RTC Pet Sitting and Livestock Care Services

06/23/2024

Got to spend some time with these three this weekend.

06/18/2024

06/15/2024

Hanging out with the boys this weekend.

06/15/2024

Knox

06/15/2024

Tips to Keep Animals Safe this Summer
Connecticut Department of Agriculture Reminds Pet and Livestock Owners of Health Risks as Temperatures Rise

As temperatures rise and hot, humid days are upon us, Connecticut Department of Agriculture is reminding pet and livestock owners to take action to keep their animals safe this summer. This is also the time of year for extreme weather such as thunderstorms and hurricanes, and celebrations which may include fireworks. These types of events may frighten some animals. Owners should prepare now by updating identification tags and microchip information, checking the safety and security of enclosures, and contacting veterinarians if medication is needed to ease anxiety.

“For many of us, summer beckons us to spend lots of time outdoors – swimming, biking, running, or attending fairs and festivals – often with our animals along,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “It’s important to remember what may be comfortable for us, could put our fur and feathered friends at risk. We encourage everyone to follow these tips to keep animals healthy and safe this season.”

Helping Pets Navigate the Summer


Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked.
Provide access to plenty of fresh, clean, and cool water.
Take walks, hikes, or runs during the cooler hours of the day.
Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws.
Don’t allow unsupervised swimming and be aware of undertows and fast-moving currents.
Know the signs of heat stress and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Signs of heat stress include:
Excessive panting/drooling
Abnormal gum and tongue color
Unsteadiness or collapse
Keeping Livestock Comfortable and Safe
Provide ample shade calculating square footage based on herd size and resource guarding. Temporary movable shade structures can be built and relocated for rotational grazing setups.
Maximize airflow – position shelters to take advantage of breezes or install fans with fully enclosed motors rated for agricultural use.
Add spray misters to fans or sprinklers for added relief.
Drinking water should be clean and out of direct sun.
If you need to transport or work livestock, do so during cooler parts of the day.
Be aware of fire risks associated with overloaded circuits or faulty electrical, stored hay that hasn’t been properly cured, or parking equipment in barns that hasn’t properly cooled.
“Many of our livestock owners already take some, or all, of the above steps to keep their animals healthy during the summer months, but it’s also easy to underestimate how much relief a properly placed fan can provide,” said interim State Veterinarian Dr. Erin Masur, DVM. “In addition to taking these steps, all animals should be current on vaccinations with extra attention paid to those at higher risk of heat stress. Young animals, those with dark colored skin, or history of respiratory disease are more susceptible and the longer a heat stretch lasts, the more stressful it can be.”

05/12/2024

My weekend with these two guys.

04/30/2024

Had fun today with this ball of fur and her camera shy brother.

04/15/2024

Just had a fun week with Benny.

04/11/2024

So this past week I lost one of my clients. He was very special to me as we spend the last four years, three days a week together going on adventures throughout the State. Wilbur was a very special boy with so much personality. I’m going to miss him greatly.

04/04/2024

03/29/2024

My buddies from last night.

11/26/2023

07/11/2023

07/11/2023

It’s the little things that are appreciated greatly.

06/09/2023

Don't get a dog.
You will bring home a puppy, and be up all night with her crying. Not only that, she doesn't know not to p*e in the house. Your kids will be so distracted, you won't be able to get them to do the things they need to do.
Don't get a dog.
First thing you know, you will be talking baby talk to an animal, and getting excited that they are finally not p*eing in the house. You will go to the store and buy all kinds of silly toys for the dog. You will buy a book on dog training, and never take the advice. You will worry about the food you feed them, and if their collar is too small, and if they have had all of their shots. You will start conversations with perfect strangers, that start with "I just got a puppy..."
Don't get a dog.
I am telling you, it will be hard to get stuff done when all you do is throw a ball, take them for walks, post pictures on social media. Your friends will talk about their dog, and you will think unkind thoughts about how your dog is so much better than theirs. Of course, you'll know that your dog is smarter, cuter, sweeter and better behaved, and that isn't polite.
Don't get a dog.
Consider how this will impact vacations, and your budget. You'll look for pet friendly accommodations and plan your trip around your dog. Your kids won't mind, but don't think it will be totally relaxing. Of course, you will run into other dog people and end up in conversation, and it is time consuming. Then there are the home improvements. Fences. Dog doors. Dog beds. Dog blankets. The list is endless, and the repairs and replacement plentiful. Weirdly, you'll find you don't mind.
Don't get a dog.
They will follow you around and stay under your feet. They will look at you with those puppy eyes until you give them a treat. They will lay on your furniture, and climb in your lap and generally be a nuisance. If someone they don't recognize comes around, they will bark like crazy and act like a guard dog. They will want you to pay attention to them 24/7. You cannot escape, even for a minute. They are nosy! You won't be able to open a car door or a grocery sack without them insisting on finding out what is inside.
Don't get a dog.
Because if you don't already have it, you will find religion. You will ponder Who could create such an amazing animal. You will be on your knees begging Him for healing if this dog gets sick or hurt. You will find yourself thanking God Almighty when your dog recovers. You might find yourself including them in your prayers.
Don't get a dog.
When the dog gets older and slower, you will think they are even better. You will do anything, and purchase anything to make their life easier. You will have the vet on sp*ed dial. You will make all kinds of allowances for this dog. You will get that awful feeling when you consider life without them and tear up thinking about it.
Don't get a dog.
When the day comes that the dog lets you know that it is time to leave you, your heart will literally break. You'll cry and rant and grieve, but you'll make the best decision for them. You will tell them how much you love them and that you will see them again one day. You will hold them one last time and kiss their head and tell them that that they are a good dog. Your house will feel empty and your kids will cry and you will wonder how the time went so darn fast. You will have all those memories and your heart will break even more. It will take a long time to accept that you don't have a doggy shadow, and that the noise you just heard isn't your dog. You will wish for a way to turn back time and do it all over again.
Dont...
Listen to any of this.
Go get a dog.

03/02/2023

Out walking Maggie for the first time. A lot of puppy energy!

03/02/2023

Disregarding the severity of pet bereavement can represent a barrier in the healing process.

03/02/2023

https://petsafetyct.org/event/canine-seasonal-allergies/

Dr. Rothstein graduated with honors from the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. She then completed a one-year internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Cornell University. After being in private practice for 6 years, Dr. Rothstein was accepted into a Dermatology R...

01/25/2023

I had to find some snow for Wilbur today because I know how much he loves to roll in it. He was like a kid at Disney.