10 Years!  Where Did the Time Go?

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On October 24, Weather or Not Dog Walkers will officially celebrate 10 years in business. TEN YEARS! I’m still trying to wrap my head around that. 

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When I started Weather or Not back in 2016, my goal was pretty simple. I wanted to provide dependable, compassionate pet care and give families peace of mind when they couldn’t be home.

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What I didn’t realize then was just how much the pets we cared for would teach us.

 

Over the years, we’ve celebrated new puppies, watched kittens grow into opinionated adults, cared for pets through their senior years, and said some very difficult goodbyes. We’ve built relationships with families who have trusted us with some of the most important members of their households, and I’ll never take that for granted.

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When we first started, I thought providing great pet care meant showing up when we said we would, making sure everyone was fed, walked, and happy, and keeping their families updated. Of course, those things are important, but after spending so much time with so many different pets, I've learned how important it is to really know them. Their routines, their personalities, their little quirks, and the things they do every single day. Because when something changes, even something small, we want to recognize it.

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Sometimes those little changes mean nothing, but they could also be the first hint that something needs our attention.  ​That’s a big part of why I’ve become so passionate about proactive pet care, wellness education, and helping families prepare for the unexpected.

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Looking back over the last 10 years, I think about the clients who have been with us almost from the beginning, the pets we've watched grow old, and the employees who have helped make Weather or Not what it is today. Some of those pets are no longer with us, and I still think about them. When you care for someone's pets for years, they become part of your life, too.

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I'm incredibly grateful that so many families have trusted us with their pets over the years. Here's to the next 10!

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Now, let’s talk about something that can make a real difference in your pet's everyday life.

 

Is Your Pet Slowing Down? Don’t Automatically Blame Age.

 

Have you ever noticed your dog taking a little longer to get up after a nap? Maybe they’re not quite as enthusiastic about jumping into the car, or they’re choosing a shorter route during your daily walk.  Perhaps your cat, who used to leap onto the kitchen counter without a second thought, has started taking the scenic route using a chair.

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It's easy to chalk these changes up to getting older. After all, we don't move quite the way we did 20 years ago either! While slowing down is common as our pets age, discomfort isn't something we should automatically accept as normal.

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I've experienced this firsthand with Stark, our (almost) 12-year-old yellow Lab. He's always been pretty easygoing, but as he's gotten older, I've noticed changes in how he moves. He can no longer jump into the car on his own, and getting around isn't always as easy as it used to be.

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We've made a few adjustments at home to help him stay comfortable, including moving our mattress to the floor so he doesn't have to navigate getting on and off the bed. Yes, we've rearranged our sleeping arrangements for the dog. If you're a pet parent, you probably understand. 🤣

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One thing I've learned with Stark is that it's important not to assume every change is simply because he's getting older.  We've also noticed changes in his bark and increased panting, which has raised questions about whether something beyond normal aging might be going on.  That's really the point I want to make. Even when you know your pet incredibly well, it can be difficult to tell what's normal aging and what deserves a closer look. Getting older comes with changes we can't always control. What we can do is recognize those changes, ask questions when something doesn't seem right, and find ways to help our pets stay comfortable and enjoy their senior years.

 

Joint discomfort, arthritis, injuries, and other health issues can affect how our pets move. Animals are often so good at adjusting to these changes that we may not even notice something is different until it's been happening for a while.

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A few things worth paying attention to include:

• Taking longer to stand up after resting

• Hesitating before jumping or climbing stairs

• Stiffness, limping, or changes in walking

• Less interest in walks or playtime

• Changes in grooming habits, particularly in cats

• Choosing different sleeping or resting spots

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These changes don’t necessarily mean something serious is happening, but they do deserve attention. Your veterinarian can help determine what’s behind them and whether treatment, home changes, or additional support might help.

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That brings us to this month’s quick wellness check!

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60-Second Pet Check: Watch Them Move

 

This month, take just one minute to watch your pet move around the house.  Don’t call them over or encourage them to do anything unusual. Just observe them as they go about their normal routine.

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For dogs: Watch how easily they get up after resting, walk across the room, turn corners, and navigate stairs.

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For cats: Notice how they jump onto their favorite spots, climb down from furniture, and move through the house.

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Does anything seem different from a few weeks or months ago?

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If you notice a change, note it. A short video can also help you share with your veterinarian, especially if your pet suddenly moves perfectly normally once you arrive at the clinic. Funny how that happens!

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Remember: Knowing what’s normal for your pet is one of the simplest tools you have for recognizing when something changes.

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Wellness Spotlight: Joint Support Plus

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Since we’re talking about mobility this month, let’s talk about joint health.

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As our pets age, supporting their comfort and mobility becomes increasingly important. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing appropriate exercise, creating comfortable resting spaces, and working with your veterinarian can all make a difference.

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Joint supplements may also fit into a pet’s overall wellness plan.

 

One product I offer through pawTree is Joint Support Plus, a supplement designed to support joint health and mobility.  I especially appreciate supporting our pets before they face significant mobility challenges, though supplements aren’t a substitute for diagnosing or treating an underlying medical problem.

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If you’ve noticed changes in how your dog or cat moves, start by talking with your veterinarian. If you’re interested in learning more about nutritional joint support, I’m always happy to help you explore your options.

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Pet First Aid Corner: What If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic?

 

With Halloween right around the corner, candy and other potentially dangerous items may be more accessible than usual.

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Chocolate, sugar-free candy containing xylitol, certain medications, and other household products can seriously harm pets.

Here's  what should you do if your pet gets into something they shouldn’t?

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First, don’t panic, but don’t wait for symptoms either.

• Remove access to whatever your pet got into and try to determine what they ate, how much, and approximately when. Keep the packaging if possible.

• Contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary hospital, or an animal poison control service right away.

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One important thing to remember: Never induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or animal poison control professional specifically instructs you to do so.  Depending on what your pet swallowed, vomiting could actually make the situation worse.

 

Save these numbers somewhere you can find them quickly:

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• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435

• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

 

Consultation fees may apply.

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​Five Fall Hazards Pet Parents Often Overlook​

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​Fall is one of my favorite times of year to get outside with the dogs, but the season brings a few hazards to keep in mind.

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1. Wild mushrooms. Some are harmless, but others can be extremely toxic. Since identifying them can be difficult, it’s safest to keep pets from eating any wild mushrooms.

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2. Acorns and Other Fallen Nuts. Acorns can cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten, and larger pieces may pose a choking or intestinal blockage risk. But here's something you might not think about: they can also get wedged between your dog's paw pads! Thorin was notorious for getting acorns stuck between his toes. I swear, he couldn't walk past an oak tree without bringing one home. 🤣 It's a good reminder to check those paws after fall walks, too!

 

3. Rodenticides. As temperatures drop, rodents may move indoors, increasing trap and poison use. Keep these products completely inaccessible to pets.

 

4. Halloween candy. Chocolate and xylitol-containing sweets are particular concerns. Keep candy bowls, trick-or-treat bags, and discarded wrappers out of reach.

 

5. Shorter daylight hours. Evening walks can make it harder for drivers to see you. Reflective gear, lights, and extra attention at intersections help keep everyone safer.

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A few simple precautions can help keep our pets safe while we're out enjoying everything fall has to offer.

 

Community Corner: Paws & Pumpkins Is Almost Here!

​Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 1!

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We’re getting ready for Paws & Pumpkins at Covenant Community Services, a fun fall event benefiting Thorin’s Promise and Covenant Community Services.

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We’ll have trunk-or-treat fun, vendors, and an opportunity to enjoy the day with fellow animal lovers.  Friendly, well-behaved pups are welcome!

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Thorin’s Promise is especially close to my heart. Through the nonprofit, we help families facing unexpected veterinary emergencies, because no one should have to make a heartbreaking decision about a beloved pet based solely on finances.

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Events like Paws & Pumpkins help us continue that mission while bringing our community together.

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I hope to see some familiar faces there!