Where Sleeping Dogs Lie

Fighting for bed "real estate" (Photo by mollypop/Flickr)

I’ve had dogs my whole life, and they’ve almost always slept in bed with me.

I can still remember being five-years-old and sleeping with my Collie, Penny. I had a twin-sized bed and she was bigger than me. But there always seemed to be plenty of room.

Over the years, I’ve had several different dogs ranging from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane. Having them by my side at night, especially as a single girl, has always been comforting.

Funny thing is, it’s always seemed that the big breeds take up less room. I remember having plenty of leg room and space to roll around with those big dogs in bed.

But now with a small Pug, I almost feel like I’m sleeping in a coffin! He likes to plop down right on top of me, as if that’s his spot for the night. It’s not. I move him to end of the bed. But somehow, by morning he’s right back in the middle, pressed against me, practically pushing me off the bed.

I think it has to do with Pugs and their “over-sized” personalities. Any Pug owner can tell you, their little dog has to be the center-of-attention! And that’s one of the things I love about Pugs the most!

And picture this. Now that Parfait has joined Stewie in our family, it’s everything above…times two!

Jeanna from Sniff Seattle
“Bedtime real estate agent”
(206) 478-5183

sniffseattle@gmail.com
http://www.sniffseattle.com
 
 

Guilty Dog!

Who got into the cat treats? Let's see the suspects... (foodplot/YouTube)

This video I found on YouTube is so funny. There are a lot of funny pet videos out there…but this one takes the cake!!

If you’ve spent any time with dogs, you’ll love this. I know my pug, Stewie, is always trying to get into things (sometimes quite successfully). But this dog, Denver can’t hide the guilt on his face!

Jeanna from Sniff Seattle
Even guilty dogs need a good walker!
(206) 478-5183

sniffseattle@gmail.com
http://www.sniffseattle.com
 
 

Your Dog Needs Walking

That's a dog that's getting enough playtime and walks! (Jennie Faber/Flickr)

There’s nothing like coming home from work or vacation to a happy and relaxed dog. We all know that what happens while we’re apart from our furry buddies affects the quality of the time we spend together with them. I see this with my own dogs, Stewie and Parfait.

Of course, we can’t be with our dogs every minute, all day, every day. But with a great dog walker, you can make the best of that time apart!

A good power walk tires your dog and satisfies their need for playtime and companionship. When dogs don’t get enough exercise, they can become destructive and have behavioral problems. Thankfully, for our homes’ sake, that can be avoided.

So, while your at work or vacation, I’m happy to come in and walk and play with your pet! As I like to say, “A tired dog is a happy and healthy dog!”

Jeanna from Sniff Seattle
“Doggy Playtime Specialist”
(206) 478-5183

sniffseattle@gmail.com
http://www.sniffseattle.com
 
 

He Had His Leg Hiked Up And…

Even the most well-behaved have to "go" sometimes! (Photo by Eurapart/Flickr)

One thing I can say about being a dog walker is this: there’s never a dull moment! Dogs make me laugh every day. There’s always a giggle coming out of me.

So one day, I was walking down the street with my most well-behaved dog, a golden retriever, when we met up with a cute poodle and her very nice owner. We were exchanging stories about how great our dogs were. Well, you can imagine where this going.

I glanced down, and yep, the dog I was walking had his leg hiked up and was peeing on the beautiful, bow wearing poodle! Yikes!

I apologized to the owner, and she was sweet about it. I probably should have apologized to the poodle, too. But, every time I think about it, I smile and blush a little. Embarrassing and a tad horrifying. But what can you do?

Jeanna from Sniff Seattle
Never A Dull Moment Dog Walker
(206) 478-5183

sniffseattle@gmail.com
http://www.sniffseattle.com
 
 

Ultimate Loyalty: Japanese Dog Refuses To Leave Injured Friend Behind

Watch the video (below). It's sad, yet touching. And ultimately inspiring!

Many of the pictures and videos we’ve seen of the devastating Japan earthquake and tsunami have told the story from a human perspective.

That’s understandable. We’re people, after all. And there aren’t too many news reporters from the animal world.

For a different view of the tragedy, watch this video (below). Fortunately, some human reporters in Japan were able to capture the story of couple of the quake and tsunami’s animal victims.

Two dogs. One injured, and another who steadfastly refuses to leave his buddy’s side. Friendship and loyalty when times are rough. It speaks volumes about the strength of character of our dogs. It’s sad, yet touching. And ultimately inspiring!

If any of us ever found ourselves in a similar situation, we’d all hope to have a friend this dedicated sticking by us!

Word is the two dogs in the video were picked up after this was filmed and are in the care of a local shelter. So hopefully, their situation continues to improve.

What can you do to help Japan’s animals? The International Fund for Animal Welfare is leading that effort. You can donate to the IFAW here.

Greg Valentine
My tweets: http://twitter.com/gregvalentine
Blogs: http://kmps.radio.com/author/kmpsgreg
 
 

Jeanna from Sniff Seattle: “I Love My Job!”

Jeanna and Tip having fun on a rainy day walk (Photo by Sniff Seattle Dog Walkers)

Being a dog walker in Seattle is the best!  There are so many cool things to see and explore.

I’m always amazed by some of the things I see while walking that I’ve never seen driving by. Cool neighborhood statues, fun shops and stores, pretty little gardens and colorfully-painted homes.

There is nothing better than driving up to a house and seeing the doggy in the window waiting  for you.  It melts my heart every time! I know their tails is wagging, and we’re about to go on a wonderful walk.

Some people don’t like doggy breath. But for me, I love it! You know how you connect certain smells with certain feelings? Like when I smell any Italian food, I immediately think of my grandma (she made the best lasagna). So doggy breath always reminds me how much love I feel from all these dogs.

I love everything about my job. Even the rain. And, I understand not everyone likes walking in the rain. In fact, a few of those people hire me to do it for them–and thanks for that! But I wouldn’t trade my job on the coldest, rainiest day for anything. There is nothing better than a wagging tail and doggy kisses in the rain!

Jeanna from Sniff Seattle
Loving my job daily 🙂
(206) 478-5183

sniffseattle@gmail.com
http://www.sniffseattle.com
 
 

Parfait, Anyone?

Parfait, our foster pug from Seattle Pug Rescue (Photo by Jeanna from Sniff Seattle)

Oh, not this Parfait.  I’m talking about the adorable cutie in the pic above. Parfait the Pug!

Parfait has stolen our hearts!  She’s our foster pug from Seattle Pug Rescue, where we’re volunteers.  It’s such a privilege having these lovable pugs in our lives while SPR finds them a forever home.

Parfait is a little Diva, and she fits in so great here.  She loves to lounge around and sleep a lot; but gets super excited for her walks.  She is truly one of the sweetest-natured dogs I’ve ever met.

The most unique thing about Parfait is she actually smiles when she’s happy.  Not just a little grin, but a full fledged smile!  The cutest thing I’ve ever seen.  She is going to make someone very happy and fulfilled.

If you’re interested in giving a pug like Parfait a forever home, give Seattle Pug Rescue a call! And they’re always looking for foster families. Here’s how you get in touch with them:

Seattle Pug Rescue
5806A 119th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98006
253-655-PUGS (messages only)
rescue@seattlepugs.com
http://www.seattlepugs.com

Jeanna from Sniff Seattle
Parfait’s foster mommy
(206) 478-5183

sniffseattle@gmail.com
http://www.sniffseattle.com
 
 

A Dog’s Ten Commandments

A Dog's Ten Commandments (Photo by visualpanic/Flickr)

Have you ever read something and thought to yourself, “That’s perfect!” That’s how I felt the first time I read A Dog’s Ten Commandments.

If you’re a pet-lover, you might have seen these on the web. Greg did a little Googling, and apparently the guy who wrote these is named Stan Rawlinson. He’s a dog trainer from England.

I love this! Check it out:

A DOG’S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Remember that before you buy me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me, don’t be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.

3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. I am not capable of understanding why? I only know I have been rejected, you have your work, entertainment and friends – I only have you.

5. Talk to me sometimes, even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice and your tone – “you only have to look at my tail.”

6. Be aware that however you treat me; I will never forget it and if it’s cruel it may affect me forever.

7. Please don’t hit me. I can’t hit back but I can bite and scratch and I really don’t ever want to do that.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right foods, or I’ve been out in the sun too long or my heart might be getting old or weak. I may be just dog tired.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort and attention.

10.  Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: “I can’t bear to watch” or “let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, irrespective of what you do I will always love you.

This is exactly the sort of thought, love and care we put into the time we spend with your pets.

Jeanna from Sniff Seattle
“The Church of Canine Love”
(206) 478-5183

sniffseattle@gmail.com
http://www.sniffseattle.com

 
 

‘Sniff Seattle’ Dog Walkers Offers Pet Services

Stewie aka "Santa Paws" (Photo by Jeanna, Sniff Seattle Dog Walkers)

Sniff Seattle is here! We’ve launched a new dog walking and pet sitting service, specializing in Seattle neighborhoods from downtown to the north.

To our friends in Seattle, thanks for helping us spread the word! If you know someone who’s looking for pet services such as dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, or grooming, let them know about Sniff Seattle.

I’m also inviting all of our friends on Facebook to also friend the Sniff Seattle Facebook page. If you’re on Twitter, come follow us. And check out the Sniff Seattle website I put together.

And if you live in Seattle, and need some loving pet care, give Jeanna a call! The contact info is below.

The back-story on all this? We both love animals. Jeanna has been around and worked with animals all her life, and spent months laying the ground work for Sniff Seattle. I’ve spent the last couple weeks building and maintaining the website. Somehow, that qualifies me for “partner” status in this new business. Hey, I’ll take it!

From SniffSeattle.com:

Sniff Seattle is a dog walking and pet sitting service, serving the Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Fremont, Greenlake, Wallingford, Greenwood, Blue Ridge, Eastlake, Westlake and downtown neighborhoods of Seattle, Washington. We offer complete peace-of-mind when it comes to the care of your pet. Reliable. Trusted. Fully bonded and insured. And above all, lovingly dedicated to the care of your furry family members!

Call Sniff Seattle: (206) 478-5183
Email Sniff Seattle: SniffSeattle@gmail.com

Greg Valentine
My tweets: http://twitter.com/gregvalentine
My KMPS blogs: http://kmps.radio.com/author/kmpsgreg

Cornbread loves getting brushed! (Photo by Jeanna, Sniff Seattle Dog Walkers)

Cornbread, Best Bulldog In Seattle

Cornbread getting his pre-walk ZZZs (Photo by Jeanna from Sniff Seattle)

Every morning, I roll out of bed and one of the first things I think about is Cornbread. No, not this cornbread.  The Cornbread you see above!

Cornbread. He’s one of the best bulldogs in Seattle.

Cornbread loves to be brushed and soaks up every bit of attention. He’s very affectionate, too. Definitely a true ladies man.

He always gives me those “sad eyes” when it’s time for me to go. And I give him “sad eyes” right back!

Jeanna from Sniff Seattle
“Best bud” of Cornbread
(206) 478-5183

sniffseattle@gmail.com
http://www.sniffseattle.com

Jeanna from Sniff Seattle plays with Cornbread (Photo by Greg Valentine)