While temps still remain in the triple digits and fall does not officially begin until September 23rd, for many of us Labor Day Weekend signals the end of summer. 

This can be a bittersweet time if you're a pet professional. Traditionally, Americans take a vacation in the warmer months and that means lots of pet sitting. This has been a fun season for me and I'm a little sad to see it come to a close. We got to play for days and days with some of our favorite fur-friends. And, best of all, we made some new friends, too! Let me introduce you to a few...

Munchkin, Callie and Smokey live in Magnolia, TX.

Pikachu and Jasmine live in The Woodlands, TX.
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As we bid a fond farewell to Summer 2023, I take with me wonderful memories. Many pets we were able to visit this season are our absolute favorites that we've known and loved for years. It's a joy and a privilege to be welcomed back into their homes over and over again. For us, these beautiful little creatures are an extension of our own family. And, now as we move forward into a new season, we carry the love of brand new fur-friends in our hearts and the hope that we will get to see them again soon.

Wishing you all the best Labor Day Weekend ever, from our family to yours! But, before we go, here's some resources you may find helpful...
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This week we spotlight The Woodlands, Conroe and Houston.

If you are looking for a one-stop brick and mortar pet care facility, you might consider Animal Hospital of The Woodlands. Despite the name, modern hi-tech veterinary care is not all they do. They combine the small, personal feel of a neighborhood vet clinic with full service boarding and grooming. If you are nervous about leaving your fur-kids at home while you are away or if you have a pet that needs 24 hour medical observation and care, this is your place. They are open everyday except Sunday and are located in the Sterling Ridge Village area of The Woodlands.

Animal Hospital of The Woodlands
12212 W Branch Crossing Dr
The Woodlands, TX 77382
(346) 478-8321

I first learned of the aniMeals on Wheels program several years ago from a colleague that is also a friend and a client. I was living in Houston at the time and was amazed to find out about this organization that helps seniors by providing meals for their beloved pets. When I moved my home and business to The Woodlands, I was delighted to learn that there is an aniMeals on Wheels program in Conroe, too! In fact, they are all over the country. But, since we cannot talk about all of them, I would like to highlight the great work these charities do at their 2 local locations. 

​For starters, the aniMeals program was founded so that homebound seniors that were receiving meals from the Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels program would not feel compelled to share their limited food with their pet cats and dogs. Since then aniMeals has expanded to offer veterinary care and other services through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations.

If you are looking for some way to make the world a little bit brighter, I cannot think a better opportunity than becoming a volunteer for this program. There are many ways to contribute at both locations, so give them a call today!

Meals on Wheels of Montgomery County
111 South 2nd Street
Conroe, TX 77301
936-756-5824
111 S. 2nd St.
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
3303 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002
713-533-4900 

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Sandy Stutz - owner
PetProductDelivery.com

Greetings Pet Lovers!

Could there be a better reason to celebrate? National Dog Day is a wonderful time to reflect on how the creature frequently referred to as "Man's Best Friend" has been instrumental in many of human kind's achievements. If you found history class dull as a youth, try picking up a copy of the AKC Complete Dog Book. It is updated about every decade or so and each time new breeds are included with a bit of history on them all. It's fascinating! But, here's the thing: Most of those breeds are not new. They may have just been recently approved for entry into the stud book.

Did you know that each and every breed of dog has served a very specific purpose in human history? Dogs do it all from pulling sleds to retrieving the huntsman's kill. There are dogs for killing rats, guarding the home, serving the blind, sniffing out bombs, and so much more. Humanity would literally still be hunkering down in caves (or perhaps completely extinct) if it were not for domestic canines. In addition, these animal give 100% unconditional emotional support. This is well documented.

So, while we take a day to reflect on where we as a species would be without dogs, maybe we should also ponder how it is that these beings that we've domesticated to be useful for and dependent on humans are so frequently abandoned. It is my opinion that shaming people with the words "Adopt. Don't Shop." is not working. Perhaps, if our society understood the time, expense and immense responsibility that caring for a dog entails, less people would be inclined to bring one home on a whim and then throw the creature out when they cannot afford or no longer enjoy it...And then get another and do the same thing over and over. This happens with dogs purchased from pet stores as well as animals adopted from shelters. Yes, it's true. I have seen it many times in my career.

I don't claim to have all the answers. But, perhaps, if we start educating kids at a very young age that bringing a dog into the family is a serious decision and making sure that the dog is a good fit with the family's current (and possibly future) lifestyle before committing to 10 or more years of care (time, food, vet care, training, ect.) then maybe, just maybe, we could turn the epidemic of abandoned pets around. Kids learn by example. Let's start there.

Dogs make wonderful companions. It is also okay to decide not to commit to one if it's not the right time or the right fit. 
For the love of dogs.

(Community Corner will return next week along with new pet photos. Stay tuned!)

​Sandy Stutz - owner
PetProductDelivery.com

Good Evening Pet Lovers,

As most of you know, after working as a National Certified Master Groomer for many decades, the COVID lockdowns of 2020 put a pause on in-home grooming and that break lead me to the decision to retire from that part of my business. It was time. Our delivery business was deemed as "essential." We were plenty busy.

But, does that mean I have put the scissors away forever? Heck no! Afterall, my son does have a poodle and poodles need to be groomed, right? And, once businesses were allowed to open up after the big lock-downs ended, I wanted to continue to teach pet parents how to groom their own fur-kiddos. I'm still enjoying the privilege of teaching many professionals as well as amateur grooming enthusiasts the ins and outs of making pets beautiful. In fact, I've even trained the staff of other pet businesses during my "retirement." This is, I believe, a big part of my legacy: The joy of teaching others to groom!

If you've ever thought about grooming your own pet, or if you own a pet business and need someone to train your staff to groom competently, humanely and flawlessly, I'd be happy to help! Learn more on the Learn2Groom page or feel free to give me a call to discuss: 832-549-1730.

In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to post a few of the various hairstyles that Maximus the Service Dog has sported over the years. Enjoy!

Now it's time for...

This week we are spotlighting Magnolia and Conroe.

Despite being filled to capacity most of the time, Montgomery County Animal Services still maintains a clean and professional animal shelter. But, they need your help! If you are looking to adopt a new furry family member, they have plenty to choose from in all shapes and sizes. The adoption fees are extremely reasonable! Donating to the shelter is super easy, too. They always have a large bin where you can leave your donations just outside the front door or in the lobby. It's no hassle and will definitely go to good use. I've left everything from food, carriers, treats, and more in their bin. They welcome all donations. In addition, MCAS has a low-cost wellness clinic in case your furry friend needs vaccinations or medications.

Visit their website to learn how you can adopt or help out:​www.mcaspets.org/

Montgomery County Animal Services
8535 Hwy 242 
Conroe, Texas 77385
​936-442-7738
[email protected]

That's all for now, folks. If you have any pet related news or information you'd like to see appear in this blog, please let me know! You can leave any suggestions or questions in the comments box below.

Until next time, hope you all have a beautiful evening!

Sandy Stutz - owner
PetProductDelivery.com

Good Afternoon Pet Lovers!

I wanted to introduce you all to some new friends we've made recently.

Meet Cloe! Her folks needed her to make an a.m. vet appointment, but they didn't think they could get her in the carrier. I was happy to stop by to assist. Cloe was no trouble at all and after she was in her carrier, I took her for a ride in the Pet Taxi and dropped her at the vet. But, I completely forgot to take a photo, so her Mom sent me this one (see below). Isn't she a beauty?

Her friend Daffy wanted to come, too. Another time, perhaps...

Since Cloe's ride in the Pet Taxi, her Mom has sent us a couple of updates on her recovery from surgery. Cloe is doing great! Her Mom also left us this nice review on Nextdoor:

​Seanne T.
Nextdoor - Village of Panther Creek
Jul 18, 2023

I highly recommend PetProductDelivery.com. Ms. Sandy was kind, gentle and very loving to our cat who would NOT get into her kitty carrier. She was able to get Cloe Cat our two year old Tabby into her carrier so she could get to her most needed veterinarian appointment. I will use this service again. PetProductDelivery.com is a wonderful business who truly love animals. We feel blessed to have Ms. Sandy in our lives.

Wow! I feel so very grateful to Cloe and her family for allowing us to help. Seriously, Cloe was no trouble whatsoever. A lovely family one and all!

We met another new friend through our Pet Taxi service. Blue is a great big guy. But, he needed to go to the vet and his Mom doesn't have a car. Pet Taxi to the rescue! Since our first meeting, Blue has ridden with us several times. He likes to look out the window as we travel. (See below.)

If you LOVE looking at cute pet photos, you might check out my personal Small Animal Pet Sitting page on the petworks website. There are dozens of adorable photos of dogs and cats of all ages, breeds and sizes...and fish, too. We love taking care of all kinds of critters. You can check out their photos HERE. I update the pics on that site as we get new ones, so it's a fun page to visit!

​And now it's time for...

​This week we are spotlighting The Heights and Spring.

Daycare, overnight stays, spa services, training and, yes, even retail. Yuppie Dog has got everything covered to ensure your furry family member feels right at home.
Located in the Heights area of Houston, they provide plenty of opportunities for your dog to play and socialize with their canine pals. And for those blistering hot days, their indoor play areas offer one of the largest combined indoor spaces in Houston for your pup to run and play. 

We consider the Yuppie Dog team our very good friends. They opened in 2009, have many years of experience, love pets and (BONUS!) they also carry our best selling CBD Pet Chews. If you have a playful pooch and live in the area, stop by and check them out. You'll be glad you did!

Yuppie Dog Daycare
2203 Durham Drive
Houston, TX 77007
713-426-5700

If you are new to Spring, TX and are looking for a modern veterinary hospital with a caring team, try VCA Animal Hospital - The Woodlands. I found them to be both professional and friendly. As you can imagine, we visit many pet businesses and I was really impressed with the quality of this clinic. If you're tired of long waits in pet hospitals that are smelly and leave you feeling like just a number, come to this hospital. The staff is exceptional. Spacious and clean  inside and outside, so your pet will not feel crowded and neither will you.

This hospital is both accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association and they are members of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. So not only will you and your dog feel right at home, your kitty will, too.

VCA Woodlands Animal Hospital
428 Rayford Road
Spring, TX 77386
​281-367-7553

Before we go, I wanted to share an idea for helping your doggie get plenty of mental and physical exercise while beating the heat.

Dock Diving is a fun sport for dogs of all sizes. If your dog has plenty of energy and is bored laying around in the A/C, you might give it a try. I reached out to the AKC on Twitter and asked how someone without their own swimming pool could train their dog to compete and they sent me a link to this video with step-by-step instructions: 

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/diving-dogs-101-compete-dock-diving-step-step/

Enjoy the "dog days of summer" with your canine companion!

I hope you enjoyed this edition of our blog. Feel free to leave comments and / or suggestions in the comments box below. Until next time, stay cool y'all!

​Sandy Stutz - owner
PetProductDelivery.com