Every summer in Atlanta, there comes a day when sensible people step outside and think, “Goodness Gracious.” Then there are dog owners. We step outside, feel the heat radiating off the driveway and somehow conclude that what we need is a brisk walk. Your dog, meanwhile, has concerns.
Imagine walking barefoot across a parking lot while wearing a fur coat and being unable to complain except through interpretive dance. That’s essentially what your dog is dealing with.
The tricky thing about hot pavement is that it doesn’t look dangerous. It just sits there quietly, pretending to be a sidewalk. When in fact, it’s busy absorbing enough heat to qualify as a minor kitchen appliance.
A simple test: Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If you find yourself reconsidering your life choices, it’s too hot for your dog.
Watch for warning signs during walks: excessive panting, slowing down, seeking shade or suddenly refusing to continue. Contrary to popular belief, your dog is not being stubborn. Your dog is being the smartest member of the outing.
During Atlanta summers, early mornings and evening walks are your friends. Shade is your friend. Grass is your friend. And if your dog votes to spend more time near the air conditioning, it may be worth remembering that they are the only one in the family wearing a permanent fur coat.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Remember the famous scene in “Forrest Gump” when Tom Hanks says, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”? Contacting Buckhead Paws is just like that box of chocolates, except you never know WHO you’re gonna get! It could be Robin or Eileen, might be Charles or Mark. But have you ever wondered who these people are at the other end?
Well, here’s your chance: Meet the Pack Leaders of Buckhead Paws!
Office Assistant Robin manages the evenings, Monday through Thursday from 6:00 PM until our last team member is home. By day, she’s the administrator of a private pre-school in Buckhead, a role she loves and has held for many years. She also volunteers at a local animal rescue, goes to yoga and meditation classes, and has published a children’s book, Sheldon’s Hurrication. Robin grew up in Miami and always had a variety of dogs. After earning a BA in Communications from Catawba College, Robin raised her two daughters and a menagerie that included cats, parakeets, hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, and fish! She joined us in January 2023 and began visiting a nice group of furry clients in the early mornings on her way to work. Then, about 15 months ago, we asked her to help manage the evenings, so on top of everything else she does, Robin is the cheery, efficient voice on the phone.
Office Manager Eileen moved here in 2017 to be closer to family and began pet-sitting her sister’s two dogs. Then it was her brother’s collection of five cats and three dogs—each needing to be fed in a different place! She had a beagle growing up in Michigan and earned a BA in Spanish at Western Michigan University. Eileen then spent 10 years exporting dental instruments to Latin America, the Pacific Rim and Middle East. She also managed a chiropractic office for 8 years in Chicago (she LOVES the Windy City!). Eileen joined Buckhead Paws in August 2019, and became our office manager two years ago. She still visits a few clients in the middle of the day but keeps the administrative side of Buckhead Paws running smoothly in the first half of the morning, then 1:30 to 6:00pm. Her calm, quiet manner makes her a steady rock when chaos strikes!
The newest member of our pack leader team is General Manager Charles. Shortly after he joined us in February 2023, our previous General Manager decided to hang up her leash and move to the mountains. Mark had known Charles for about 10 years and respected his business acumen, trusted his judgement, and loved his drive and enthusiasm—he was the perfect choice to continue building Buckhead Paws. Charles grew up in Augusta and earned a BA in English & Broadcast Journalism from Augusta State. His parents still live there and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary! He came to Atlanta in 2003 to oversee a five-state region for Restoration Hardware and has since worked with other luxury and high-end retailers. Pets have always been in his life, most recently a beloved Pug/Beagle mix named CJ. If you’ve had the opportunity to interact with Charles via phone, text, email, or in person, you know that his enthusiasm, his passion, and his overall zest for life are infectious!
And, riding herd over this talented pack is Owner Mark Shaver. He grew up in Ohio and Texas, where he earned an MA in Speech Communication. After a long corporate career with Coca-Cola, Baskin Robbins, and Japan Tobacco, Int’l, (including 15 years living overseas), he settled in Atlanta and was semi-retired. Then, in what he describes as a God-moment, an opportunity fell out of the sky: In 2009, the young woman who had started Buckhead Paws two years earlier was about to close the business. A mutual friend introduced her to Mark, and, in a handshake agreement, he agreed to help. Two years later, Mark had built a team of four and had added dozens of new clients, so on January 1, 2012, he purchased Buckhead Paws. And the growth continued. Along the way, he converted the team members from 1099 contractors to W-2 employees and added credit card processing and online scheduling. He also met his wife Karen, a beautiful poet who shares his values, his interests (like opera), and his sense of spirituality. Then, in December 2024, they added Frankie, their sweet mini-goldendoodle. Meanwhile, today Buckhead Paws has 43 employees and provides loving care for over 500 clients throughout Atlanta, Decatur, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Smyrna.
Together, we all share one commitment: To provide you, our beloved clients, with loving care for your pets and peace of mind for you. Thank you for asking us to be of service.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
If you’re getting ready to move, you know how crazy the real estate market is, especially in Metro Atlanta. Having lived in four countries in 15 years and moved multiple times with children and dogs and cats, I’m well familiar with moving stress… for humans and animals! This list for moving with pets came to my wife recently in an email sent to her by Maggie Goldman of Buy and Sell Differently, and I’ve added some thoughts of my own.
1. Prepare a Moving Kit Create an overnight bag for your pets; include food, toys, a bed or crate, leashes, and litter so that everything they need is easily accessible when you’re unpacking. Make sure your pet sitter or dog walker knows where to find the items.
2. Keep Your Pet Away from the Hustle Never underestimate moving day commotion! All that activity, noise, and people-stress makes animals anxious. Try to keep them away from the hustle, preferably in a quiet room. Your dog walker will be happy to take your pup for extended walks, and some of pet sitters take furbabies into their own homes, all day if necessary — this is sometimes known as “Pet Sitting by the Hour.”
3. Don’t let Them Out Unattended or Unleashed, Yet Be careful when transporting your animals to your new neighborhood because if they get out they can easily get lost. Once they’re in the car, don’t open the kennel or carrier until your pet is inside your new home. Give them a few days to adjust. For your cat’s safety, a move is a good chance for kitty to get used to being inside rather than out. Use this transition to your advantage.
4. Ease Your Pet into Your New Home and Neighborhood If possible, set up as much as you can before bringing in your pet. If not, keep them secluded in a calm area of the house with familiar things, like toys or a bed. Your dog walker can also play a key role in helping your pooch feel comfortable with all the new neighborhood sights, sounds, and smells.
5. After You Move, Make Sure You Update Important Info Collar tags and microchips need your new address and phone number… and so do your pet-service providers! Please remember to give your pet sitting service copies of your new keys and information pertinent to your new home. Also, ask your pet sitter or dog walker to meet you there to learn the new ropes.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
We here at Buckhead Paws are fortunate to be doing something we love so much. Whether in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Midtown or Decatur, our clients invite us into their homes to care for their precious pets. We have the privilege of loving them, protecting them, caring for them, or keeping them company.
I’m thinking, for example, of Lincoln, the sweetest 9-year-old Black Lab ever. Lincoln has a tumor on his spine, and, while it’s not cancerous, it is growing inside the spinal sheath, and his prognosis is not good. His mom and dad are doing everything they can to inhibit the tumor, but the odds are against him. In the meantime, they’ve asked us to come and be with Lincoln when they need to be away. No walking, no feeding, just sit and love this sweet boy. It’s a gift for us to offer this type of pet sitting service: to be with this lovely dog, providing a Ministry of Presence.
Or there’s Bella, an adorable, high-energy nine-month-old Weimaraner. Her mom recently had a horrible fall and broke her leg in three places, requiring surgery. She won’t be able to walk Bella for weeks. She has asked us to help by providing pet taxi service: picking Bella up in the morning and taking her to doggie daycare, then picking her up from daycare at the end of the day and bringing her back home, tired and exhausted, but very happy. This is great for Bella, but it’s also helpful for her mom, as it’s a chance for us to see her twice a day, to check on her, and to see if there’s anything we can do to help her be a bit more comfortable.
We love pet sitting, dog walking, overnight stays, and providing pet taxi services here in Atlanta, and we find fulfillment and satisfaction in doing so. How can we be of service to you? Give us a call at 404-432-1192.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
While most other pet sitting and dog walking services in metro Atlanta work with independent contractors, each Buckhead Paws team member is our employee, not a random person at the other end of an app. We contribute to Social Security and Medicare for our team, as well as provide Workers Comp to protect clients in case of an injury on the job. We coach and mentor our pet sitters and dog walkers; can’t do that with contractors. In addition, everyone must pass a written test upon completing our training manual. Then, to ensure the best fit with our clients, we carefully match the pet sitter to the pet and the people. All of this means you can be assured that team members exemplify our five core values of Fun, Adaptable, Confident, Efficient, and Supportive — the FACES of Buckhead Paws.
The 16 folks on our team who service Buckhead, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Decatur, and Midtown are fun, active, and interesting people. We range in age from college students to retirees. Some of us are single, some are married or partnered. We have interests and hobbies that run the gamut, from teaching yoga to playing drums, driving souped-up cars, teaching music, or operating a ham radio. We have a professional actor who recently appeared in an episode of a Tyler Perry TV series, and an Eagle Scout who delivers meals to the needy on Sundays after church. One is a sports psychologist who counsels high school athletes to maximize their performance, and another managed a 60-person real estate office. In short, we’re “just folks” who all share a deep and abiding love for animals and a commitment to a high level of service to both our 2-legged and 4-legged clients.
If you’d like to meet one of our people in the Atlanta metro area, give us a call at 404-432-1192. You’ll appreciate the higher level of trust afforded by dog walking and pet sitting professional employees versus independent contractors. You’ll know who is coming into your home and caring for your precious pets.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
It doesn’t happen often, but every once in a while, we’ll hear reports of a coyote roaming an Atlanta neighborhood. In fact, not long ago, one of our dog walkers was taking care of a pup who lives in Buckhead, and when she came around the corner of the house, she and her 4-legged client came face-to-face with a coyote. It’s hard to know who was more surprised: the pup, our dog walker, or the coyote, but the coyote turned and bolted immediately.
And usually that will be the case. Still, there are a few very practical things to keep in mind should this happen to you. Spend a few minutes with this article by Jaymi Heimbuch of The Urban Coyote Initiative so that if you ever come across a coyote, you’ll be prepared.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Lately, our Atlanta dog walkers and pet sitters have been reporting a noticeable increase in separation anxiety among our 4-legged clients. There’s no doubt about it: whether they’re in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Midtown, or Decatur, the unsettledness in our world is having an effect on our dog and cats. In addition, as we’ve been quarantining and sheltering-in-place, our furry friends have loved having us home. But now, as more businesses open up — and as more people return to work — our pets find the comforting, secure routine being disrupted. Yes, separation anxiety is “a thing”. It’s real, and it causes heartache for pets and owners alike.
Recently, I came across this wonderful piece called, “How to Help a Dog With Separation Anxiety: The Ultimate Guide” by Janet Walker with PuppyBeing.com. Whether you have a dog or cat, Janet’s guide is thorough and comprehensive – it will answer every question you might have about how to deal with this issue. And, you might want to check out some of her other helpful articles, as well.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Active Dogs + Atlanta Summers = Potential for Heatstroke!
It’s hot out there and understanding how your dog regulates his temperature is important for his safety. Instead of sweating as humans do, dogs eliminate heat by panting. If you notice your dog is panting excessively or unwilling to move, this may be a sign of heat stroke. The most common cause of heat stroke is a careless pet owner. Don’t be that owner! Learn how to protect your petherein Vladimir Negron’s article in PetMD. Our employees understand this and take care to prevent problems for all of our furry dog walking clients.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Yes, your dogs love their walks, but grooming your pet is an important part of establishing a bond and maintaining their health. Whether you’re in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Decatur or Midtown, this time of year it’s especially important to make sure your dog is cool and comfortable. Visit this article by Harriet Meyers with the AKC to learn how you should brush, bathe, and trim your dog to keep him feeling great this summer! Being comfortable means he’ll enjoy fun outdoor activities with you or his pet sitter even more.
And don’t forget that Buckhead Paws offers a Pet Taxi service if your pup ever needs a ride to the salon!
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Another Reason Why Atlanta Pet Sitting Clients Should Use a Professional Pet Sitting Service
If you’re considering using a dog walker or pet sitter in the Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Decatur, or Midtown areas of Atlanta, be kind to yourself and be sure to hire a professional pet sitting service that is both bonded and insured. Here’s a real-life example that demonstrates why this is so important.
One of our more experienced employees was visiting Boomer, a beautiful liver-and-white English Setter mix; he’s fun, lively, full of energy. Our usual routine is to walk around the block, then play in the large backyard, so Boomer can practice his tennis ball-chasing skills. Toshia and Boomer were playing with the tennis ball, when it bounced into a large patch of ivy. Boomer ran into the ivy, found the tennis ball . . . and gave out a yelp. He came limping out of the ivy patch (tennis ball in mouth!).
Our team member was trained as a Veterinary Technician, so she carefully examined his paw and lower leg, but couldn’t find anything, so she put him back in his crate, thinking it might have been a bruise. She went to her next client, but when she finished, she went back to check on Boomer. And when she did, she found his lower front leg very swollen and very tender. That’s when she called the office. We immediately called the client and got his OK to take Boomer to the vet, where a quick check found TWO sets of snakebites. Yep, Boomer had been bitten twice by a copperhead. He spent four days at the vet, and responded beautifully to treatment, no worse the wear for his adventure.
But here’s the rest of the story. In addition to calling the client and taking Boomer to the vet, we also called our insurance company and explained what had happened. And our insurance company covered the entire $1,100 vet bill. Remember, this happened at the client’s home, on their property; on another day, it might have happened when the client was playing with Boomer. But it happened on our watch, not the client’s. So our liability insurance covered the bill, without blinking an eye. Needless to say, the client was overjoyed.
This story has a happy ending. There were a number of times when a different action could have resulted in a different outcome. Our Buckhead Paws dog walker showed good judgement, deep concern for Boomer, and good decision-making skills. We acted quickly and communicated clearly. And, because we’re bonded and insured, the client was able to focus on caring for Boomer, rather than worry about paying for his care.
If we can be of service to you, call Buckhead Paws at 404-432-1192.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
A friend who knows I own a pet sitting business in Atlanta recently shared this sweet cartoon with me, and, while it was good for a little chuckle, I was struck by the wisdom behind it.
In his book, The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle writes, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.” That’s a lesson we can learn from our pets as well: They are always fully present, fully in the moment. If only we could do the same. Our pets don’t worry about “what if’s” or what they look like or their insecurities. As Tolle says, “An animal has no opinion of itself. It simply is.”
Our ego makes our lives more complicated than they need to be. Perhaps that’s one reason we love our pets so much: They uncomplicate our lives. In fact, the benefits of owning a pet mirror the benefits of doing meditation: Pets reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; they ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve our cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, pets can add real joy and unconditional love to our lives.
Our pets can help us to be fully present, and when we’re fully present, we don’t hate ourselves; we don’t love ourselves; we simply are ourselves.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
The Key To The Keys For Pet Sitters And Dog Walkers
One of the many challenges about running a dog walking and pet sitting business is that there are just so many different moving parts. And there’s no better example of that than managing the inventory of keys for our Buckhead Paws Atlanta-area clients.
Whenever a new client wants to use our services – whether for a dog walker or pet sitter – we always ask for two working copies of their house key. One is for the primary dog walker, the other is for contingencies and goes into a key safe in our Buckhead office. That sounds simple enough, doesn’t it?
But we have nearly 300 active pet sitting clients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Midtown, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Decatur. Some use our services seven days a week, some call only when they travel, and that may be only once a year. In the meantime, we have team members move on to other jobs, and we have new team members join us; clients move to a new location within our service area, or change locks on their home, or install keypad entry — any one of a variety of things might happen to affect the client’s key.
Oftentimes, we’ll hear from a client at the last minute, asking if we could have someone, “just drop by to give Fluffy a quick dog walk or play visit”. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Except . . . we need to look at which dog walker currently has that client’s key, and, if that person isn’t available, start figuring out how we can (a) find a team member who has availability, and (b) get a key to that person, and (c) if that team member has never been there before, can we really send them in “cold turkey?” We don’t like to do that . . . but we’ve done it occasionally to meet an urgent need for a client.
And the responsibility for keeping track of all these keys falls squarely on the shoulders of our incredibly capable Office Manager, Robin (see her 30-second introductory video here). Robin retired from the State of Georgia after 30 years of implementing all sorts of systems for doing and tracking things, so when it comes to keeping up with keys for hundreds of pet sitting clients, there’s no one better; she’s like a pit bull staying on top of it. All so we can keep things running smoothly and safely.
Hats off to Robin for her amazing efforts keeping up with the keys! If you haven’t used our pet sitting or dog walking services in a while but plan to in the future, do we have a current copy of your key?
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Summer is in full swing here in the Atlanta area, but with the warm weather come the fleas and ticks that both you and your pup dread. These parasites feed on your pet’s resources and can pose a huge threat to the overall health of our dog walking and pet sitting furry clients. We recommend educating yourself on how to protect your dog or cat this summer. Check out this articleby Samantha H writing in iheartdogs to learn how to keep these pests away during their prime season. If we’re vacation pet sitting while you’re away, your Buckhead Paws helper can administer the flea and tick treatments or meds for you.
And remember, your Buckhead Paws dog walker or pet sitter can be a valuable resource for all your other pet care questions, as well! Just give us a call at 404-432-1192.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
What To Tell Your Pet Sitter Before You Leave Atlanta
Whether you’re a new pet sitting client, someone who hasn’t needed us in a while, or one of our beloved “regulars,” the information in your Buckhead Paws Client Profile becomes even more important if you’re traveling. We tell our clients, “Pretend we’re coming into your home completely blind; we’ve never been there before, and we’ve never met you or your pet.” Clearly, the more complete the profile is, the more we can be of service. (This is also a good time to remind our regular clients to keep profiles current — situations change, and it always helps us to have the latest information). When you’re out of town and using our vacation pet sitting or overnight pet sitting services, an updated Client Profile helps us ensure that your dog or cat has a fun and safe vacation too.
A key element in building a relationship with a new dog walking client or getting reacquainted with you and your pet is the “Meet and Greet.” In fact, we don’t accept a new client without this all-important meeting. It’s complimentary, with no obligation to use our services, and it sets the foundation for our pet sitting relationship going forward. This is the time for you to tell us and show us everything you’d like us to know about your fur-kid(s): feeding instructions, routines, favorite dog walking routes, fears, phobias, likes and dislikes, meds, etc.
The following list is by no means exhaustive, but it gives a good idea of the kinds of things we want to discuss at the Meet and Greet, as well as keep current in the Client Profile:
How we should enter the home
Your pet’s medical history
Your pet’s behavioral history
The details of their mealtime routine
Your pet’s bedtime routine
Meds?
The location of supplies
Emergency information
Our primary goal is to provide complete peace of mind to our clients — clients need to have the freedom to focus on what they need to do; we can’t have you spending valuable time and energy worrying about what’s going on at home. A thorough Meet and Greet and a comprehensive Client Profile will help us do exactly that!
Click hereto update or create your Buckhead Paws Client Profile.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Understandably, the vast majority of our dog walking and pet sitting clients are from the Atlanta area (including Buckhed, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Decatur, or Midtown). But once in a while, we have a visitor from out of town who needs our services. And that was the case Saturday morning.
A man left a message on our Buckhead Paws phone at 6:35 am that he’d just arrived in town from North Carolina and was staying at the Westin Hotel in Buckhead. But they wouldn’t allow him to check in because his beagle, Chance, exceeded their weight limit. He was calling every service in town to try to find somewhere he could board Chance for the next two days.
Traditional boarding facilities couldn’t help on such short notice, because they always require a trial socialization period. And, at that hour of the morning, he wasn’t having any success connecting with other services.
Buckhead Paws heard the message about 7:20 am, and the client’s desperation came through loud and clear. We don’t have a kennel or boarding facility, but we do have a couple team members who could take in a pup in an urgent situation . . . and that’s just what this was.
A quick call to the client confirmed that he was indeed still trying to find a solution for boarding Chance. During the call, we asked if Chance has any behavioral issues. Without missing a beat, the client said, “Yep, he’s lazy!” Cracked us up!
The next reach-out was to Robert, the newest member of our team, who quickly stepped up and said, “Why, yes, indeed; I’d be delighted to host Chance for a couple days!” And so it was that within the next few minutes, we set up the client’s profile, put him in touch with Robert, and made arrangements for the handover. By 8:45 am, Chance was in good hands with Robert, and a very relieved, satisfied new client was on his way to do whatever he needed to do.
Chance’s dad took a chance on us . . . and we’re so glad he did! We aren’t always able to pull rabbits out of the hat like we did early on this Saturday morning, but it sure feels good when we do. Special thanks to Robert for making it happen!
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
No one is certain exactly why cats purr, although there are a number of good theories. The obvious conclusion is that they seem to make this noise when they’re feeling pleased and content with their circumstances. But that’s not always the case, as sometimes cats purr when they’re nervous, too. We may never really know what our cats are trying to tell us, but research from animal experts lets us make an informed guess. Stephen Dowling from the BBC explains further in his article, “The Complicated Truth About a Cat’s Purr”.
Whether your furry feline is in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Decatur, or points in between, your trusted pet sitters atBuckhead Paws will make your kitty purr with delight!
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
A potential new Atlanta client called recently, asking about pet care for their kitty cat. This prospective client was leaving town for a week. She said they have an extra-large food bowl that was always kept full, an extra-large water bowl, and an extra-large litter box. She asked if we could visit her kitty Monday and Thursday that week.
These kinds of calls aren’t uncommon: Some kitty owners ask us to come every two or three days. And some dog owners headed out of town have a doggie door and therefore say they need us to come only one time per day to feed. The short answer to both questions is, simply, no.
It would be great if I could blame our insurance company: “Oh, I’m so sorry, but our liability insurance requires us to visit at least once per day for cats, and at least twice per day for dogs.”
But that’s not the truth. The truth is that I just cannot, in good conscience, leave a beloved pet unattended for that length of time. It’s too easy for kitty to get trapped behind a refrigerator or locked in a closet. And it’s just too easy for a frisky pup to get locked out of a doggie door, or choke on a stick or a chipmunk or . . . whatever.
And so I tell prospective clients just that: Pet Sitters need to visit kitties at least once every 24 hours, and pups at the very least twice per day. That policy has cost us a few new clients (who think we’re trying to gouge them and make more for the company), but I sleep better at night knowing that we can look after the clients who do choose us for their pet sitting and dog walking needs.
Whether you’re traveling or just need us to come by during the day, Buckhead Paws is your complete Atlanta area pet care provider. Call us at 404-432-1192!
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
It’s true that most of our Atlanta pet sitting clients have dogs, but we also have a lot of kitties that we dearly love. I have such happy memories of my own kitty, Gigi – I had to say “Good-bye” to her about two years ago, after being together for over 19 years. Her passing left quite a hole in my heart.
Gigi was a great “kneader.” She often jumped up on my lap and began kneading my tummy before settling in for a nap. I found this behavior both endearing and annoying; after all, her claws were sharp little pinpricks! Recently, I found this article by Rae Paoletta of Inverse magazine explaining Why Cats Knead. It turns out this activity is every bit as adorable as it looks.
Call us atBuckhead Paws, 404-432-1192, and we’ll happily let your kitty knead our tummies!
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
How to Properly Socialize Your Puppy During Quarantine
Here’s a veryhelpful articlefrom The Scout Guide including comments from Mark Shaver, our owner at Buckhead Paws. Special thanks to Katie Newton at The Atlanta Scout Guide for reaching out.
If you’d like a hand socializing your puppy, dog walking, or pet sitting in the Atlanta area (Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, or Decatur), give us a call at 404-432-1192.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
You love everything about your pet except one thing: finding fur all over your house. We all know that pets can make a big, lovable mess. From carpeted stairs to hardwood floors and everywhere in between, it might feel like your four-legged friend’s hair is taking over. These pesky strands can be a tough challenge to clean because they cling to fabric surfaces. Your Buckhead Paws dog walkers and pet sitters found this list of affordable and effective pet hair vacuums that will get the job done.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Ruff-ly 2 million fur-kids are stolen every year in the U.S. Sadly, only 10 percent of stolen pets ever make their way back to their families – others are used as bait for dog fights, bred in a puppy mill, sold to labs that do animal testing, or face other cruel fates.
At Buckhead Paws, we CARE about the safety of your fur-babies and want to help you protect them. Here are some suggestions to help keep your beloved pets safe and sound:
Never leave your barking buddy alone in a yard, car, or tethered outside a place of business, even for a moment – it’s all the time a thief needs.
Having your pet spayed or neutered will help lessen your fur-kid’s tendency to want to roam and will also keep thieves that are stealing dogs to breed from taking your baby.
Don’t forget to have your fur-kid microchipped. Many pets have been reunited with their owners even YEARS later because of microchips. Affix an ID tag to your pet and make sure that you keep it and your microchip information updated if you move.
Need a mid-day check for your buddy? Let Buckhead Paws meet your pet sitting and dog walking needs. Our trained professionals know exactly what to do to make your baby feel spectacular and to keep them safe and sound. Call us today, 404-432-1192.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Barbara, a friend on Facebook, wrote about her greyhound’s separation anxiety. While we aren’t recommending one trainer or solution over another, I thought this story was share-worthy. There IS hope if your sweet dog experiences this!
“Isolation distress/separation anxiety is one of the most exasperating dog behaviors to work through. Anxiety in dogs is similar to that in humans. It simply doesn’t respond to logic. You can’t just leave your dog alone and let them “get over it.” Distressed dogs have jumped through glass and chewed through doors. You have to follow a slow course through ID/SA training. You read books, speak to your vet, enter online chatrooms, and find a community of people who get it. You get frustrated, angry, hopeful and hopeless, sometimes all in the same day.
I found Malena DeMartini Price online. She specializes in training owners to help their dogs. I spoke to her for an hour, free of charge. She made suggestions, and I signed us up for her training. After months, we had a breakthrough. This week I was able to do training absences 7 days running, all over an hour, 4 absences for 2 hours, and tonight I got to go to my book club without the dog (all while monitoring an app and the PupCam), and I was away for 3 HOURS.
We still have a ways to go, and I know that sometimes two steps forward translates to a step back, but I feel like I can see the light in the tunnel and can imagine having a life back again. I’m so appreciative of every friend and professional who has helped us.”
If the beloved pup in your life struggles with isolation anxiety, give us a call. We aren’t experts, but we can help you find resources who are.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Isolation can get us all down, but pets can bring us special joy no matter what our circumstances are. With the warmer weather , there are plenty of opportunities to have fun with your furry friend(s). And on rainy days, there’s always snuggle and indoor playtime. Here are some suggestions for activities that haven’t been canceled:
1. Take him, her or them on a special hike, while respecting social distancing. The Beltline, parks, and nature hikes are open. Here are some ideas:
Reminder: You know how hard it can be for dogs to drink out of a human’s water bottle, so bring a small or collapsible bowl to keep them hydrated. It’s also wise to pack a towel to dry off pups (or just clean their paws) before they hop back in the car.
3. Watch a dog-themed movie and snuggle on the couch! One dog we know is fascinated by watching The Wizard of Oz, especially the Munchkins.
4. If you don’t want to or can’t leave the house, book a dog walk with Buckhead Paws. Our “Daily Dog Walks” are 20-30 minutes, while “Extended Dog Walks’ are 45-60 minutes. Book online to give yourself and your pooch this special treat!
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Your fur-kid tells you s/he loves you all the time, but perhaps you aren’t paying attention. Buckhead Paws Dog Walking and Pet Sitting offers a few “I love you” messages you might be missing:
1. They bring you gifts. Like dead birds.
2. They act like you’ve been gone a year when you get home.
3. They take up your whole bed OR try to lie directly on top of you.
4. You can’t even pee in private because they want to be with you… always.
5. They taste-test your food if given the chance… just to make sure it’s not poisonous, right?
6. They chew up your favorite shoes, but only because they smell just like you and they miss you.
Need a pet sitter or dog walker in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Midtown Atlanta whom you can trust and who understands “animal-speak”?
Let Buckhead Paws meet your pet sitting, dog walking, and pet taxi needs. Our trained pet care professionals know exactly what to do to keep your dogs, puppies, kitties, and cats safe any time of the year.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Do you confuse your dog? Look at these eight ways you might be doing so.
I learned something new from this article and wanted to share it with you. The explanation for each item in this list bears reading for more insight that will help you and your furbaby connect.
1. You leave them alone (How can you do that to me???)
2. You are visually driven (That’s so boring!)
3. You change your shape and appearance (Hat or no hat? Sweater and slacks, or bikini?)
4. You like to hug (Makes it hard for me to chase squirrels)
5. You don’t like to be bitten (But I’ve got to chew on SOMETHING!)
6. You don’t eat food from the bin (How do you ever get a decent-sized bite?)
7. You share territories (But at least your friends don’t pee in your house)
8. You use your hands a lot (I don’t have opposable thumbs)
(And here’s a hint: a visit from Buckhead Paws can help your pup deal with #1)
(from an article by Melissa Starling and Paul McGreevy that appeared in The Conversation, 2/5/2020)
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Perhaps you’ve seen the stories recently that animal shelters and rescue organizations all across the country are experiencing something they’ve never seen before: empty cages! Yep, one positive outcome of our stay-at-home orders has been a surge of pet adoptions, as people everywhere who have been intending to adopt a pet “someday” finally decided that someday has arrived.
Even if you didn’t adopt, I bet your furry friend has been thrilled at having you home 24-7. More than likely, they’ve never before had this kind of quality time with you. However, now that we are gradually starting to open up again, there’s another factor to consider: separation anxiety.
Our pets thrive on consistency and predictability, and a sudden change in those routines can cause stress. There have been a number of articles recently about severe separation anxiety in our pets (see one here) once we return to work.
Even if you aren’t returning to work in the immediate future, there are things you can do now to help your pup deal with this stress when it happens:
Stick to your leaving-for-work routine – if you crate your pup when you go to work, continue to do so.
Or, give a favorite treat, then go for a walk on your own to simulate leaving.
Leave the house – of course, it can’t be for eight hours, but be absent for a little while.
Go to the grocery store, take a bike ride; you’ll enjoy the break!
Separate yourself – for a few of your working hours, go into an office or bedroom and close the door. They’ll know you’re there, but still have the sense of being home alone.
And, when you do return to your pre-quarantine routine, consider using a professional pet sitting service to help maintain the routines you’ve established. You and your pet will both have peace of mind.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
This is a really difficult time. We have so much negativity consuming us. We are rightly outraged at social injustice; the political divides between us only seem to grow larger; our economy is teetering on the brink of depression; and we are removed from family, friends, and everyday pleasures by the threat of a virus we can’t see.
Kindness, love, and compassion have never been more needed than they are now. It’s a good time to remember that our pets are unconditionally loving and are always there for us. In the midst of the turmoil, pause a moment, smooth the fur on your pet’s head, look them in the eye, and give them a long, deep hug. Not for them, but for yourself. Well, OK . . . for them, as well.
And when you need us, remember that Buckhead Paws is here to be of service. We’re masked, gloved, and ready to go.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
Buckhead Paws is the premier pet sitting and dog walking service in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The services they offer can accommodate all of a pet owner needs, from basic pet sitting to daily dog walker, and offering safe and secure in-home visits.
Whether you are a traveling professional or juggling a hectic schedule that requires additional help with your pet during the day, Buckhead Paws Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Services of Atlanta can meet all pet owner’s short and long-term needs. Read below to see 5 situations where you really need to use their services.
Superior care: Their services are a superior alternative to traditional pet boarding or doggie daycare. The pet sitters are highly trained professionals who are compassionate to the needs of your animal and care for your animal in the same loving and attentive manner you do. The manner of care is highly individualized, unlike the level of care found in standard pet boarding services or doggie daycares, where animals are grouped en masse and taken care of simultaneously. With Buckhead Paws, you get a level of quality unsurpassed in its multi-faceted approach of offering individualized, top-quality, and specialized care. The team members are employees, not unsupervised independent contractors, and that gives clients peace of mind.
In-home care: In-home pet sitting can be a worrisome experience. Not only are you faced with a stranger caring for your beloved pets, but you are also faced with opening your household to that same person. Each sitter is trained to handle your pet within the confines of your home with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. Buckhead Paws sitters must pass security checks and screenings, along with being trained on in-home standards of care. You can rest assured when you hire Buckhead Paws you will hire the best quality personnel available in terms of handling your in-home pet care needs. Currently, areas of service include most of the Metro Atlanta area. Call to inquire!
Specialized service: Buckhead Paws is not your run-of-the-mill pet-sitting service. They offer specialized levels of care which cannot be found elsewhere. Their services include the following: Pet play time, administration of medications, dog walking, scooping for dogs, litter box cleaning, watering plants, bringing in mail/newspapers/packages, taking out and/or bringing in garbage cans and recycling containers, turning lights on/off, opening and closing of blinds and curtains, and, of course, giving your beloved animals fresh water and food.
Buckhead Paws truly go above and beyond expectations: Their services have received substantial recognition with numerous awards, testimonials, and “Best of” awards. You can read about Buckhead Paws and their outstanding service on Kudzu, as well as peruse their many awards. They are also affiliated with Pet Sitters International.
Flexible, open, commitment-free scheduling: Buckhead Paws offers services catered to fit your scheduling needs. Whether you need a pet sitter for one day or one hundred days, they are able to accommodate you and your specialized needs. Their services include providing basic and specialized pet care for dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, exotic animals, and small mammals. If you are unsure if Buckhead Paws can provide care for your specific animal, just ask!
Affordability without compromise: Buckhead Paws offers a top-quality service at a competitive and affordable price which never compromises on integrity, compassion, or quality. When you hire Buckhead pet sitter, you get the best value for your hard-earned money.
Buckhead Paws team members treat your pet and your home as if they were their own, with diligence, conscientious consideration, and attention to detail.
That attention to detail is what sets Buckhead Paws apart from the multitude of other pet-sitting companies out there vying for your business. Through their trained and qualified professionals, you can receive services that will not only meet the specific needs of your pet but surpass your expectations as a consumer. When you hire Buckhead’s Paws, your pet and your home will be in the best hands available.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
When we think of owning a pet, the first thing that comes to mind is most likely the responsibility involved.
But that is just a side issue – like with human parenting, the great times in pet parenting far outweigh the effort involved. Dogs are such lovely creatures that lighten up anyone’s day.
Check these fun facts on dog breeds to see why.
1. A Dog’s Mind Is Brilliant
We can notice dogs are among the most intelligent creatures in the animal world. That’s because their intellect is similar to a 2-year old toddler’s.
Among the amazing cognitive processes dogs are capable of, we can count:
assuming another being’s perspective
learning from another one’s actions
cooperation
spontaneous and flexible gesture interpretation
problem-solving
2. Tail-Chasing
If you own several dogs, this is a familiar – and often funny – sight.
But what would be the explanation behind dogs’ chasing their tails?
compulsive behavior
hereditary traits (especially in the German shepherd breeds)
boredom
being or feeling solitary when they lack playmates
confinement in small spaces.
3. Time Sensing
This ability is the one which helps dogs rapidly pick up on schedules and routines.
But it also makes them feel your absence. More than that, there’s a study claiming they can also feel the time of the day.
This allegedly stems from dogs’ sense of smell and how it detects the time of the day by smelling the corresponding heat difference in the air.
4. Dreams
If reports about their intelligence are not enough, there’s even more dog abilities which can fascinate us.
They can dream due to their sleep behavior, which is similar to humans.
Their sleep patterns involve stages of muted brain activity and periods of liveliness called Rapid Eye Movement (REM).
5. Mind the Dog Food
If we are to guide ourselves by anatomical indicators, we should assume dogs can also be foodies.
That’s because of their tongues, which contain 1,700 taste buds – not far from humans’ 9,000.
An extra fun advantage dogs have is they can snatch a plate of cookies faster than humans can. It helps their smell is up to 100,000 more acute than ours.
6. An Atlanta Dog Walker’s Aid
If you’re walking your dog on a summer afternoon and it starts fidgeting around, take it as a sign.
A pet website poll revealed dogs can sense stormy weather approaching, so make sure you notice when they’re agitated.
7. Panting with a Reason
Hot weather is another situation dogs are well equipped to respond to.
If you see them looking exhausted and panting intensely, it’s because pants are their cooling mechanisms. They do have sweat glands, but their main air conditioner is panting.
A professional Atlanta dog walker knows rapid breathing enables water evaporation from the tongues and respiratory tracts. For this process to be efficient, dogs need to take 300-400 breaths per minute.
8. Curling for a Reason
When a dog curls inside its nook, it’s not just out of sleep. They also feel an age-old instinct to protect themselves against exterior perils.
9. America’s Best Friends
Do you have the impression you’re seeing dogs everywhere?
That’s because 62% of American households have a furry friend inside.
10. Extra Powers
Well, it’s not a power per se, but dogs do have night vision. It is enabled by a membrane called tapetum lucidum.
To close, we hope we helped you learned a few extra facts about your beloved pet. And if you don’t already own a dog, maybe you now feel compelled to pay a visit to your local pet store.
At Buckhead Paws, we’re more than happy to help with advice and offer dog walking services throughout Metro Atlanta.
Stay in touch with our blog activity and feel free to share other pet fun facts in the comments section.
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
In business since 2007, this Atlanta-based pet sitting company is solid, established, and takes very seriously every pet under their care. Among the many pet sitting services in the area, Buckhead Paws stands out.
Finding a pet sitting company can be stressful, and it’s not any easier when there are so many Atlanta pet sitters to choose from. However, Mark Shaver, the owner of Buckhead Paws, puts all of your stress and worry at ease.
In business since 2007, the company is bonded and insured, providing you with the security and peace of mind you need when someone else is entering your home and providing care for your pet. Many of their staff are certified in pet first-aid and able to help in the event your dog or cat has an emergency when you can’t be there.More
Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.
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