Adoption Stories Page 1

Microchipping for Permanent Identification Page 2

And They Lived Happily Ever After Page 3

Introducing a Puppy Into your Kitty-Centric Household Page 4

Keep the Holidays Safe for Your Pets Page 6

 Meet FFR Volunteer Mike Perszyk Page 7

The Funny Side of Cats Page 8

President's Message Page 9

Featured Felines Page 9

Our Donors Page 9

FFR Update Page 9
While the Owner's Away, the Pets Should Play!

By Janet Bennett, Professional Pet Sitter

It happens every few months. You're going away on vacation, a business trip, or just a weekend getaway. Do you leave Fluffy and Fido at home alone? Perhaps you can ask a friend or family member to come by once in a while. Meanwhile, you worry that something bad has happened and say silent prayers that your pets will be okay when you get home. Or, you could board your furry family in a kennel, knowing that they'll be safe and taken care of. But then you worry that they will be stressed, wondering why they are in a strange place and whether or not you are ever coming back for them.

If this sounds like you, it might be time to explore getting a professional pet sitter for your pets. For a nominal fee, a pet sitter will visit with your pets, feed and care for them, and perform light housesitting duties.

There are several advantages to employing a pet sitter.

  • Reduced Stress. Your pet stays in its own familiar secure environment where all the sights, smells, and sounds say “home!”
  • Diet and Exercise. Customary diet and exercise routines are followed, with no interruption to upset your pet.
  • No “Travel Trauma.” Travel in a vehicle to a boarding facility or kennel may upset your pet.
  • Health Concerns. With a pet sitter, there is minimal exposure to illness of other animals.
  • No Imposition. You don't have to impose on a friend, neighbor or relative to care for your pet, but instead rely on a pet care professional who will put you pet's needs first.
  • Peace of Mind. While you're away, you can feel confident your pet is in capable, caring hands.
  • Special Services. Pet sitters can provide additional home services while caring for your pet, such as watering plants and bringing in the mail.
  • TLC. Most importantly, your pet receives love and personal attention while you are away.

When looking for a pet sitter, it is important to find one that is bonded and insured. The insurance removes liability from you, the pet owner, should the pet sitter be accidentally harmed while on your property. The bonding reimburses you in the event that any items are unlawfully removed from your home. This rarely, if ever, happens, and could be more of a concern with pet sitting companies that employ several pet sitters.

How do you find a pet sitter? You might ask your friends, neighbors, veterinarian, or groomer for referrals. Most professional pet sitters are registered with Pet Sitters International, the largest pet sitter organization in the world. They set standards by which their members are required to comply. From their web site (www.petsit.com), you can enter your zip code to find pet sitters located near you. You can then contact the pet sitter to find out more about their pricing and services.

As pets become more a part of our families, more pet services become available to accommodate our needs. Most of us would love to be able to take our pets with us when we go away, but it's not always feasible and isn't always in the best interest of the pets. It's good to know that there are alternatives available that will allow your pets to be healthy and happy when you aren't able to be there with them.

Looking for a pet sitter in the greater Folsom area? My Favorite Pet Sitter provides service in Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Orangevale, and Granite Bay (coverage in other areas is available for an additional charge). All new clients of My Favorite Pet Sitter who mention Folsom Feline Rescue will receive $5 off their first pet sitting service (two-visit minimum). And, Folsom Feline Rescue will receive a $10 donation! Please be sure to mention this special offer when contacting My Favorite Pet Sitter. For additional information, visit www.myfavpetsitter.com, email info@myfavpetsitter.com, or call 916-337-2542.


< PREVIOUS PAGE . . . . NEXT PAGE >