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The Pet Maven Newsletter  
Get Ready for Spring!   
March 2015
In This Issue
Banish Winter Skin Blues
Pet Sitter Props!
Cat Sitter Profile - Anthony H.
Chase QuickPay joins clearXchange
Quick Links

 

Spring is just around the corner, and we can hardly wait! New leaves on the trees, fresh growing grass, and flowers bursting into bloom all serve to make winter a fast-fading memory.

 

A little springtime TLC is also helpful to banish those winter blues! Just a few simple tricks can help soothe rough paws and bring dull, dry coats to luxurious life. 

 

Springtime also means travel! If it's been a while since you've hit the road, why not call and schedule a sitter? We come highly recommended by some of the most particular creatures in the universe: the cats of NYC!

 

Finally, don't miss our latest sitter profile! Find out what your cats already know: that underneath his mad vet tech skills, Anthony is kind of a softy. You might be surprised at how many pets he shares space with in his NYC-sized apartment!

 

Helen Adler
Banish Those Winter Skin Blues  

The unseasonably late stretch of snow, sleet and bitter Nor'Easters have left their mark on NYC: body and soul. You have probably noticed your own skin feels dry and tight, and that all of those flakes on your shoulders aren't snow!

Like humans, animals suffer the effects of rough winter weather. You might notice them scratching or licking their paws more often, or their fur might seem extra dull and lifeless. If your next scheduled appointment isn't for another few weeks, there are things you can do to help soothe your pet's winter skin blues!

 

Paws: Check your dog's paws after every walk. Harsh weather and snow-melting salt and chemicals can seriously irritate the pads of their feet. Wipe your dogs' paws with a damp cloth, dry them thoroughly, and apply a pet-safe moisturizer. You can avoid the cracked pad problem altogether by outfitting your dog with booties every time they go outside. Learn more ... 

 

Skin: If your pet has dry, flaky winter skin, there are several things you can do to help. A humidifier can do wonders in fighting dry winter skin, and make sure your pet's bed is clean and well-ventilated. Nutritional supplements like Omega fatty acids can help from the outside-in. Learn more ... 

 

Coat: Winter weather can leave pets with a dull, lifeless coat, mats, and excess shedding. Gentle, regular brushing can do wonders to keep that coat healthy in between baths. Many experts actually recommending bathing your dog less often in the winter, as it can sometimes exacerbate dry skin conditions. Learn more ...

You'll be surprised what a difference these small steps can make in how your furry friend looks and feels. But if you need a little extra advice or are ready to schedule a springtime spa treatment with Helen, please get in touch for some TLC! 
Pet-Sitter Props!

 

The first week of March was National Professional Pet-Sitters' Week, so we asked some of our clients to share what they like best about their favorite Pet Maven sitter!

 

Mmph! She tastes great! I mean, really! Have you tried biting her? -- Vera, SoHo 

 

My sitter? He's pretty cool, though he is always bugging me to play with that "Bird" toy. Of course, I indulge him. -- Roger, Chinatown

 

My sitter's the best! She brushes me and even reads the newspaper to me out loud ... after I'm done sitting on it, of course! -- Jack, UES

 

I like to look at my sitter's feet and knees when I'm hiding under the couch! She has great taste in shoes. Maybe I'll come out and tell her next time!

-- Annabelle, Union Square

 

I am a classic romantic: a little dinner and some light petting are the way to my heart! My sitter understands what a big step it was for me to finally stick my behind in their face. That means a lot. -- Kibbles, UWS

 

My sitters gives me lots treats and kisses after I take my medicine. I think I'll keep them! -- Baxter, Chelsea

Cat Sitter Profile - Anthony H.

Anthony H. loves working with animals and their human companions. That's probably why he is so well-suited to his work as a cat sitter for The Pet Maven, as well as his work as a Veterinary Technician. Anthony has been a sitter with TPM since early 2014, and his skills as a vet tech combined with his love for animals have earned him accolades from many of our clients and their kitties.

Although he earned his degree in 2002, Anthony's love of animals is a life-long passion. Currently he shares his home with two dogs, one cat, three turtles, a boa, a skink, a cockatiel, goldfish, and an assortment of bugs he has found and rescued over the years in order to save them from being eaten by his menagerie.

Anthony says he loves it when cats he sits for come running to greet him, though some take longer to get used to a new sitter than others. One kitty, Emmett, took about a month to warm up, but now they're best buddies.

When he's not working, Anthony enjoys spending time with his own animals, photography, and he will occasionally acquire an unusual bottle-cap or two for his brother-in-law who collects them!
Chase QuickPay Joining clearXchange 

Chase QuickPay is joining the clearXchange network on March 22nd. The clearXchange network includes: Bank of America, Capital One, First Bank, and Wells Fargo. By joining this network, Chase QuickPay helps make online/electronic payment an easier, more accessible option for more people than ever, without having to open a new account for each institution. Learn more ...