Choose the Right Sitter for Your Pet
YOUR FAMILY MAY NOT BE UP TO THE TASK!
When your children were young, you wouldn’t trust their care to any old babysitter, would you? Of course not! Now, your pets are no different. When you head out for a summer vacation, they deserve to be cared for by someone who will pamper and protect them the same way you would. The only problem is, who? FRIENDS AND FAMILY VS. PROFESSIONALS You may be tempted to ask your sibling, friend, or child to watch your pet. This can be a great solution because you trust them, and they’ve bonded with your furry friend already. But have you considered a professional? Some situations may call for a little more. Use these questions to help you decide:
If your loved one is pressed for time or easily stressed, or your pet has medical needs, you may be better off working with a professional.
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT PRO When choosing a professional pet sitter, don’t start with the flier on the stop sign pole down the street (it was probably put up by a 10-year- old). Instead, call your pet’s vet, groomer, and/or trainer and ask if they can recommend a nearby pet sitter. You can also ask friends and family who are conscientious pet owners. Then, thoroughly check the sitter’s credentials and experience. Look for signs that they’re serious about their work, like certifications, insurance,
and background check information, and set up an interview and meet-and-greet with your pet. If you can’t find a sitter through your network, consider online groups like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Care.com, Pet Sitters International, Rover, or TrustedHousesitters, and use the same vetting strategy. For more help choosing a great sitter, visit HumaneSociety.org/resources .
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Will your friend or family member be able to visit your home regularly or stay there temporarily while you’re gone to avoid disrupting your pet’s routine? Does your pet have a disability or need to take medication that would be better handled by a professional? Does your friend or family member know how to stay cool and react calmly in case of a veterinary emergency?
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Life Lessons From an Old Tale
THE SCORPION AND THE FROG
A scorpion and a frog meet each other on the banks of a stream. The scorpion is on its way to the other side of the bank, but the waters are too treacherous for it to cross. So, the scorpion politely asks the frog to help carry it across the water.
The frog begins to slowly sink under the water and, realizing what has happened, has time to gasp out, “Why did you do that? Now we will both drown and die!”
As the scorpion sinks under with the frog, it replies, “It’s in my nature.”
The scorpion compliments the frog by telling him he is an excellent swimmer with a wide back that can easily carry him across.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY People over the years have often said the scorpion in the story represents those who take advantage of good people in the world. It can also represent people who have no regard for their own self- interest or well-being, but instead, follow their tendencies and compulsions to do addictive, bad, and destructive things.
Suspicious, the frog asks the scorpion, “How do I know you won’t sting me?” The scorpion replies, “Why would I do that? Then we would both drown.”
The frog is still unsure and asks the scorpion more questions, and the scorpion always replies with a logical answer.
Some have even said this fable is based on capitalism, and the scorpion represents politicians, government, or people in power.
Satisfied with the scorpion’s reasoning, the frog allows the scorpion to climb on his back and they begin their journey across the water.
The moral is everyone should be wary of whom they give their trust to, be well-informed before giving it, and know when to walk away from someone willing to do more harm than good in their life.
The waves are high and so the scorpion holds on tight to the frog’s body.
However, before they can make it halfway across the stream, the frog feels a sting right in the middle of his back and feels the spread of venom slowly taking over his limbs.
–Terry Monroe
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