My Services
One-on-one care, walks, picking up pet supplies, vet / groomer visits, and more!
F.A.Q.
Q: How do I learn more about Pet Girl Friday's pet services? A: Visit my Frequently Asked Questions page!
About Pet Girl Friday
Pet Girl Friday (aka Kaci) will come to your home and take care of your dog or cat while you're at work or out of town. Separation anxiety, potty problems, or even chewing and digging can be eased with a little extra companionship.
How Reiki Can Help Animals
Just like us humans, illness can occur in an animal when it is rundown or experiences emotional stress. There is a link between the physical and the mental (and spiritual and energetic) states of living things. When physical illness occurs, it’s usually because something, somewhere is out of balance. I don’t know about you, but when I get stressed and tired, it the perfect time for a cold or flu to set in!
A stressed animal is more susceptible to infections and injuries. If you’re a fan of Dr. Pitcairn, he talks at length about this in his book, The New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Low-grade, ongoing stress (i.e. being subjected to loud noises, separation anxiety, or even living with a stressed-out owner) can wear down a dog’s – or cat’s – immune system. The same thing can happen with the overuse of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, which sometimes can be over prescribed for certain pet ailments. As wonderful as antibiotics and cortisone can be, if overused, they can actually cover up an underlying issue that needs to be addressed in order for your pet to return to optimum health. Our bodies – animals and humans alike – have an innate ability to heal and to maintain balance. Usually all that is needed is a healthy diet, exercise, and a few good relationships (hazah!). Sometimes we need a little boost, though, and that’s where Reiki comes in.
Reiki (pronounced: RAY-key), is another name for universal life-force energy. I know, that may sound crazy to those of you who have never heard of it before and are used to relying on prescriptions to take care of health issues (not to say that pills and creams aren’t helpful…they ARE and CAN BE, if used properly).
Many cultures all over the world acknowledge what is considered “universal life-force” or “vital energy” – sometimes known as: chi (Chinese), ki (Japanese), prana (Hindu), mana (Polynesian), pneuma (Greek), oki (Huron Indians), jesod (Jewish Cabbalists)…the list goes on.
Reiki is inherent to everybody; we just need to be attuned to it. It is all around us – all we need to do is understand that it is there and allow it to do its job: help the body, mind, and spirit regenerate itself and repair any damaged parts. Reiki is not to be substituted for medical care, but used in conjunction with veterinarian care. You might be thinking, “Okay, so why use Reiki when I’m using the pills and creams anyway?!” The answer is simple: pills and creams generally treat one specific problem your pet may be having (i.e. seizures, hypothyroidism, skin rashes, arthritis), but to fully heal and not just “get rid of symptoms” it is necessary to get the body strong, healthy, and in balance; increasing the flow of the universal life-force energy within your pet.
Here are some things Reiki can help your pet with:
- Major life changes (a move, a rescued pet in a new home, etc.)
- Separation anxiety
- New pet or family member in the household
- Illness
- Supporting the overall function of the body’s systems
If you’re interested in a holistic approach to caring for your pet or just exploring new ways of addressing your pet’s concerns, I encourage you to consider Reiki as an option.
To add a Reiki session with me to your pet’s day care – or if you have any questions about how your pet can benefit from Reiki – don’t hesitate to contact me.
Also, you can check these resources for universal life-force energy and holistic care for your pets:
http://www.drpitcairn.com/books/
Much love!
Kaci, a.k.a. Pet Girl Friday, is a pet sitter extraordinaire. PGF offers in-home pet day care and pet sitting services in Los Angeles. Check out petgirlfriday.com for more information!
Healing Energy for Pets!
I have just completed my Reiki I training in the Usui System of Natural Healing and I’m excited to add another service to my list for my clients! I will write more about Reiki and how it can help our pets in a future post, but I wanted to share with you what’s been going on with Pet Girl Friday.
There are 3 levels of Reiki training that end with the Master level, which is where you need to be if you are going to teach Reiki to others and attune them to the Reiki energy. I am at level I, the beginning stage, but at this level I’m able to share Reiki with animals, a long-time dream of mine! I’ve been studying for 3 weeks and working with my own energy. I am now confident in using Reiki with my pet clients.
If you’re interested in a Reiki session for your furry friend or have any questions about how Reiki can help your pet, please contact me.
Keeping the good energy flowing,
PGF
Kaci, a.k.a. Pet Girl Friday, is a pet sitter working in Los Angeles, CA. She offers in-home pet day care and pet sitting services.
Keeping your dog (or cat!) where you want her…
Does your dog constantly scale the backyard wall even though you’ve “dog-proofed”
it? Does your loving pet leave you “presents” in the night instead of using the cat box or doggy door? Does your cat curl up and hide in strange, difficult to reach spots?
Some dogs like to escape the safety of home when their owners are away. Whether they climb over a 6 ft. block wall or pry through a window screen. Dogs can often become fearful when their owners are away and “escape” from home. If your dog has a tendency to go AWOL when you’re not around, it’s probably not because she needs her freedom. She most likely is afraid. I know it seems counterintuitive to think a scared dog would rather be out on the street than in her cozy home or secure backyard, but dogs don’t think like we do. They seek security and familiarity, and that security and familiarity is you. They’re usually just trying to get back to you – even though they don’t know where you are.
Maybe your pet is pooping or peeing around the house at night while you’re asleep. Perhaps your efforts of taking your dog out for late night potty runs in hopes that she’ll stop pooping on your favorite rug don’t seem to help. In all my years of caring for animals and talking to family, friends and clients about these behaviors is that the common denominator is usually fear or anxiety. On a rare occasion the animal in question may have a medical issue, like a bladder infection, but more often than not there is nothing medically wrong with the dog or cat. They’re simply scared or anxious.
If you don’t have a pet sitter who can check in on your dog or cat while you’re gone, or you need a solution during those times when your sitter is not around (like the middle of the night!) it usually helps to give your pet a small, comfortable, closed-in area that makes her feel secure. I recommend trying a crate or travel carrier…nothing too small, of course, something big enough for your pet to stand up in and move around a bit. Make it cozy with a sheet, towels or blanket. Add a toy or two. And if you’re going to be away from your pooch or kitten for a while, like several hours, make sure she has access to water. You can put a bowl inside the crate (this is why I suggest a large-sized crate) or you can get a water bottle that hooks to the crate and has a spout that will allow your pet to drink without getting soaked.
Pets like to feel secure. When you’re at home, they’re secure. When you’re away or sleeping, and they have the big ‘ol house to themselves they can feel less secure or anxious. Giving your pet a closed-in area will make her feel more protected, like she’s not having to “watch her back” all the time. I know that sounds weird, but that’s the best analogy I could come up with. Securing your pet in a crate or room may not only keep her from scaling walls, ripping through screen doors, and running amok on the streets, but it may keep your home safe and your rug poo-free. If you have any worry about leaving your pet alone in the house while you’re gone because she likes to chew or get into the garbage, crating your pet should put an end to this worry.
Some pet owners may think this is mean or might feel bad about keeping their pet constrained at night or while they’re gone, but dogs (and cats) don’t think like we do. They think about eating and staying alive. Of course they’re full of love and beautiful wonderful energy and deserve nothing but the best treatment. But, keeping your animal in a safe, secure enclosure is not mean or cruel. I’m not talking about keeping them locked up for endless hours or while you go away for the weekend – that would be cruel! I’m suggesting that you give yourself and your beloved dog or cat some peace of mind.
Try it for a week and see how it works for you and your pet. There may be a little resistance at first, but it will only take a short time for your pet (and you!) to get used to it. Always treat the crate, enclosure, or room like it’s a special place and never use it for punishment, otherwise your pet will never want to go inside. Give your dog or cat tons of praise and love and treats when she goes inside and an equal amount when she comes out – either in the morning or when you return home. This will reassure your pet that she is loved and secure.
Leave a comment and let me know how this works for you and your pup or cat. I always love to hear how my fellow pet owners are discovering new ways of making their four-legged babies happy.
Kaci, a.k.a. Pet Girl Friday is a Glendale pet sitter extraordinaire. She offers in-home pet day care and pet sitting services in Los Angeles.
My Top 5: How to keep your pets cool
We’re right smack in the middle of spring, which means it’s only gonna get hotter as the days go by. Here are my top 5 things to do for your pet – or a pet in your care – to make sure he stays as cool as a cucumber (in a bowl of hot sauce, as MCA would say!):
1. Cool, clear water. Please, please make sure your cat/dog/bird/rabbit/guinea pig has access to an ample supply of cool, clean water at all times. Whether your pet stays indoors or travels along with you wherever you go, it’s really important to keep the water flowing for your pet when the temp goes up. This may mean you have to refresh Fifi’s water bowl several times a day (dogs and cats don’t dig sippin’ on slobbery, hot water). The water shouldn’t be “ice cold” either, just nice and cool. If you take your mutt with you on the road for outdoor adventures, you should always pack as much water for him as you do for yourself – along with a travel bowl for him to drink from.
2. No hot cars. If your pup is the traveling type, please don’t leave him in the car while you run your errands. When the mercury rises, so does your pet’s internal temperature (which is normally at about 101oF). Even if you leave the windows cracked for your pet, the temperature inside a car can climb to nearly 120oF within minutes, which can be lethal to your pet. If you’re going to take your dog in the car with you, please make sure he’s welcome wherever it is you’re going so he doesn’t have to sit in the car.
3. Shade, glorious shade. If your dog or cat likes to catch some rays in the backyard (like mine do!) it’s best not to let them out if there’s no shade for them to retreat to. When the sun is directly overhead, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., it’s easier for your pet to get overheated outside because there’s no shade. Let them frolic and get their vitamin D in the late morning or early afternoon when there are more shady spots to cool off in. Also, it’s important not to tether your dog in the yard because at certain times of the day he may be in direct sunlight for an hour or so, which can raise his body temperature and cause him to overheat.
4. A cool spot inside, too. Pets who spend long hours indoors need to have a cool spot to rest in as well. Pet owners who work long hours outside the home often spend their days in air-conditioned buildings. Pets don’t always have this luxury (unless you have central air…lucky dog!). If your dog or cat is used to sleeping on a cozy chair or pet bed (which can get uncomfortably warm in a hot house), consider having a cool place for them to hang out. If you have hardwood, brick, or concrete floors in your home, your pets will probably be cool enough resting on them. Also, having someone (like Pet Girl Friday!) come in and check on your four-legged furries during the day and air out the house can help, too. If you have a house full of carpet, consider a “cool pet bed” – these are mats or beds that are filled with water that help cool off your heated pup or cat. You can search Google to find the best place to buy or ask your local pet store if they stock them. All the dogs I know LOVE these things when it gets hot. I’ve even used them to cool off, they really work!
5. Adjust daily rituals. Just like us, our pets make shifts to their daily routines when the weather warms up. You might notice your kitty isn’t eating as much as she normally does and is sleeping a lot. Chances are this is her way of coping with the heat. The same goes for your dog. He may slow down quicker on walks, not finish is dinner like usual, or seem a bit lazy with the heat. Well, humans do the same things, so it’s nothing to get alarmed about – just be sure to take the heat into consideration and don’t take your dog on an extra long walk in the middle of the day. Make sure your pet sitter or dog walker is aware of your pet’s needs, as well, and doesn’t schedule a hike in 85o weather! And if you suspect something is wrong with your pet, by all means get him to the vet to be checked out! Allowing your pets to slow down and cool off more than usual is going to head off any heatstroke-type emergency.
Love & sunshine!
Kaci, a.k.a. Pet Girl Friday, is a Los Angeles-based pet assistant. PGF offers in-home pet day care and pet sitting services. Check out petgirlfriday.com for more information!
Senior Cats & Dogs
A cat or dog is considered a “senior” at about age 7. Being a senior doesn’t mean 
your pet’s life is over or that the sweet face you fell in love with at the animal shelter is nearing the end of her days. Far from it! An older animal – while not a ball of energy like a puppy or kitten – has lots of love to give and is still very capable of learning new tricks.
If you’re considering adopting or fostering an older dog or cat, kudos to you! Sometimes senior animals are overlooked at the shelter or adoption fairs because people tend to fall in love with puppies and kittens first. I, however, highly recommend the addition of an older pet to your household if:
- You’re at home more than you’re away (i.e. you don’t travel for a living)
- You’re not super active (you like to take leisurely walks rather than all-day hikes)
- You can give your senior pet lots of love and TLC
Older cats and dogs are wonderful companions because they usually just want a nice, cozy place to hang out, eat some good food, and sit next to you for some quality petting time. Older dogs are housetrained and know basic commands. They often sleep longer than puppies and are definitely more mellow! Older cats may not be as frisky as kittens, but I can tell you from experience, my 8-year-old cat LOVES to play with her catnip kitty toys! Mostly she wants to sit on my lap and get lots of pets.
You may need to make a few adjustments to your home when bringing in a senior pet, like getting an extra fluffy dog or cat bed or some pet stairs that you can place in front of the furniture (or your bed!) when you want your older pet to come sit with you. Your senior pet may have to be taken out for potty time more frequently, too. Consider having a couple of litter boxes for your senior cat so she can easily (and quickly) get to the box when nature calls. Also, it’s important to feed your senior pet a quality diet and have plenty of fresh water available for her at all times. You may need to feed her soft food as the main course (either a healthy canned food from your pet store or homemade food, specific to your pet).
Many people worry that by adopting a senior animal they’ll lose their companion soon and don’t want to deal with the heartbreak. Well, I’ll tell ya, just because you have a young pup or kitten does not guarantee they’ll live for many years! The joy an older pet can bring to your life far outweighs the grief you will go through when she passes. Just know that you have the ability and the heart to give a loving home to a wonderful companion animal who may otherwise be overlooked simply because of her age.
Below are some links that answer questions, offer tips, and provide information on adopting and fostering senior pets:
http://cfhs.ca/athome/ten_reasons_to_adopt_an_older_cat/
http://www.aspca.org/adoption/adoption-tips/reasons-to-adopt-an-older-dog.aspx
Here’s a link to Denise Fleck’s site again because she offers Senior Pet Care classes:
http://sunnydogink.com/page5.html
Kaci, a.k.a. Pet Girl Friday, is a pet assistant extraordinaire in Los Angeles, CA. PGF offers in-home pet day care and pet sitting services. Check out petgirlfriday.com for more information!
What to do about kennel cough
Have you noticed your canine companion making strange noises lately? Sounds like coughing or hacking coming from your beloved pooch may be signs that he has picked up what is commonly called “kennel cough.” If you’re unfamiliar with the term or illness, kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection that can be viral (parainfluenza virus) or bacterial (Bordetella bronchiseptica) and is usually spread amongst dogs (and cats!) in close quarters, hence the name “kennel cough.”
Vets often recommend the Bordetella/Parainfluenza vaccine for dogs who frequent doggy daycare facilities and boarding kennels, and most animal care facilities require pets to be vaccinated before they check in. One solution to avoiding kennel cough is to keep your pets at home during the day or while you are away on vacation. Find yourself a quality pet sitter who will come to your home and care for your pets in their own environment (shameless self-promotion!). Just be sure your sitter knows the importance of cleanliness – kennel cough can also be spread via contaminated surfaces like toys, beds, and human hands (if they’ve touched an infected animal and haven’t washed up).
If you haven’t had your pup vaccinated, you can easily request a shot from your vet. However, if you prefer not to vaccinate because your pet has severe reactions to vaccinations (some pets do!), do not fear – you can still protect your pet.
The best line of defense for your furry kids is to keep their immune systems in tip-top shape. Like us, the more run down their bodies are, the weaker their immune systems are, and the more likely they are to fall ill. A good diet, free of processed “junk food” is your pet’s best line of defense. Make sure you feed your pet a food that contains a high quality protein and steer clear of “fillers” like corn and wheat. Try adding a probiotic and some digestive enzymes to your pet’s food; they help keep the digestive tract in good working order. When your pet properly digests his food and his gut is full of beneficial bacteria (the probiotic) his immunity will be stronger and he’ll be less susceptible to illness in general. Adding exercise and sunshine to your pet’s healthy diet will protect your pet from those nasty viral and bacterial infections floating around out there.
If your dog or cat should become infected, keep an eye on them and wash all bedding, toys, and other surfaces your pet comes in contact with. Keep them away from other animals since they’ll be highly infectious for a few weeks. In a healthy pet, the coughing, hacking and runny nose will usually clear up in about 10-20 days. If your animal is older or has a weakened immune system (i.e. lots of antibiotic use or cortisone use, like prednisone) then you may want to get your furry baby to the vet! If your pet is given a dose of antibiotics to fight the infection, please be sure to follow up with the above-mentioned probiotics and digestive enzymes to get your loved one back on the road to health and strong immunity.
Here are some helpful links:
http://www.easydogrecipes.com/home-remedy-for-kennel-cough.html
I haven’t tried the product mentioned in this article, but it’s been highly recommended:
http://www.good-dog-care.com/kennel-cough.html
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-kennel-cough.aspx
Kaci, a.k.a. Pet Girl Friday, is an L.A. based pet assistant extraordinaire. PGF offers in-home pet day care and pet sitting services. Check out petgirlfriday.com for more information!
First-Aid for Your Dog or Cat
Have you ever had a minor medical emergency with your pet? Have you ever wondered how to care for a dehydrated dog or whether or not you should induce vomiting in your cat after she’s nibbled on a backyard plant? Or perhaps you are a pet sitter (professional or just for friends) – do you know the basics of pet first-aid?
If you live in the L.A. area and you’re looking to learn or brush up on your pet first-aid and CPR skills, look no further than Sunny-Dog Ink. Denise Fleck, author and instructor, owns and operates Sunny-Dog Ink. She teaches everyone from pet sitters and groomers to celebrities how to care for their animal companions. Her first-aid class includes instruction on animal CPR using stuffed animals and canine or feline “mannekins” made especially for practicing CPR on animals (no live animals are allowed at her classes).
I loved Denise’s class and found it to be packed full of invaluable information. Even though much of what she shares about basic first-aid and accident prevention is basic common sense, when pet parents are faced with an animal emergency it’s easy for that common sense fly out the window. Denise provides a gentle reminder of how to keep a calm head in the face of an emergency and provides resources (like pet ambulance information) and tools (like pet first-aid kits) to make sure you’re as prepared as possible should you need to bandage Toto’s wound or give Tiger rescue breathing on the way to the vet.
You can check out Denise’s classes and availability here. The classes are intensive, but you get a handful of awesome take-home reference material and a lunch break! This Los Angeles pet sitter highly recommends!
Kaci, a.k.a. Pet Girl Friday, is a pet assistant extraordinaire. PGF offers in-home pet day care and pet sitting services in the Los Angeles area. Check out petgirlfriday.com for more information!
Insured and Bonded
