Columbus OH 43215

Read Across America Day: Spotlight on Dogs Who Improve Literacy

March 2nd is Read Across America Day, and today we invite you to read all about a very special kind of therapy dog: reading dogs.

A special relationship exists between children and dogs. Children like to dress dogs up in clothes, play games with them like make-believe. As children and dogs interact so effortlessly, reading to dogs is a natural progression.

Meet Coco!

When Did Reading to Dogs Start?

The R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) Program was founded in November of 1999 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Sandi Martin, a nurse and former ICU manager, was inspired by seeing the impact therapy dogs had on her patients. She noticed the way therapy animals encouraged patients to make progress in recovery.

Martin connected the dots and realized how dogs could affect that same motivation in children who are struggling in the area of reading.

A pilot was initialized at the city’s public library. Staff looked on as children read to dogs for the first time as part of an event. It was an effortless success as the children instantly bonded with the dogs and soon all were lost in the world of books.

Now thousands of programs have sprouted from coast to coast. With each dog to child connection, magic is made as both reader and listener reap the benefits of this intimate therapy relationship.

Why Are Children Reading To Dogs?

The sight of a child reading to a dog is sweet and endearing, but it’s more than just cute activity. These dogs are trained therapy animals who understand the role they fill in the presence of children.

While it is a fun activity, it’s fundamentally about therapy. Reading is a foundational skill for young learners and it doesn’t come easy for everyone.

63% of 4th-grade children read below grade level. Intervention programs are needed to improve the state of literacy in our country. Studies have shown that reading skills can improve up to 30% through dog reading therapy. With regular sessions, a progression of benefits is seen for both child and animal.

  1. Getting Comfortable with Reading

    In the first phase, children become more comfortable with reading aloud. A dog will listen without interruption (adults tend to correct a child’s diction). Children who have felt uneasy about reading aloud may finish a book without even thinking about it.

  2. Easing Anxiety

    Children who have been in traumatic situations, perhaps even bullying, deal with a lot of anxiety that interferes with their academic performance. Pets are known to have a calming effect on humans, so a dog naturally deescalates anxiousness and takes away the inhibition toward reading.

    Performance anxiety is another issue. Some children may shy away from reading aloud because they are worried that adults will judge them or other kids will make fun of them. A therapy dog is there to listen without judgment.

  3. Encouraging Kids to Read More

    A side benefit of these programs is an increased desire in children to want to read more often and for enjoyment. Reading to dogs removes a child’s resistance to reading and causes the child to associate reading with fun! 

  4. Emotional Nurturing

    For children who have been through challenging issues like a distressing home life, learning disabilities, and socialization troubles, a dog will have a positive emotional impact. The boost in confidence also helps the child’s emotional and mental well being.

Read More: Animals Who Work!

What’s In It For the Dogs?

As dog lovers we know that they live for attention and affection. When a child reads to a dog, they soak up every second of a child who is reading to them!

Reading therapy would be a perfect job for a dog who has had a difficult life. Some animal shelters have invited children to come read to intakes.

Check out this video of children spending time with shelter animals!

Are There Any Dog Reading Programs in the Columbus Area?

It does not appear that there are any active dog reading programs in the Columbus area. However, AngelPaws out of Newark OH is a R.E.A.D. program affiliate.

Is your dog well behaved around children? Would you like to make a difference in the lives of children? While the R.E.A.D. program website is geared toward those living in Utah and Montana, it has plenty of information for those who are interested in volunteering with their animals including a suitability guide.

Either AngelPaws or R.E.A.D are points of contact if any are interested in promoting literacy through reading therapy dogs in the Columbus, Ohio area.

Read More: How to Help Columbus Area Animal Organizations

There are a number of obstacles humans may not have been able to overcome if not for therapy animals. Reading dogs have proven to be highly effective in improving literacy and mental well being for children.

While we may not read to your them, your Columbus Ohio area dog sitting service will be sure to supply plenty of fun and attention for your dogs.

Call or text us today at (614) 439-1621.

The Scoop on Litter Boxes: A Complete Guide on Keeping it Clean for Kitty

While some dogs can be trained to use a box and some cats can be trained to use a toilet, by and large, our dogs do their business outside and our cats have their own little indoor outhouse: the litter box.

A cat’s natural instinct is to cover their own waste. It is believed to be an inherited survival skill to keep predators from tracking a feline’s scent out in the wild.

Whether you’re a new cat parent or troubleshooting a sticky situation, we’ll cover the basics for you!

The Essential Box: Lid or No Lid?

Item number one is gettin a litter box. On the cat supplies aisle, you have your cheap pan with no lid and then the covered unit.

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A 2012 research study determined that cats had no apparent preference for covered or uncovered, as the usage frequency of each type was evenly split. What’s most important to cats when it comes to a litter box is hygiene: is it clean enough to use? However, some cats may make it obvious that they don’t like a closed box.

Advantages for Covered Boxes

  • Humans don’t have to see the waste.
  • Odor reduction.
  • Keeps small children and other animals out of the box.
  • Prevents litter mess surrounding the box – a cat covering up waste can kick a lot of litter out of the tray (however a box with no lid and high edges would have the same benefit).

Advantages for Uncovered

  • Humans see the evidence of waste and remember to clean it out.
  • Better for skittish cats – cats don’t like sensory reduction, they want to be able to surroundings and not feel trapped.
  • Circulation for quicker dry time (compared to the lidded one).
  • Won’t be outgrown as quickly

3 Litter Box Top Sellers

Recommendations from Our Community

“I have used an automatic poop box.
It was rad. It worked well. It had blades that would swipe across and pull the poop into a container.”

Deb H. about LitterMaid Single Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box

“Loved this Martha Stewart one for years. It’s really good for clumping litter because you just shake it out and dump.”

Quinn L. about Martha Stewart Pets® Sifting Litter Box

Fur Star Pet Care recommends top entry cat boxes.

Litter-acy: Filling You in on Product Options

When it comes to cat box compatibility, litter is probably the most important factor since the cat comes in direct contact with it.

columbus area in home cat sitter

Cat Communication

Some kinds of litter can annoy or hurt some cats. Thankfully, you can alternate between products to find the right material for your pet.

Types of Litter

  • Clay cat litter – Urine absorbed by pulverized clay.
  • Clumping litter – Made with a clay base, waste creates clumps for removal.
  • Odor control – Contains baking soda, enzymes or fragrance to eliminate odors.
  • Crystal – Super absorbent with a combination of clumping and deodorizing benefits.
  • Grain – Natural blend of pine, wheat, and corn. Neutralizes odors, plus reduced tracking.
  • Recycled paper – Absorbent, track-free, dust-free, and eco-conscious.
  • Sand – Absorbent and cats are attracted to sand.

Top Sellers

  • Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Pellets

    • Features: Separates solid & liquid waste for superior odor control,
      non-tracking, long-lasting cat litter pellets, super low dust, and easy cleanup.

Recommendations from Our Community

“I currently mix lightweight scoopable clay with regular… Lightweight is double the price and doesn’t clump as well. But easy to carry home and dispose of. Saves money and my back … They do last longer. Smell okay. Dry up pee. Get one of each. ” – Deb H.

“The wood pellets are much much cheaper and you can buy a giant bag… we have a green recycling bin for garden and food products we can toss the wood pellets in there.” Quinn L.

“I buy Naturally Fresh. It’s made out of walnut shells, which are the same color as my floor, & it’s a lot lighter than the clay stuff.” Tess C.

Owner’s Pick: Garfield brand (get the green bag!)

Scoping Out Scoops

Scoops are needed for boxes that don’t have a sifting system. The cheap plastic ones are in every store, but you can order nicer ones online.

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Everything Has a Place

Top Sellers

  • Petmate Litter Scoop w/ Microban

    • Features: Made from recycled plastic, Microban anti-microbial for stain & odor resistance, extra-wide mouth, and large slits.

Recommendations from Our Community

Tess C. uses Booda Scoop & Hide Caddy!

Need a little help? Sometimes we just can’t get to it. For example, pregnant women are advised not to come into contact with litter.

Our Columbus Ohio area in home pet care service can pitch in with scooping duties. Call or text us at: (614) 439-1621.

What about Liners?

Thinking about using some liners? Here are some best selling suggestions.

Litter Genie Disposal System

For those who have spent some time with babies, remember those Diaper Genies? Well there’s a version for cat litter! Oh, joy!

It’s a condensed waste collection system, so fewer trips to the bin.

Read More: Questions to Ask Your Vet

Creatures of Habit: Tips to Maintain Your Cat Litter Situation

Back from the store. Now, what do we do with all this?

Where to Place the Box?

Place the boxes away from high-traffic or noisy areas, but place them where the cat can find it easily. Keep food and water dishes away. We wouldn’t put a toilet in our kitchen, right?

Some owners recommend having more than one litter box, especially if you have more than one cat in the household.

This increases accessibility, especially if you have a large or two-story home.

How to Prevent Litter Mess Around the Box?

  • Use a litter trapper mat or a bath mat.
  • Use dust-free litter or one of the non-tracking options mentioned above.
  • Trim cat’s nails.
  • Use a box with high walls or top entry.
  • Keep litter bags out of reach or in plastic containers (cats may claw them open}.

If all else fails, keep a hand vac right next to the box for quick clean up.

How Often to Scoop or Clean?

Some say you should scoop twice a day, but a minimum of once a day is probably enough to keep things hygienic for your cat.

Of course, this depends on how many cats are using the box and how much a single cat will produce.

If you aren’t using disposable trays or liners, wash the box a few times per month.

Clean the outside of the box and the area as needed.

How Often Do I Change the Litter?

It is recommended to change out the litter twice per week.

Can I Flush Cat Litter Down the Toilet?

This is probably not a good idea. Use waste bags or the Litter Genie mentioned above.

What Should I Do For Multiple Cats?

It is recommended to have at least one litter box per cat. Place the boxes in separate but easy-to-access areas of the home.

If the cats seem to be sharing a box, try a multi-cat litter.

columbus ohio cat sitters

Best Friends

Is It Okay to Use Fragrance Deodorizers?

It’s an achievement to have a home that doesn’t smell like a cat lives there. For that purpose, there are a variety of deodorizing products on the market and some include fragrance products.

This could be disruptive in litter box use if the cat is put off by the smell. Like if you start using a fragrance product and your cat starts to refuse to use the box, he probably doesn’t like the smell. Using a fragrance neutral product like baking soda is a potential alternative.

Staying on top of waste removal and cleaning is the best way to fight odors.

Do I Need to Train My Kitten to Use the Litter Box?

Depending on how long a kitten has spent with her mother, she may already be trained to some extent. Kittens learn how to use a litter box from their mother’s habits.

Place a litter box (preferably with no lid) in a room that has no rugs or carpets. After feeding, put the kitten in the room. Having the cat litter as a the only appropriate surface for their excremental instincts, they will likely use the litterbox. Optional: reward them with treats if they successfully use the box.

If the cat or kitten is having issues finding or not using the litter box, try using cat litter with attractant.

Watch for Adverse Reactions to Litter

Refusal to use the litter box can be a telltale sign that your cat is uncomfortable with or allergic to something about the litter box. It’s likely to be the litter itself or something mixed with the litter.

  • Check the paw and pads on the cat. Is there bleeding or sores?

  • Is your cat having allergy symptoms?

  • Know the signs of a UTI  or constipation.

Products galore and a community of cat lovers are here to support your cat litter box success. Ask your local pet store for recommendations or consult the internet community to troubleshoot any issues.

Your Columbus Ohio area in home cat sitters are no stranger to daily scooping duty. Your cats won’t be the only ones getting attention, we’ll also check on the litter box.

If you just need a quick cleaning, we charge $15. Call or text us at: (614) 439-1621.

 

woman giving cat a treat autumn leaves columbus area dog walker columbus area in home pet care 43207 43215

What Pets Teach Us About Gratitude

This year has flown by, hasn’t it? We’re already planning Thanksgiving gatherings and getting apple cider and pumpkin pie cravings.

This is also the time of year when we reflect on what we are grateful for. Often our relationships are what reveal what’s rare and precious in life.

As we count our blessings this season, let’s also count the ways our pets add meaning to the experience of gratitude.

Appreciation for the Simple Things

Pets aren’t materialistic and image-conscious like humans can be. They don’t need expensive mattresses or a new fall wardrobe. They get excited at mealtimes for food that isn’t appetizing to us.

Pets are happy with the simple things. Like children, they will play with random things around the house rather than that new toy you bought from the pet store.

They teach us that it’s the little things that can be the big things. They set an example for being content with what you have which is what gratitude is all about.

Big holiday plans? We’re your Columbus area dog walkers and in home pet care service. Book now before we’re booked up. Call or text us at: (614) 439-1621.

The Gift of Unconditional Love

While relationships between humans can be very complicated, the relationship between a person and pet is fairly simple.

While people in the home may be holding grudges or irritated at each other’s bad habits, an animal isn’t going to get into a row with you. They have no interest in holding onto the past nor in judging their humans.

They accept you as you are.

While humans tend to withhold love and trust in their relationships, animals are a shining example of loyalty.

Unconditional love between humans isn’t common, but with pets it certainly is! They inspire gratitude by meeting us with an unwavering love every day.

True Companionship

Have you asked your dog if she’s free tonight for an after-dinner walk? Have you asked your cat if he’s available for a fireside cuddle?

Pets don’t keep calendars, have schedule conflicts, nor will they flake on you last minute. They are the ones who are there for us when we need touch and presence. They aren’t too busy for you.

Pets show us what a faithful companion truly is. They show gratitude by showing up for us daily.

The Gift of Healing

Sometimes grief we bear just can’t be put into words. When we turn to others for help, the words of humans can make us feel even more alienated and misunderstood. Other times we just don’t want to feel that we are burdening others with the tough times we go through.

Animals are there for us as healers.

They won’t ask you questions you’d rather not answer.

You can talk to them without fear of saying the wrong thing.

They won’t think you’re being weird for hugging too long.

They don’t need to end the visit or phone call and go back to their lives. You are their life.

They teach us gratitude through healing in giving freely of togetherness.

 

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Amanda Sommers of Houston, TX shares the story of Ted, a rescue cat

A Homeless Cat Learns to Trust: “The beginning was rocky. This kitty only wanted to hide upstairs under the spare bed we had. We had to move all his stuff up there because he refused to come down. After about a month, he began to venture downstairs. It wasn’t long after that that our new kitty, whom we renamed Ted, was this very affectionate loving big furball that always wanted his belly rubbed.”

Amanda Saves Ted: “The firemen had to pull me out of the smoke filled house because I tried to crawl in after them. I could hear them crying for me and I couldn’t do anything. Luckily they were okay and I was able to retrieve them all. After that Ted couldn’t stand to have me out of his sight.”

Ted Saves Amanda: “I was back home with my Ted. He was pouty at first because I had left him but I know he could tell I missed him. After that, we only grew closer. He was my little rock through the divorce, through my depression when it got bad again”

Read More: Grateful for Our Local Pet Rescue Organizations

Daily Purpose & Routine

Sometimes it’s so hard to get the day started, especially if you have nothing planned for the day.

Some days you may wish someone would take the dog out to potty or serve breakfast to the cat, but having that push to get the day going can be beneficial for you.

Having a sense of purpose and routine is a way to stave off boredom and blues. Having pet counting on you to care for them can keep you going when you occasionally feel like giving up.

Through this experience of having creatures to care for every day, we gain fulfillment through responsibility. We can be grateful for the way they keep us going.

Every day is rewarding when your life’s purpose is caring for animals. Fur Star Pet Care is here to lend a hand from needing a Columbus area dog walker or in home pet care. Call or text us: (614) 439-1621.

The Receiving is in the Giving

When love and care are mutual, it is a rich experience. We care for animals and they care for us.

Sometimes the act of caretaking is how we experience the essence of love and the warmth of feeling needed. Gratitude is experienced in needing them just as much as they need us.

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“I realized how her neediness had changed my heart. I realized that her neediness was no different than my own, and that, by making sure her unique daily needs were being met, my needs were being met as well. Just as she needed constant reassurance that she was loved unconditionally, she, in her overwhelmingly quirky ways, was assuring me of that same unconditional love…. So, what has Dora taught me about gratitude? She’s taught me that, even though it’s easy to be grateful for the shiny, beautiful things we’ve been freely given, it’s equally rewarding to find blessings in the strangest, quirkiest, most unexpected places.”

The Virtue of Patience

Generally speaking, pets are so patient. They trust you will eventually fill the food bowl, the water dish, and take the daily walk.

They also require so much patience. They may potty where they aren’t supposed to, run off to make us chase after them, bark too much, or meow too early in the morning.

We can be grateful for the patience they grace us with as well as the opportunity to practice more patience with them.

At Fur Star Pet Care we are grateful for our loyal clients and every precious moment spent with these cherished pets.

Every day is like a holiday for a Columbus area dog walker. When we’re not loving every minute of in home pet care, we’re enjoying the variety of taking care of reptiles, rodents, pigs, ferrets, hedgehogs, and even horses! Lucky us. Call or text us: (614) 439-1621.

Read More: Fur Star Pet Care Serves a Variety of Pets

 

in home pet sitter in columbus

9 Not So Obvious Things to Ask Your Veterinarian

There’s so much to keep track of when you have pets. Did you give them their meds today? Are they eating well? When was the last time they had a treatment for fleas?

Planning a trip to the vet can be a pretty involved process as well. There’s the scheduling and getting time off from work. Then you have to load up the car, drive there, and wrangle your pets in and out of the clinic.

Be it an annual check-up or a sick visit, there are other things you may want to ask while you are at the office.

If getting your pet to the vet is hectic, it may be good to have a list of your questions ready ahead of time. Here are some suggestions on what to add to your list!

1.) Will My Dog or Cat See the Same Doctor?

If your dog or cat needs special care or is uneasy around new people, it may be particularly important to see the same doctor each time.

Some clinics have rotating veterinarians which means your animal will be with whoever is available.

Knowing the clinic’s policy ahead of time can help you plan ahead.

2.) What Time Is Best to Schedule My Pet?

Usually, when scheduling an appointment, we are looking to synch times and find the time that is most convenient for the human’s schedule.

If you have a cat or a chihuahua, you may want to consider if they frighten easily.

If you have a pet who doesn’t respond well to loud noises like barking or doesn’t get along well with other animals, you might ask for a slot during a less busy time.

This will make things easier for you, the staff and more importantly for your animal.

If the best time for your pet to come in for an appointment is at a time that is inconvenient for you, don’t dismay! We can arrange transportation to the vet in Columbus. Call or text us at (614) 439-1621

 

3.) What Do I Do For Emergencies or Surgeries?

It’s good to plan for the “what-ifs.”

Ask your vet what emergency care facility your animal should go to if they don’t already have such a facility.

You may also want to ask where they refer patients for surgical care.

Work together on an emergency plan.

4.) How Can I Reduce Costs?

Money can be an uncomfortable conversation for people. However many families are on a budget.

It’s likely you aren’t the first person to ask about how to keep expenses low.

Ask about discounts, or what alternative treatments may be cheaper.

Sometimes medications intended for humans can be given to animals and wind up costing less. Ask the vet what safe, lower-cost substitutions are available.

You may be lucky and work with a clinic that has some money-saving tricks up their sleeve.

5.) Is This Normal?

Animals sometimes do strange things. Some of it may seem insignificant and we’ll just shrug it off.

However, some things we just assume are quirks could be signs of real issues that should be addressed.

Annoying behavior can also be discussed. It may seem like whining to you but think about it. If you can have less annoyance with your pets, you can enjoy one another’s company more.

If your dog barks too much, then mention it. There may be a simple solution that brings peace to both you and your neighbors.

For owners of aging animals, ask what kind of behavior changes you should be on the lookout for such as signs of senility. Also, ask about what additional care your senior pets will need in the near to far future.

6.) Can Anything Be Done About My Pet’s Bathroom Issues?

Smells seem to hit us at random times, don’t they?

You could be getting a stack of blankets off a shelf and smell cat urine all over them. How did he get in there?

Or you’ve settled into bed, your dog laying at the foot. As you read your book, suddenly that smell comes back. You don’t hear them coming, but you smell that flatulence immediately.

While these annoying things you’d rather just put out of your mind, there may be a fix for these foul odor problems that catch you off guard.

You’re not alone. It’s not a silly question. Ask what can be done to reduce these unpleasant surprises.

7.) Is This Store-Bought Product Okay?

Some vets advise against certain over the counter flea treatments as some products may cause seizures.

We may also make the wrong assumptions about other products we buy like shampoos, foods, and treats. Get your vet’s opinion on what products you are introducing to your animal.

Sometimes we make purchase decisions based on what a friend or store clerk says about the product. They may not be aware of certain adverse effects.

Better to be safe than sorry. Bring the package into the clinic or pull it up on your mobile device.

8.) What Should I Know About My Breed?

A packed schedule could mean that the vet staff is just trying to get through their bookings as efficiently as possible.

In this rush, issues that are unique to your animal may not come up.

If you have some information you’ve come across about your pet, go ahead and bring that up. Compare notes. Ask if there is anything else you need to know about your breed of animal.

Come to know what your vet knows. They know a lot.

9.) What Parasites and Pests Are a Problem In Our Area?

Allergists know what problems nature brings for the region they serve. Likewise, there could be a certain issue that is particularly cumbersome in your area.

Ask if there are pests and parasites that are a big problem for area pet owners. Ask what the best prevention is for these issues and what treatments are available should your pet be affected.

There might also be other notable trends going on in the pet community that you might like to be in the loop about.

Get the scoop!

Fur Star Pet Care can lend a helping hand! Contact us about transportation to the vet in Columbus. See our services.
Some of you may only get into talk to the vet once a year during your annual visits, so this is a crucial time to regroup and get a gameplan together about what your pet’s needs will be for the coming year.
Get a pen and paper out and make your list. Tack in on the fridge so you know where it is. One less thing to worry about!