Kittens Up For Adoption

Tri-County Critter Sitters is looking for a furever home for these three beautiful kittens. They are between 5 and 6 months old, and were abandoned here nearly 4 months ago. They are all very loving and really need to be inside kitties. (Being we have 4 indoor cats here already, there really is no way we can keep these inside.)

This is Hope. She is a stand-out from her brothers as she is short-haired and of course feels she is a queen in the making. She loves to play with sticks and string, but her real favorite past time is being petted. She's not much for being picked up and held (and hates being put in a carrier), but loves attention and will often sit next to you or even on your lap. She has been spayed and is up-to-date on all her shots.

Google is our little adventurer. He loves to look around and explore, and it's hard to get a picture of him sitting still. He puts up with being picked up and held for a few minutes, and loves to get in your lap and sit for a bit. He's a stocky little fella with some thick, beautiful fur. He is neutered and up to date on all his shots as well.

Yahoo is a gorgeous little boy who sometimes wants to be picked up and held. He adores sitting next to you and being petted, and a lap is pretty good as well. He's pretty active, but not as much as his siblings. He's a real affectionate boy who likes to settle down and watch the world around him. Like his brother and sister, he is neutered and up-to-date on his shots.

These guys (and gal) are up for adoption for a small donation to the local animal shelter in Mitchell County. We'd love to see them in a new home(s) for Christmas. Give us a call at 828-467-2207 or email us at tccrittersitters@gmail.com.

National Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month

November is National Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month. Here is a press release from Petfinder.com that explains:

“Think of a pet that is already trained and doesn’t chew or scratch everything in sight--a pet who will love you unconditionally,” said Kim Saunders, Petfinder.com’s Director of Public Relations. “That’s what you get when you adopt a senior pet.”

Some people worry that a senior pet comes with problems, but according to Hazel Blumberg-McKee of Tallahassee, FL, there are no disadvantages. “In most cases they’ve had a home and they want one again.” She adopted eight-and-a-half-year old Sadie, and has never regretted it. “An older animal is easier to deal with. And Sadie is still playful. She plays fetch and gallops all over the place.”

At animal shelters and rescue groups everywhere, there are loving, healthy senior pets like Sadie, looking for that one special home to cherish them for the rest of their life, and they don’t ask for much: just a warm place to sleep, good meals and plenty of love.

Tri-County Critter Sitters fully supports the idea of adopting senior pets from your local shelter. In these hard economic times, many pet owners are having to make the difficult decision to give up pets that have been in their family for years, and these pets have a hard time finding homes as most people go to shelters looking for young puppies or kittens. All they want is a family to call their own.

More Dogs Looking for Homes

Boxers are pretty cool dogs. This handsome fella goes by the name of Spike and resides at the Mitchell County Animal Shelter. You can read more about him here: http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=14393566.

Mocha is a Terrier Mix from the Avery County Humane Society. She is part of the training program they run through Mountain View Correctional Institution. I have personally seen some of these dogs, and it's a great program. You can read more about Mocha here: http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13558329.

And last, but most definitely not least, we have a beautiful Golden Retriever Mix named Chance. He resides at the Yancey County Animal Shelter and would make a great addition to any family. More info can be found here: http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=14329400.

National Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month

October is National Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. Because of illness in my family, I have not had time to update as I usually like to. So, there is a lot of ground to cover in honor of this month. Better get started.

McCoy is a beautiful terrier mix who has been at the Mitchell County shelter in Spruce Pine since April. He really needs a good home. According to the write-up on Pet Finder, "McCoy is a very interesting character. He seems to be so intelligent. He listens well, can sit, walks on a leash contently and just looks at you like he knows exactly what's going on. McCoy is super cool looking too. He has "whiskers" and a "mustache". He is definitely one of our favorites here at the shelter. McCoy was born around June 18 of 2008." Get more info and check out more photos of McCoy here.

Or how about Harmony, a Lab/Hound mix who is currently staying with the friendly folks at the Avery County shelter in Newland. She is about 4 months old and has been spayed. She's a cute little doll just looking for a loving home to grow up in. You can get more info oh Harmoney here.

And how about this little guy at the Yancey County shelter in Burnsville. Bobby is another Lab/Hound mix who loves to have his belly rubbed. Isn't he adorable. You know you want to bring him home. Check out his page here.

Those are the three for today. And don't forget, if you adopt your pet from a shelter, we give you a 5% discount on your first scheduled pet sitting visit. Adopt a dog during the month of October and receive an additional 5% discount. Can't beat that.

Yancey County Animal Shelter - Cats

It has been nearly a month since I last posted, and I have to apologize for that. My husband has been ill, and I just haven't had much time to myself. But, hopefully he's on the road to recovery, as bumpy as that road is, and I am back to posting regularly.

And for today's post, I'd like to again feature some cats from the Yancey County Humane Society's animal shelter.

From the Society's Facebook page: "Summer adoption specials are here. In the attempt to find kittens permanent homes, they are currently being offered at a 2 for 1 adoption fee special. And certain adult cats that have been here a long time, are offered for the lowered fee of $30 ea. This includes their spay/neuter, current vaccinations, and all come litter box trained. Pictured are Reba (tortie) & Sassy (B&W) both have med. hair & are big girls."

Now, aren't these girls cute? You can check them out, along with other cats, and dogs too of course, at the shelter.

Location:
962 Cane River School Rd
Burnsville, NC, 28714

Phone:
828-682-9510

Mon - Tues:
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Thurs - Fri:
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Sat:
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

KitKat

This is KitKat. Isn't she a cutie. She is a domestic shorthair currently residing at the Yancey County Animal Shelter in Burnsville. She's had all her shots, is already spayed and is declawed (so you'll want to keep this one inside).

I just love this photo. Hats off to whomever took it. It's beautiful

The Yancey County Shelter can be contacted at 828-682-9510 or email at ychs@ccvn.com.

And don't forget, if you adopt a cat from your local shelter during the month of June, you will get a total of 10% off your first booking with us. Just today and tomorrow left, so you'd better hurry.

Meet Zippy

Check out that face. You can't get much cuter than that.

This is Zippy, a domestic short-hair currently living at the Avery County Animal Shelter in Newland, NC. She's 7 weeks old and has been spayed. Come on, you know you can't resist those big eyes.

The shelter is located at 1824 Stamey Branch Road in Newland and can be reached toll-free at 1-866-473-6312 or through email at adoptapet@vol.com.

And remember, if you adopt Zippy, or any cat, during the month of June, you receive a total of 10% off your first pet sitting booking (5% for adopting and an extra 5% in honor of National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month).

Update on Hazel

Remember Hazel from Friday's post? (http://tccrittersitters.blogspot.com/2009/06/meet-hazel.html)

Good news! Hazel has a new home. Congratulations Hazel. You deserve it.

Remember, if you adopt your pet from your local animal shelter, you will receive 5% off your first booking with us. And if you adopt a cat during the month of June (National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month), you will receive another 5% off your first booking for a total of 10% off. How's that for a deal?

Meet Banjo

Check out this little cutie. If you've read my personal blog, you know I have an affinity for Beagles. They are the cutest little things, and this one is no exception.



Banjo is up for adoption at the Yancey County Animal Shelter in Burnsville, NC. He has been neutered and is up-to-date on his vaccinations. (You can get a bit more info on his Petfinder page: http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13190650.)



They Yancey County Shelter can be contacted by phone at 828.682.9510 or through email at ychs@ccvn.com. They also have a site set up on Petfinder where you can view other dogs and cats who are looking for homes: http://petfinder.org/shelters/NC08.html.



Don't forget, if you adopt a pet through your local animal shelter, you will receive a 5% discount on your first booking with us. And if you adopt a cat during the month of June, Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, you will receive another 5% discount on top of that, for a total of 10% off. You sure can't beat that with a stick. ;-)

Meet Hazel

This is Hazel. She is up for adoption at Mitchell County Animal Rescue (MCAR) in Spruce Pine (828.765.6952).

Hazel recently saved the life of another cat in Yancey County (http://wkyk.com/news_flash7.shtml), and she deserves a good forever home to call her own.

Don't forget, June is National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, and many shelters are offering reduced priced or even free cat adoptions.

If you're looking for a good companion, cat or dog, look no further than your local animal shelter. And don't forget have your pets spayed or neutered.

National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month

Shout it from the rooftops.

OK, maybe that's not really a good idea. People might talk. But, it's a good idea to let people know that June is National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month...a great time to head out to your local shelter and adopt a cute little furball of your very own. There are plenty there looking for good homes with warm laps to curl up on.

I am going to feature some kitties from the local shelters in Mitchell, Yancey and Avery counties here in Western NC this month. You can check out Petfinder as well.

Tri-County Critter Sitters offers a 5% discount for a client's first booked visit if their pet(s) were adopted from a shelter, and as an added incentive, if you adopt a cat during this month, you will receive an added 5% discount (bringing it up to a total of 10% off your first booking).

So, if you're lonely and in need of a lovable companion to help keep your bed warm at night, why not head to your local shelter and check out the many cats and kittens just waiting to become your very own furbaby.

Rates and Fees

VISIT TYPE RATE (PER VISIT) Initial Consultation $5 (credited toward first visit) Regular Visits $25 1st visit $15 additional Daily $20 Drop In $5 Overnights $50 (8 hours) $60 Holidays $15 added day visit* Litter Box Sanitation $10 ADDITIONAL FEES RATE (PER VISIT) Travel Charges We use Mapquest.com to look up the miles and give you an estimated mileage. The official will be taken from our odometer. Miles Price Over 20 .25 per mile You will only be charged for any miles over 20. Late Payment $5 per week late Holidays* $5 extra **$5 surcharge if paying through PayPal.** Please schedule adequate time to provide the services requested. If your pet or home needs more time than scheduled, it will be added as needed and billed to you. Extra grooming duties and more difficult tasks are $3-$6 extra per 15 minutes. **Grocery pick-up service also available so your home will be stocked up when you return. $30 plus cost of groceries. Important Terms 50% of payment is due at time service is scheduled. (If only 1-2 days scheduled, full payment due.) A separate signed & completed client agreement is also due for each service, before service starts. Returned check fee: $25

Specials Collect A $5 Credit For Every Referral Every referral that books service with us earns $5 to your account. Initial Booking Consultation 30-90 Minutes At this visit we can complete the necessary paperwork, answer questions, transfer keys, and tour your home while discussing detailed instructions on how to care for your pets. This required meeting will be scheduled at least 48 hours prior to service. Regular Visit Minimum 40-45 Mins Our most popular choice. Good for many multiple pet homes, supervised feedings, walks and play. Great for while you’re on vacation or have to be away from home for family emergencies. Daily Visit Minimum 25-30 Mins Usually scheduled at least 2 weeks at a time, but can be less. Great for those whose work day keeps them away from home for long hours or those who have new pets that are still getting used to their environment. (Also works well for those with sick pets.) Drop In 5 Minutes or less Short drop in to transfer keys (pick up or drop off), check iron/stove, turn off sprinkler system, close windows, etc.

Visits scheduled before 6am or after 10pm will incur an added $5 fee, unless other arrangements have been made.

Refunds & Cancellations

We request at least three days notice in the event of a cancellation. If your visit is cancelled with less than three days notice, there will be a cancellation fee of $15 due.

Contact: 828.467.2207, tccrittersitters@gmail.com

**Holidays: New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

More Adoption News

Yay...I am so happy. Glory found a home. I was just informed that Glory the cat was adopted by a family with kids.

That's two down...and many, many more to go.

Spay and Neuter

Tri-County Critter Sitters proudly supports spay/neuter programs. So many animals are forced to live horrible, lonely lives in the street, fighting for the smallest scraps of food, and yet so many people still refuse to have their pets spayed or neutered. There really is no reason to not have these simple procedures done.



Cats especially are a problem for a few reasons. One reason is the fact that they just don't get adopted as often as dogs. Let's face it, dogs have been domesticated a lot longer than cats, and many people seem to prefer them over cats. (I actually like both.) Add this to the fact that cats can have multiple litters every year, and you have a formula for trouble.

Two cats and their offspring can multiply to 80 million in just ten years.

In the words of Bob Barker: "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."

Adoption News

An update in Autumn the Golden Retriever.

My friend Sharon Huskey adopted Autumn. She now has a good home, and I will update with new pictures of her later on.

Congratulations Sharon and Autumn.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to all my clients who are moms, and any mom who visits this blog.

Autumn and Glory (Mitchell County Animal Rescue)

I am going to feature animals from our local shelters here at least once a week. These are great cats and dogs who simply want a home to call their own; a place where they can feel safe and loved. Adopting a shelter animal is the best way to get a pet.

Today, we have Autumn and Glory. They reside at the shelter run by Mitchell County Animal Rescue (MCAR).



Autumn is an 8-year-old Golden Retriever. She was surrendered after being with her family for 7 years. Their reason: because she didn't like chickens. So, Autumn cannot be around chickens. Not that hard. She is fine around everything else. She also knows how to sit and stay and she is just the absolute perfect dog for any family. Even though she is 8 years old she is still VERY active and loves to run around and play ball. She also loves to be brushed. Considering her age, Autumn's chances are not real good. Most people come in to shelters looking for puppies or younger dogs. But, if the right person would come along, this girl still has a lot of years and a lot of love to give.

And here we have Glory. Glory has been at the shelter for a while and is getting pretty bored in her cage. She is a very talkative girl who doesn't have that much interest for other cats, but the shelter staff thinks she would be fine in a home with others. She does not try to attack them or anything, just gives a warning sound if they get to close. Glory is a Domestic Medium Hair and is around 2 years old. She loves to be petted and held. This girl really deserves a second chance, and her time is running low with kitten season fast approaching.

Mitchell County Animal Rescue can be reached at (828) 765-6952. They also have a page on Petfinder.

And in the immortal words of Bob Barker: "Please, help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."

Pet Sitting

I started this business officially back in December, helping out a couple friends with their dogs. I am now fully insured and bonded and am out there for the general public. I am looking forward to making this my full-time career.

My rates are posted here, and any changes will be reflected there immediately. I will be posting updates and stories about my "adventures" in pet sitting here, as well as photos of pets I will be taking care of.

I love animals, especially cats and dogs. I have five cats of my own, plus two neighbors' cats and a feral that all hang out at my house. Yes, I am the Crazy Cat Lady you've heard so much about.