My name is Caroline Effenberger, I began When Nature Calls Pet Sitting in 2003 while working at Newton Veterinary Hospital.  I have always loved and cared for pets, which is why I decided to go to work at the hospital.  Ultimately, my pet sitting business had grown to the point where I was working less at the hospital and spending most of my time pet sitting.  I left the hospital in 2005 to pursue When Nature Calls full-time.

Personally, I reside with 4 dogs, 1 cat, 2 parrots, fish and a turtle.  I am actively involved in animal rescue, fostering and placement on my own as well as being employed by Byram Township as the shelter manager for Byram Animal Rescue.  My daily responsibilities include feeding, cleaning and caring for the dogs and cats as well as administering medications when needed.

I have also completed the Animal Control Officer Certification class in December 2009 and within that course became Dog/Cat First Aid and  CPR certified as well.

WHY DOGS NEED TO WALK?

Dogs crave the stimulating sights, sounds and scents that only the outdoors can provide with the sky above and the earth below. Just get out the lead and you know how excited your dog gets! And once they are outside you notice how your dog is transformed from a sleepy couch potato to an energized, alert animal. The sheer variety of stimuli outdoors can help dogs maintain mental sharpness, while the exercise helps maintain physical strength.

As they are incredibly intelligent creatures, dogs can become bored and unhappy when they are not stimulated. Bored dogs may become destructive around the home, causing expensive damage. Additionally, dogs are social creatures. When they go outside with a dog walker, marking territory, sniffing around and meeting up with other people and dogs is an important way for them to interact with the world at large. A good power walk will satisfy its need for stimulation, companionship and exercise.

Does you dog bark all day while your gone? The reasons most dogs bark are that they are bored. Just a 30 minute walk could be all that is needed. A regular routine of walking and playtime may be exactly what your dog needs to maintain its health for many years.