Ann Andrews Dog Obedience Training and Pet Sitting

06/21/2024

With the 4th of July approaching, it's important to remember that the sound from fireworks is a common sources of fear and anxiety for many dogs. With some advanced planning, you can help your dog feel safe during this stressful time. Set your dog up for success with the following tips in the graphic below.

06/04/2024

05/24/2024

Cookout caution

05/21/2024

Followers assistance needed - A woman wanting to train her new puppy as a therapy dog contacted me for help. She lives in Marshall, MI. Are there any dog trainers in or near Marshall who are certified AKC S.T.A.R., and AKC CGC? If you have someone in mind, I would like to pass this information along to her. (Photo of baby Keva greeting a friendly stranger).

05/15/2024

Best wishes to Skylar, Hamilton, George, Purr and their pawrents as they move to their new home.

05/15/2024

Ann's got your fur baby covered come rain or shine. Her priorty on walks is keeping your companion animal comfortable and safe, while providing them the opportunity to be a dog.

05/03/2024

Retirement day for Sampson the amazing Serivice Dog. Keva and I are just beginning our service dog - handler relationship and I cannot even imagine my life without her by my side.

04/21/2024

This fur crew is pure sunshine.

04/07/2024

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

With that in mind, here is a helpful FAQ relating to your canine friends and the upcoming eclipse.

Q: Do dogs actually need to wear eclipse glasses?
A: Dogs will not stare at the sun, and though Speck (pictured) likes to model them, it is not necessary for your dog to wear glasses.

Q: Can the eclipse harm dogs?
A: Your dog can safely be outside with you. They are much more likely to look at you than the sun, but they might look up briefly if they were to see a bird fly by.

Q: Will dogs act differently during the eclipse?
A: Most dogs will not exhibit dramatic changes in behavior, but they might act like it is bedtime. Some dogs may act confused or anxious.

Q: What should I do for my dog during the eclipse?
A: It is probably best to avoid both large crowds and leaving your dog in a car unattended. Keep your dog safe on a leash or indoors in a space where they feel comfortable. It is always a good idea to have your dog identified with an ID tag and/or a microchip in case they were to wander.

04/07/2024

Memories of the fun we shared over Spring Break '24.

03/23/2024

As March ends, there are woofs, wags, meeeoooows and purrs. Staycation and daily adventures with these furry friends involve wind-blown curls, crunching through snow, splashing in the rain, soaking up sunshine, and contented cat naps.

03/21/2024

Criminals are watching. Please do not post photos of yourself or family members during your vacation. If you do, you are advertising no one is home.

03/06/2024

Kind words and referrals are always apprecited.

03/06/2024

It's a great day when you learn something new.

03/04/2024

For ten incredible years, I've had the privilege of being so much more than just a pet-sitter - I'm a confidant, friend and honorary member of countless families thanks to those who placed their faith in me; beloved animals included! From frolicking fun times during 'playtime', managing occasional accidents when nature calls at unexpected hours (we call these 'potty breaks'), right down through every single sloppy canine or feline smooch bestowed upon me along this remarkable odyssey... each moment was pure gold because I have been gifted with something money cannot buy: cherished memories shared between kindred spirits united by love for our wonderful fur babies. I am looking forward to seeing what exciting adventures await us.

03/04/2024

Pet Sitters International celebrates 30 years of serving and educating pet sitting professionals, while I mark 10 years with my fantastic clients and their beloved companion animals.

02/20/2024

TO THE MOM AT THE SCHOOL DROP OFF THIS MORNING

Today I walked my son to his kindergarten class. It was cold and we were huddled together like sardines as we stood outside the door waiting for the bell to ring.

I saw you with your little boy just a few feet from us, and I looked down when I realized you were looking at us. I hoped you didn't know who we were. I hoped you didn't know my son was "that kid." The one who's not transitioning well in this school year.

I know what the kids say about my son. They go home and tell their parents my kid is bad. Sometimes he pushes and hits. Sometimes he is defiant and refuses to sit down, be quiet, or stay in line.

I know because the kids tell him what they think of him on the playground. "Mark said I'm bad today." Or "Aiden's dad said I can't play with him anymore." And my heart hurts, because I know he's struggling in school. And we are working every angle... in school with a specialist, at home, and through classes, books and resources.

Today, you looked at me, then at my son. "You must be K," you said to my son. And I looked up and smiled sheepishly. It was an apologetic smile. Almost a "I'm sorry you know his name" smile, because that means you've heard the stories.
I said to you, "Yes, this is him."

I whispered when my son stepped away that we are aware he's causing some trouble and we are working on it. That we take his behavior very seriously.

And then you did something I never expected. I don't know if I was waiting for you to tell me what you heard K did to your son, or just tell me off. But instead you told me about your older son who struggled with similar problems at this age. You told me that now he's in high school and he's a straight A student.

Instead of tearing me down, you lifted me up. You gave me hope. And you handed me an olive branch so I know that I do have an ally during school drop off. An ally I never expected.

You didn't have to make that connection. You could have ignored us or pretended not to know us. Or yes -- you could have told me what you think of my son (you would not be the first). But you didn't. You showed me grace and kindness and you uplifted me more than I could possibly describe in words.

I told you I would love to learn more about steps you took with your older son. I would love suggestions and guidance and that I would call you. And you know what? I will call you. Even if no suggestions or guidance is ever exchanged. I will call you because you are a friend I want to have. You are a good person.

Credit: Celeste Yvonne

02/14/2024

Keva, also known as Cupid, is practicing the 'Get Help' command with Bentley as her wingman for Valentine's Day deliveries.

02/13/2024

BYU study shows women do more visual scanning while walking home at night than men. Not a surprise to me and a female dog walker. After reading this article, I have a few questions for my followers. Where is your visual focus as you walk at night with your dog(s)?

An eye-catching new study shows just how different the experience of walking home at night is for women versus men.

02/02/2024

Farewell January, 2024.

01/22/2024

Graduation Day for Cooper. Congratations Cooper and his family for helping him to become the best pup he can be.

01/10/2024

I was notified by her pawrents that beautiful Miss Callie crossed the Rainbow Bridge this past weekend.

In my memories of her I can still see her walking through the family's double fireplace into the kitchen to join me in the chair, or finding her on top of the grandfather clock as she played her version of hide-and-seek. I will never forget the night she and Scarlett, her housemate, rocked the air mattress we were on until the family pup Daisy and I fell asleep pretending we were on a sailboat out at sea.

Callie loved her toys and warmed herself on the soft leather couch and chairs in sunbeams. One of her favorite pastimes was perching herself on the stairs with Scarlett watching birds and an occasional chipmunk racing by the front door. When I see or use whipped cream from a can, I think of the two of them begging for a taste of yummy whipped cream to kick-start their day.

To know Miss Callie was to love her. We all will miss her sweet personality, purrs, meows, and her expressive face with those gorgeous eyes staring back at you looking deep into your soul. Thank you Dave and Carol for entrusting Miss Callie to my care.

12/24/2023

Keva and Bentley are having some Christmas Eve fun with their Dunkin' Bark toys. Proceeds from these toys go to train and place service dogs in pediatric hospitals.

12/23/2023

Thank you for an amazing 2023. Keva and I wish each of you new and exciting adventures as we ride the rails into 2024.

12/21/2023

I have read this before, but it's one of those worthy of multiple readings as a reminder of what love and kindness can offer another in need.

Our 14-year-old dog Abbey died last month. The day after she passed away my 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so, and she dictated these words:

Dear God,
"Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to swim and play with balls. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her."
Love, Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the mailbox at the post office. A few days later, she asked me if I thought God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page were the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this

note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help and I recognized her right away.
Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter. 🙏🏻❤️

Credits goes to the respective author ~
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12/08/2023

Ann Andrews Dog Obedience Training and Pet Sitting proudly continues serving pet families in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter, Certified Fear Free Professional, member of Pet Sitters International, and is CPR /First Aid certified for companion animals. This business is bonded and insured.

12/05/2023

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2023/12/04/purdue-college-of-veterinary-medicine-disease-investigation-for-atypical-respiratory-illness-in-dogs/71740648007/

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is investigating the unknown respiratory illness recently reported in dogs across the country.

12/03/2023

With the recent rise in canine respiratory infections impacting many parts of the country, it's important to know the signs & how to protect your pup. The Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center has compiled the latest information from experts across the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and is working to support the veterinary community in addressing this event as it evolves. Updated information can be found at the link. A graphic resource covering precautionary measures for dog owners and some quick tips can be found below.

https://hubs.ly/Q02bg2tn0

11/25/2023

Thankful for my fur buddies and their families.