At the Doghouse

05/08/2024

I had a memory come up of one of the fun times I had with the lovely Kaya! The hardest part of dog sitting is getting to know the animal but then having to say goodbye.💔 Last year it was Pete, Kaya and Reesy, more recently Luna. So hard. This poem just helps to explain that each one is special in their own way. ❤️

Just A Dog"
From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or “that’s a lot of money for just a dog.”

They don’t understand the distance travelled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog.”

Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.”

Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you probably understand phrases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.”

“Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

“Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

“Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a man” or “just a woman.”

So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog,” just smile, because they “just don’t understand.”
💔
- Author: Richard A. Biby

21/03/2024

Something that you should know....
Pets, it turns out, also have last wishes
before they die, but only known by veterinarians who put old and sick animals
to sleep.
Twitter user Jesse Dietrich asked a vet what was the most difficult part of his job.
The specialist answered without hesitation that it was the hardest for him to see how old or sick animals look for their owners with their eyes before going to sleep.

The fact is that 90% of owners don't want to be in a room with a dying animal. People leave so that they don't see their pet leave. But they don't realize that it's in these last moments of life that their pet needs them most.

Veterinarians ask the owners to be close to the animals until the very end.
"It's a fact that they will probably
die before you.
Don't forget that you were
the center of their life.

They are a part your family.
No matter how hard it is, don't leave them."
Don't let them die in a room with a stranger
in a place they dont like.
It is very painful for veterinarians to see how pets cannot find their owner during the last minutes of their life.

They don't understand why the owner left them. They needed their owner's consolation.

Veterinarians do everything possible to ensure that animals are not so scared, but they are completely strangers to them.
Don't be a coward because it's too painful
for you.
Think about your pet.
Endure this pain for their sake.
Be with them until the end. ❤️

02/09/2023

Yesterday, we had one of our dogsitting clients head over the rainbow bridge. Rest in Peace, Pete. We miss you already. 😟😭💔

23/07/2023

Attention Bettendorf residents. This is serious. I was dog sitting this afternoon and there's a scraggly man going around saying he's with MidAmerican energy. I texted my friend who is the chief of police of Bettendorf and people are not calling 911 in time. So please, if you see this man white male 5 ft. 8 in tall scraggly blonde hair longish saying he's with Mid-American energy. He's not.. call the Bettendorf police right away. 911. They're definitely going around to neighborhood scoping out houses and who's home and who is not. Remember it's Bix next weekend. So lock your house and your windows. You need to get your house locked up tight. Safety first!!

23/12/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100044338543843/posts/695416458612966/?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6

Please be aware of your pets during this brutally cold stretch of weather. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. Let them do their thing outside and quickly bring them back in. WQAD Humane Society of Scott County

13/10/2022

This is so me. Dogs are family ❤

18/05/2022

Book now for Memorial Day Weekend!! Still looking for some every day walkies clients. Please message me! 😉❤

14/02/2022

Couch surfing buddies!! ❤❤❤

31/01/2022

Spring Break is booking up fast, overnights are already taken, but day checks are still open.

31/01/2022

Walkies are now available! Message me to talk about dates and prices.

31/01/2022

Now offering dog training! ❤❤❤🐕🐕‍🦺🐩🐈

31/01/2022

31/01/2022

Learn how to train your dog with the best tips and tricks during the month of Dog Training Education.

13/10/2021

One of the best greetings! ❤ I love himz!!! 💋😁

29/09/2021

Good advice from our favorite blue monster!!! ❤❤❤🐕‍🦺
https://youtu.be/qrPfeaFjric

Dog Walker Grover sings a song to teach Elmo the most important rule of dog walking: Hold onto the leash and don't let go!Subscribe to the Sesame Street Chan...

15/09/2021

13/09/2021

Just going through some of my favorite posts from the past...❤

11/09/2021

September is here! Along with a busy schedule. If you feel like you are not giving your pup enough time/attention, now is the time to contact At the Doghouse. We offer house/dogsitting services AND walkies services. Send us a message today to start a conversation! 🦮🐕‍🦺🐩❤

27/08/2021

Happy national Dog Day! Wanted to wish all my canine buddies, past and present!!! I love you all so much! 🐕❤❤❤❤❤

05/08/2021

A fast walkies with new Buddies Reggie and Brewer! Fast enough to be pulled along! 😲😳🤠

31/07/2021

I thought this was a cute idea!

How cute is this??? I could see a lot of dogs wanting to visit the "Dog Library!!" 😁😁😁😁

14/07/2021

This is what Ollie "toad" me was on our walkies! 🤣🐶

31/05/2021

Today is Memorial Day.

As we honor everyone who lost their lives in the line of duty, may we also remember the animals who served along with them.

Thank you. You are never forgotten.