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A Bit of Philosophy:

The "After (new) Pooch"

A BIT OF PHILOSOPHY:

The Après Pooch

The "After (new) Pooch"

For those wondering, "What does that name mean?"

Have any of you read David Wroblewski's The Story of Edgar Sawtelle?

NO? Oh, please read it!

If you've read it, perhaps you'll understand what I'm about to propose. In the history of dog ownership, I believe that we are the "privileged few", in that we have the opportunity to create the New Dog.

What does this mean?

A Dog Ownership History

The early years: Wolf and man meet for the first time, working together for mutual advantage (food).

The new master years: Man took wolf and created "dog", submissive and needy. Dog became a begger, reliant on man for most of its needs.

The experimental years: Man played with the genetics of the dog, breeding for selfish desires. Dogs were bred unnaturally in order to emphasize particular traits. Natural Selection was replaced by Human Selection.

The designer years: Ownership of dogs skyrocketed, becoming a symbol of the "complete" life, along with the picket fence and 2.5 children. Man yearned for and expected the ideal "Lassie" experience, and wanted their dog to obey immediately and perfectly.

The designer-bag years: Why, over the past few years, has ownership of hybrid dogs (Puggles, Doodles & Poos) and clothing lines for teeny tiny pups exploded? Man has anthropomorphized his dog to the extent that he now focuses exclusively on appearance, the result of which has created a generation of dog deprived of its need to have canine experiences. Proof of this? Take a look at any dog training tv program. The majority of misguided pet owners either treat their dogs as "babies" or neglect to provide experiences for their dogs outside of the home or backyard.

The New Dog years: Man and dog come to an agreement, both getting what they truly want and need.

It is my hope that today's dog owner will begin to take responsibility not only for the food, water and snuggles with their dog, but for the fulfillment of their dog's life goals. Yes, I do believe that my little Bella has an ultimate plan for her life, totally unlike that of Hunter. Just as two humans interpret an experience in vastly different ways, I watch Bella appreciate things that Hunter never cares to. He shows his love for me not "as all dogs do". Rather, his need to love is expressed in ways that, if Bella could analyze them, she would scratch and tilt her head in absolute confusion. Do not misunderstand me here. I do not believe that dogs can interpret and construe meaning out of their experiences.

However, I cannot force either of them to play or relax; to stay or come; to play dead or tear up couch cushions. I can only ask (politely or rudely). They decide whether or not. The canine had decided to be or not to be long before Hamlet asked his fellow homo sapiens to ponder the question. I believe that our dogs, like the wolf, enjoy being challenged and solving problems; that they desire stimulation which drives their minds beyond a state of stagnation and repetition.

Are you currently able to accept and embrace these needs of dogs? If not, are you willing to forego your ownership to someone who can? I contend that those who do not provide the canine experience for their dog should not be allowed to experience the love our dogs want to give. Perhaps that is too harsh? But don't we criticize neglectful or selfish parents; those who have a baby so that someone will love them (i.e. Octomom)?

I plan on breeding Bella within the next year or two, as long as she passes her hip/elbow certifications. In addition, I plan on keeping her puppies, not for 18 months like the fictional Sawtelle breeders, but for a minimum of 4 months. In fact, my ideal would be to keep them for 9 months, until they have reached sexual maturity. Everyone I mention this to has the same comments: Do you know how expensive that will be? Do you know how much work it will take? No one will want a puppy that old!

My response is this: I refuse to add to the "designer-bag" population of dogs. I do not want just any owner; I will not give my Bella's offspring to someone unwilling to embrace the above philosophy. I believe that a 7-week old puppy, while providing tons of entertainment and pleasure for a new owner, is much better off with its mother and littermates. Not to learn how to survive in the wild like wolf pups. But to learn how to be a canine. How to decide what it wants for itself. To find out its likes and dislikes, and to be encouraged to develop both. Whether to be or not to be.

As mentioned above, in answering Why Après Pooch?, I have the privilege of challenging myself daily with my (and your) dogs to "ask myself whether I am doing what is best for this animal." I believe that it is this question that has been forgotten in dog ownership and breeding practices. And I will even dare to say that it is inhumane to bring about another generation of dog without putting in the time; the investment; the work necessary to create the New Dog.

Now you know why we are... Après Pooch Pet Sitting.

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What We Do ...

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Once Upon A Time... The story of Après Pooch

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F A Q

Frequently Asked Questions:

What services do you offer?

We provide service for the following: *In (Your) Home* *In-Hotel* *In-Rental* *Boarding/Daycare*

Please click on a link for more details. We also can do house sitting, pet taxi, yard cleanup, etc.

Are there any pets you don't take care of?

We have experience with all sorts of animals, although we are most used to caring for dogs! They seem to be the Mammoth Lakes pet of choice. We are available to care for your cat or bird, hamster or turtle, fish or rabbit, horse or iguana, potbellied to guinea pig.

Do you provide service outside of Mammoth?

We may be able to provide care for those outside Mammoth and Crowley, but our range will not extend outside of Mono County. A travel fee applies, but may be waived depending on the length or frequency of your booking.

Are you bonded and insured?

Après Pooch is fully insured through Pet Sitters Associates to cover your pets and property in the case of negligence. We have not taken the added (and we feel unnecessary) step of bonding, because our coverage includes a much broader scope of personal property and gives you more security. As well, unlike bonding, it applies even if I’m negligent but not convicted of a crime. This is the purpose of "bonding", typically.

When you place your pets in our care, we become the responsible party should anything happen. It is so important to us to gain your trust, so that you can leave your pets in our care with confidence.

Your rates are quite high, aren't they? My neighbor kid will watch my dog for $10 a day.

The standard rate for professional pet sitters is between $14 and $20 per visit. According to PUPS (Professional United Pet Sitters), nearly 80% of pet sitting companies go out of business within 2 years, mainly because they start the business without putting in the time or money. They think they will succeed simply because they love dogs and have some free time.

Our work goes beyond experience in actual pet sitting. Having spent well over 1,000 hours studying the industry, organizing our business and marketing plan, customizing forms for the specific needs of our clients, and reading literature on dog training, breed characteristics, and successful pet sitting practices, we know that we offer the highest quality service. In the end, we get what we pay for, right?

What is the purpose of the Initial Consult Interview?

We provide a free in-home consultation so you have the opportunity to meet with us and discuss any necessary info for us to provide the best care for your pets. If you haven't finished filling out all the forms we provide in our New Client Packet, we'll make sure to allow enough time for you to do so during the consult. We will also take a tour of your home (in areas that are relevent to our duties as your pet sitter) so that we are prepared when you are gone.

Can I make last minute arrangements?

Of course. We are willing to schedule the Initial Consult Interview up to 10:00 PM the night before you need our service. This works for visitors who drive up to Mammoth after getting off work & arrive in the evening, as well as those who think of us at the last second. There is no extra charge for the last-minute booking, but we can't guarantee our availability, so try and plan ahead!

Why do you have a minimum number of visits?

We require visits at least two times per day (12 hrs apart) for dogs when you will not be returning home that evening. Many things can happen with your pets or your home while you are away, and the more often we visit, the less likely for a small problem to turn into a large one!

Do you do shared sits?

We will work with you to do a shared sit with someone you trust to care for your dog, but we must meet with them before the first scheduled visit, and they must agree to fill out the required forms.

Do you refuse care for any dogs?

First of all, we do not discriminate against any breed. We want to know if a dog has been aggressive towards others, but this is not an automatic disqualification. In some cases, we may require extra time with your dog (prior to your departure) so that she may become more comfortable with us. We will determine together the type and duration of the additional visit(s), and charges will apply, even when you are present. Please note that if at any time during the service contract we feel that your dog's (or our) safety is threatened, we may be forced to alter or discontinue the service contract.

What if my dog doesn't pass the evaluation?

You really shouldn't worry. If you can take your dog out for walks at home without concern, you should be fine.

Is there an extra charge for holidays?

Most companies do charge for holiday care, but our only "fee" comes in the form of a more restrictive cancellation policy. Make sure to book as soon as possible, so we can reserve your booking!

Will I have the same pet sitter the entire time?

We do not have any employees at this time. Mammoth is a small town, and so far we've found that we can handle each request that comes our way. If we become so busy that we are overwhelmed, we will consider expanding.

Will you keep my key?

Absolutely. We recommend that you leave your keys on file with us so that we don't have to keep meeting up to exchange keys. This option is helpful especially if you will be out of town often; if an emergency comes up, we can get over there quickly. However, if you wish your keys returned at the end of the contract, you have several options to choose from. Details in the Key Handling Form.

Why do you need a copy of my key (or access card)?

Because we would never want to find ourselves unable to care for your pet! For your security, all keys and access cards are coded and stored in a lockbox when not in use. The second copy is our emergency backup.

I'll just leave you a key under my flowerpot. Isn't that ok?

While we appreciate knowing about alternate methods into your home (such as garage codes and hidden keys), we do require at least one method of entry to be a key/card that we receive prior to the first visit. Alternate methods of entry are not always reliable and for liability purposes we can not use them as the only way to reach your dogs.

Can you administer medications or take care of other special needs?

We will administer any meds except for shots (at this time). If your dog(s) have any special needs and you are concerned about whether we can accommodate them, please don't hesitate to ask!

What can I expect upon my return?

Very excited-to-see-you pups, we're sure! From us, you will receive a copy of our report cards, filled out daily with notes on important matters such as eating (and eliminating), changes in health or attitude, as well as experiences your pets had.

We request that you call and leave us a message once you return home. However, if we do not hear from you within 5 hours of your planned return, we will try to call and possibly email you. If we can not reach you within 12 hours of our last scheduled visit to your home, we reserve the right to continue services until the situation is resolved. So you can rest assured that if something happens on your way back (delayed plane, etc), your pets are in good hands! This is one great reason for leaving your keys in our secure possession.

What about tipping?

As in most service industries, tips are accepted (and greatly appreciated!), but never expected.

What is a Punch Card?

Punch Cards are a great way to save money when you know that you'll be using our services frequently or for a long stretch of time. The amount of "punches" are shown in the Rates section, indicated by an "x". More information on Punch Cards can be found here. The benefits of Punch Cards include reduced rates, they never expire, and Punch reservations are subject to a more flexible cancellation policy.

What happens if I buy a Punch Card and your rates change?

First of all, we have no plans for increasing our rates in the near future. However, if it does happen, the Punch Cards will not be affected for a minimum of three months after any increase. Depending on the amount of "punches" on your Card, you may have up to one year before the increase goes into effect for you!

What services do you offer?

Are there any pets you don't take care of?

Do you provide service outside of Mammoth?

Are you bonded and insured?

Your costs are quite high, aren't they? My neighbor kid says he'll watch my dog for $10 a day.

What is the purpose of the Initial Consult Interview?

Can I make last minute arrangements?

Why do you have a minimum number of visits?

Do you do shared sits?

Do you refuse care for any dogs?

What if my dog doesn't pass the evaluation?

Is there an extra charge for holidays?

Will I have the same pet sitter the entire time?

Will you keep my key?

Why do you need a copy of my key (or access card)?

I'll just leave you a key under my flowerpot. Isn't that ok?

Can you administer medications or take care of other special needs?

What can I expect upon my return?

What about tipping?

What is a Punch Card?

What happens if I buy a Punch Card and your rates go up?

Click On Any Question Below To Learn More!

(once you click, you may need to scroll down the page to find your question)

Especially for those who have never hired a pet sitter before, we have compiled a list of questions you might have regarding our services. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to discussing your needs, and determining the proper care plan for your pets.

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The Story of Après Pooch

A B O U T U S

In the beginning, there was a dream of opening a dog boarding and daycare facility here in the resort town of Mammmoth Lakes, CA.

A 1000-sq. foot indoor play area, surrounded by windows for natural sunlight; complete with an obstacle park and K9 Grass, a synthetic turf designed especially for dogs.

Boarding space for up to 45 dogs, that ranged from the basic kennel to luxury suite accommodations.

A business plan was researched and prepared, the Town Use Permit questions were tackled, and surveys were handed out to locals to determine whether a real need would be met for Mammoth dog owners.

We were poised for success.

Then...

... the economy tanked.

Dear Prospective Client or Interested Pet Owner,

Hey there. Thank you, first of all, for your interest in Après Pooch Pet Sitting, and in who we are. I've read so many of these "Meet the Owner" bios, and in my opinion, they're usually quite boring and generic. That's why I put off writing this part of my website for so long. I was dreading it!

So many of the company bios you take the time to read may explain what they are, in terms of how they came into existence. However, they rarely tell you why they are. (You'll understand what I mean by this after reading my little "philosophy" piece below) That's just rude of them. After all, you took all that time to learn more about the company! Which I applaud, because it shows that you are taking an active interest in selecting the best care provider for your pets.

My intention in writing this is to let you know, before we ever speak or meet in person, what type of company we strive to be. I will now attempt to not bore you. If you are reading this in order to learn the standard "why I think my company is better than everyone else's," I can only hope you will be disappointed.

And I hope you enjoy.

Natalie Wolf

Owner, Après Pooch Pet Sitting

Generic:

Born & Raised: Nebraska

Interesting: At the time I was born, my folks lived on a farm in the middle of nowhere. Literally. The nearest town currently boasts a population of 13!

Education: Nebraska Wesleyan University, 2004 (Bachelor of Arts, English Lit)

Interesting?: Minored in German, loved Studio Art classes (sketching & ceramics)

Dog Experience: My family raised, bred & showed German Shepherds

Interesting?: When I was a teenager, I gave mouth-to-mouth to a newly whelped puppy, who survived!

Currently Own: Bella (2) & Hunter (3 1/2), Golden Retrievers. Biggles & Opossum, kittens, 15 weeks.

Love of My Life: Doug Rodricks, who inspires me by living without regret, without a second thought, and without complaining (too often).

Dear Prospective Client or Interested Pet Owner

Go To:

Generic: Owner Bio

Why Après Pooch?

After finding myself unemployed last spring, I decided to pick up a self help type book that I was given as a gift a while back. I remember it asking,

What is it that consistently makes you happy, no matter what?

No matter when.

Something that has always made you happy and content.

All I could think of that honestly answered those questions was being with dogs. Training them, breeding them, raising and loving them, even disciplining them.

Something about being with them has always brought out something better in me. In their silent, sensitive way, they give us the greatest gift: absolute love and unwavering trust. What other friend does this for us? While with a disobedient puppy who needed training, I have been forced to re-examine my self control. To ask myself whether I am doing what is best for this animal. How many times can we say that about the work that we do? Think about that one for a minute. I can only hope that in your line of work you also feel challenged every day to make others' lives and experiences better.

These are the reasons for the creation of Après Pooch. As I wrote above, I had originally worked to open a boarding and daycare facility here in Mammoth. Luckily enough, I had not made any significant moves or investments with this plan before the recession halted my plans. While disappointed at the time, I am so grateful that things have worked out as they have.

In researching for my business plan, I came across the concept of pet sitting, but dismissed it as a "lesser" type of business. Something that wasn't good enough for Mammoth. And while the MAJORITY of calls I receive do ask whether I have a facility open where they can bring their dog for the day, I now know that I can assist those clients even though I have no commercial space available. And I am so proud to be able to call myself a Pet Sitter!

Why Après Pooch?

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