Sandra Larson’s Blog

Do you know anything about Service Animals or anyone who does? If you do, please let me know. We would love to have you or your expert on one or more of our monthly radio shows for the month of September in which the topic is Service Animals. It would it would be great to have someone who knows about the special gifts these animals bring to humans. It can be any animal species, for example dogs, cats, horses or even classroom animals like rabbits, gerbils or hamsters. This month we featured stories about pet rats thanks to Holly. Also, we would love for you to send in your stories about Service Animals to be shared on the radio shows and in our September Newsletter. You are all the best! You come through every time I send out a request. Thanks to all of you who sent in animal shows around the world. You all amaze me!

Sandra

Comments by Hannah regarding the International Animal & Intuitive Translator Call (IIT)

Holly

Once in a while a client is kind enough to share the intuitive hits from our animal communication session. Holly has done this in great detail. If you are thinking about have an animal communication session with me, you may want to read the hits that Holly shared with me. Thank you Holly! Sandra

Hi again, Sandra:

I wanted to write you a separate email to tell you about what I call “hits,” which means things that you said that you couldn’t have possibly known without making some kind of larger connection, either to my beloved kids, or to a greater source energy. I may forget some things, but I’ll do my best to remember.

Some of these things are very personal…I’m sure you’ll be able to tell that I never, ever repeated some of this to anyone. Except, of course, my pets. They understand me.

I am sure this email will turn out to be a long one, so you may want to read it in stages.

——————-

WHAT YOU SAID: “All of the animals want to come to you. It’s like you’re Snow White, or something.”

WHAT IT MEANS TO ME: I think I was 13 or 14 the first time someone told me that I look like Snow White. Since then, a couple of people who were employed as “characters” by Disneyland encouraged me to try out for the role of Snow White, as they thought I was that close a match. (I never did try out, though.) I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of a “pillow book,” but it’s a book that is printed on soft, blanket like pages, with fluffy covers, that closes with Velcro. Just two days ago, I received the “pillow book” that I had ordered, and put it on my bed. The book? “Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.” When I first read through the book, I was surprised to see that there were animals of all kinds in almost every illustration, and indeed, they played a big part in the story: the kind, woodland creatures led Snow White to the Dwarfs’ hut. Often, in fairy tales, animals have an important role to play. For instance, Cinderella’s evil stepmother empties a pot of lentils into the ashes from the fire. She tells Cinderella that if she can pick out all of the lentils in one hours time, she can go to the ball. Friendly birds show up, and help her pick through the ashes, and she succeeds in her task…but of course, the evil stepmother doesn’t let her go anyway - she’s evil!

——————-

WHAT YOU SAID: “I see you with many animals, like a fawn and a rabbit.”

WHAT IT MEANS TO ME: For awhile now, I’ve wanted to buy a statuette of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, to watch over my “kids.” I just got this statue last week, and put it up in my room. I don’t follow any particular religion, but I like Francis because he’s kind to animals. Anyway, the statuette is mostly a figure of Francis, and he’s holding a little bird on his hand. Many animals are carved into his robe. But the only animal that is fully articulated in this statue is…yes, a fawn. Also, my mother and I have already selected our burial plots, next to each other. This part of the memorial park grounds borders on a wildlife sanctuary. The man who helped us find what we really wanted let us know that deer come to where our plots are, and graze on the bushes, and bunnies visit all year round, and eat the tasty grass. I felt very good, knowing that even after death; my earthly body would be with the animals.

All kind of weird “coincidences” that really aren’t coincidences happen to me concerning animals all of the time. I’ll tell you the highlights of the last one. When Maüs passed away, I got a manicure, and had the girl put metal letters on four fingers: “M-A-U-S.” I was across town the other day, when I noticed that the “S” was missing. I headed out to my nail place, which was 15 minutes away. When I got there, I found that they had a baby sparrow, very young, which had fallen out of his nest. As they fixed my nail, I took charge: “Do you have a box? We need to put him in a small area to make him feel safe.” (They had a plastic cup.) “Do you have any towels? We need to keep him warm.” And so on. Then, I started calling around town, to see which animal hospitals worked in conjunction with Project Wildlife, and would take the little bird. I found one - which just happened to be the place where I take all of my pets in the event of an emergency. They are a 24- hour emergency place. The weirdest “coincidence” is that the pet place was in La Mesa, by Grossmont Center. That was where I was going in the first place, for lunch. So…I dropped off baby bird, and headed to lunch. But how did he know to be there? I didn’t even know I was going to be there! And how does everyone find me?

—————–

WHAT YOU SAID: This is about Gus. “I see a picture of someone sitting in a chair, and lifting him up to ‘The Banquet Table.’”

WHAT IT MEANS TO ME: When I had Gus (and Boo,) I only had two ratties. On their birthdays, which we celebrate every six months, I would lay out a huge spread of food on the dining room table…everything I could think of, and more. We had to go out and buy more “little rat bowls” to put all of the treats in. Then, when it was birthday time, I would lift the boys onto the table, where they would be free to roam around and eat whatever they pleased. (Then, we would open presents, and any leftover food would be put in their cage with them. Now that I have five or six rats at a time, we stopped the “Banquet Table,” and celebrate in a more practical way.)

Here is a picture of Gus at a birthday celebration, on “The Banquet Table.” You can see how it compares to your image:

GUS AT THE FEAST:

THE BIRTHDAY FEAST:

WHAT YOU ALSO SAID ABOUT GUS: “He says, ‘The best way to a rat’s heart is through his stomach.’”

WHAT IT MEANS TO ME: I give all of my rats a “choice” in what they eat. Most of them eat reasonably, and stay at about a pound and a half at most. But every once in awhile, I get what I call a “big fat flat rat,” who eats everything, and eventually looks like a big “puddle of rat” when he waddles around. Gus was one of these. He weighed more than three pounds. He talked a lot about food, and that was exactly what he was like in life…food was always the most important thing. This was a BIG “hit!”

—————–

WHAT YOU SAID: We were talking about Maüs, and the first thing you said (and you said it in a couple of different ways,) was that you saw him “standing on his hind legs, with his front legs outstretched.”

WHAT IT MEANS TO ME: It took me awhile to figure this one out. On my body, I have several tattoos, all of them rats. Some of them are “any rat,” while others represent specific rats. I have a little one on the back of my neck that represents Vincent Vega, my albino rat who has passed on. The biggest and most artistic of my tattoos is hidden on my upper thigh, where no one ever sees it, and it is of Gus and Boo. I can tell who the rats are just from looking:

It finally dawned upon me that the figure of Maüs standing up with his arms outstretched was referring to a tattoo of “him” on my ankle. It doesn’t look much like him, as far as color goes, but it was always meant to represent him. Here it is:

At first, I wondered to myself what he was “saying” in this pose. Is it, “I didn’t do it?” Maybe it’s something as simple as, “Give me a sweetie.” But I finally found out what he was “saying” the next time I brought a baby rattie home. A baby will live by himself, in a small cage, for a week or two, becoming accustomed to the smell of the other boys, and vice-versa. I take the baby out to play by himself. I noticed that, when I sat next to the baby cage, this ankle was flush with the cage, and the arms of the rat in this tattoo were reaching out to catch the young baby, to let him know that the rats here are friendly! So, yes, that’s Maüs!

—————–

WHAT YOU SAID: “When Maüs died, he sprouted wings, and he took on a crystal body. Do you have anything crystal?”

WHAT IT MEANS TO ME: Last Christmas, my mother in law gave me a small, crystal angel. It has wings, a halo, and the arms are carrying a heart. For a long time, the angel has been breaking at the waist…the narrowest place. But a couple of days ago, I noticed that it was also broken at the base. Maüs had died less than a week before that, and I really hadn’t looked at that bookshelf where the angel was since he died. You said that it was likely that he “took on” that form, and that even though I was trying to glue the angel together, it was likely it would break again, because Maüs was using that body now. You gave me a good idea of how to picture him.

—————–

WHAT YOU SAID: You asked me if Maüs often got pet with my hands, or enjoyed being touched by my hands.

WHAT IT MEANS TO ME: This is really something special. Each night, after everyone else had gone to sleep, he and I would sit on “his” chair - a recliner. Sometimes he would go above my head, and that area was called “up there.” Sometimes, he would go on the flat part of the recliner that pops up when it reclines, and that was called “down there.” But he had a very specific signal he gave me when he wanted to be pet. He snuggled in the area between my left leg and the arm of the chair. “Pet you?” I would ask. “Pet your body?” He sometimes stayed to be pet for as long as an hour; usually it was a half hour to 45 minutes. But yes, he definitely had a “relationship” with my hands. (For some time after he died, I felt as though I was defined as “the girl who doesn’t have Maüs to visit on the chair at night.”) I am so glad he made reference to this!

Here’s a picture of Maüs, that handsome guy:

——————–

WHAT YOU SAID: You may wish to look at the above picture concerning this. When we were talking about Maüs, you said, “I see a shell. Like an abalone shell.” You specifically said the word “abalone.”

WHAT IT MEANS TO ME: As you can see in the picture above, there is an ~abalone~ shell in the “palatial” cage. My boys use it for taking naps, or storing good food. Maüs is just about ready to settle down and take a nap.

——————

WHAT YOU SAID: First of all, it’s more “how you said it.” When we started to talk about my dog, Vela, your whole tone of conversation changed. You used a larger vocabulary, and a more “serious” expression came to your voice. That is definitely Vela. She was so regal, so dignified…I would say that she was “almost human,” but that would be an insult, as she easily surpassed most of humanity. We often referred to her as “royalty,” or “the Queen.” I was so very fortunate that she came into my life; she was my best friend for 17 1/2 years, and I could tell her anything…and know that she really understood me. She had a great sense of humor, too.

—————–

WHAT YOU SAID: “I’m getting a picture of a finger. A finger pointing down. The pointer finger? I’m only seeing the finger and the hand.”

WHAT IT MEANS TO ME: Taking my pointer finger, holding it vertically, and then pointing down was my nonverbal way of telling her to “sit.” She learned this by being rewarded with food or bonies. I always thought that it was neat that we would be able to do a commercial…she could sit with no verbal cue. Now, who knew about this? My mother, myself, and Vela. Later, she said that she liked to show me she was a “well mannered” dog. “Well mannered” doesn’t even begin to cover it! Let’s start with “exemplary,” and work our way up from there! How I loved her…if it was important to her to please me, I am sure she now knows that I was VERY pleased.

Here is a picture of the Most Regal, Vela. Yes, she is looking for her Christmas presents. Christmas was her favorite day. That’s Devo, the Italian Greyhound, in the background.

____________________________________

I want you to know that I was going to believe what you told me, because I had done my research, studied your page, and…that’s it. I believe you. But some people need things like these “hits,” in order to be able to believe the rest of it.

I paid close attention, and I also took notes; that is how I remember so many details. I thought it would be interesting for you to see how many specific things you mentioned, and what they were.

Take good care,
Holly and the “kids”

Hi, Sandra,
An unusual and, for me, wonderful thing happened today! A lovely female dog, which looks similar to Paloma & our other kids came to our door! As we live on top of a hill, this is rare.

She is such a loving girl, but when she arrived she seemed in bad shape - no collar, dirty, hungry, and full of fleas. We gave her a bath & put Advantage flea medication on her. I have some collars & leashes to donate to the needy dogs…where we got Paloma…and I picked out a cute red one with paw prints on it for her. She ate some chicken & rice with our kids for lunch, snacks, and for dinner…STEAK! I also gave her a good brushing.

We drove around, looking for her family, and posted notices at all of the nearby vets and pet stores, but when late evening rolled around, we had to face the sad truth that she had been abandoned. This happens often in our area - countryside, but no one ever comes to the top of our hill. She was very eager to jump in the car when we embarked on our search, which also made us think she was forced OUT of a car at some point.

Well, to make a long story short, everything seemed so predestined that we decided on the spot that she would now have a home…with us! It will be a bit of a financial issue, since we just adopted Paloma (who is less than thrilled about this. I am sure that eventually, all of the dogs will “find their place” and become secure & happy in their home.) Since I have been writing & illustrating the children’s book about Gus, I’ve been thinking about animal angels a lot. I decided to call her Angel.

We got a beautiful black name tag with “diamonds” on it; even though we have never “lost” a dog yet, if we should lose her, she will be returned to her family, who love her so much!

All day I was thinking about writing to you, to see if you “sent” her to me. However, it was obviously a busy day, and I didn’t get a chance until now. I thought you would enjoy the story, since you love & understand animals on a deep level.

Tomorrow, Paloma & Angel are going to see Dr. Lorrie, our vet & my friend. She’ll make sure everyone is doing ok.

Oh, there’s one more thing:

Often, only an animal’s love can make me feel better. Tonight, my bedroom door caught on a throw rug as I opened it. I whacked my face pretty hard, and got a minor bruise around my eye. As I cried with pain, Angel came to comfort me. I buried my face in her fur, & she “absorbed” my pain. What a girl!

—————-

I’m sorry to be inundating you with emails! Our talk made me feel like a friendship is beginning to bud, and we have very common interests. Also, you inspire me & make me feel, somehow, special & unique.

Just wanted you to know that I was able to write this because I have an iPad. It allows me to write in bed, or anywhere. Right now, Angel is curled up next to me, finally secure enough to get some well needed & well deserved sleep. She is a true angel.

I have the entire text of the book written & laid out. I have illustrated 5 pages so far. I am very excited! Thanks for the Inspiration!

I’ll send a photo of Angel when I download one to my computer. Meantime, I’ll call in at 12, or slightly before, on Sunday. I have some good ideas about “rat freedom.”

Talk with you then!

Love,
Holly & the kids

In 2005 I met Denise Linn at the “I Can Do It” Convention in Las Vegas. I attended a session with her along with several hundred other people. She took us on a journey through our lifetime and also through our parents’ lifetimes, too. She guided us to understand what our parents’ purpose was for us in our lives. I wept openly to discover how much my parents really loved me and ultimately chose to be my parents for my highest and best good.

Sandra

SPIT ON THE BUDDHA

Someone recently wrote to me and said that for many years various spiritual teachers told her that she was meant to be a healer. The weight of feeling that she was destined to be a healer (and then not being one) made her feel like she was a constant failure. She then had a breakthrough and heard these words, as if from above: “I love you for who you are. You do not need to do anything. What you do does not mean anything before my Love. Just do whatever you love to do“.

These words changed her life. I especially like the statement, “Just do whatever you love to do.”

This e-mail made me think about something that is called “spit on the Buddha” that I’d like to share with you.

A very long time ago, I lived in a Zen Buddhist. I sat on a hard pillow, facing a wall for up to 16 hours a day, trying to still my mind. The whole idea was to get enlightened (which never happened to me.) The Zen master said that enlightenment happens in an instant, but after more than two years, that instant never came.

The Zen Master also told me that I had to learn to “spit on the Buddha“. This was horrifying to me. What a terrible idea! I moved into the monastery because I loved the gentle compassion that I thought that Buddhism embraced. The Buddha was the embodiment of perfection, who would want to spit on him? It was only years after I left the monastery that I understood what the Zen master was trying to tell me (and maybe why I never had even a teeny enlightenment experience).

As long as we think that the “so-called Buddha” (in the form of a friend, teacher, parent, spiritual teacher or guru) has all the answers–and we don’t have our own answers for our lives–we are restricted. Spitting on the Buddha means to release the “shoulds” in life that came from someone else. It means to listen to your own inner voice.

I’ve had a lot of “shoulds” in my own life. For example, I used to be a vegetarian because I was told that you couldn’t be spiritual if you ate meat. (But I didn’t eat sprouts because a teacher told me that I would be killing a live consciousness if I did so). I was extremely careful with food combining because another teacher was adamant about it. And I didn’t eat wheat, dairy, or have salt, sugar or alcohol because a spiritual teacher told me not to. And most of my food was raw . . . well except for sprouts (because I didn’t want to kill them). I didn’t eat after 4pm because a teacher told me that was bad for the system. As you can imagine my meals became more and more restricted over time.

Additionally, during those years, I didn’t wear anything but natural fibers (no polyester, etc.) because a spiritual teacher told me this was bad. I only wore the upper chakra colors because this same guru told me that the lower chakra colors were negative.

I also thought I had to meditate everyday or I would have a lousy day. A guru told me that sex was only for having children, so if I ever had sex with my husband (and wasn’t trying to get pregnant) I felt wildly guilty. I also felt guilty if I had any so-called negative thoughts, because I was told that I needed to always think positive thoughts.

Meditating on a daily bases, eating a vegetarian diet, and thinking positive thoughts all sound great, but my entire life was defined by what I thought I should do and who I should be. This is incredibly restricting. One day it became all too much and, I said, “That’s it! I’m done!”

It was great. In an instant, I released all the rules and all my “shoulds“. I wore black, ate after 4pm, didn’t meditate, drank alcohol, wore polyester, had sex just for fun, and lived according to the dictates of my soul. The vitality and joy that filled my being was palpable
. . . and remarkably, I became healthier and felt more spiritual as a result.

For me the key is joy. Now days, I eat mostly vegetarian food, and I enjoy meditation, but I do these things because they give me pleasure rather than feeling that I have to do them. I now understand what the Zen master was trying to tell me. There comes a time in life when you have to “spit on the Buddha” and listen to the whispers of your soul . . . and your life will be much more fulfilling as a result. (And you might even get enlightened.)

WRITTEN BY DENISE LINN

Casey is an eleven year old Brittany spaniel who’s been in my life since she was just a puppy. She has a sweet and kind disposition. One evening after a wonderful, but very busy day of working a horse show, a home visit and client phone sessions, I found myself lying on the rug near my best friend Casey. As I hugged and loved her, I told her intuitively told how much I missed her presence sleeping on my bed at night. For a very long time she slept on my bed with me and then suddenly about six weeks prior she just quit.

I continued to silently pet and express my love to her. Doesn’t it feel good after a very long day to come home to your animal companions and just pour your love out to them? I think so! I asked if she would please come back to sleep on my bed with me at night. After I had loved her well, I got up from the floor. It was then about 10:30 PM. I had a few things to do before bedtime. As I washed up the dishes, my mind wandered off, thinking about my day and the days that were to come. By that time I was finished with my chores, I’d honestly forgotten the request I’d made to my sweet Casey girl.

When it was time, I walked into my bedroom and flipped on the light. And to my amazement, what did I see? Of course, it was Casey lying on my bed honoring the request I’d made of her earlier in the evening. I laughed. I giggled, and jumped on the bed to tell her how happy I was that she had honored showing up in this way. Since then she has continued to wait for me on my bed almost every night!

You don’t have to be a professional animal communicator in order for your animals to understand you. They naturally do this very well. They love and want to please you if they can. Try sending a clear, loving message to your animal friends. Suggest something that’s for your and their ‘highest and best good’. Then watch as they find a way to honor your request! When you catch them doing what you have asked, but sure to make a big celebration of it! Let them know that you know they are listening to you and honoring your relationship.

Thank you Ms. Casey Girl for reminding me that you do hear my messages! I love now and always!

Love from your Human Mom,
Sandra

PS - Taking a break from editing this little story, I laid on the floor of my Meditation Studio next to Casey to remind her of my love for her. She responded with kisses on my cheek!

Have you ever wished you had someone who would listen to you lovingly and completely? Have you ever wanted to just pour out your heart or share some exciting news with someone who would really be happy for you? Do you sometimes feel like you are just getting by when you would rather be living a life filled with joy, peace and happiness? Or would you perhaps like to discover what you’re passionate about and then create the time to express that passion?

Many of you know, I’m an animal communicator, but did you also know that I’m a Soul & Past Life Coach? I know my purpose: it’s to actively support you in living the life of your dreams. Spirit has blessed me with many tools to allow me to assist you on your journey: Masters in Counseling, training as a Life Coach, Soul Coach, Past Life Coach, Hypnosis Training, Angel Therapy, and of course, Animal Communication.

If you choose to use my coaching services, much of our time together if not all, can be done over the phone on a weekly or monthly basis. I have the ability to use Skype, so with Skype to Skype calls we can even see each other as if we were in the same room. We can also talk over the telephone. If you prefer face to face, I have an office and a Meditation Studio where we can meet for sessions.

Here are some of the ways we can work together:

Soul Journeys
• Past Life Regressions
• Future Life Progressions
• Life between Life

Intuitive Skills

• Recognition
• Development

Coaching

• Fulfillment, Balance, Purpose and Transition
• Business and Career

Animal Communication Mentoring

• Learn the Clarac Approach
• Practice Sessions with Animals

Two 28 Day Soul Coaching Programs

• Soul Journey
• Radiant Health

Learn to Channel

• Archangels, Angels, Guides
• Master Teachers and Mediumship

The Joyful Empath

• Empathy as an Intuitive Gift
• Living as an Empowered Empath

The Body

• Body Talk
• Medical Intuitive

Grief & Loss of Beloved Humans and Animals

• Support through the Grieving Process
• Connect with Departed Loved Ones

If you’re done ‘waiting’ for your life to begin, choose one of the packages below and give me a call. The first 30 minute exploratory session is free! You came here to be amazing and to have wonderful adventures. Together we can find the freedom for you to create the life you’ve always wanted.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Blessings,

Sandra

PS - I have room for 5 clients at each coaching level, so please be sure to contact me soon!

Coaching Packages
(All Packages are on a Monthly Basis)

Initial Consultation
30 Minute Phone Session
Cost - Free

Bronze Package
1.5 hrs of coaching - one 60 minute session & one 30 minute session
Cost - $135.00 per month (Savings of $15.00 X *3 = $45.00)
Example: 1st Monday 9:00-10:00 AM & 3rd Monday 9:00 - 9:30 AM
Click here to register for the Bronze Package.

Silver Package
3 hrs of coaching - two 60 minute sessions & two 30 minute sessions
Cost - $255.00 per month (Savings of $45.00 X *3 = $135.00)
EXAMPLE: 1ST Monday 7:00-8:00 PM; 2nd Monday 7:00-7:30 PM; 3rd Monday 7:00-8:00 PM; 4th Monday 7:00-7:30 PM
Click here to register for the Silver Package.

Gold Package
4.5 hrs of coaching - three 60 minute sessions & three 30 minute sessions
Cost - $360.00 per month (Savings of $90 X *3 = $270.00)
EXAMPLE: 1st Monday 5:00-6:00 PM; 1st Thursday 5:00-5:30 PM; 2nd Monday 5:00-6:00 PM; 2nd Thursday 5:00-5:30 PM
Click here to register for the Gold Package.

Platinum Package
6 hrs of coaching - four 60 minute sessions & four 30 minute sessions
Cost - $450.00 per month (Savings of $150 X *3 = $450.00)
EXAMPLE: 1ST Sunday 7:00-8:00 PM; 1st Thursday 7:00-7:30 PM
2nd Sunday 7:00-8:00 PM; 2nd Thursday 7:00-7:30 PM
3rd Sunday 7:00-8:00 PM; 3rd Thursday 7:00-7:30 PM
4th Sunday 7:00-8:00 PM; 4th Thursday 7:00-7:30 PM
Click here to register for the Platinum Package.

(OR, each session could be for 1.5 hours long rather than 60 and 30 minute sessions.)

*This savings is based on a three month coaching contract , which is to be paid prior to each month. An additional 10% savings is available when you pay for the entire three months in advance and can be applied to all four packages. (You can therefore save up to $585.00!) This is a limited time offer. Would you like to receive an extra 10%? Contact Sandra for the promotional code.

By: Bakersfield Pets Examiner Natalia Corres



Summer is a traditional time for car trips - whether a day trip or a vacation - and bringing your pet with you can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend quality time with all of your family. Here are some tips to help make your trip easy and carefree.

1. Make sure your pet can ride comfortably in your vehicle. Use a seat-belt harness or travel kennel to protect your pet from being thrown in the event of a sudden stop.

2. Bring plenty of food, water, and waste disposal bags. Not every destination will have these available, and everywhere you go, you will be expected to clean up after your pet.

3. If your pet needs medication, remember to pack it and your Vet’s name and number, in case you need to go to a different Vet for a refill.

4. If your pet is not micro-chipped, you may want to consider it. It is inexpensive, and will help in identifying your pet if they become lost and turned in to an Animal Control or Humane Society facility. Barring that, you can also make sure that the pet’s license is up to date, and collar is in good condition.

5. Don’t leave your pet in the vehicle. Temperatures can rise very quickly, and your pet can begin to suffer heat stroke or severe damage to nervous and blood systems, even with the windows cracked. Even leaving the A/C running may not work, as some cars may overheat and begin to blow hot air into the vehicle.

6. If you are staying overnight, remember to check ahead to be sure your accommodations are pet friendly, and what rules may apply.

By following these simple tips, you and your pet can have a great summer car trip.

By: Natalia Corres, Bakersfield Pets Examiner



Vacation planning includes your pets, whether they are going with you or staying behind. Here are some quick tips to help you in your planning:

If your pet is coming with you:
1. Be sure to have a copy of the most recent vaccinations and any special needs such as medication with you. You may need to provide proof of vaccination to a hotel or airline.
2. Pack food and water for a road trip.
3. If your pet needs medications, bring them with you with a copy of the doctor’s prescription or recommendation (in case you need to replace the medication).
4. Make sure you have a leash, harness or kennel for your pet to travel in safely and in comfort.

If your pet is staying home with a pet sitter:
1. Be sure to leave a copy of the recent vaccination.
2. Leave complete contact information for your Vet and your preferred emergency animal hospital.
3. Leave complete contact information for you, and an emergency contact in case you cannot be reached.
4. Make sure the pet sitter is aware of any special needs, such as medication.
5. Make sure there is enough food for the caretaker to provide for your pet, so there are no last minute substitutions of food brands which could cause additional stress to your pet.

If your pet is being boarded:
1. Leave complete contact information for your Vet and your preferred emergency animal hospital.
2. Leave complete contact information for you, and an emergency contact in case you cannot be reached.
3. Provide your pet with one of your tee shirts or a blanket that has home smells on it, for comfort.
4. Ask if your pet will be able to have a favorite toy with them.
5. Make sure that the boarders are aware of any special needs, such as medication.

Follow these simple steps and make your vacation more enjoyable and carefree for you, your family and your pets.

“As many of you know, I have two adult Rottweilers. ..Bud and TOO! Bud just turned 4 years old in May and TOO will be 8 in October.

I recently adopted a little male Yorkie named Gizmo and also have my 2 year old Grandson Cayden living with me.

When I got Gizmo, I knew house-training would be challenging due to him being only 2 pounds and very sickly (at the time). We have been using Potty Pads, which are more or less just big diapers that you put on the floor. Gizmo is now 9 months old and is using his Potty Pads all the time now.

Now for the nightmare!!

Cayden, the only human in the mix was also being potty trained! (can you guess yet where this is going?) Anyhow, Cayden has watched us for the last few months praise and give treats to Gizmo for using his ‘potty’. Cayden was wanting some gummy bears and had asked me several times for some but I had told him ‘no’ because it was too close to dinner time. Apparently, he assumed that if he used the potty he would get a treat and so he went right over to Gizmo’s pad, pulled his little shorts down and ‘went’…and then asked me again for gummy bears!!

Then, last night Bud (who has been house-trained since he was 4 months old) decided he needed to try using this inside potty! THEN, shortly after TOO (who hasn’t ever pottied in the house) went right over to that pad and peed on it too!!

Now, I knew there would be some challenges when I chose to take in what I affectionately call my two new troubles…but I never thought it would cause a pee-pee party!!

Helen: The ‘BlankieLady’ - Cleveland, Tn.
Mom to Sammi, Jon, Chris, Jess, Pam, TOO, Bud & Gizmo
Nana to Cayden, Kyle, Nick, Kim & Jesiah “