Happy Independence Day

All of us here at Tri-County Critter Sitters (humans and resident cats alike) would like to wish all of you a wonderful and safe 4th of July holiday.

And don't forget to make sure your pets are safe during any fireworks displays. The loud noises are very scary to them and local shelters get a lot of calls on July 5th with reports of pets who ran away during the previous evening's fireworks. 

Mr. Snippers

I would like to introduce you to Mr. Snippers, the sweetest little kitty you'll ever meet. He has taken up residence at a local beauty salon run by my friend Christopher (Mr. Christopher's Zen Salon). He was very skinny and dirty when he showed up, but is looking much better now. Problem is, he is at least partially blind; not that he lets that slow him down much.

Mr. Snippers loves to lay in the warm sun, but then what cat doesn't. He is super friendly and just loves to be cuddled and loved on. And what a loud purr he has; so relaxing.

The shop is right on the road, and we do worry about Mr. Snippers, especially with his sight being what it is. Christopher cant' take him home since he has a small place and already lives with two dogs. I can't take him since I already have 8 cats myself. Someone has offered to take him home and let him live in their barn if we get him neutered, but with his eyesight, our goal is to hopefully find him and inside home. There is an organization in St. Pauls, NC (Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary), but they are full right now (84 cats...WOW) and can't take him. But, they are going to help me find a home through their contacts and Facebook page. They have been very successful in this type of thing, and I'm so glad they have agreed to help out.

Problem is, we need to get him neutered and checked out first. We need to get his shots done, find out just how blind he is and make sure he is negative for all the bad diseases and stuff. I got an estimate from my vet's office (Stewart's Mountain View Animal Hospital) of close to $300 for everything. So, I have set up a fund raising Chip-In.

I don't normally as for money on this blog, but this is a special case for me. This little guy has totally melted my heart. He has such a great personality and I would so love to get him a good home for Christmas, or at least the new year. So, if you can help in any little way, I would so appreciate it. And if you would like to call my vet's office for confirmation that this is legitimate, they already know to expect your call: (828) 765-7059.

If someone would rather, they can make a check out to the vet's office (SMVAH will work) and send it to me at Tri-County Critter Sitters, PO Box 3, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777. I know some people don't like to do things like this over the internet. And anyone in the Mitchell/Avery/Yancey County area who donates will get a 20% discount on their next pet sitting. It's a win-win.

I know times are tough for a lot of us right now, and if you can't help money-wise, maybe you can pass this along to friends and family. I would so appreciate it, and I know Mr. Snippers would too.

Thanks so much.

-Susan Bell-

Sitting Sunday

Emma and Gracie know exactly where they want to sit this morning.

Handsome Jack

I am so lucky that this pet sitting gig has allowed me to surround myself with some of the most handsome boys you've ever seen. Jack is one of them.

He may be handsome, but when he's outside, Jack does not like to be held. I think he's afraid I'm going to take him back in the house. He gets outside time while I take care of his litter boxes and food/water bowls, then it's back in at the end of my visit. Of course, I sometimes take a bit of extra time and hang out with him for a bit, enjoying the sunshine and peaceful atmosphere where he lives, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Jack loves to wander through the woods, watching for birds, bugs and whatever else he can find. His eyes are always wide open, and he's always alert to the least little movement in the leaves.

Sometimes Jack is sitting in this window when I get there, like he just knew I was coming and is waiting for me. He's not often standing up in it like this though. He's more often just peering through the space at the bottom of the blinds and all you can see are his eyes staring out at you. Would be pretty creepy if I didn't know he was such a sweetheart.

I've been visiting Jack twice a week for several months now, but those visits are about to come to an end. I've grown very fond of this boy and will for sure miss seeing him every week.

Emma & Gracie

I love all my doggie and kitty clients, but Emma & Gracie have a special place in my heart. They were my first two regular sitting clients and their mom is a friend, so I kinda feel more like the aunt that comes in to spoil them than their pet sitter. :-)

This is Gracie, the Beagle. I adore Beagles. I don't know what it is about them, but they are just so flipping cute. And Gracie is definitely no exception. She is a bit neurotic, but come on, who among us isn't?

This is Gracie's sister, Emma. She is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. She definitely loves her rawhide bones, and here she is eying Gracie while keeping a protective paw on her new one. You can tell it's a new one because it's still in one piece. She makes quick work of those things.

Kinda dark, but this is one of my favorite pictures of the girls. They were in the window watching me leave. Made me feel kinda bad, leaving them like that. But, I had others to take care of, and they kept each other company until I returned for my next visit. They're really great girls and we have a lot of fun.

Buddha and Rosie

What a busy summer we had. Some of the clients we added to our roster were summer visitors to the mountains, and we're hoping to see all of them again next year.

Here are two such visitors; Buddha and Rosie.

Couldn't get them to look at the camera, but I like this picture because I think

Buddha's white feet are so cute.

And check out Rosie's sweater. Her "grandma" makes them for her.

Buddha is a handsome boy, and he knows it.

Buddha sharing a kiss with his "sister."

Sometimes they even snuggle together on the doggie bed.

And sometimes they don't. (Check out the laser eyes. And you thought only cats had those.)

Buddha gave me lots of kisses, and Rosie likes to be carried around when we'd go outside. They're both such good dogs, and I really hope I get to see them again next summer.

Chamber of Commerce Membership

Well, so much time has passed. We still have those three adorable kittens in residence here, and are still looking for good homes for them. I will post pictures and info on them later.

As of last week, Tri-County Critter Sitters is now a member of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, and we are listed in their directory. I know this will help us get out there and spread the love to as many pets as we possibly can.

That's the news for now. Take care of yourself, and your pets. And as Bob Barker always said: "Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered."

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.

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.

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.