A story to me means a plot where there is some surprise. Because that is how life is - full of surprises.

Part II - Confessions of a pet sitter, dog walker

In a previous post, I wrote about pet peeves. Time to share the bright side, surprises on the job. Pet names have been changed. Sorry about the poor quality of photos (shot with cell phone).

Met a handful of awesome dogs.

• Rex. Rex is the neighborhood superstar that everyone says hello to. You don’t walk Rex. He walks you. Knows his turf and takes you on different routes. He is gregarious and sweet at the same time. He also has mutilated hind paws that need to be wrapped up in bandages twice a day and protected with booties. But don’t feel pity for him. He doesn’t even notice.
• Will. He died this past spring from renal failure. He was a lovely, quiet old dog living with two cats (see below). Charming. Noble. Stubborn. Loved his walks to the park but over time he could not walk anymore. His fur was also always soft and clean. R.I.P.
• Max and Tara. They are superstars in their neighborhood, too. Don’t walk them as much anymore because their owners demand one hour running sessions. I walk not run dogs. Their markings are the same because they have the same grandfather - that’s what the owner said to me the first day I met them. Um, okay. Max and Tara are spoiled rotten and dearly loved. 
• Boris. He's young but mellow, sweet. You just want to hug and kiss him all the time like a new boyfriend. Eats like a horse. Plays with his Kongs with or without treats in them. Adorable.

 Met some very cool cats and I’m not a cat person.

• Chuck and Gia. Chuck loves to drink from the kitchen tap, meowing until you turned it on. Gia is shy but what a beauty! It's a challenge to get Chuck to take his meds. Need to be creative with tuna fish meat, tuna fish liquid and wet cat food.
• Ellie and Chet. These cats lived with Will. There was harmony and love in this house. Now when I visit the cats, it is noticeably different. Chet is a pain in the ass 'cuz he bites but he’s funny and lovable. He does catzoomies too! Ellie is elegant, classy like royalty. She’s the only cat I let out of the house because she doesn’t run away. Will, Ellie and I sat outside together soaking up the sun many times. Ellie and I still do.

Observe what clients feed their pets. 90% of them feed their dogs and cats the bad foods. And they feed too much. Lots of free-feeding which explains their overweight pets. It’s been an eye opening experience to witness. Clients who feed the good food shop regularly at the independent retail stores.

Appreciative clients. There are cool clients who are so thankful that you have cared for their dogs, cats and their home, too. They can see the difference and know the difference. They leave you goodies, too.

Hard to make a living pet sitting. But when the dogs and cats greet every visit with wagging tails, woofs and purrs you forget that part. Live in the moment.