This may be of interest to all those with hair, skin & nails and are human (sorry kitties, this is not about you)

May I take a moment of your time to tell you that I think I have discovered something AMAZING. I started taking this supplement last year when I noticed I was having more bad days than good days with my skin, hair & nails. Honest to Pete, in a month I noticed wonderful results. So I continued until the bottle was empty. Then, I forgot to replace it because I am a busy baker & cat-sitter and it just happens. WELL, I noticed a change again and not for the better. Back to my drab hair & not so perky skin & nails. Even the cats started looking at me funny and whispering amongst themselves. (Catty bunch) So, I am back on this miracle supplement and I suggest that if you are interested in trying it that you look this up and check it out at your local health-food store. I swear, next to blueberries this is the best beauty booster around.

LET'S MAKE CANADA MORE BEAUTIFUL

More on planning a Cat-sitting Service.

Starting an In-home Cat-sitting Service - The best way to plan your rates for cat-sitting is to locate the pet resorts and kennels in your area and find out what they charge daily. This will give you an amount to work with. Keep in mind that you are freeing the owners from the stress of leaving a cat at an unfamiliar location and having to travel back and forth for drop-off and pick-up. When the owners return their cat will be waiting at home for them and happy to see them. If the client has more than 3 cats there is a $5 charge extra for each visit.

You will have to decide if you are comfortable administering medication. This will come up so you have to be prepared for it. I have had the opportunity to give insulin shots to a cat because one of my own suffered from diabetes years ago. I offer this service. Are you comfortable with pilling a cat? Plan ahead if asked.

When I start with a new client I always ask to be paid half before they leave and the balance can be paid when the key is returned. Most of my clients leave payment with their notes but that is up to you how you want to do this.

Joe & nan - Does he look like he is trying to escape? He is, and he is chasing one of the seniors. Tut...tut Joe, no way,  Mister. (his nose is finally healing)

Carleton Place (our home for the last 20 years)

In the background is our Town Hall with the big clock.

                                                 Lovely

Tomorrow is Canada's Birthday and I am a Proud Canadian.

and Kane is our Proud Patriotic Pup.

If there is one thing I do before a birthday, it's vacuum. See ya!

Starting an in-home cat-sitting service in your area.

I walked by the building where the little ferals are that I posted about last week and this little curious one peeked out to watch me. I left her some food although I know they are being well fed but it doesn't hurt to have a before-bed snack.

That was last night......tonight when I walked by the little orange one was in full view so I grabbed my camera from my pocket and got all ready to snap and..........battery dead. Tut..tut, not well prepared now am I? He was so sweet and cocked his head to watch me and of course I had a can of soft food for him so I left it in the bowl that sits at the side of the building and left him in peace to enjoy. Maybe better luck tomorrow night.

Mr. Ed enjoying the sunbeam

I need tea.

A little more on starting an In-home Cat-sitting Service:  Before applying for a small-business license you have to be sure that there is a need for this type of service in your area. Create a small brochure and leave them at your local pet stores and animal hospitals. You may want to actually try this out for awhile to be sure that it is right for you.  On the brochure have your business name, a little about you, what your service offers, your rates and your phone-number and email address. If you have put together a website all the better. You may want to pop your brochure in local mailboxes and especially where you know there are cats.
When you are to meet the new client you would set up a time to drop in to their home and meet them and their cat/cats. It is important that you feel comfortable with the client and that you leave a good impression with them. Your love of cats will shine through so just relax and be yourself. Write down the dates that your service is needed and have the owner give you a key. I always want a list of phone #'s, vet's #, emergency # & be informed if anyone else will be dropping in to the house. It is best to have 2 keys so that one is left at home and one is with you while you cat-sit. Have a monthly planner at home to keep track of your cat-sitting jobs and keep a book with you.

More tomorrow......=^..^=

"You Cat-sit? How does that work?"

A monthly calendar, client book, cards to post daily and a bag full of cat-toys, treats & nip = 1 cat-sitter.

Just Cats In-home Cat-sitting Service is a service provided by myself for people who do not want their cats to go to a boarding kennel. I GO TO THE CAT. There is no place like home when it comes to the cat because not only are we special to our kitty but so is all their favorite stuff such as their beds, window-sills, toys, chairs & the owner's bed if they are so allowed to snooze there. Cats are not pack animals and prefer not to be placed where there are many unfamiliar animals & scents. Some cats will actually be so stressed that they will not eat the whole time the owners are away. If they are left at home, the familiarity of everything keeps them relaxed and comfortable.

Some of my blogging friends have asked if I take the cats in to my home but I do not do that because I already have cats & a dog and it would not be as easy for the cat to adjust. My plan is to have a section of my home for cat-boarding but that will be in the future after we build our home in the country. That way, I can offer that service also.

If someone would like to start an in-home (client's home) cat-sitting service in their area, I would be happy to give you information that will help you get started. I think it would be great to have someone offer this in all cities so that cats can benefit from it and be much happier while their owners travel. If you love cats and would like to try a new business I recommend this highly. YOU WILL LOVE IT.

Oh Baby, I love you.

Well, miss BABY...you are an armful. I ADORE this girl and I care for her every summer when her people are down east. She is a senior, loves comfort & cushions and her soft nom-noms. When I care for her I hug her like a baby because she is a BABY. They named her well. In this photo she looks like a grump but that is so far from the truth. Baby is a rescue that wandered onto their property out in the sticks with no telling where she came from. She never left, she made sure of that.

I'm looking so forward to caring for Lucy again in July.

Plum-tuckered.

             No matter how hot it is  (+28) it is never too hot for tea.

"Hi Riley. Whatcha doin'?"


We went for a walk after breakfast through a beautiful cemetery where I often take Kane on our outings. It's very hilly and fun for him to run around.

Paw-up means "Throw the ball, someone."

Maggie 1992 - 2010

Today would have been Maggie's 18th birthday. I miss her so much.

Easy Sunday

It is never easy to make a bed in a house of 5 cats. I gave up and just made the bed around Hugo and he didn't seem to mind at all. He'll stay there all day unless I move him myself.

This morning we will head out with the family for breakfast to celebrate Father's Day a week late. Both dad's (Gary & our son, John) were away last wknd so today they will be pampered a little. I think this will be my grand-daughter Riley's first time in a restaurant. She is 1 month old now. This should be interesting and lots of fun.

I have a few kitties to visit today and as I mentioned in my last post I am in the middle of selling my dog biscuit business but not today, I won't even think about it.

 'Beep....beep, comin' through.

Wishing you a beautiful Sunday.

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A Change Is Coming....

As you can imagine after 8 years of taking an idea and building a fun & successful business from it that it is with mixed feelings that I tell you that Pampered Pups Pastries is up for sale. I have decided to put all my love and energy into the cat-sitting business which is growing by leaps and bounds. I have 2 interested parties in the sale so I will be busy getting everything together for these people to make their decision. I only hope that the business (if it sells) will continue to grow and provide all the devoted pampered pup pastries pups with healthy and delickious treats.

Sierra wanted once again to model her chef hat for you. She has been and continues to be invaluable in the kitchen and she is very proud of all that she has contributed to the business.  Whatever will she do if it sells?

"Perhaps I will rule the world."

It's been a dog-gone grrrrrrreat time.

Kitty-sittin' & baking a cookie or two. Tip-for-the-Day=^..^= Take a moment to help our wildlife & feral cats.

"Hey nan, why are you baking biscuits for dogs when you could be opening a can of tuna for me?"

Joe showing off his nose again. He is so proud he actually strutts now. "Joe, are you going to start behaving yourself and stay out of trouble?" "Ha,...NEVAH!"  

This is Rosie and for many years I have tried to be her friend but she has decided she's a one-woman cat and that's that. She reluctantly sat for a photo today.

Now Otis,on the other hand, can't get enough of me. "Please don't leave me"

and Lola...she could care less. "Look at my new trick, cat-sitter lady". Lola is a doll and loves to rub and do figure 8's  and get as much lovin' and then she's just had enough and wants to eat.

Before disposing of these plastic do-dads please take a moment to cut the circles up because it is reported that the wildlife get their heads caught in them at the dumping sights when they are scavenging for food. That includes feral cats. Thanks.

Pampered Pups Pastries

Little Belle needs a home & Cat-tip for the Day -re-use your tea-bags.

This little cat is sitting at our local shelter and needs a home. Her sweet, sad face says it all. She has been there since November, 2009.

She is 5 years old, polydactyl (extra toes) and has a gentle nature. Belle needs to be on hypo-allergenic food and I think this is what has delayed her adoption. But, so what! With the right food she is absolutely fine and don't we all have our vices? Please consider her, she needs you.

Our shelter is in  Smiths Falls, Ontario and is called The Lanark Animal Welfare Society. They have a website and feature all their dogs and cats in need of our help. This little angel has been wearing on me because she has been there way too long. I am trying my best to get her face out there so someone will see her and want to love her. Their # is 613-283-9308 and email is shelter@lanarkanimals.ca You can contact me if you are interested.

Cat-Tip for the Day =^..^= Re-use your tea-bags.  Enjoy that good cup of tea but do not throw the tea-bag in the compost because there is a better use for it.  Open it up and sprinkle the contents in your litter-box. The tea will absorb the odour in the box and give you a few more days of odour-free litter. 

"Please help Belle find a forever, loving home"

Two of my favorite things...the warmth of the sun & white cats.

Tuesday Tune-up for 7 Tiny Tigers.

Time for some tune-up. Hairball remedy for all so I don't find little gifts in the house. The Q-tips are to clean the ears (very carefully) and the oil is for allergies. I add one capsule to 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt for each cat and this helps fight ear & skin allergies. The yogurt is good for their tummy's too.

Joe would eat a tube of this if left alone in the kitchen. "Nom, nom, nom, nom........"  He's so proud of his nose....you should see the other guy.

See this little angel (huh!)...she doesn't know that she's next.

Darling Otis, you never cease to make my day. I love caring for this guy along with his sisters, Rosie & Lola. You just can't help but love this guy.

Day 1 of Summer 2010

Oooo....it's hot.

Today Kane & I took a walk along the Mississippi River in Carleton Place. This area is called Riverside Park. Across from this River is where my 3 kids went to high school. Next to the school is the local canoe club and many afternoons were spent watching the canoe races. This is such a pretty town and the flowers are everywhere. This is an interesting flower-pot.    Time to head home to kitty-sit Otis, Rosie & Lola.