Category: Community Stories

Featuring stories from real pet owners and resources for all thing pets

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Community Stories

Pawjourr’s Spotlight: Vet.lo.robinson

Dr. Laura testing Haute Wheels Dog Wheelchair

Starting the new year with another addition to our Pawjourr Spotlight series, where we highlight unique creators and the jobs they have taken on to showcase our pool of talents and how they work with brands. 

Introducing… Dr. Laura

Growing up in sunny SoCal, Dr. Laura experienced firsthand the different ways people view animals based on their cultural differences. She believes that as an animal health care professional, one’s utmost duty is to be an advocate for the safety and well-being of all pets. Especially improving the quality of life for all animals.

After graduating from the Western University of Health Sciences, Dr. Laura went on to work at Pawp, as a lead veterinarian. She served as an advisor and consultant to their network of pet owners – sounds exciting if you ask me!

Dr. Laura is also very passionate about pet food and nutrition and has worked with various brands as a consultant, along with crafting recipes for different clients.

Dr. Laura, like the rest of us, love warm hugs

“Vet Lo where the pets go”

Similarly, with Pawjourr, Dr. Laura serves as a veterinarian advisor and consultant. 

In 2022, Animal Ortho Care wanted to work with vets through Pawjourr to promote their bracing products. We engaged Dr Laura who is an active content creator and practicing vet to take part in this campaign. 

Dr. Laura worked with her patients to understand their conditions and customized Animal Ortho Care bracing products to suit their needs. Having personally tested the bracing products on her patients, she saw how it has helped them, giving them a stamp of approval for medical products like the Haute Wheels Dog Wheelchair and Lil’ Back Bracer. 

She further shared video testimonials on her social accounts and provided testimonials to be used on the brand’s website. 

Besides testing medical products, Dr. Laura tested out pet tech gadgets too. For example, the Eufy pet camera allows you to keep an eye on your pet while you’re not home. According to Dr. Laura’s review, the device is perfect for pets with separation anxiety, as it allows you to feed treats and talk to them through the Eufy app. 

Benefits of working with vets

We previously shared about the benefits of customer reviews and how it has the power to influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. And what if I told you that a product review by an expert goes an even longer way!

A partnership between an accredited vet and a brand provides credibility and social proof for a product or service. Vets are considered experts in their field and their endorsement of a product or service can help to increase consumer trust and confidence in that product or service. 

Additionally, when a product or service is recommended by a trusted professional, it helps to increase the perceived value of the product or service, which can potentially lead to increased sales.

The advantages of getting an expert opinion are endless! These experts tend to have a greater understanding and experience of the matter, which makes their opinion much more legitimate in the eye of a consumer. In this case, Dr. Laura was able to showcase the effectiveness of certain products and share them with her loyal audience.

If you’re a brand looking to work with vets, Dr. Laura is one of our best picks! Reach out to us at hello@pawjourr.com , and we’ll connect you with the right expert..

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Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Little.coco.beans

Every pawrent would know all too well of the love and joy their fur kid brings. Which is why they’d want to provide the best, and only the best, to ensure they lead a healthy and happy life — something Coco Beans’ “hooman slave”, Helen, believes wholeheartedly.

Meet Coco Beans the Toy Poodle

Coco Beans was blessed to have found a forever home with Helen after being rehomed at the age of one. Since then, she has been the little angel of the family, charming everyone with her bright personality.

As an important member of the family, she has been included in their getaway trips, having been to 5 different countries like the Top of Europe in Switzerland where she was able to experience snow for the first time. 

To Helen, Coco Beans always come first, where adventures like this are worth it, no matter the trouble of bringing a pet overseas. 

The Beginning of a Fashionista Lifestyle

Helen thoroughly enjoys spending time with Coco, doing absolutely everything and anything. Their favorite pastime includes, café hopping, car rides, trying out delicious snacks and pet accessories.

“We also like to bring her to the parks. Our favorite parks are Gardens by the Bay and Botanic Gardens because these two parks have a host of eateries nearby for Coco!”

As she gets to try new snacks every now and then, Coco has grown to become a foodie, with a dedicated compartment in the fridge which stores her fresh food and homemade treats — sounds like heaven!

Amidst the adventures, Helen never forgets to capture down the moment! And thanks to Coco’ peaceful temperament, Helen can easily get the perfect shot she needs.

Where Coco Beans shines the most; in front of the camera

Always Staying On The Safe Side

Toy Poodles are prone to health problems like Cataracts, Bladder Stones, Hip Dysplasia, and Thyroid issues — among many others. Coupled with friends whose fur kids contracted cancer and Luxating Patella, Helen was determined to get Coco protected and insured. 

“Singapore is a small country where vet care and pet facilities are easily accessible but they are relatively expensive. So one of our concerns is the cost of vet care especially for long term medical treatment, such as hereditary illnesses or cancer which is quite common nowadays.” She added. 

Coco Beans showing off her newest kicks

“How did you decide on Aon’s Happy Tails?”

When it comes to pet insurance, Helen knows what she wants for Coco; medical and lifetime coverage. Most insurance plans strictly cover accidents and injuries only, which is not enough for Helen. 

Thankfully, Aon’s Happy Tails covers the treatment of any illnesses, injury or accident including post surgical follow-up during the policy term. Aon, known for their comprehensive coverages, also covers specified hereditary, congenital conditions and most importantly, offering lifetime coverage. 

“Do you think pawrents should consider insuring their fur kids?”

“If we humans have insurance coverage for health and accidents, I think pet owners should also consider pet insurance for their fur babies. This will allow us to have a peace of mind and defray the expenses of the medical expenses especially for long term medical conditions.”

*Bonus Content*

If Coco Beans could speak hooman for 7 days, what would you say to her, and do with her?

“If Coco Beans could speak hooman for 7 days, we would tell her that we love her to the moon and back. And would ask her what all her favorite foods and places were. Then, we would bring her to all her favorite places with her favorite food (of course in moderation). If time permits, we would bring her overseas again and spend some happy family time during these 7 days.”

**All information found within this article is subject to the terms and conditions of Aon Happy Tails

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What is the BARF diet and how can it benefit your pet’s health?

Golden Retriever and British shorthair cats are eating

This article was brought to you by our collaboration with The Daily Barf.

Many dog owners have heard of the BARF diet, but they often wonder what it stands for. 

BARF. Also known as “biologically appropriate raw foods” or “bones and raw food” is a diet that practices raw feeding to your pets.

There are many misconceptions surrounding BARF diets. “Is it good for my pet? Is it bad?” Well, we are here to debunk those myths, and tell you how your pets can benefit from a BARF diet!

Myth #1: Dry foods are healthier than raw food

The truth is that commercial dry foods can cause obesity, diabetes, allergies, cancer, and other health issues. This is because store-bought products usually contain a long list of ingredients and preservatives that are not healthy for your pets. 

Additionally, these products also tend to contain animal and grain by-products that we humans wouldn’t eat. Overall, these ingredients can contribute to health problems for your pets as they are not part of their natural diet.

Myth #2: Feeding your pets raw meat and bones is dangerous

There is a difference between raw and cooked bones. Raw bones are soft, easy to digest, and provide a major source of calcium and phosphorus.

On the other hand, cooked bones are dangerous for your pet as moisture is removed from the bones making them brittle and splinter when eaten.

Furthermore, dogs and cats are descendants of wolves and wildcats. As part of their ancestral diet, they survive purely on raw meat, bones, and organs. These foods give them the nutrients they need to keep their bodies healthy and strong. 

Myth #3: Raw meat makes my pets more aggressive

This is false. As your pet transitions to a BARF diet, they may appear more possessive of their raw meat and bones as they view those with a higher value than a regular bowl of kibbles.

If you’re feeding 2 or more of your pets, it’s best to feed them separately to avoid any aggression between them. Over time, when your pet realizes this isn’t a one-off treat for them, the protectiveness would gradually disappear.

Myth #4: Feeding raw meat places your dog at risk of Salmonella

Dogs and cats are not created the same. Uncooked meat that would make us sick does not affect canines in the same way.

The hydrochloric acid in the stomach is a protective enzyme against bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that can cause disease. 

Secondly, a cat/dog’s stomach is highly acidic and, combined with its short digestive tract, is designed to push bacteria out quickly without giving it time to stay.

Thirdly, the natural flora digestive enzymes and bile in their body help them process bacteria without upsetting their healthy balance.

Myth #5: Cooked diets contain more nutrients

On the contrary, raw meat is easier to digest than cooked meat. Dogs and cats have evolved over thousands of years to break down and absorb the essential nutrition from raw meat, not cooked meat or grains.

Furthermore, cooked meat lacks the benefits of raw meat as well as essential nutrients because the act of cooking destroys or alters the protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals it originally contains.

How to get started

Transition from kibbles to BARF diet:

When introducing your pets to raw diets, you’d want to take things slow and see how they react to them. Your pets would require some time to adjust to the change in diet. Observe their behavioral changes and specifically their bowel movements.

Here’s a guide you can follow:

Read more about transition diets here.

Feeding guide:

A rule of thumb is to feed 2-4% of your pet’s body weight depending on the activity level of your pet. If your pet is highly active, we would recommend feeding 3-4% of its current body weight. For pets at home who do not get much exercise daily, we recommend about 2-3% of their current body weight.

How it benefits your pet

The BARF diet has a ton of benefits, containing all the important nutrients your pets need to live a long and healthy life!

It can improve your pet’s immune system, improve their energy levels, healthier skin and coat, and many more! You can read more about the benefits of the BARF diet here!

What are you waiting for? Get your pet started on a BARF diet here.

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Brand Highlights Community Stories

Helpful Information About PetOneCat Tofu Cat Litter

Cats can be finicky when it comes to their litter box. In fact, one of the most common behavioral problems reported by cat owners is inappropriate elimination outside of the litter box.

While this problem can be caused by a number of health concerns – urinary tract disease, gastrointestinal disease, stress/fear, etc. – cats can also have strong preferences for the type of litter you choose to put in their litter box. Therefore, it’s important to choose a litter that is both safe and comfortable for your cat to use.

How is PetOneCat Tofu Cat Litter different than traditional litter?

PetOneCat Tofu Cat Litter is made from natural, 100% plant-based materials including pea residues, corn flour, guar gum, and starch. This cost-effective, environmentally friendly method of production is meant to provide many advantages to your cat’s health, litter box behaviors, and wallet. Check out these benefits of PetOneCat Tofu Cat Litter:  

1. Because our cat litter is made from 100% plant-based raw materials, it is a natural and eco-friendly option for your cat’s litter box.

2. The product has lower dust than traditional litter (99% dust free!), improving the air quality in your home and protecting your cat’s respiratory tract. These ingredients also provide a better deodorizing effect by decreasing the particle size and increasing the odor absorption area on the surface of the litter. This is easier on your cat’s sense of smell and yours!

3. The combination of these natural ingredients creates a better clumping litter that is difficult to break when scooping out your cat’s box. The long, strip-shaped cat litter particles are less likely to be tracked out of the litter box on your cat’s paws, leaving less mess for you to clean around the house. Decreased stickiness also means the litter is less likely to get stuck to your cat’s bottom, lowering the chances of certain types of urinary tract infections.

4. Some cat owners worry about their cat ingesting their litter, either out of their natural kitty curiosity or by accident when grooming. Because Tofu Cat Litter is made from natural plant materials, it is safe for your cat to ingest!

5. PetOneCat Tofu Cat Litter is water soluble and naturally degradable. This means that it can be flushed down the toilet (please note that dumping large amounts of litter in the toilet at once can still cause clogging) or even be used as a fertilizer in the garden. 

6. Plant material is also much lighter than traditional mineral-based litter, making it easier to carry and move as needed.

PetOneCat Commitment

PetOneCat is committed to using natural, plant-based materials to produce environmentally friendly cat litter that is safe and meets the needs of many cats and cat owners. Years of research and development have left us confident in Tofu Cat Litter’s water absorption and deodorizing abilities. And we’re proud to help keep your cat healthy by providing a low-dust, non-toxic option for their litter box. 

This article is written by Dr. Sheena Haney, DVM. 

Where can I purchase PetOneCat litter? 

For a limited period of time, enjoy up to 40% off 1 bag of cat litter at only USD$17.99. 1 bag of cat litter can last for 30 days for a single cat household. Get yours here today.

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Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Thepianocats

Healthcare can be tricky, especially when it comes to insurance. After spending hours and hours searching for the best plan out there, you might end up with more questions than before. But there is a reason why we go through this ‘struggle’; all for the sake of our furkid’s health. 

This is especially so for Michelle, pawmom to four domestic shorthairs – Toothless, Milkshake, Cupcake, and Chopin. As a talent developer, harpist, and an avid kayaker, Michelle is all types of busy. However, her passion for nurturing pets has always been her number one priority. 

Brought Together By Fate

Michelle adopted both siblings Toothless and Milkshake together; she chanced upon an adoption notice for Toothless, and Milkshake was just rejected by a potential adopter, hence she took both in. 

During the circuit breaker of 2020, she once again chanced upon another adoption notice by Toa Payoh North Strays for help to rescue an abandoned kitten, and that’s how she met Cupcake. 

Chopin, was part of a litter from a pregnant cat at a car workshop – and that completes the family!

POV: Toothless and Milkshake judging you.

Four’s Never A Crowd

You must be thinking: Wow amazing, four cats in one household? Well, that’s actually not all. Michelle also fosters many cats, even multiple at once. 

Her journey as a fosterer is not an easy one. She has encountered many of them battling certain illnesses such as Urine Tract Infection (UTI), Feline Coronavirus (FIP), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) among senior cats. Unfortunately, all these illnesses are more common than you think, which is a huge concern for Michelle. But thankfully, they’re all covered* under Aon Happy Tails’ Purrfect plan! 

*Pre-existing conditions are not covered and such exclusion is typical with health insurance. Click here for more information.

Michelle with one of her foster kitty.

Preparing For The “What-Ifs”

With so many fur babies under her care, she would have to spend a hefty amount on treatment if they all fall critically ill at the same time, which is the last thing Michelle wants to worry about. 

That’s when she chanced upon Aon Happy Tails! Upon looking at their coverage and plan, she felt that it was the perfect idea to get insured for peace of mind in the event of an emergency.

“I like Aon Happy Tails. It has a low deductible and covers most of the medical expenses such as vet’s fee, diagnostic tests and medication which can be quite costly.”

Chopin looking as majestic as ever.

*Bonus Content*

If they could speak hooman for 7 days, what would you say to them, or do with them?

“If they could speak hooman for 7 days, I would convince them to go kayaking with me! I’ve seen some pets going paddling with their owners, which I thought was pretty cool and fun.”

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We tried Singapore’s first gently cooked & freeze-dried dog food, here’s how it went!

This article is in partnership with YoDoggo.

Say hello to Loki

This Pembroke Welsh Corgi goes by the name of Loki and is no different from his namesake. This poster child of mischief is always roaring for adventure, especially eyeing some delicious treats. 

Three-year-old Loki has been on a raw diet since maturing. Though he enjoys fresh food, there are some challenges faced, when sticking to a raw diet:

  1. Sourcing for the right ingredients
  2. Ensuring a complete and balanced meal
  3. The difficulty when it comes to handling raw food
  4. Hours spent on meal preparation each time
Photo credit: @lokithetoast

Starting the YoDoggo journey

YoDoggo began its humble journey with a mission to reimagine dog food here in Singapore. We all know the importance of choosing pet food made with premium ingredients, all for the well-being of our doggos. But these premium quality foods are typically very expensive, making the search for premium food to screeching halts.

However, with YoDoggo, you no longer have to break the bank to provide your fur kids with the best! All you have to do is fill up a form, and YoDoggo does the rest — getting high-quality food has never been easier!

Through this form, they’re able to assess the nutrients that your pet needs, based on its age, breed, size, etc. With this information, the experts at YoDoggo are able to recommend the perfect plan for your fur kid. So you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Benefits of choosing YoDoggo

  1. COMPLETE AND BALANCED DIET

YoDoggo’s gently cooked, freeze-dried fresh food is formulated with your dogs’ well-being in mind. Simply feed your doggos the meals just as it is, and enjoy its benefits — the same nutrients as fresh food, just without the hassle and mess!

Additionally, YoDoggo’s meals are developed based on the dog’s ancestral diets, which contain high levels of proteins, balanced fats, and low carbohydrates. All recipes have 90% fresh human-grade ingredients!

  1. CONVENIENCE

With their mission to provide easier access to premium quality food, their food packs are portable in all occasions. Especially since their food packs mustn’t always be frozen! You can even bring it outdoors while going on a hike, or chasing some ocean waves with your fur pal.

  1. MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION

Subscribe to one of their many plans and you’ll receive monthly meals delivered directly to your doorstep. So you no longer have to stock up which compromises the freshness and quality of your pet’s food.

Final thoughts

Loki really enjoyed YoDoggo’s gently cooked, freeze-dried food packs — devouring them in a matter of seconds. Hence, we’d usually serve it in a slow-feed bowl, to prevent Loki from eating it too quickly and throwing up afterward.

The convenience YoDoggo food packs bring is endless! Now you can save time on meal prep, while your fur kids enjoy tasty, nutritious food, anytime and anywhere.

A treat just for you

Always wanted to get started on your YoDoggo journey? Now’s the time as YoDoggo has a surprise for you!

They are giving away a 30-day food pack to ONE lucky winner, part of their giveaway till 2 December 2022. Head over to our Instagram for more information!

But wait there’s more! Before you go and participate in the exclusive giveaway, YoDoggo is also having a promotion; 10% off  for first month new users! So what are you waiting for? Start your YoDoggo journey today.

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5 Care Tips for your Pet’s Healthy and Happy Life

This article is brought to you by Pets Club SG.

As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to provide the best for our fur kids. Cats have an average life expectancy of 15 years, and dogs on the other hand, have 12 years. That said, all these depend on their size, and breed. Other factors that affect their life expectancy, includes gender, genetics, lifestyle, exercise, and many more!

Studies have shown that the key to a long life is based on two main factors, genetics, and lifestyle choices. While genetics are out of our control, we can offer our fur kids with the proper care and food to ensure they lead a healthy and happy life!

Here are some tips you can follow to ensure just that!

Regular Veterinary Appointments

It is recommended to bring your fur kids in for a visit at least once a year. These annual visits should be doubled if you have a senior pet at hand! It may be hard to admit sometimes, but our precious fur kids do age faster than us humans.

These important visits allow you to learn what is normal for your pet at their age, and what you can do to improve their well-being. That is why early check-ups are vital, even if something seems insignificant, initiating preventive measures can help to prolong your fur kid’s life.

Plenty of Exercise

Obesity among pets can lead to a myriad of health issues. It is seen as the number one nutritional disease among pets by veterinarians. To keep your pets lean, take them out for regular exercises. 

Exercise ideas for Cats:

  • Toy chase (cat wand or flashlight)
  • Take them for a walk
  • Cat tower
  • Short but frequent playtimes

Cats have short bursts of energy, play in five or ten minute sessions, and let them catch their breath. It is also good to note that cats have very short attention spans, hence, it’s recommended to switch up the activities frequently. 

Exercise ideas for Dogs:

  • Walk around the block
  • Playing fetch at the park
  • Bring them along for a hike
  • Take them out to swim
  • Tug-of-war

Even though every dog may need to exercise, some may need more or less than others. So take note of your dog’s limits, and give them ample water afterwards.

Healthy Diet

Make sure your pet is getting the proper nutrition for their breed and age. Being overweight can shorten your pet’s life by as much as two years, so it’s important to get them on a healthy diet!

NUTRIPE ESSENCE offers a wide array of benefits with countless nutrients your pets need, from prebiotics to digestive enzymes. Their dry food range is formulated to maintain an appropriate balance of good bacteria in your pet’s gastrointestinal system. Besides absorbing nutrients, the digestive system plays a crucial role in fluid balance, and transporting electrolytes into circulation. It also supports their immune system, preventing diseases. 

You can get started here!

Socializing

Pets do get bored sometimes, and it can lead to serious issues. Keep your pets entertained by playing with them. As much as possible, bring them out for paw-dates, engaging in socializing activities with other fur friends. When you’re out for some fun and games, always bring along their favorite toys, and buy backups –in case it gets lost!

By developing a familiarity with other hoomans and fur friends, it can help minimize serious behavioral issues like aggression or nervousness. The exposure teaches your pet how to react to the world around them in a healthy way, without feeling scared or anxious. 

Clean and Comfortable Living Environment

Good hygiene is the key to a healthy life. This also includes the environment your fur kids are exposed to on a daily basis. As a pet owner, it can be tiring to maintain optimum cleanliness in your house. However, it is our duty to provide a comfortable living quarter for your fur kid. 

Purchase additional drinking bowls, towels, combs, toothbrushes, and other pet essentials to ensure you’re always prepared to cater to their needs. 


Pro-tip: Do not leave your pets unsupervised. Allowing them to roam freely can lead to unexpected accidents, including automobile accidents, predation, exposure to allergic foods, and etc.

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Why premium food is important for your pets!

This article is brought to you by Pets Club SG.

Pet foods come in various shapes and sizes. Our furry friends may be blessed with an array of options, but for our pet owners, it can be daunting to choose the ‘perfect’ one, faced with countless brands out there claiming to be the best for your pets.

Why is premium better?

Pet foods that are certified ‘complete and balanced, containing all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to meet your pets’ daily nutritional needs. When picking premium quality foods, you will see that they are often formulated functionally to reduce the risk of stomach upsets, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Additionally, they are exceptional value for money! You get what you pay for, and paying for better quality food equates to paying for nutritionally richer, cleaner, and more effective formulas for your pets to absorb nutrients effectively for their long-term health.

Lesser quality foods are often made with fillers like grains, weeds, straw, low-grade fibers, etc. All these ingredients are bad for your pet’s health. They provide almost no nutritional value for your furry companion. In the long run, they’ll be chronically deprived of the number of nutrients they need. 

Poor quality ingredients can lead to:

  • Increased shedding
  • Intermittent vomiting
  • Gassiness 
  • Chronically loose stools
  • Obesity

What is high-quality?

High-quality pet food consists of unrefined, minimally processed foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of proteins. It should not contain any by-products, fillers, or gum — only the good stuff!

These diets may contain natural supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. The best part about these diets is that they’re rich in nutrients. Hence, it is important to check the labels for the ingredients list, because when it comes to pet food, quality is everything.

NUTRIPE Pure’s signature ingredient, green tripe, is a prime example of high quality.

What makes NUTRIPE premium?

NUTRIPE’s products only contain free-range tripe from New Zealand and Australia, working with ethical and sustainable farms to ensure the quality of their ingredients. They are gently rinsed with cold water, unprocessed, and unbleached, retaining their rich nutrients.

Green tripe is a premium superfood for cats and dogs as it contains an impressive range of proteins, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and digestive enzymes, designed to support your pets with a healthy gut microbiome which is essential to their well-being!

This is why NUTRIPE Pure specializes in maximizing the benefits of green tripe as their signature ingredient. A healthy gut accounts for 70% of their immune system, and with a healthy gut microbiome, your pets’ health is in good hands.

Available for both cats and dogs, NUTRIPE Pure is designed to make a difference in your furkid’s health and diet. So what’s stopping you from trying out some premium food? Try it out today!

Things to note

There are no strict rules when it comes to commercial pet foods as it comes in various forms, dry and wet. However, it is important to read the label, and check the ingredients listed. You should find out where the products are made, including the source of their ingredients. Ethically sourced ingredients guarantee the quality of the product!

So, opt for higher quality products because your pets do not just deserve the best, they need it!

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Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Bailey_japspitz

It goes without saying that a pawrent’s biggest wish is to provide a healthy and comfortable life for their fur kid. It can be difficult at times, but to Joanne, pawmom to her two-years-old Japanese Spitz Bailey, it’s all worth it!

Working as a real estate agent, Joanne’s flexible working schedule allows her to spend more time with her loved ones, especially Bailey.

Forever floofy

Japanese Spitz are known to be energetic fur balls who are faithful, affectionate, and well-behaved — with Bailey checking all the boxes. Bailey can always be seen with a smile on his face. He is super friendly with other dogs and even strangers!

And that’s not all! Bailey is also the master of peace; small baby hoomans could be picking at him, and smaller fur friends could be barking incessantly in his face, and he will remain unfazed, waiting patiently for his hoomans to save him.

Another interesting fact about Bailey is that he treasures cleanliness the most! He does not dirty the house even with the worst tummy aches, “the sweetest boy,” says pawmom Joanne.

“Can we eat now?”

The perfect Spitz

Joanne had been searching for a new dog from Australian and New Zealand breeders for a long time, but it took a pause when her previous dog of 14 years had passed on. 8 years later, with the intention of getting a new fur kid, Joanne was recommended by fellow dog owners to search for breeders under Dogz Online.

One of the breeders reached out, with the intention of rehoming seven-month-old Bailey within New Zealand, and with much assurance and convincing, Bailey eventually became the breeder’s first and only export out of New Zealand!

Bailey came from a niche kennel in South New Zealand that breeds Japanese Spitz to perfection mainly for dog shows. The breeders do it out of passion, with the aim of achieving pristine breed standards — not for mass breeding and sale.

As Bailey has a lower confidence level and a larger build that exceeds maximum entry size, he was put for adoption. But, he still makes a perfect house pet!

Bailey wandering around dreamland.

Preparations for the future

Japanese Spitz are known to be prone to Luxating Patella. However, by choosing to import Bailey from an ethical breeder, it allows Joanne to be at ease knowing Bailey was bred to perfection in terms of looks and health. That’s why it was important to Joanne not to get a new dog from backyard breeders.

“Dogs are paired ethically to avoid health issues inherent to the breed as much as possible,” added Joanne.

That said, the best preparation for the worst is always assurance. As a pawrent to a silky terrier before Bailey, Joanne had to spend a bomb to fly in a specialist that manages canine cataracts. In times of emergencies, she hopes to reduce her worry about medical bills and focus more on Bailey’s recovery.

Joanne was introduced to Aon Happy Tails through a recommendation from other pet owners. With a couple Google searches and reviews, Joanna was enticed by their comprehensive coverage and benefits! 

“We are on the Furball plan because my take is to either do it or not do it. Once decided and committed to do so, then it is nothing short of the best within the category!”

Bailey looks trendy as ever.

*Bonus Content*

If Bailey could speak hooman for 7 days, what would you say to him, or do with him?

“If Bailey could speak hooman for 7 days… then he better use that 7 days to tell us all his likes and dislikes across all categories that will affect his life!”

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Community Stories

Preparing your nervous dog to be alone with a sitter or dog walker

Having a reactive or anxious attitude can be challenging, especially when a dog’s behavioral issues are a result of previous abuse. However, reactivity, nervousness, and issues like anxiety can be dealt with. While the thought can seem daunting, the services of an experienced dog walker or sitter can be helpful.

Of course, if you have to work long hours or you need to leave town for a day or two, these kinds of services can also be essential. Here’s how you can prepare your nervous dog to spend time with a sitter or dog walker.

Four ways to prepare an anxious dog for the sitter

While sending your anxious dog to a dog walker can seem like a bad idea, the truth is that an experienced dog walker who specializes in nervous or reactive dogs can improve their socialization skills and help deal with these issues. Of course, if your dog has aggression issues, you will need to seek help for this first. Assuming the main concerns are nervousness and reactivity, however, an experienced dog walker or sitter can help.

Taking these four preparatory steps can make their job a lot easier:

  1. Be upfront with the sitter or dog walker

When you first contact a potential sitter or dog walker, you should ask whether they feel comfortable and capable of dealing with your dog. This is true whether your dog is reactive or has underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes. Some dog sitters specialize in providing one-to-one care for nervous animals and other difficult-to-handle dogs.

  1. Arrange a supervised meeting

One of the most common triggers for nervous or reactive dogs is a feeling of being overwhelmed or frightened. New people, new places, new dogs, and busy environments can all cause flare-ups. By introducing your dog to the dog walker or sitter in a supervised environment where they feel safe and comforted by your presence, they will be more open to getting to know new people. If they gel well, you can proceed with planning.

  1. Provide all necessary information

When you find a dog walker or sitter who you feel is a good fit for your fur baby, you should provide them with all of the information that they will need to take care of your dog. This includes information on any medications they may need, allergies or health concerns that could cause issues, and emergency contact details for you, your vet, and a trusted third party. If you are leaving your dog with them for more than a day, you should also give them your insurance details in case of injury or illness.

  1. Schedule a practice run

Finally, let the dog walker or sitter take your dog for a shorter period of time as a kind of practice run. This will give you both peace of mind. It will also give the sitter a final chance to assess your dog and let you know if they need anything in particular to care for it.

These simple steps will help you to prepare your dog to be cared for by someone else. Once you know which kind of pet care service is right for your dog, you can take the necessary steps to ensure the transition is smooth for both your pet and their caregiver.