Kuusuma is getting bigger

Is it possible for a puppy to grow this much in a week? Little Kuusuma is still afraid of stairs. I don't blame him, entirely, given that running and walking is still tough for him to figure out. He will be running happily and all of the sudden will trip and tumble, head over heels, for no reason other than his feet got in the way. I suppose it is wise then, that he stays away from anything verticle in nature for the time being. And truth be told, his paws are growing disproportionately to the rest of him. He is like a puppy in clown shoes.
We had a wonderful play date again yesterday. Kuusuma got what my mom used to call "a case of the rips", when Spock, our rambunctious and loud Sheltie would run frantic circles at high speends around the house, taking himself, and anyone else down that dared to get in his path. Kuusuma developed a similar circuit, which included pausing to dig in a hole and hurdling over stumps. He is hilarious!

Hard to say goodbye

Mia and I spent a lovely day together, but a bittersweet one knowing I might not get to wake up with her nose in my face (or the more pleasant, Mia's entirety sitting on my face) for quite some time. I'm happy knowing that she will be ecstatic at her parent's return, and only hope that she remembers me and doesn't grow up too much before I see her next!

Kuusuma the puppy!

I had the extremely distinct pleasure of getting to walk a new puppy for an hour! Kuusuma is as close to teddy bear as a dog can be and may be the cutest thing I've ever seen. He greeted me with thousands of kisses and cuddles. We attempted to talk around the block, but he did not seem to fully grasp the concept of a "walk" . I carried him half of the way home and then retired to the backyard where sticks and balls kept us occupied for the remainder of our play date. The youngster also does not understand how stairs work just yet, so I had to lug him up and down to the second floor apartment. Bull Mastiff's grow to be very large, so I do hope he learns to love stairs eventually or his poor mom will have to install an elevator!

But she hates the rain

I got home Thursday night from work, aware that Mia would greet me excitedly at the door, and then cheerfully request a walk. As soon as we stepped out the door the dreary drizzle turned into a hateful downpour. Mia crouched lower to the ground, put her tail between her legs and ears back and looked up to me with confusion and sadness. The rain pelted even harder and she promptly turned and ran back towards the door.

Mia loves fall

Today actually felt like fall. Though yesterday was cold and rainy and the unfortunate side of season, today was that cool, sharp briskness that makes scarves necessary. We both enjoyed the smell of wood stoves and Mia had a blast chasing every fallen leaf that blew past. We took a long walk around the Charles tonight and I am surprised at how much earlier the sun is setting than just a few weeks ago when I was here.

Mia has been perfect this time around. She hasn't chewed a single shoe or undergarment yet. She keeps my feet warm too, as the fall air keeps me a bit colder during the night.

Oktoberfest and a new friend

Mia and I are completely exhausted.
We decided to check out the Oktoberfest celebrations in Harvard Square, and walked all the way over from Boston. Not only did we enjoy a nice long walk, but Mia also enjoyed all the sights and smells of dozens of food stalls, children and bands. I don't think she has much German in her, but she did seem to get a kick out of the attention she received from the hundreds of people in attendance. We debated buying a new hat or scarf, but ultimately decided to save our money.
After wandering through the stalls and people we met up with Laura, Andy and my darling dog-nephew Jack. They invited us to their house for dinner, hosting Mia with some delicious dog food while we human folk dined on an impressive "Torta Rustica" (vegetable filled bready casserole, of sorts).
Mia and Jack got along amazingly well, and they were both so sad to part ways. I've never seen a dog whom Jack has been so enamoured with!(though most animals, and people, take to Mia right away)! We had a wonderful evening and can't wait to have another play date with Mia's new boyfriend.

A warm welcome...

Mia welcomed me back to her home with several minutes of happy slobbery kisses on my face. I think she's grown bigger and sweeter. I love when dogs remember me and act so excited to see me. Mia and I have a special bond, and though she takes up a lot of my pillow space, I'm so glad to be back with her for a few days!

Mia and Karen...

So sorry for the long lull in posting. Internet has been a bit off lately... but not to worry, it has left me with more time to play with sweet Mia. We're coming to the end of our time together until next month and I have grown quite attached to this little punk. I'm going to go through a few days of sad withdrawal when her parents come home!

Mia and I have stuck to a pretty regular routine lately. She is one lucky girl to live in such close proximity to the Esplanade and the Public Gardens. We've spend many nights watching the sunsets along the Charles, going for runs around the river, and playing with her dog friends at the Park St dog park. We've met new puppies too, her new favorite being the 8 month old Sally, an equally sized and equally active yellow lab puppy.

Mia's gotten into her fair share of mischief too... a few chewed shoes and undergarments and her stealthy thieving of a family's picnic in the park... but for the most part she has been sweet and happy and most of all, fun!

Goodbye Jessie!

I had to say goodbye to sweet old Jessie for the time being. As you can see, she is just as sad about this as I was. (though moments later had forgotton it was a goodbye visit, rolling like a puppy on her back bagging me to scratch her belly).

I wish that I was Jessie's girl....

Jessie, the 10 year old pit bull and I went for a short walk around her neighborhood in Somerville this morning. The sweet old girl still thinks she is a puppy but apparently can't handle longer walks. She has been catching herself up on world events though, listening to NPR while her people are away. I'm looking forward to her happy greeting again tonight!

Meanwhile, Mia and I have had a few lovely walks today. She is very silly around other dogs, gets SUPER excited then goes into the characteristic Border Collie crouch, eventually laying down and waiting for the other dog to come to her. She woke me up this morning to exuberant kisses on my face. I love this job!

Mia the Underwear tyrant

Here she is, my little snuggly friend with her new favorite toy.


We've been having a great time together. We played in the park for a long time this afternoon in what is one of the most beautiful days of the summer. Mia chased everything from leaves and wrappers to pigeons and squirrels. She is now sleeping quite soundly at my toes...

Hello and goodbyes

I had to leave my dear Jack, but only to fill the absence of his silly ways with the sweetness of Miss Mia!
I have not seen Mia since she was barely 4 months old. Then she was not yet fully house trained and about 1/3 of the size that she is now. At 8 months she is every bit as sweet as she used to be, and now her sweetness is magnified with her increased size. Mia is part border collie, so very bright, friendly and patient. She is a lover of every living being that crosses her path and will happily lick the face of anyone who lets her.
We just got in from a long walk along the river. It was an absolutely picture perfect late summer day. There are warning leaves on the ground that fall is indeed on its way, but a perfect blue sky, warm sun et and gentle breeze make you believe that winter is a long way off.

I'm sorry for the poor picture quality- I forgot my camera so had to use my phone.

Beauty and the Beast

I just got back from checking in on friendly little Belle. She may not be the prettiest girl on the block, but she has the sweetness of personality to make up for it. The poor thing was rescued, without teeth, claws or hair. Seems she is allergic to pretty much everything but attention.

Michael loving the love...

I stopped by this afternoon to let Michael in for some food, water and petting. This cat is no part attitude and all parts love. He behaves more like a dog, rolling on his back begging you to rub his belly. He was hungry after being outside all day in the heat. He seems happy resting inside for a while.

Jack and his new stick

Jack and I are getting along famously, as usual. We went for another long walk by the river this afternoon, though not quite as far as yesterday. It is much hotter today and Jack was looking pretty tired and thirsty. He did help me water the tomato and pepper plants and did not enjoy being sprayed by the hose.
We are now enjoying some music and lemonade on the porch with his new stick.
Jack agrees, summer is our favorite time of year.
He proudly just captured and released a giant ant.

Michael, I and Bessie Smith

Tonight, Michael, the gorgeous orange tabby and I ate a delicious dinner together. He requested that I eat the tomatoes, because they disagree with his sensitive stomach. Small sparrows seem not to however, as he brought me another one as I called him home tonight.
Michael seems to enjoy the Blues... and I couldn't be happier because of it. So many kitties this day seem to be only into rap music.

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting my pet sitting blog!

After working with many pet lovers over the years I have realized that pet owners love their pets just as much as any other family member. (Of course) These days there are few people that I know that do not blog about something; their travels, ideas, children and passions. Why not blog about something I love (your pets!) while reassuring you that your animals are having fun, staying active, healthy and safe.

About me:

I currently work full time in Cambridge, MA with somewhat flexible hours. Originally from New Hampshire, I have grown up and lived with dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, lizards and birds. I have been house and pet sitting for dozens of families for the past 8 years and have had so many great experiences doing so.

I do not have any animals of my own right now due only to the fact that I have the travel bug and cannot commit to an animal in the way I know they deserve. I've been traveling off and on over the past 4 years to Europe, Central and South America, New Zealand and Australia and am currently saving up for another big adventure.

I will be taking an animal CPR course this fall to further extend my knowledge and expertise in professional animal care. Check in for updates.

Please contact me for information, availability, rates and services I offer. The fall is filling up already, so call or email me soon!

I look forward to meeting you and beloved animals,

~Karen

karenpetsittah@gmail.com
603-505-7886