Dog Hikes, Face Plants and Gratitude

Today, just like every day, I took dogs out on a trail hike. As I head out I always marvel at how lucky I am and how spoiled I have become to be able to hike on our wonderful trails with the dogs. Every so often the dogs stop and look out, as if they are also enjoying the view. I wonder what they are thinking. Probably something like 'where is that bird? I am going to chase it now' and not 'wow, what a sunset!' I, being human and not dog, try to never get so used to PC that I take this beauty for granted.

I also never take my health for granted. Being a mother, I am constantly grateful for my children's and my own health. How lucky we are that a minor sniffle seems like a major inconvenience. Today I had a little accident that left me thankful that I was able to get up and walk and my nose was only bleeding and not broken. I was running with dogs down a local trail when I suddenly found myself face down in the dirt in pain. I am sure I just tripped on a root or rock on the trail, but it happened so quickly I don't even know how it happened. I stood up, looked at myself in my glasses, and was shocked to see dirt and blood all over my face. The fact that I am sitting here blogging and not sitting in the ER reminds me to be filled with gratitude every day. And the dogs? They all rallied around me very concerned. I am grateful for them as well.

Spring In Park City

Our Playful Pets assistants, Scott and Samantha, keep asking me why it keeps raining and snowing in May. I always have the same answer, 'this is spring in Park City.' We have lived here for 4 1/2 years, since they were just 5 and 7. That is such a large part of their lives, so I wonder to myself, 'why would they find it odd?'

 

What does this mean for our little business? We get wet. Most dogs don't mind a little rain, but Spy Dog looks at me as if to say 'you want me to walk in this?!?' Walking in the rain and snow keeps my spirits up during drizzly days like today. It also means that our customers want to go to Moab or Zion where it is warm, so we get to watch their pets. You won't find me complaining about the rain and snow!

It is snowing as I write this on May 28. I had an amazing snow hike with Tom and Jasper this morning. It is simply beautiful on the trails. No complaints here!

   

Integrity

I have been thinking a lot about integrity as it applies to my life and to Playful Pets of Park City in the past 24 hours. I was on a dog-sitting job with Samantha (my nine-year-old assistant) and I said something about having integrity in our work. She said 'what is integrity?' Great question! I immediately said 'honesty.' But as I thought about integrity into the evening and again this morning, I have realized that it is so much more than simply being truthful. It involves having a high quality of service.

This week is spring break in Park City. I am very busy because many people are out of town. I have some repeat clients and some new clients and I am nearly too busy. This is great news for our fledgeling business and I am truly happy as I rush from home to home making sure the animals are all cared for and feel loved. What does this have to do with integrity? I have realized that in order to assure a high quality of service I must have my client's best interests in mind at all times. We may rush from here to there, but we must not sacrifice the integrity of Playful Pets of Park City.

Dog Walks in Fresh Snow

For skiers in Park City the powder has been great this week. Yesterday two skiers told me it was the best day of the season. For Playful Pets of Park City, although we embrace mud during the shoulder seasons, we also are enjoying the fresh snow for our hikes and walks. Here is Hannah on the Rail Trail. Her, Sage and Spy dog have a great time on our two hour walks.

Last weekend we had the honor of visiting this little cutie, Rosie, and her sweet buddy, Duke. They love their walks and treats.

This kitty is Merlin. He is a sweet and affectionate little guy. We adore cats also!

2 More Playful Pets Household Residents!

Meet two more Playful Pets of Park City household residents. This beautiful leopard gecko is named Greta. We adopted her from another Park City family. Her home is an aquarium but when we clean it she goes into this basket. She eats about one live cricket per day.

This lovely little calico is Squeakers. She is officially Samantha's cat. We found her at the animal shelter in Wanship. She was the friendliest one there, and she continues to be a very social cat. You might think you are seeing double when you see Squeakers and Simbalina in the same room. Their coloring is exactly the same. However, we can easily tell them apart because Squeakers is larger than Simbalina, who is quite petite. Squeakers lives up to her name by squeaking frequently.

Family Business

Playful Pets of Park City is truly a family business. This is Samantha walking with Spy and Eddie at a local trail. Both Scott, 11, and Samantha, 9, love helping with Playful Pets of Park City, whether it is helping with our animals at home or walking dogs around town. Of course the bigger dogs are walked by Sandra only.

This colorful beauty is Zoola. We met her at our favorite trail in Pinebrook. She and Eddie made friends and romped around a bit. It always feels great to get outside with the dogs and let them meet new friends.

Mud Season is upon Us!

Mud season is upon Park City. The ski season is close to ending so some people call this Shoulder Season, but I like to call it Mud Season for the obvious reason that is speckled all over the dogs and my shoes. Walking the dogs becomes an adventure in mud. Most dogs don't mind being wiped off before entering the car, but Spy Dog complains bitterly. On the bright side, Playful Pets is enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather.

This little cutie is Eddie, the Boston Terrier whom we have the pleasure of dog sitting this week. He is good company for all of here at Playful Pets. He loves to chew balls and chase balls. He has a blast trail-running with Spy. Boston Terriers, known as 'The American Gentlemen' due to their dapper appearance, were originally a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. Eddie is very smart and has a sweet disposition.