Crockett's Critter Care

01/05/2025

If You Stand There, You’ll Stay There

Every morning, my sweet Walker Hound, Ginger, teaches me a lesson about life—whether she realizes it or not. Lately, she’s mastered the art of standing at the back door, nose pressed to the glass, as if ready to enter. But the moment I open the door, she isn’t so interested in joining me. Nope. Ginger is on high alert for one thing: a treat. If she doesn’t see that little morsel waiting, she stays perfectly planted—even if it’s raining or freezing—until I give in and grab her a snack.

One frosty morning, I said, “If you stand there, you’ll stay there.” It hit me like a little lightning bolt: how often do we do the same in our own lives or businesses? If we stand still, waiting for the perfect opportunity, we might get stuck in a place that’s cold and uncomfortable, missing out on everything that’s warm and fulfilling. So this year, let’s all be a little more like Ginger—but with a twist. Instead of refusing to move until we see our ‘treat,’ let’s trust that the reward is waiting for us if we just take that first step forward. May we hop over the threshold into new experiences, set bold goals, and keep moving—even if the weather isn’t perfect. After all, standing still never brought anyone closer to their dreams. And who knows? With a bit of faith, effort, and consistent action, there just might be a treat on the other side of that door.

01/02/2025

Davy has a new sign for his yard. I plan to include it in our ACE Free Work photo and video sessions. Three Guys Signs did a great job! What do you think?

12/31/2024

As we wrap up another amazing year, we want to send a heartfelt thank-you to our incredible team and our wonderful clients. We truly couldn’t have done it without your dedication and support!

We’ve been blown away by the kind words you’ve shared with us. Here are just a few highlights that made our team’s day (or year!):

“Jeanne and company always do a great job. Wouldn't trust our pets with anyone else!” —Susan G.
“Very conscientious. Thankful for their awesome service!” —Karen M.
“Thank you for such dedication and sincere cat care. You are appreciated!” —Susan & Gary G.
“Wonderful to have caring sessions to help me learn ways to enrich my fur baby’s days!” —Kat J.
“Crockett's Critter Care is easily the best operation we have employed. They blend professionalism, personal interest in animals, and high standards.” —Steve D.

We appreciate every single review and all your support. We’re excited to keep growing, learning, and delivering our best in the coming year. Here’s to even more success—together!

12/27/2024

A Must-Have Resource for Pet Owners: Dog and Cat Food Advisor.

I’ve received valuable alerts and newsletters from Dog Food Advisor and Cat Food Advisor, They have become an indispensable resource for anyone who cares about the well-being of their pets. Not only is the information detailed and unbiased, but the team behind Dog Food Advisor also does a fantastic job of keeping readers informed about important food recalls—often well before many other sources.

As a pet parent, I rely on Dog Food Advisor’s regularly updated reviews and analysis to ensure I make the healthiest choices for my dogs. Their transparent rating system and thorough breakdown of ingredients give me the confidence to choose quality products. It also helps me guide my pet-sitting, dog-walking, and training clients toward the best nutritional options.

The recall alerts in particular are life-saving. In a world where pet food safety can be uncertain, an immediate, trustworthy source for updated recall information is critical. Their newsletter is concise yet comprehensive, making it easy for busy pet owners and professionals to stay in the loop.

Overall, Dog Food Advisor is an essential tool I recommend to anyone who wants to keep their pets healthy and happy. If you’re looking for an honest, easy-to-navigate site that’s committed to keeping you informed on everything related to pet nutrition and safety, look no further.

12/23/2024

From our Hearts to Yours

12/16/2024

Davy’s First Sniff Spot Adventure!

Today was a special day for my boy, Davy! For the first time in his 10 years, he got to roam off-leash in a large, safe area—and he loved every minute of it. We visited Gracie’s 5-Acre Sniff Spot, a gorgeous, park-like space designed for dogs to sniff, explore, and play without the worry of encountering other dogs.

Davy spent an hour investigating every corner, sniffing new scents, jumping over logs, and enjoying enrichment games. The owners were incredibly welcoming, and the whole experience felt so relaxing for both of us.

As a reactive dog, Davy hasn’t had many chances to explore like this, and seeing his joy was priceless. He’s now happily curled up in his bed, one very content pup.

Thank you, Gracie’s 5-Acre Sniff Spot, for creating such a wonderful place for dogs like Davy! We’ll definitely be back.

11/27/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from Crockett’s Critter Care!

This Thanksgiving, we’re feeling extra grateful for the joy, companionship, and unconditional love pets bring. Ginger and Davy remind me daily how special the bond with our furry friends can be.

We’re especially thankful for you—our incredible clients and your wonderful pets! Thank you for trusting us to care for your furry family members. It's an honor to be part of your pets' lives, whether we’re walking, sitting, engaging in ACE Free Work, or helping them thrive through training.

As we gather to celebrate, let’s take a moment to appreciate all the ways our pets make life brighter and more meaningful. They’re a part of our family, and we’re so lucky to have them.

From our pet family to yours, we wish you a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving. May your holiday be filled with tail wags, happy purrs, and plenty of gratitude!

Be Thankful Together.

11/19/2024

Congratulations to Alyssa. Our local shelter's own Alyssa has received a prestigious award from the state for her outstanding efforts in drastically lowering the euthanasia rate at what was once a high-kill shelter. Her dedication and vision have truly made a difference for so many animals in need.

I had the pleasure of meeting Alyssa during a shelter fundraiser where I was demonstrating ACE Free Work. Her upbeat spirit and tireless commitment to animal welfare were inspiring. She's a shining example of what it means to turn compassion into action.

Let's celebrate Alyssa and her incredible work for our community.

Alyssa Merget, with the Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center, was recognized as shelter personnel of the year in North Carolina for her transformative work at the shelter.

11/02/2024

Crockett's Critter Care: Built on Relationships, Not Just Numbers

When I started Crockett’s Critter Care, I never aimed to expand rapidly or rely on tech apps to choose clients. My focus has always been to serve pets and their families personally. By growing at a manageable pace, training a dedicated staff, and staying true to my passion for pet care, we’ve been able to focus on quality every step of the way.

Through hurricanes, a pandemic, and more, we’ve stuck together as a community. Our dedication and investment in training and education enable us to learn new skills that truly help our client's pets—especially those with challenges others might avoid.

With certifications like Fear Free Certified Professional, ACE Free Work Trainer, Canine Reactivity Specialist, and training in Pet First Aid and CPR, we aim to offer top-notch care to our clients. And while many businesses grow fast only to sell out, my heart remains here, serving our community.

Thank you for being part of our journey and trusting us with your pets! Our first 15 years have been amazing!

10/20/2024

Leveling Up: I am excited to share that I’ve completed the Master Course in Dog Aggression with Michael Shikashio, an expert in the field and an incredible communicator. This course has been a fantastic complement to my ongoing Canine Reactivity studies, and I’m grateful for the deeper understanding I’ve gained. I was pleased to find that I was well-prepared to absorb the concepts he teaches, especially in recognizing when reactivity can lead to more serious aggression.

The course emphasized additional layers of safety and management to prevent bites, which is crucial for aggression cases. Reflecting on my clients' journeys, I’m confident that reactivity training was the right approach in 99% of cases. However, there was one instance where I felt it was best to recommend a veterinary behaviorist for more comprehensive support.

Continuing to invest in my education ensures I’m providing the best care possible for your pets. Stay tuned for more updates as I apply these insights in my training sessions!

Certificate attached

10/08/2024

Today. I am excited to share that I have officially received my ACE Trainer Certificate and this beautiful Blue Ribbon.

For those unfamiliar, ACE Free Work is an amazing approach that allows dogs (and other pets) to explore, engage, and build confidence in a safe, structured environment. While ACE Free Work is widely practiced in England, it is still relatively new here in the United States. I am thrilled to be one of the early ACE Certified Trainers and to bring its incredible benefits to more pets and their families.

This technique has been life-changing for many dogs I've worked with, especially those with reactivity or trauma. I can't wait to continue integrating it into my work and sharing its magic with even more pets.

Stay tuned for some stories of dogs that evoked wonder as I looked at them in a new way for the first time.

Check out my Certificate and Blue Ribbon below. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey!

10/01/2024

I love that our local Synergy Integrative Specialty Hospital is working with other local groups to help pets impacted by Hurricane Helene. If you are looking to get involved, here are trusted local people making a difference.

09/23/2024

Exciting Takeaways from the 2024 Pet Sitters International Conference!
I had an amazing time in Niagara Falls at this year’s PSI 2024 Conference! The event was packed with valuable insights on keeping our pets safe, spotting potential liability risks in clients' homes, and understanding the subtle signs of dog and cat body language.
The marketing ideas were a game-changer! I’m excited to bring you new online courses focused on calming reactive dogs, ACE Free Work, and Loose Leash Walking. What other topics would you like to see?
My goals for 2024 include: further study in aggressive dog issues, dog ethology, and continued education in pet sitting, dog walking, and training. My training focuses on helping pet owners who have dogs that display reactivity understand and appreciate their reactive dogs.
As always, connecting with my fellow pet sitters and growing in our mission to provide the best care for your pets was wonderful.
Stay tuned for more updates—and maybe a sneak peek at what's coming next!

09/18/2024

I am thrilled to announce that I have officially become an ACE FREE WORK TRAINER. After almost two years of dedicated learning, hands-on experience, and working with some incredible dogs and their families, I have earned my certification in this transformative approach to pet care and training.

ACE Free Work has been a game-changer, helping dogs of all types including those with reactivity or emotional trauma, to find calmness and confidence. I am eager to integrate these techniques into my pet-sitting, dog-walking, and training services, enhancing the well-being of every animal I work with.

Thank you to my clients and their amazing pets for your trust and support along this journey! Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to share the benefits of ACE Free Work through future sessions, blogs, and events.

Here's to a more peaceful, enriched experience for all of our pets.

09/10/2024

OZZIE, the TEMPERAMENTAL TERRIER

Ozzie is a smart, discerning little guy who likes to call the shots. He's got his preferences - clear skies, cool temperatures, and plenty of interesting sniffs to keep him entertained. Treats? Yes, please. Wet paws? Absolutely not. Loud noises? They send him pulling back toward the house.

Our walks reflect his changing moods, whether it's the weather, time of day, or our direction. Ozzie's top priorities? Comfort, safety, and a dash of amusement.

This morning, our walk was slow and methodical. With every sniff and mark, I felt like I was in Ozzie's masterclass. His lesson for the day? Take your time, prioritize self-care, and stay mindful of your surroundings. Avoid discomfort and seek peace when you can.

What did your pet teach you today?

09/01/2024

PET OWNERS BE AWARE OF THESE DOG AND CAT FOOD RECALLS
Pet owners are being warned about two dog foods: B & B brand pet products, made in NJ, are not registered for sale in NC. They were not properly inspected where they were made. The products to avoid include B&B Hi-Pro, B&B Nutro, B&B Special Order, B&B Premium, B&B Super, B&B Super Treats, and B&B X-Factor. The products are sold frozen in a silver foil stand-up pouch with a white and black ink printed label. Do not feed this to your pets.

Viva Raw, LLC, has voluntarily recalled certain dog and cat food products due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products include Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground, Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked, Viva Turkey for Cats, Viva Pure Turkey, and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies. The recall was issued for Lot 21244, which was shipped to all 50 states.

We are being advised to discard these products in a secure container and keep them away from wildlife. Check your supply and clean and disinfect any areas where they were stored, any surfaces that may have been touched, and dog: water bowls, bedding, and toys Clean and sanitize and, of course, wash your hands.

I hope everyone has heard this news already. It is a good idea, if you are not already doing this, to keep the brand product information so you can check batch numbers following a recall or food alert.

Send a message to learn more

08/24/2024

I had a fantastic time today at the Bark to School fundraiser hosted by A Dog's Dream. I had the pleasure of meeting the new owner, Chrystal, the talented event photographer, Hannah, and the coordinator from Craven Pamlico Animal Services Center, Elizabeth. I also had a chance to tour the facility, chat with Hannah about some exciting future collaborations, and discuss getting involved in the shelter's upcoming fundraiser in September. I love how our community comes together to support one another and put the animals first! So many adorable pets were available for adoption. Great day for a great cause!