Can a Golden Retriever give you a feeling of Zen?
June 4th, 2010 | Published in Pet Sitting Business | 39 Comments
Summer is a very busy time for pet sitters and this Summer is no exception so far. We have many dogs boarding at our home and a lot of visits to clients homes to take care of their pets.
Yesterday when I was taking care of Dakota a sweet Golden Retriever, it dawned on me just how therapeutic visits are – actually they’re Zen like. It forces me to focus on the here and now and just enjoy being in the presence of this beautiful creature. The business side of pet sitting can make you forget the reason you started sitting in the first place. 
I decided to make my first video for my blog with me in it. I had to get over seeing myself on camera with my scrunched face and the sun in my eyes. I looked like Popeye! As Social Media Maven Ann Evanston says – you have to get over what you look like and just do it! Ann’s this one’s for you.
I hope you enjoy this fun video and see how great my job is.
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June 4th, 2010 at 1:45 pm (#)
Chris, this was GREAT! And you looked wonderful, I did not see any scrunchy face. Thanks so much for the smiles – I’m going to run out and get the Z’s a ball like Dakota’s!
June 5th, 2010 at 4:04 am (#)
That was a great video Chris. Sometimes I have to go out for a visit and I just don’t feel like it. Once I get there and get doggie kisses or head butts from the kitties it makes it worth the trip.
Happy sitting
June 5th, 2010 at 2:23 pm (#)
I know, I’ve had to leave parties to go take care of a dog. You hate to leave, but once you’re there, all that goes away. I didn’t know you were a pet sitter. How long have you been doing it?
June 5th, 2010 at 2:27 pm (#)
Hi Sabrina, you know how it is watching yourself on camera! I’ve always hated pictures of me. That ball is a hard plastic by the way. Give Zach and Zoey a kiss for me!
June 7th, 2010 at 8:21 am (#)
Love the video.We can all relate to hating to see ourselves on video. Ann is right… it’s the MESSAGE not how you look. But you look great and sound great. Love this video. It just SCREAMS that summer is HERE finally. Nicely done.
Chrystal´s last blog ..Craigslist Adventures & Erotica on Better Sex Radio
June 7th, 2010 at 8:55 am (#)
he he…i too am working on seeing myself in my videos. What a critical mind I have! sigh…but back to the subject at hand…yes! one of the reasons I love dogs is that they are so present. A constant reminder to be here now…and that WAS no pun intended but rather true for me!
Irene Turner´s last blog ..Display Tips for Living with Books-via Napa and Santa Rosa
June 7th, 2010 at 10:20 am (#)
I need a job like this. Wow – what a cute dog. He just plays by himself. He reminds me of a little child. Don’t you wish all jobs were this easy!?
Clyde Lerner´s last blog ..Domestic Violence leading to Death – Easily Predicted
June 7th, 2010 at 10:25 am (#)
I find your blog very interesting and wonder if you have dog sitter contacts in Park City, Utah for my 2 little pooches.
You looked great btw!
Louise Edington´s last blog ..My Au Pairs at May Meeting
June 7th, 2010 at 10:36 am (#)
Congratulations, Chris, on your first video blog! You did a great job, and I really see no resemblance to Popeye!
Yes, our pups can leave a feeling of Zen. We have two Tibetan Terriers–one three and one 6 months. Millken (the 3 y/o) has his own Facebook page. Minnie will probably just join his. In any event, I like what I saw on your online store and will be back! Thank you for the post!
Dawn Thomas´s last blog ..Some ask…Is Lending getting Worse or Better?
June 7th, 2010 at 11:09 am (#)
This is so wonderful to see! How great to know there are pet sitting places like this out there. Do you take care of cats too? I love how you used the video.
June 7th, 2010 at 12:05 pm (#)
Chris, you look like you have the best job in the world – one that is fun and worth doing it! Dakota is adorable! Where’s the German sheperd, and do you pet sit any Shibas?:)
Love your video and the fact I can put a voice to your face now!:)
Cheers,
Lee
June 7th, 2010 at 12:34 pm (#)
Chris (AKA: PopEye):
I completely get your point – a Golden will give you Zen.
BTW – Since you’re having so much fun, you can always pay the dog owner for this ZEN therapy.
Enjoy!
-THE DOG OWNER.
P.S. Dakota’s kitty sibling is Sadie Hawkins, but she comes to “Kitty-Kitty.”
June 7th, 2010 at 12:50 pm (#)
HA HA and thank you for Sadie’s name! No, I’m not going to pay you. You’re payment is the satisfaction of knowing how much you’re helping the world with Dakota!
Thanks for the Zen Dave!
Chris
June 7th, 2010 at 12:52 pm (#)
Hi Lee, yes, it’s a pretty good job most days. It would be great if I didn’t have to worry about the business side! The German Shepherd went home and yes I do watch Shiba’s. If you look on my profile pic on my fan page http://www.facebook.com/waggyspetproducts, you’ll see a Shiba licking my face. He is the photographers dog and one of my clients. I love that breed! Do you have one?
June 7th, 2010 at 12:53 pm (#)
Hi Donna, Thanks and there’s thousands of pet sitters out there that care and love for pets everyday. Yes, I do take care of cats. Dakota has a sister, but she doesn’t come outside. Before I play with Dakota, I love on his sister. do you have a cat?
June 7th, 2010 at 12:55 pm (#)
Hi Dawn, I’ve never had a Tibetan Terrier to take care of, but I know they’re adorable. Check back to my store, it’s being completely redone. I’ll be able to publish it very soon! Good luck with your new puppy and maybe someday Minnie will have her own blog.
June 7th, 2010 at 12:59 pm (#)
Hi Louise, you’re very sweet! No, I don’t know anyone personally, but if you google pet sitters in Park City, I’m sure there will be plenty. You can also check the pet sitters international website. Go to http://www.petsit.com/. Good luck. I also did a post about what to look for in a pet sitter that you may find helpful. go to: http://waggyspettipsandtales.com/2010367-tips-on-choosing-the-right-pet-sitter-gut-feelings-go-a-long-way/
June 7th, 2010 at 1:01 pm (#)
Hi Clyde, yes I do wish all jobs were like this, but there’s always the business side to any business, but the dogs make it all worth it! All dogs are like toddlers – they live in the present and let you know exactly what they think of you. Thanks Chris
June 7th, 2010 at 1:02 pm (#)
Hi Irene, Dogs are what people should be like – if they like you, you know it and if they don’t, you know it too. They don’t play mind games and give you so much love. That’s really why I do this. The love that you get everyday is awesome!
June 7th, 2010 at 1:03 pm (#)
Hi Chrystal, Thanks for the kind words and yes Summer is finally here! You’re bliss radio sounds interesting. I didn’t know they had anything like Bliss radio.
June 8th, 2010 at 4:40 pm (#)
I have been sitting for my grandpup. At first it seemed like a chore but I love his company. We have been on lots of walks and he loves to cuddle with me on the couch while I work on the computer.
Julia M Lindsey´s last blog ..6 Reasons Why Every Author Should Have a Blog
June 9th, 2010 at 1:59 am (#)
Congrats on getting that video done and putting it out there! You did a great job. I think the Zen experience gave you the good vibes to tackle this new challenge.
The whole topic makes me think of the studies that have been done showing that pet owners have longer, happier lives…
I enjoy peeking into the life of a pet sitter! Thanks for sharing.
June 9th, 2010 at 6:48 am (#)
Chris — Great video! It was a great idea to add it because it really let me as a visitor share your “zen experience.” It was a breath of fresh air on a busy Wednesday morning to virtually play with Dakota in your video. And, what’s with the Popeye reference? No way! I love to see someone who so obviously loves her work.
Haley Montgomery´s last blog ..BP, Leftovers & Jesus: A Dialogue
June 9th, 2010 at 8:19 am (#)
What fun! I am so looking forward to playing with animals again! I have not had one of my own for about 5 years. Now that I am going to be house sitting for people I will be able to play with pets again! It will be a win/win. Love the video and you look great!
BTW Louise- If you are looking for a house and pet sitter for something like 3-4 weeks min. I would be up for it- I love Utah!
Cheryl McDonald´s last blog ..On to the Next Big Adventure
June 9th, 2010 at 8:34 am (#)
Hi Cheryl, I always thought housesitting would be fun. I used to do overnight visits where I slept at the owners home, but with kids, a husband and other dogs at my house, it just didn’t out. Have fun and I hope you get a lot of great pets to play with.
June 9th, 2010 at 8:35 am (#)
Thanks Haley, I just meant because the sun was in my face and I was all scrunched up like Popeye. I’m glad you liked it and gave you a tiny vacation in your day.
June 9th, 2010 at 8:36 am (#)
Hi Annie, now if I can get the business side to give me a feeling of Zen, I’d be in great shape! I think pet owners live longer because of all the love they get. I should live to 200 then!!
June 9th, 2010 at 8:37 am (#)
I know pets can also be a challenge. It’s not all bellyrubs and kisses, but the pros far out way the cons. I’m glad you’re learning to love your grandpups company. Sometimes it takes a while to warm up to certain dogs. Enjoy
June 9th, 2010 at 9:38 am (#)
Chris! Wow I think this is your best blog post so far! I love what your write and the video- just a greater level of connection! Congrats!
Ann Evanston
America’s Social Media Psychologist
Ann Evanston´s last blog ..Communication Skills Business: We are ALL in it
June 9th, 2010 at 9:57 am (#)
Chris I loved the video. It really gave me a sense of who you are and what you do. I want to jump in the pool.
A friend of mine runs a residential treatment center for Alzheimer’s patients and they have a house dog Stella – a Golden Retriever. She wonderful.
Bill Browning´s last blog ..Home is Where the Heart Is…
June 9th, 2010 at 12:59 pm (#)
Thanks Ann I really appreciate it. I thought what the hell, it’s time to do more video. I probably won’t be posting next week. I’m finishing up some projects and am just too buried to blog, but I do have one in mind. See ya
June 9th, 2010 at 1:00 pm (#)
Hi Bill, I’m sure Dakota would love to have you jump in the pool with him! I think it’s wonderful when therapy dogs can help sick or ailing people. There’s nothing like a dog to brighten your day. Thanks Chris
June 9th, 2010 at 3:17 pm (#)
Okay Chris I didn’t see the scrunched up lady with sun in her eyes. I did see a lovely lady who inspired me to get on the move making videos too. I’m glad to know almost everyone hates how the look on video. I need to get over myself! I think I will be over myself by August – video to come.
June 9th, 2010 at 4:00 pm (#)
Fantastic!!! Love the video! great job
atticus´s last blog ..Doppalganger Pool Party!
June 9th, 2010 at 8:57 pm (#)
Chris I love the video and being a dog owner I always enjoy our outdoor activities- forced to take time out and do nothing but be. Very refreshing mentally. Thank goodness for pet sitters or our dogs would suffer! Good for you for taking the video plunge, I have to get on the roll too.
Jen
The Home Makeover Mixtress Blending cool & cozy style
Jennifer Duchene´s last blog ..Artist at Home Decorating Ideas
June 10th, 2010 at 8:15 am (#)
Hi, what questions do you have for me? Chris
June 10th, 2010 at 8:17 am (#)
Hi Jennifer, it wasn’t easy doing it, but now that I’ve broken the ice, it should be easier from now on. You have lots of opportunities to do videos with being an interior decorator. You could give us tips on colors, patterns, scale. Just short little tips would be great. I love to decorate, but never have the time anymore. I really miss it. Thanks Chris
June 10th, 2010 at 8:18 am (#)
Thanks Atticus, what about you? Is there a video in your future? You’ll have the “bitches” falling all over you!
June 10th, 2010 at 8:19 am (#)
Lisa your profile pic is beautiful. You shouldn’t worry. You have a lot to offer and we could use some tips on how to live positively! Go for it. Chris