Our PAWSITIVE Stay at the Residence Inn Andover MA

On April 24, 2013 the unthinkable happened. I had just completed a very long day of work. In fact it was my busiest day of the week. I had walked twenty four dogs and was absolutely exhausted.

I was looking forward to going home, spending time with my adorable Boston terrier Lani and possibly ordering some take out. Once I walked into my condo, I knew, I just knew something was wrong. My Lani was trembling on the couch. Behavior of a very scared little dog, not common for my super cuddly pup. Then I saw why?

OH MY GOD, water was gushing, everywhere. I stood there in shock. The unit upstairs was flooding into mine, it wasn't a simple little drip, this was a wave that had burst through the ceiling. End result: My bathroom was a complete loss !

Holding onto my dog, to comfort and protect her from this unexpected disaster, the thoughts in my head were spinning. What was I going to do? Where were Lani and I going to live? Yes...where were BOTH Lani and I going to live. We're not separating, she is my dog, she is my family.

I called my insurance and got the process started. My rep at Horace Mann couldn't have been any more supportive during this crisis, he took ownership of this situation and calmed my nerves. He stated:

" You will need a place to live and your policy covers your hotel stay."

Immediately without hesitation, I responded " It needs to be pet friendly, you need to find a place where my 22lb Boston can stay with me."

My rep made a few phone calls and all was taken care of..he found THE place. The Marriott Residence Inn Andover MA.

I packed up my car, Lani and I drove over to the hotel. I had that " Momma/daughter talk with my baby girl letting her know that things were going to be a little crazy for the next few weeks and I needed her to be a big brave dog. She knew what I was saying, she understood and she gave me a big kiss.

I really didn't know what to expect. I had never had to live in a hotel for an extended stay and I had no idea how my dog would do in this new environment.

As with any construction rebuild, delays are going to happen. However, mine turned into a four month project. This was not in my game plan. I never expected to live in a hotel with my dog for four months!

From day one, this staff made me feel at home. What I never expected was the way the staff went up and beyond for my dog. My Lani tends to be shy with strangers and doesn't really do well with new situations. But every single staff member made her feel comfortable. Lani was spoiled with a gift basket of toys and treats, was known by every employee on a first name basis and she even got to hang out at the front desk every night.

Yes, the Marriott Residence Inn is pet friendly and I am proud to say every person checking in was welcomed by my Lani and received kisses when departing.

My Lani was treated as more than just a dog staying in a room, Lani was made to feel at home. For me, that is what I needed and feared wouldn't happen. I wanted my dog to feel at home and she did.

Life can toss situations at you when least expected but when it does occur, there needs to be a resource, a solution to the situation, and it has to happen.

The Marriot Residence Inn in Andover MA, part of the Marriott corporation is a pet friendly hotel. Exactly what I needed, they were my resource, they were the solution to my situation and they made it happen !

To anyone that may be traveling with their pets or become displaced from their home and need a place for their family including pets, I cannot express my gratitude enough to this wonderful corporation for allowing pets to stay in their hotels.

Literally a life saver for me and my dog..............

And to the entire staff at the Marriott Residence Inn Andover, Lani sends each and everyone of you a BIG WET SLOPPY KISS !

 

http://northandover.patch.com/groups/tracey-zysks-blog/p/our-pawsitive-stay-at-the-residence-inn-andover-ma



 

It's National Guide Dog Month

Honor our Guide Dogs

                                   

 

 

 

 

 

     

            

North Andover's Tilly

 

September is  National Guide Dog Month which is an honorary way to  celebrate  the work of guide dogs in the United States.  This includes a way to raise awareness, appreciation and support for guide dogs, the function they perform and the training schools they attend across the United States. It was established in 2008 as a fundraising drive to benefit non-profit guide dog organizations accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation.

Guide Dogs, also referred to as Assistance Dogs, Service Dogs and Seeing Eye Dogs are dogs that are specifically trained to help people who have disabilities including visual and or  hearing impairments, mental illness, seizures, diabetes, Autism, and many other diseases.
Their goal is to "assistant"  a physically or emotionally disabled humans to perform daily tasks that they may not be able to do otherwise.   These dogs are also trained in preventive measures.  For example, a dog may be able to alert for help when a diabetic may be starting to have a seizure.
In the past couple of year, the US Military has started to utilize working dogs for more than combat.   When a solider returns home with a disability there are now options to pair the solider with a dog.  Most recently,  the Military has invested in  Guide dogs that are trained to help detect Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  These dogs are now being paired with soldiers returning  home from combat that have been diagnosed with this disease.
These dogs are not family pets.  In fact, they are called Guide, Assistance or Seeing Eye for a very specific reason.  It is the tasks these dogs are trained to perform which allows them to become an extension of the human.   These dogs are the added help to allow the person to live a normal everyday life.

The American with Disabilities Act  (ADA) a law passed in 1990, protects the disabled from being discriminated against added a specific clause protecting working dogs.    " Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go "
If you are a business owner and have concerns about letting dogs enter your facility, well, you just may want to review this law first:
 http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

Pictured is Tilly,  she is a Seeing Eye Dog that assists local resident Sue Christensen.  Sue is legally blind and works in downtown Boston.  Many may recognize Tilly as she rides the local commuter rail to Boston everyday with Sue.   If you see Tilly and would like to say Hello, please kindly ask Sue first, ( or ask any handler before you approach his assistance dog) and Sue will put Tilly into her proper commend, and well, be prepared Tilly will probably shower you with kisses !




Tracey is the owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care of
North Andover or www.wigglewalk.webs.com on facebook at www.facebook.com/wigglesjigglespetcare

 

   

    

     

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June is National Adopt A Cat Month

What a Purr- fect time to bring a feline into your home.  June is National Adopt a Cat Month.    Rescue leagues nationwide in collaboration with the American Humane Society  will be promoting this annual adoption event in hopes to find 1000's of cats and kittens their forever home.
In the spring months, better known as " Kitty Season"  you may have started noticing the births of more and more litters of kittens,  Due to mating season,  there is always an abundance of young kitties left for homeless and animal shelters and rescue organizations  are often full.

Preparing is Everything:  Ask yourself the following:


1.  Why do you want to bring a kitten/cat into your home?  - This is a lifelong commitment. Therefore evaluate your lifestyle and determine if you have the time for a pet.

2.  Are you financially prepared for the expenses of owning a cat?  Have a short term and long term budget. You may even want to consider pet insurance

3. Meet the cat first and make sure the temperament and personality fits with yours.
4.  Do you want a kitty or are you interested in a senior aged cat?  Once again, depends on your personality, lifestyle and finances.

5.  Research your local veterinarians and bring your new cat in for a visit within the first few days of adoption.  It is important to develop that relationship between your cat and vet as soon as possible.

6.  Cat supplies- Go shopping before you bring your cat home.  You want to introduce your new cat to his surrounding and make it as welcoming as possible.  Also cat proof the home before you bring him home.  This will set the boundaries when he is first introduced to his new place.

7.  Pet sitting- You will travel and you will need someone to care for your cat when you are not home.   Make sure you have family members available to help and also build a relationship with your local petcare business.  Wiggles & Jiggles Loves ALL pets !

8.   Family evacuation plans - include you cats and all your family pets in your designated family evacuation plan.  You just never know what mother nature will toss our way.  Be prepared:  travel crate, extra food, collar, tags and have your  cat microchip.  In case of an emergency this will help you to be able to keep your cats from being displaced from you during an emergency.

Now go  "Save a Life and ADOPT"   


http://northandover.patch.com/blog_posts/june-is-national-adopt-a-cat-month#photo-14659974

Winning Weekend for Wiggles & Jiggles

 

 

 

 

It was an exceptionally good weekend for Tracey Zysk, pet care specialist and owner of Wiggles & Jiggles.

No, she did't get a new puppy.

On Friday, Zysk attended the Valley Patriot's 9th Anniversary party and was presented with a community service award -- the Good Will Ambassador Award.

On Saturday, at the NAMA "Knight of Honor" gala, Zysk was surprised with another award, Volunteer of the Year.
Zysk started Wiggles & Jiggles 11 years ago.

"I am more than thrilled, I'm touched by this community," Zysk said. Zysk didn't know beforehand about either of the honors.  Zysk has been volunteering her whole life. When President Bill Clinton launched Americorps in the 1990s, Zysk was one of the first volunteers for that program. She said participating in that nationwide good will movement led her to appreciate the long-term effects of helping communities.

"I love to give, and I think when people need help, the community should go out there and help," Zysk said. "As a buz owner, I am so grateful for the opportunities this town has given me. Without my community, I wouldn't have the business I have today. It's my home, and these are my neighbors, and that means more than anything."

http://northandover.patch.com/articles/wiggles-jiggles-owner-s-winning-weekend#photo-13775109






"Volunteer of the Year" ~ Tracey Zysk

March 23, 2013 I had the honor of being presented the " Volunteer of the Year" award by the North Andover Merchants Assocation. This is an award given to the dedication of volunteering within the community of North Andover. Thank You to the North Andover Merchants Association. Seated with Selectwoman Tracy Connolly Watson and State Rep Diana DiZoglio

Goodwill Ambassador Award - Tracey Zysk

March 22, 2013  I had the honor of being presented the "Goodwill Ambassador Award" an award given for involvement within the Merrimack Valley and dedication to the mission of The Valley Patriot. Super big Thank You to owner/editor Tom Duggan



It's National Pet Sitting Week, Plan a Trip, Enjoy



As I am sitting here typing this, I am listening to the weather. Yet again, another snowstorm is going to blast through North Andover. What to do?

Well, as you are hunkered down in your home, looking out the window at the never ending snow, I recommend PLAN A TRIP... Why not, you deserve it, it has been a very long winter. Have pets? Don't let that stop your plans. There are several reputable pet care services in our community.

I've been working in pet care for over 11yrs and I have tackled hurricanes, snowstorms, power outages and floods. Mother Nature and I have had our differences but in the end we both understand the pets still need to be care for.

If you are looking for a pet care provider here are a couple helpful tips:
1. Insured & Bonded
2. Registered Business with the town
3. CPR certified
4. Accomplishments in the industry and in the community

Common questions to ask:
1. What type of animal experience does the person have? ( holding a leash doesn't count)
2. How many dogs will be walked together at the same time
3. Who will have the key/access to your home
4. Is the business affiliated with any organizations within the pet/business industry
5. References

Pet Sitters International is one of the top business organizations in the pet care industry. They have announced this week is National Pet Sitting Week - a week dedicated to the hardworking and loving people that care for your pets.
If you are looking for a pet care provider in your area I suggest you visit this website and type in your zip code www.petsit.com


http://northandover.patch.com/blog_posts/its-national-pet-sitting-week-plan-a-trip-enjoy#photo-13569457

Diggin ' Out the Dog Walker - 2013

 

 

 

 



Winter Wonderland and Your Dog

As the season changes and the snow and cold approaches us, we must consider how this affects our dogs.
Like humans, dogs can experience hypothermia and frostbite. They can also become victims of inappropriate shelter, lack of water and become poisoned by heating oil and antifreeze.
When going outside you must make a conscience effort to keep your dog warm:
Short haired breeds or puppies- please consider a sweater or coat. Chances are they will only want to go out for a quick potty break. Because of their lack of fur they will become cold much quicker. Take them out and immediately back in. A quick 5-10 minute piddle break is sufficient and then you can spoil them with outdoor play time. You and your dog will be much warmer and happier.

Long haired breeds and big dogs- They will probably be pummeling through the snow in your yard and having a great time. Keep an eye on them, do limit their time, but know they will have a longer tolerance to the cold than the tiny pups.

Dry your dogs off thoroughly when they come in. This will eliminate the chill that could linger along their bodies and help prevent the flu. For our long haired furry friends, brush regularly, salt and dirt could build up in their fur. This could also cause other health problems, make your dog smell, and will most likely drag a lot of dirt into your home too.
Check all your dogs paws for salt. If they have fur in between their paws, cut the fur back or ask your groomer to do this. Salt could build up and sting your dog or may cause your dog to lick profusely. This may cause your dogs to cut their paw pads while they are trying to dig the salt out.
Frostbite does happen quite quickly to our pets. The most common areas affected are the ears, toes tails and their lungs. But how do you know if your dog is experiencing frostbite? The frost bitten area may become read or swollen or the skin may become pale. Your dog may even attempt to tell your with a little whimper too.
If Frostbite is to happen: Cover the area in a blanket and rub your hands over that area. This will help get the blood to circulate. Also, take a warm towel and place it on the affected area, please do not use a hot towel. Hot over warm may be too strong for your dog and this could cause the body to go into shock. Call your Veterinarian if you believe your dog has experienced frostbite.
On the days our weather provides strong winds or low temperatures and the wind-chill falls below zero are the days you will want to forgo a long walk with your dog. Hypothermia can set in quite quickly with your dog. Dogs that experiences hypothermia usually show signs of shivering, stumbling, drowsiness and their body temperatures will have dropped dramatically. Same as a dog with frostbite, if you believe your dog has experienced hypothermia please contact your Veterinarian immediately.

Winter is here and will be with us for the next couple of months. As a dog owner if your take the proper precautions both you and your dog will have a lot of fun together and enjoy this Winter Wonderland !

http://northandover.patch.com/blog_posts/winter-wonderland-and-your-dog