Wag N' Whiskers Pet Care

08/13/2024

To make things a bit easier for those of us who multi-task and tend to doom scroll - rather than need to go to my website for pricing info, you can start here and save some time. Unfortunately, I can't be in everyone's budget, but I do my best to be fair in what I charge, for the services and level of care I give. This is not a full list of services, but these are the big ones and most popular among my clients.

You can visit my website wagnwhiskerspetcare.com (best viewed on PC, sadly not optimized for mobile) for a full list of services and submit a contact form for a personalized quote for the services that interest you!

08/12/2024

Love hanging out with my charges! I am very blessed to have some absolutely amazing clients who know they can trust me, and DO! And I've had the pleasure of sitting for these clients quite a few times now and it's really special to have a trusting bond and relationship with both my clients and my charges who know me well, too!

It makes things like separation anxiety and stress over their humans being gone, significantly less than a first time housesit can be while we learn each other. I won't be the provider for everybody, but it is worth it for every loving pet parent out there to find a good pet care provider who can BE your pets second-best friend 😉

08/07/2024

1st Google Review ❤️ as a small business and especially a new one, reviews matter so much to help fellow pet parents know what to expect and to make an educated and informed decision about the best pet care provider for them!

If you'd like to see more reviews from happy clients, visit my Rover profile (disregard pricing, as Rover upcharges on what the sitter charges and differs widely from my own private pricing). https://www.rover.com/members/gretchen-k-your-babies-are-my-babies/

08/03/2024

So much about vital communication with our dogs gets missed or misunderstood and it puts good dogs at risk of rehoming, being left in a shelter, or worse. Behavioral issues exist, but 90% of the issues the average home experiences has a lot to do with not hearing our dog until they are screaming for relief in the form of a growl, snap or a bite!

Don't let things go that far, be on the look out for when your dog is gently telling you they aren't comfortable or they want you or something to stop, and then DO IT! Training and management exist, but it's also important to let our dogs have a say, and being allowed to say no, and being heard when they say it the first time ❤️

With children and pets spending more time together over the summer holidays, it's super important to watch dogs closely and listen to their body language ⚠️

Dogs' stress signals often get misunderstood or missed, with some owners not realising their dog is unhappy until they growl, snap or even bite.

The canine ladder of communication is a useful guide, showing the different signals dogs show through their body language to communicate. As a dog gets more upset, their body language may change according to the steps on the ladder 🚦

It’s important to note that all dogs are different - not every dog will show every behaviour on the ladder and might not follow the same order.

Find out more: http://pdsa.me/rfce

[Visual description: An infographic explaining Kendal Shepherd’s ladder of communication and how to recognise stress in dogs by the signs they show in their body language. This is a traffic light system with red signals being the worst. Green signals are: Yawning, blinking, nose licking and turning their head away. Yellow signals are: Sitting and turning their body away, walking away, creeping and having their ears back. Orange signals are: Standing crouched, tail tucked, lying down with their belly exposed in a submissive way, stiffening up and staring. Red signals are: Growling, snapping and biting.]

08/02/2024

Just enjoy the sweetest little cockatiel I got to hang out with last night ❤️ he had a rough start as his parents weren't very nice in the nest so he has some physical disabilities that his humans compensate for fabulously and he lives the best life!

07/21/2024

We still have not been able to find our baby boy.
Riku means more to us than we can even put into words and we are not doing very well mentally during this time.
If you live near Asheville, North Carolina, we have raised the reward to $700. We just want to bring Riku back home.

07/19/2024

If anybody follows me from the east coast, please share!

I didnt want to post this because I didnt want to worry or upset Riku's 3000 frens. It has now been 24 hours though.
Riku got out lastnight and we have not found him yet.
We have a cage with food, water and millet on the porch and a bluetooth speaker playing flock calls on repeat.
We searched all night but there was a thunderstorm.
We started searching again at 5:30 this morning and still no luck.
We have posted in every local and regional group, which have amassed hundreds of shares already, hung flyers up all around the general area and spent 12 hours straight walking through trees and screaming his name.
We are so scared and upset right now and so sorry that we have to share this news.
Asheville, North Carolina

07/15/2024

Not very hard, but only a tiny piece🥹 and only if your humans say it's ok, and it's safe for you🥲

A Bite

07/14/2024

If you're looking for a kitten or adult cat, please consider adopting! I only have a couple babies up for adoption but I'm in no rush - these babies badly need homes so consider the cats and kittens up for adoption for FREE with this local shelter!

Our shelter is overwhelmed with nearly 400 kittens in need of homes, so we are offering free adoptions for kittens Saturday July 13th through Wednesday July 31st! We’ll have large numbers of kittens brought in from foster care every day for the rest of the month, with over 100 ready to meet you this weekend. Adult cats will also have fees waived to help create as much space as possible. Sign up to receive more info and updates here: https://friendsoffrontstreet.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/kitten-adopt-a-thon-event

07/12/2024

The more you know 🫢 I try very hard to be as affordable and as accessible as possible - I'm generally below the national average and I'm about in line with the state average - please keep in mind, you get what you pay for!

If you've been using the kid down the street, you're not wrong for doing so, but it IS a gamble and they won't have the same skillset as a pro - that's why they're cheap and will pretty much take what they can get.

Meanwhile, professionals 🙋‍♀️ do this for a living, have lived and learned experience in this field and we apply every bit of our skill, experience and education toward providing the best care for your pets. That knowledge and experience did not come free, or cheaply, so when you sign on to work with a professional - it WILL be more than the neighbor kid down the road, but chances are the kid down the road isn't going to be equipped to do much more than feed your dog and let them outside to p*e. That might be all you need, but most pet parents want someone to be able to act on their pet's behalf in case of emergency, manage the home while they're gone, and generally just provide a higher level of quality of care. That can't be free no matter how much we animal lovers would like it to be - most of us have our own critters to support and we need to be able to keep our own bills paid too.

I promise, pricing is seriously considered and reconsidered to ensure it's as fair as can be without price gouging, while still ensuring bills get paid and the lights (and A/C 🥵) stay on!

You're under no obligation to spend your money, but please always do your due-diligence when looking for a pet care provider! If you have questions on pricing or feel something is too expensive, do some research, and if you're still not sure, ask! I get pet care isn't cheap, but it really can't be if you want it to be worth what you're actually paying. Be sure though, if you ask, I at least, will answer you and I'll come with receipts so you have a clear understanding where my specific pricing comes from!

Remember! You're not just paying for a drop-in visit or housesitting, you're paying for the educated eyes, ears and hands that will be working with your animal(s) protecting them while you can't be there.

Learn how much to charge for cat sitting services using our free calculator.

07/10/2024

Very sad statistics - birds can be absolute treasures to share your life with, and we love all the critters here ❤️

This was made by Little Beaks a few years ago, with permission from Avian Welfare Victoria. This is Australian stats from one region, so the real wider numbers are likely much worse. But we'll all keep fighting to help them ❤️

07/09/2024

FINAL UPDATE: For anyone following along, no one has claimed these babies and I don't think anyone will - and frankly I hope no one tries because the longer they were with me, the more issues of neglect made themselves known. I think it's likely these dogs were once loved very much by somebody who maybe passed away, and the people who then were left with them and they dumped them where they were found.

In concert with efforts by the Marysville ACO, a local Dachsund rescue has now taken custody of these dogs for the remaining time in the 30 day hold, after which they can be sterilized, and given more permanent corrections for their current issues and then find them wonderful new homes.

UPDATE: scanned for chips by PD and animal control, no luck 😞

URGENT: THREE FOUND DOGS!!

Three longhaired dachshunds, 2 males, 1 female. They were hanging out hiding in the shade by the stone wall at the Hunter's Landing Apartment Complex in Marysville. The landlord knows I'm a softy and knocked on my door so they are safe with me. The female has a collar but no tags. All very sweet - they've all been given some water, are in front of a box fan to cool down and been misted to help them cool off too. If you know these dogs, or they belong to you, please contact me immediately - send my page a message and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Again they are SAFE, and being given all they need to be comfortable until their owners are found.

Please LIKE and SHARE this post so their owners can find them - all very sweet and clearly someone's beloved pet!

07/07/2024

😀😀😀

07/04/2024

So - I feel the need to put this out there due to a phone call I had today, and it will be long and a bit heated most likely so buckle up if you intend to keep reading.

First, I do this to make a living & to support my own very beloved critters, but I will not take abuse or be mistreated.

For context, I was picking up Pidgey (see a couple of posts ago, he passed suddenly on Saturday & I am devastated & grieving) & I still called this person back within the hour because they stated they had an emergency, while driving to bring Pidgey to be cremated, post-necropsy.

I was met with a nasty attitude because I could barely hear this person & then treated like I was stupid for asking this person to repeat themselves before I could even determine the actual needs of this person. I was told I clearly don't know how to care for cats and dogs (LOL) & repeatedly treated like I was trying to trick this person into something in order to make money.

Guys, if you don't feel a service is for you, say no thank you & end the call. I am housesitting currently, but I offered drop-in visits because yes, I do both, sometimes simultaneously, & if I can't do right by each client, then I won't take the business.

My clients & I are always crystal clear on care arrangements & I don't deviate but that also doesn't give another client the right to imply I'm going to give neglectful care to their pets because I am trying to work with you in an "emergency" situation. I am not going to detail care arrangements for other clients I might be working with to satisfy you. If I tell you I can make it work, then I can & will. If I can't, then I won't, and I'll try to help you find someone else instead.

That goes for any provider, ever. You have an absolute right to not hire me, & I have the absolute right to fire you as a client before you ever enter my books 💅 I will not be spoken down to or abused because you feel entitled.

Once this person heard I couldn't housesit & instead offered drop-ins, they wanted to know why I was taking their time by calling... well, to help you - since you called me describing urgent care needs due to an emergency.

Don't be this person - enjoy the cutest kittens ever for algorithm tax ❤️

07/01/2024

Eligible (Adoptable) kitten-ette #2! This is "Jean" for Jean Gray because this little girl is a smarty-pants but sweet as absolute pie.

She thrives with friends so would love to go home with one of her siblings, or going to a home with other friendly kitties!

She LOVES to play and be chased by her siblings while she plays keep away with one of her toys 🏃‍♀️

This little darling also gives kisses and can often be found cleaning her siblings and sharing the love ❤️

She loves laps and will purr up a storm for a good bum scratch - she will be an absolute darling of a companion and boy is she SHINY, she's gonna be gorgeous when she grows up!

Just like her siblings, she is fully litterbox trained, has been wormed on a 2 week schedule since 4 weeks old and already has a very affordable spay appointment for when she is old enough that I will assist with transport to if at all needed.

Even if you're not looking for a new kitty friend, please share so we can find this sweetie her new forever home ($100 rehoming fee)! Adoption application will be posted in the comments below!

06/30/2024

We love black cats here ❤️

06/29/2024

I try to be educational on this page or just provide some wholesome cuteness for everyone who looks, to enjoy... but today my heart hurts so badly. Pidgey, my 1.5 yr old cockatiel got sick several days ago, and even with vet intervention and treatment, passed away sometime this morning and I can't even believe it's real and he's gone.

If you've been following this page for awhile, chances are you saw the reel I made of Pidgey with his little happy face p**f and his baby cheep noises when you gave him scratches. I can't even fathom he'll never yell at me again with his larger than life personality, or he'll never cuddle up next to my face and ask for kisses and scritches. I think this is the only video I ever managed to get of his little face p**f and I'll never not regret that. My heart won't ever not hurt every time Chicken says Hi Pidgey, but I will still smile, because you were here and you were so loved.

Please hug, cuddle, scratch and love your babies extra hard for Pidgey today. You never know when you'll be out of time and tomorrow is not promised for any of us. Fly high Pidgey, I am so sorry and I miss you so much already.

06/29/2024

Alright folks, eligible (adoptable) Kitten-ette #1 is "Pink"! Let's meet her 🥰

💅 This kitten enjoys slow strolls with you and lots of pampering in between her exercise routine 🏃‍♀️

😇 You must be willing to listen to her long day about her diva adventures when she settles in your lap

😘 If you displease this little princess she's not shy in telling you, but she's pretty forgiving

👑 You'll be allowed pedestal status again soon though, after all we can all be as perfect as this little girl!

"Pink" is available for adoption (adoption fee of $100) and ready to go home soon! She and her siblings are fully litterbox trained and will go home with a very affordable spay/neuter appointment ,for when these babies are old enough, already made for them for which I will assist with transport. All kittens have been wormed on a two week schedule since 4 weeks old, have grown up with dogs, other cats and birds so are well-acclimated to multi-pet homes.

The link to the adoption application will be in the comments below!

06/28/2024

Share this far and wide, especially over the next week as the 4th and subsequent *loud* celebrations commence if they haven't already. Nothing is more important than making sure that if the worst happens and your pet gets scared and gets out, they can find their way home!

Someone passed this onto us and we thought it was a great idea to share.
With the 4th of July right around the corner we tend to get several calls about dogs getting out, and owners frantically trying to find them. We ask that you make sure your dogs have their collars on, updated contact information on their licenses, or do something similar to the picture below !
We can not scan for microchips. We do not have a scanner, and if the vets offices are closed, we will have to transport any found dogs that are unclaimed to Lake County Dog Shelter.
We love our community fur babies and want to make sure they are safe! 🐾💕

06/27/2024

Following a really wonderful experience with a client recently, I want to talk about some things we pet care providers LOVE! Fair warning, this will be a little long 😅

I deeply support rescuing pets; dogs, cats, birds and every other critter needing a home after rough times. Sometimes the experiences our beloved pets go through before they find their forever homes with us, leave them traumatized or reluctant to trust in excess of usual caution, with strangers. This means that when you start making plans to leave your precious babies for a trip, you might be reaching out to myself or another pet professional to look after their well-being while you are away, and you are worrying about your pets with higher than usual support needs.

I just had the most exemplary experience with a client and their rescue pups - they knew their dogs struggled with severe separation anxiety and more specialized attention ahead of time would be a big help toward making their dogs better able to handle their absence on their trip.

This client contacted me well in advance of their big trip and went out of their way to schedule 60 minute drop in visits with me weekly in order to let their dogs get used to me and spend time with them feeding treats and building a foundation of trust and safety with their future care provider. And best of all - we collaborated and decided a dry-run overnight would be wise to see how the pack would do without their humans and with a relative stranger (me) looking after them.

By doing this, a few things are accomplished:

1) We both get the chance to observe potential issues or problems in behavior that might be difficult to troubleshoot when the owner was away for the long trip and farther away, and make a care plan together for the big trip to mitigate stress for the pets as much as possible.

2) I get the chance to get used to the household and get the dogs comfortable with just me, and the visit is relatively low-stakes because the owner was only a couple hours away and would return the next day, allowing me to ask any clarifying questions if needed, or bring up those afore mentioned potential issues/concerns.

3) Last but NOT least, it gives me the chance to reassure a very loving, anxious pet parent that their babies will be ok while they leave for the longer trip. I'm never offended by an anxious pet parent - it's not an expression of distrust in me, simply an acknowledgement of fact that the dogs know I am not their human and they might act out of character and potentially express their stress in a negative way that they normally wouldn't if their human was there with them (see afore mentioned behavior concerns due to past traumas as a rescue animal).

It matters very much to me that pet parents are reassured and feel secure that I will do everything in my power to ensure top-level care for their four-legged, feathered or hooved family members when the owner can't be there.

Now I do realize not everyone can afford a lot of advance visits for special needs pups (emotional or physical), below are a few absolute DO's that don't cost anything extra, but ensure your pet care provider is armed with as much knowledge as possible to care for your pets and a few other things we pet care providers LOVE:

a) Leave a detailed list of instructions for care, household notes and other important pieces of information.

This ideally will include:

~ Feeding instructions for each pet
~ Routine including usual potty breaks, sleeping habits, potential hiding places etc
~ Protocol for when leaving the house - are the pets confined in a crate, ex-pen, a bedroom, or have free rein of the house or some mixture of the above.
~ Household details - quirks of the home like instructions for heat/ A/C, trash day, where cleaning supplies are if needed, if the mail needs to be retrieved etc.
~ Wifi info and any other house details if you are having me stay in your home.
~ Really any other details you can think of! There is no such thing as too much information when it comes to caring for your pets and home - it's a responsibility I take very seriously so just really go for it, even little things you don't always think about.

b) Go over routine and household details in-person before leaving if possible, especially with multiple pet households to be sure all expectations are clearly communicated. Written instructions are wonderful and personally reassuring so that I am not relying on memory from verbal instructions, and I can re-verify that I am following prescribed care instructions to the letter wherever possible and even still, things can be lost in translation no matter how clear we think we might be, so I welcome the extra step to make sure your wishes are being honored!

c) Be very clear, especially when having someone stay in your home for your pet's care, about any off-limits area etc. This one personally doesn't change much from what I already do, as I go out of my way to never enter areas of the home that are not required for caring for the pets or the home. It's still good to be aware though, so clients can feel reassured that their privacy will be respected with the highest regard and there is no risk of possible miscommunication there.

All of this to say, for this recent client, I wish I could honestly throw them a parade, peak pet parenthood for sure - how blessed those pups are to have such a dedicated pet parent ❤️

06/22/2024

Hi folks! I've had folks looking for the application to adopt one of the kittens I've been fostering so here it is - please note, these
kittens aren't free. Free Facebook kittens have a much higher chance of a poor future so I am requiring a $100 rehoming fee in order to take a kitten home. Rest assured, no profit is intended from these babies, all funds collected will go toward the next litter I take in and foster.

Note: All kittens already have a very affordable spay/neuter appointment made for them when they are of age and I will assist with transport etc as needed to ensure these babies don't continue the cycle of kittens in need.

Four kittens will be ready for their new homes in two weeks!

05/29/2024

I need absolutely everybody to appreciate the cutest little birb p**fy head happening and her little happy feet 🥹❤️😭