to remember:
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  1. _If you still need a pet sitter, now is the time!  Sitters are quickly filling their holiday spots so you want to set something up before it is too late.  If you do not have a regular sitter now, is the time to set up interviews to find a sitter that works well for your household.
  2. Be sure to leave plenty of food and regular supplies for your pets.  Get these early so you are not having to go shopping the night before you leave.
  3. Leave detailed instructions for your pet care provider, the more detail the better!  If you did not sign a vet release form already then be sure to check with your vet and see if they have a form they prefer.  (All Sidehill clients fill out one of these.)
  4. Try to spend some extra time with your pets before you leave.  I know you are busy planning for the holidays, but they will miss you when you are gone and will be confused by the holiday commotion.
  5. Be sure to have plenty of toys and treats for your pet to chew while you are gone.  Special treats such as stuffed Kongs will help distract them if they are bored.  
Above all, enjoy the holidays and your pets when you return.  With a good pet sitter they will enjoy their special attention when you are gone and will be happy to see you when you return!

Do you have any tips for other pet owners?  Feel free to add your ideas!




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Just a quick reminder of our snow policies for everyone!

- If possible please leave a snow shovel out for easy access.
- If you are going out of town we typically only shovel enough to get into your home.  If you need your sidewalks shoveled please let us know and we will add on extra time to your visits to take care of it.  You will be billed for the extra time after your return.
- We will do our best to keep the schedule for our regular visits.  If you are in an area that is hard to access in the snow please provide us with contact information for a neighbor that we can call in an emergency.
- Dog walks will be done as scheduled but in extreme weather we will have more inside playtime instead of a full walk.  We take into consideration the safety of your pet and your sitter.

I will be working to come up with a great list of games to play inside with your dogs since it looks like the cold months will continue!  Stay tuned!

Liana
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Sad news 10/28/2011
 
As many of you already know, my dog has been battling bone cancer for around 6 months now.  I am sorry to say that earlier this week we received the news that his cancer has spread to his chest and is progressing very rapidly.  It is hard to predict an exact time frame, but they are giving him a few months, on the outside.  I know the next few months are some of the busiest, but due to this news I will be limiting my overnight stays to short trips (me being gone overnight makes my pup sad).  He currently feels fine (no one told him he was sick!), but as his health begins to deteriorate I will limit the regular visits I do in order to spend more time with him.  That being said, as most of you know, my sitters have been fantastic in stepping up and will be happy to fill in for me whenever needed.  Your pets will receive the same great care, so you do not need to have any concerns, I just wanted to keep you updated as to the situation.  Thank you so much for your patience and understanding and if you have any concerns please let me know.

-Liana
Sidehill Sitters
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Twitter! 10/12/2011
 
For those that prefer Twitter, we now have an account set up!  Hop on over and follow us today!

http://www.twitter.com/Sidehillsitters
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We are expanding to Loveland, have a new service and our fall eZine.  Read about it all in our fall newsletter!
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Sidehill Sitters - Professional Pet Sitting - Bonded and Insured - (970) 980-1325