Arf'n Annie ~ Pet Nanny
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What a pair!

1/20/2014

 
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I've recently had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with these two handsome boys ... I adore them both.  One is so wise, smart, and gentle and the other is mischievous, smart, and gentle.  I'll let you decide who is who :)

I've been lucky enough to have the companionship of several senior dogs in my time ... most recently, my old gal Soda - she taught me so much, year after year, for 17 years.  And then there is Indy, our gal today ... who we brought home when she was just 9 weeks old - she's now 6 1/2.  What she has taught me as a puppy and still teaches me.

Our dogs are certainly our teachers, our best friends, our kids.  And these two boys are that and then some for their wonderful parents.  I love that I get to have this time  - watching the little one grow and the older one watch in his own gentle way.

Chatty Cat 'ies'

1/3/2014

 
Today was a wonderful mix of my feline friends and canine pals.  I am going to miss visiting all the cats when their parents return from their vacations but I know that I'll see them again for the next vacation time.

These two little ones were absolutely adorable today (as were all my kitty customers - but this spunky pair were particularly chatty) ... these cuties sit when asked (mostly in expectation of treats) and when they balance on their hind legs, it is amazing to watch - they followed me for the entire visit, in between cuddles on the couch ... they are so loving and sweet!  I told them mom and dad are home soon ... they cocked their heads to the side during our conversation and responded with their own chatty acknowledgements.   I love how our feline friends know exactly what they need and don't hesitate to tell you!
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Wishing everyone a wonderful 2014!

1/1/2014

 
Hard to believe the end of 2013 has come and gone and now we're one day into 2014!  Happy new year's everyone.  It's been some time since I've written ... the spring, summer, and fall have been incredibly busy with lots of wonderful events.  Unfortunately, jotting down the day to day happenings didn't happen :)

I have the most amazing customers and their furry kids that I am grateful I have an opportunity to spend time with ... they teach me every day (they also make me laugh lots with their antics and wags and licks and purrs and paws).  I've posted a couple of the many many cards I received from my customers this holiday season - these are particularly funny ... hope they make you smile as much as they did me.  Being all my furry customer's dog walker and cat sitter all over East Vancouver has been such a joy (can't forget the other critters like the very colourful birds, the soft chinchillas, the inquisitive rabbits, the very adorable rats, and fish, and lizards, and, and, and).

It is hard to believe my dream of my small business is now entering its 8th year!  It all started with a most handsome Pomeranian named Teddy - to this day, even though he no longer lives in Vancouver, this little world traveller still let's me know what he is up to through his wonderful mom.

One highlight of 2013 I am thrilled to share with you ... my own dog, Indy, has qualified as a BC Pets and Friends volunteer visitor dog - she passed her test with flying colors and is now certified to visit elder care facilities - our facility is in Champlain Heights - we are very much looking forward to starting up early in the new year. This pet visitation program touches the lives of more than 15,000 people in over 200 long-term care facilities across the Lower Mainland.  I am very grateful to be part of this volunteer organization with Indy as everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the love and comfort and nuzzles of a furry one.  

Wishing all my wonderful customers and those customers I've yet to meet an amazing year ahead.

Anne
Arf'n Annie ~ Pet Nanny


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Goodbye sweet girl ...

2/11/2013

 
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This is Elsa and I last summer - she loves giving kisses - We've had the pleasure of walking Elsa since she found her forever family a little over 18 months ago.  When I said goodbye to her on Thursday after our walk, I would never have thought it was going to be the last time I was going to see this beautiful soul.

I was sitting at our kitchen table with my partner mid-day on Sunday - our gal Indy was outside enjoying the sun ... nose in the air, taking in all the smells of the coming spring when our phone rang.

I answered it immediately - upon hearing the news, my heart sank, and tears started rolling down my face.  Elsa's parents had to make the brave decision that all of us who love our dogs, cats, and critters, dread, but know that it is inevitable.  What we don't expect, ever, is that this heartbreaking decision is made when our loved one is only two years old.  

For Elsa's brief life, she was surrounded by so much love, kindness and consistency ... she had the best human parents any dog could ask for. I am grateful that I got to share part of Elsa's life with her and get to know her human parents.  As a dog walker, especially because I focus on one-on-one dog walking, there is lots of talking and attention - I get to know each of my doggy clients individually and love them all so much ... so when we lose one, a little piece of me goes with them.  

Rest in peace sweet girl ... I wish you an unending supply of carrots and celery and pools and beaches and lots of other doggy friends to play with.

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To my amazing customers and their human companions ...

12/24/2012

 
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Today I have been reflecting on how much I love what I do and who I get to spend time with throughout my day, every day.  Each of you, my furry and feathered clients (and the little rodents too!)  make my days amazing ... we have wonderful conversations, some (very) funny moments, and I get to watch you grow and flourish into amazing animals as a result of the love and guidance from your human companions.  

I used to work in the corporate sector for many years. While I enjoyed my work and those I worked with, I always felt like I was not following my passion which is animals.  Through circumstances and a lot of hard work, I started this little company in 2006 (I can't believe it has been this many years now!)  As any small business owner will attest, we start our small businesses because we have a passion, we love to work with people (and in my case animals), and we do it because we believe we can make a difference.  

While I am thankful throughout the year, at this time of year I like to say a special thank you to my furry, scaly, and feathered friends and their human companions - I love that I get to spend time with your loved ones ... so thank you. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and an amazing new year ahead ... Anne

Honouring our beloved furry companions through their journey

11/24/2012

 
Recently, a friend sent me a link to a letter written by Fiona Apple to her fans regarding the cancellation of her tour so that she could remain at home with her beloved dog, Janet, through Janet's final journey.  I have to admit, I had never heard of Fiona Apple until now, let alone any kind of familiarity with her music; however, her letter to her fans brought me to tears.

Our animal companions give of themselves completely, unconditionally, and with unbounded enthusiasm.  It is hard to describe the absolute joy created within this bond.  At the same time, we know that the time we have is finite and far too brief.  I have had the honour of being present in the months, weeks, and days leading up to both my own furry kids' transitions but also those of some of my customers beloved pets.

There is no way to describe what it feels like, before, during, and after our loved ones transition - there is the knowing look and gentle touch from those who have been there before.  From the moment we bring our loved once home from where ever we find eachother ... we know what awaits, yet wouldn't trade a single moment of the joy we share with our furry pals.

Here is Fiona's letter - it is worth the read.  

http://www.examiner.com/article/fiona-apple-cancels-tour-to-stay-by-dying-dog-s-side

Catnip and Cuddles

10/13/2012

 
Today I got to spend time with two beautiful feline friends.  These two were very happy to see me and I, them.  After cleaning their food dishes and giving them each fresh food, and a clean litter box, we settled into some serious business of cuddles.  Can those two ever purr ... and then came the catnip.  Those two cats were ecstatic.  Then again ... who wouldn't be?

Cats are so uncomplicated so long as we cater to their needs, on their terms.  This is what I love about cats - they are quite independent yet have a deep connection with their human people - again, so long as it is on their terms.  And then ... with fresh food, some catnip, and cuddles - how could you not be ecstatic.  Happy rainy Saturday!

Random musings about my love of all things animals ...

10/11/2012

 
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Welcome to my revamped website (thanks to my wonderful marketing manager a.k.a. my partner).  I love the new look and feel, the links to my Facebook, and Twitter page.  It sounds exciting - but honestly, I am not terribly technical.  I love that I have an iPhone and that I get to take pictures of my canine pals and my feline friends and send them to my customers.  

No day is alike.  I am grateful that I get to spend my days talking to my pals, walking East Vancouver neighbourhoods with my furry pals, visiting with my feline friends, meet their human neighbours, and sharing time with all these extraordinary furry beings.  I've even been able to liberate a trapped bird or two from customer's houses.  I am looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.

    Author

    "No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as much as the dog does."
        -Christopher Morley

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