PEAK CITY PUPPY - Professional Pet Care

Shout Against the Whisper!

2011-06-02T02:21:00.000-07:00

Heather is a published author and long-time Peak City Puppy client. Recently, we learned that she is battling Ovarian Cancer and asked if she would like to write about her experience to help increase awareness of this disease.

***************
Hello Peak City Puppy readers! My name is Heather and my golden retriever Sophie just loves Lesley and her gang. Lately they have helped us out so much more. I had just turned 40 and was in the peak of my health (running my dog, playing soccer, chasing my three young kids) when I noticed that I was bloated a bit (skinny jeans didn’t zip easily) and I had a twinge of pain on my right side. It took me a few weeks to go into my general practitioner who sent me for an ultrasound, which sent me to my GYN, who sent me to a gyn oncologist at Duke the very next day.

I was diagnosed with Stage IIc Ovarian Cancer a week later after the talented surgeon spent 4.5 hours searching my pelvic cavity and removing my uterus, ovaries, lymph node samples, and various other suspicious spots. I have now started a clinical trial and chemo which will run for 15 months. If I had waited a few more weeks, my prognosis could have easily slipped to 20% survival. My odds are at 75% now and my positive spirit and my army of supporters are raising those odds greatly : )

The symptoms of OC are ridiculously quiet: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency). Possibly fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation, and menstrual irregularities. The OC National Alliance suggests you see your gyn if you experience these symptoms for more than a few weeks. Okay – who hasn’t experienced at least some of these symptoms? It is scary. But what was scarier was hearing my wonderful husband (whose own mom died of breast cancer when he was 9) tell me as I woke from surgery that I had cancer.

It is now my mission, as a writer, as a survivor, as a woman to reach as many people as I can to warn them about this silent killer of women. I will “Shout against the Whisper!” of Ovarian Cancer until everyone I come in contact with knows its quiet, deadly sound.

For more information you can go to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance or www.tealtoes.org . Or you can always contact me at Heather@HeatherMcCollum.com

Otto the Old Soul...

2011-05-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday, while training a new team member, I shared how caring for Senior dogs is actually one of my most unexpected, favorite parts to this job. While many team members fawn over the new puppy assignments, I personally find it more rewarding to care for the sometimes very special needs of an older pet. As I've had more experience with the cruelty of old age among dogs: lame back legs; incontinence; difficulty walking or standing; I've become far less fearful of caring for them. I realize that some days, you may walk into a home worried your friend won't wake up, but that's all the more reason to be there when their family can't. I find myself spending extra time and taking extra special care to just make the guy more comfortable and give him exactly what he wants; whether it's a short stroll down the street, or an extra cookie or two.

Today I learned that we lost one of our personal favorite Senior dogs and my heart is admittedly, very sad. Otto was a bright-eyed, tenacious yellow lab belonging to our good friends and happen-to-be neighbors. Otto was a product of the modern American couple: the "His" contribution to a blended family of Sara & Neil and their two dogs, Otto and Abbey. As the family grew to also include a baby this year, Otto remained his patient, gentle and loving self. We helped walk him and his sister and though most days he could only muster a short trot down to the corner and back, Otto wouldn't think of letting you leave him behind.

As older age continued to strip Otto of some of his basic abilities in the past months and years, the thing he never lost was the brightness in his eyes and excitement to see people. Jet black marbles with thick black eyelids, giving him an unforgettably flirtatious and youthful puppy face. We grieve for our friends today but remain hopeful that Otto is now comfortable and happy waiting for his family at the Rainbow Bridge. We love you, buddy.

Pet First Aid - Are you Prepared?

2011-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month and a great time for all pet owners to learn how best to handle pet accidents and emergencies. Peak City Puppy encourages all pet owners to learn what to do if their pet becomes injured.

Just like people, most pet accidents happen in or nearby the home. Examples of the most common pet accidents include toxic ingestion, dog bites, high rise syndrome, ripped toenails, foreign body ingestions with gastrointestinal problems, eye emergencies, broken bones, trouble giving birth and being hit by a car.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 25 percent more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care. Source: Pet Sitters International, 2010.

As part of our commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our clients, all Peak City Puppy Team Members are required to be certified in American Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR within 90 days of joining us. Part of the value in hiring us as professional pet sitters is that we have experience with hundreds of pets which will help during an emergency situation. In fact, much of our initial Team Member training is spent on techniques to avoid the most common pet emergencies.

To date, our team has an impressive track record or handling minor pet emergencies. In one case, a team member identified a cat in diabetic shock and properly alerted both the client and the Veterinarian listed on file to administer emergency treatment and save the cat's life. On several occasions, we have been called to care for very elderly pets who can not withstand the stress of a boarding kennel. Whenever we care for senior pets, special attention is given to ensure their health condition has not changed significantly between visits and alert the client if we suspect ill-health.

One more benefit to establishing service with Peak City Puppy is that we can serve as an "Emergency Contact" in the event of a fire or other emergency in your home. If we have your most up-to-date contact information, we can make attempts to contact you and/or care for your pets until you return home safely. Please contact us if you have not received your FREE Pet Emergency Window cling. We are happy to provide this service to our existing clients as one more way we help keep you happy and your pets safe.

dogs dig us...but Cats do too!

2011-01-25T06:48:00.000-08:00

by Cait Hawley, CARY TEAM Member

Cats make great pets, and no one knows that better than the team at Peak City Puppy. They’re independent, graceful, quiet and are quite content to spend their time on the back of your couch or curled up in a cat tree in your absence. When you’re out of town, you want the very best for your furry friends at home. Leaving Fluffy in a kennel or pet boarding center may be detrimental to your pet emotionally, as well as medically.

Cats love things that smell like them, their people, and their home. Being taken somewhere in carrier may as well be an alien abduction; your pet is contained in a small space, only to be moved to unfamiliar surroundings without having any idea how they got there. Then, faced with a vast array of new scents, other cats and, potentially, barking dogs in the next room, your cat may become needlessly stressed out.

Your cat may also be have to deal with upper respiratory infections and other medical issues after leaving a kennel situation, particularly if they are allowed to roam free with other boarded cats and share food/water sources. Typically, cats in shelters or other areas with multiple felines are prone to highly-contagious bouts of sneezing, nasal discharge, runny eyes and even coughing.

Bringing home an anxious, sick cat can be upsetting. Your cat may start hiding or become aloof, and while an upper respiratory infection will run its course in about a week, why should you spend large amounts of money per day to bring home a sick animal?

When you utilize Peak City Puppy’s services, you get more than just a happy cat. Your pet will be able to enjoy all the safety and comfort of home and the daily routine that all cats rely on. Whether your pal has a specific feeding time, certain medical requirements or a favorite feather toy, our dedicated team will ensure that your cat is content while you’re gone.

No cat likes a dirty litter box. We’ll take care of the mess, and refresh the box, so that your pet will never feel the need to eliminate elsewhere, and you can come back to a clean-smelling home. We take the energy level and personality of your cat into consideration before entering your home to provide service. Indoor playing and activity is initiated on every visit, even if your cat stretches and rolls over before returning to naptime.

Peak City Puppy delivers peace of mind to every client through daily texts, emails or phone calls. If kitty needs a treat, a belly-rub or a lap to curl up on, we’ll be there.
They may not be in our name, but Peak City Puppy loves all pets: big and small, cat or canine!

To inquire about cat-only services, please call us at 919-367-7387 or go on-line: www.PeakCityPuppy.com

A Sad Goodbye to Bella-Bear

2010-12-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

Watching a beloved pet grow older is never easy. But for a very good friend of ours this week, the pain of watching her once spry dog get OLD within a matter of days, was extremely hard. And finally, as the test results came back with dim news and a prolonged, ugly fight if there was one to be had....Sonya made the brave and ultimately selfless decision to let her girl go. We take a moment to say a very sad good-bye to one of the best; our bear-cub pup, Bella Brown.

Bella embodied her mom's spirit in every sense of the world. Sassy, independent and full of life and love. Bella never stopped moving and loved her power walks; so in her final days when the dreaded hip dysplasia took its toll, Sonya knew her baby girl was telling her it was 'time'. We can only hope that with the peace and comfort provided in those last hours at home, Bella knew only that she was very well-loved and that soon, the pain would go away.

Bella was our third client; as in #3 ever! We nicknamed her 'little bear cub' because, well...just look at her picture! As a puppy, Bella was a ball of fluff with a freckled nose and deep, jet black marble eyes. She grew into a fluffy, energetic girl except when sporting her 'skinny jeans' as Sonya coined the annual summer haircut. We cared for her lovingly and given she was our close friend's pet, allowed her to come ride around in the Peak City Puppy truck for extended visits; just to keep her company. Bella loved car rides of any sort and jumped into the back of her mom's truck with the gleeful expression as if to say, "SWEET! Where we headed?".

As many pet owners can full-well appreciate, Sonya has lost her best friend. Bella was there before, during and after boyfriends and took up residence long before her feline companion Binx joined the house. Fiercely loyal, Bella brought a sense of security to Sonya, in so many more ways than the obvious. Our hearts are deeply sad for our friend and hope as the next few days unfold, she can remember all the good and special times with her girl. With very heavy hearts, we say our final good-bye to you, Bella Brown. We will miss you, sweet girl.

YIKES! We are FULL for Thanksgiving Week

2010-11-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

We've had another busy ramp-up to one of the biggest weeks of the year in pet sitting. We are officially booked up in all territories for the 2010 Thanksgiving Week. Please Contact Us about availability for Christmas Week and New Year's before space fills up!

Lighten Up! - Weight Control for your Pets

2010-11-17T07:27:00.000-08:00

By: Thor Wendland of THE PET PANTRY, Apex, NC

Is your 4-legged companion at a healthy weight? Before I go on I must confess, I have an overweight dog. I am working on Piper’s weight but it is a challenge as anyone who has tried to lose weight or has tried to trim down an overweight dog knows. But I am not alone. Today in the USA about 17 million+ dogs or 40% of the dog population is overweight. Right now cats are facing an epidemic of obesity as well. So don’t forget to look at your cats with a discerning eye too.

One of the reasons for the ever increasing waist lines of our 4 legged friends is their owners’ perception of their dog’s proper weight. When dog owners are asked if they think their dog is overweight only 17% of dog owners believed their dog had a weight issue vs. approximately 40% who do have an overweight dog. It is important that you talk with your Veterinarian to determine your dog’s ideal body weight and then weigh your dog(s) frequently to make sure it is maintaining a healthy weight. As with people, weight gain in dogs can occur slowly and go unnoticed until you have a real health issue. Do not compare your dog to other dogs you see because 40% of them are overweight!

Why is our pet population experiencing such a rise in obesity? It boils down to calories in versus calories out. We are over feeding our pets with food and treats and not exercising them enough. Did you know that one pig ear is the equivalent to six 12 oz. sodas for a 40 lb. dog? That little piece of pizza crust that you fed to your Chihuahua could be the equivalent to 3 slices of pizza for you! We need to make smart treat choices for our pets. For many dogs a piece of carrot is a very welcomed treat.

We all know the effects of excess weight on people. Many of these health problems will also occur in dogs. Heart Disease, Diabetes, Respiratory Disease, Back & ACL problems, Premature Arthritis and Cancer are just a few of the more common problems. Unfortunately, they are with us for far too short a time. We should do all we can to help them live a long, healthy life.

Exercise is also important. To start burning fat a dog needs to have an elevated heart rate, from activity, for a minimum of 20 minutes. Just think about how much he/she enjoys taking a long walk or chasing a ball. I know I would be a lot healthier if I enjoyed exercise as much as they do. The next time you feel the urge to feed them a treat, take them for a walk instead. (PEAK CITY PUPPY offers Mid-Day Dog Walking Service to help get your dog out several times a week).

How do you determine how many calories your dog needs in a day? Again, your Veterinarian can help you with this. As a very general guide I tell people that most adult dogs with moderate activity need about 17 calories per day per lb. of ideal body weight. This varies by age, breed, activity level, not being spayed or neutered and many other factors. So with this general guide in mind if your dog currently weighs 50 lbs. and should weigh 40 lbs. , you would multiply 40 lbs. x 17 calories = 680 calories per day. You would then divide the 680 calories by how many calories are in each cup of dog food you are feeding to determine how much to feed each day. You must also make sure to subtract food to compensate for any treats that you are giving throughout the day.

Unfortunately dogs that are overweight are becoming the norm in this country. Do your best to make sure that yours is not one of them.

For more information about Holistic and Natural food products delivered right to your home: Contact THE PET PANTRY @ 919.303.1990 or On-line at: http://www.feedyourpets.com

2 years and 10,000 visits!

2010-11-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

It seems impossible, but on November 24th, 2010 we will celebrate our 2nd full year in business! Since that time, we have completed nearly 10,000 in-home pet visits or dog walks and met the needs of over 250 Happy Clients!

We've celebrated the promotions of Elka and Julie to Team Managers in Holly Springs and Morrisiville/Cary respectively, and spent over 120 combined hours training our team (which now stands at 14!). We remain open and available to our clients 365 days a year, 15 hours a day (7AM to 10PM) and carefully manage taking on New Clients to ensure we're there when our Existing Clients need us most.

This month brings the influx of reservations for the busy Holiday season. With over 300 visits for the team over Thanksgiving, we are nearly full in most areas and are quickly booking up for Christmas and New Year's; so don't wait! BOOK NOW!

As we enter our third year of business we want to say a sincere THANK YOU to the hundreds of you who have welcomed us into your homes and allowed us to care for your pet family members. In creating this company, we wanted to offer a level of service that is simply not found anywhere else and based on your feedback, we have done it!

We never take it for granted however and that's why this month, we're inviting FRANK VERNI of Best Paw Forward back to the office for some advanced Dog Walking Training with our team. While every new team member at PEAK CITY PUPPY completes a ten-hour training course with Lesley before taking new client assignments, we strongly believe that continued training for us all is what sets us apart from friends, neighbors and even other pet sitting companies caring for your pets. Each team member is certified in American Red Cross CPR & First Aid to easily and quickly identify a health condition needing veterinary attention. We all own our own pets as well and frequently talk about the importance of "doing what you'd want done for your own pets".

The past two years have brought a lot of changes for us personally; a sign of the times for many families right now. PEAK CITY PUPPY was born shortly after we encountered a job lay-off and quickly had to re-set some priorities. Having both worked in the corporate world, we set this company up to grow right from the start by investing most of our own savings in its start-up. Watching it grow over the past two years has been a tremendous source of pride along with the occasional exhaustion of owning a round-the-clock business.

We are excited to experience the joys and challenges of 2011 and hope you'll be there, right along with us!

Blackey - Fence Build Sponsored by Friends of PEAK CITY PUPPY

2010-11-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

PEAK CITY PUPPY is proud to announce that we gathered a group of friends here at the main office on October 16th for a Chili Cook-Off and Charity Poker Tournament, to raise funds for the Coalition to Unchain Dogs. We have been friends of this organization for two years because they literally CHANGE dogs lives by building fences so the dogs can be UNCHAINED. This year with the generosity of our event participants and a few 'Angel donors', PEAK CITY PUPPY sponsored a fence-build project for a pit bull in Durham named Blackey. We later found out that Blackey had been waiting the longest of all the dogs on the fence-build wait-list. Here's Blackey's video (Warning: You may be brought to tears!):

OUCH! Pets Feel Pain, Too!

2010-10-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

By: Dr. Jodi Reed, DVM of Harmony Animal Hospital, Apex, NC

It is not hard to imagine that animals feel pain. What is difficult, is to agree on is how much pain a pet is feeling. Like people, pets' tolerance for pain varies. The biggest difference between the human and animal experience of pain is in the way we communicate. Humans are fortunate to have the power of speech, so we can communicate when, and more importantly, where something hurts. With animals, we strictly rely on body language and non-verbal cues to determine if, where, and to what extent they are experiencing pain.

It is really only in the last 20-25 years that veterinary medicine, as a profession, has acknowledged and accepted that animals truly feel pain; likely to the extent that we do. This is unacceptable, as pain should be treated swiftly and aggressively as it is for humans. Where the challenge lies for owners and veterinarians is in recognizing the signs of pain; understanding the cues our pets give that suggest pain is occuring and where it is hurting.

Obvious Signs of a Painful Pet:
Limping
Protective behavior (such as nipping or vocalizing when touched in a painful area)
Not moving or remaining unwilling to get up
Hesitating to jump up or climb up stairs

Less Obvious Signs of Pain in Pets:
Not eating as much or as fast as usual
Panting
Hiding
Sleeping more
Not greeting you at the door
Restlessness or Inability to Lay Down

Essentially, your pet may be painful if she stops doing the normal routines that she has done for a long time, or even exhibits strange behaviors such as becoming more grumpy, aggressive, or having inappropriate potty habits. In these cases, my advice is that when changes such as these occur, it is extremely important to seek a professional opinion from your veterinarian.

Like many veterinarians, I believe that treating pain in animals is humane and cannot be ignored. No living being should ever have to suffer with pain. There are many tools that we have to treat, and more importantly, prevent pain in your pet. The most common treatments include neutraceuticls (ie Glucosamine Chondrotin), pain medications (injections, oral, topical), physical rehabilitation, massage therapy, acupuncture, and combinations of the above. While these are all very important tools and each has its place in treating different types of pain, there is now an even newer modality to use in the arsenal against pain.

One of the newest pain treatments, for both people and animals, is a Therapy Laser. This is a type of treatment that can be used to lessen and eliminate many types of pain. The best use is to help reduce inflammation and swelling, which are two of the leading causes of pain. Laser therapy helps treat pain such as chronic arthritis, tendonitis, hot spots, ear infections, burns, wounds, post surgical sites, trauma and so much more. The benefits of the Therapy Laser are often profound and reliable, while the actual treatment is painless, quick, and has no negative side effects.

For me, having an older, very arthritic dog and cat, learning about the Therapy Laser and all the wonderful things it can do to lessen and possibly eliminate pain for pets was a profound experience. I finally felt that I had an alternative to the treatments that had been tried but failed. At Harmony Animal Hospital, we believe strongly in this treatment and are one of only two veterinary hospitals in the area that have invested in the equipment to be able to provide this service to our clients’, painful pets.

For more information about Laser Therapy or to speak to Dr. Jodi directly, stop by Harmony Animal Hospital located at 2141 Ten-Ten Road in Apex; Call 919.303-3456 or Visit on-line at: www.HarmonyAnimalHospital.net

Peak City 'Puppies' of ALL Ages!

2010-10-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

This November will mark the beginning of our third year of business. Since that time, we've completed over 10,000 in-home pet visits and dog walking visits for over 250 different clients in Western Wake County. Many times when we meet with a new pet sitting client, we hear stories of bad experiences with kennel boarding; dogs or cats that return home taking a couple days to 'get back to normal'. We hear this frequently from clients with Senior pets, so we've decided to dedicate this entire edition of 'dogs dig us.' to the care of Senior dogs and cats.

When we decided on the name Peak City Puppy it was will full intention that the word "Puppy" is exactly how we view ALL dogs, regardless of age, health condition or mobility. In our experience, no matter how many miles a pup has on him, the minute you rattle the leash or grab the ratty old tennis ball, an unmistakeable spark is lit! Suddenly, arthritic hips give way to a walk around the block (albeit slower or shorter).

In terms of care, our team remains fiercely protective of Senior pets and all team members are certified in American Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR during their initial training period. We take a full health history prior to our first visit and have experience administering medications from pills to feline insulin shots to IV infusions (with no additional costs...ever.) In partnering with Dr. Jodi Reed of Harmony Animal Hospital, we have the option of calling her 24/7 in the event of a medical Emergency where our clients' own vet is unavailable. This is an amazing service that we value greatly rather than having to transport an aged pet to an expensive After-Hours Hospital.

This issue we're proud to feature an article from Dr. Jodi about a new treatment for pain in older pets as well as provide links to resources like The Grey Muzzle Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding forever homes for older pets. Enjoy and be on the look-out next month for a special Anniversary edition of 'dogs dig us.' with some exciting announcements!

And now, a word from our Happy Clients

2010-10-01T02:40:00.000-07:00

Lots of updates and changes since our last posting. The 2010 Summer kept us quite busy here at Peak City Puppy. We completed two new groups of training classes for team members, bringing our bench up to 12 total. To view our newest team members, check out our new TEAM PAGES on the recently updated website.

As we approach the fall months and before gearing up for the 2010 Holiday season, Peak City Puppy decided to take a moment to connect with our clients to ask their opinions on our service. A short, 4-question anonymous survey was sent to our over 250 clients asking for their candid opinions on everything from the quality of our service to the value or convenience it offers as an alternative to kennel boarding.

We'd like to share some of the results with a side-note that our goal in polling our clients wasn't just to publish all the good things they say about our service. We really are a company committed to continual improvement, so if there are things that need attention or changing; well, now we know. We are very happy with the results of our survey and will continue to ask to hear from our clients directly. After all, without clients, we wouldn't have this little business at all...

Here's what our Happy Clients have to say:

Almost 40% of the clients who responded say they use us "all the time", though we got a nice cross-section of responses with almost 20% of respondents only having used us "once or twice".

As far as pet sitters in Western Wake County, our clients resoundingly said that for "Convenience", "Availability" and "Professionalism", we are top-notch with over 95% of clients giving us the top score of 5 = "Extremely Satisfied".

Our team provides mid-day dog walking in Apex, Cary, Morrisville and now Holly Springs and among these clients, 90% said that we are a great "Value" or fair price for the benefits derived.

Beyond the stats, we wanted to share right from the horses mouth, what some of our clients are saying about Peak City Puppy - Professional Pet Care:

"I have been immensely pleased each time I've used your service. I especially love the text message updates that include pictures! I wish I could take more vacations just so I could use you more - your service is such a comfort for me, and my dog!" - Rhonda from Cary

"Your service is wonderful. You are always available for our hectic schedules and you give us such peace of mind when we're working long hours that our pups are getting exercise, fresh water, and TLC. I like your service soooo much better than my previous service!" - Anonymous

"I am sure if it were not for your service, my husband would refuse to travel and leave the dogs at all!" - Kathy of Apex

We appreciate our client's supportive words but will continue to have our ear out to learn what more we can do to improve. Until then, we'll take a moment to celebrate our little successes!

Summer Travel: Keeping your Pet Safe at Home

2010-06-15T04:05:00.000-07:00

As the school year draws to a close and summer vacation planning begins, many pet owners find it challenging to secure reliable and affordable care for their pets. Boarding kennels may be an option for healthy, adult dogs who are well-socialized. For young puppies, senior dogs and most dogs prone to anxiety or easily affected by environmental stressors, kennel boarding may be out. That’s where we come in...literally.

Peak City Puppy - Professional Pet Care offers pet sitting and dog walking services so you can head out of town for a day or the entire week with peace of mind that your pet is safe and comfortable in her own home. But what exactly is professional pet sitting and how does it work? If you’ve ever asked a neighbor or family member to ‘check-in’ on the dog....we promise, that’s not it.

As with most home services, there is a wide range of options in pet sitting and you will want to do some homework before selecting a provider:

Trust: Seek out small teams or individuals with a long list of Happy Clients and testimonials. Look for BBB accreditation and positive reviews from reliable independent consumer sites like Angie’s List. An initial “Meet & Greet” should be complimentary and ideally occur well before you need service to begin.

Availability: A pet sitter / pet sitting service may be great with your pets, but if he is unavailable when you need him most (i.e. summer vacation); what good is that to you? Choose a small team that has adequate staffing for busy months and back-up measures in place.

Training: Professional pet sitters should have experience with hundreds of pets, including their own. Accident and emergencies can be avoided by ensuring your pet sitter has been well-trained in dog handling and proper dog walking skills. If you have a mischievous puppy, an older dog or one with health issues; ensure the pet sitter / company is certified in pet First Aid & CPR.

Communication: Perhaps the greatest benefit of a pet sitter is the opportunity to receive daily text, email or picture updates of your pet while you’re away. A professional service should maintain communication with you at every step: from emailing you a reminder before you leave, to writing out a final pet report detailing your pet’s health, behavior, feeding and activity during the visits.

Summer vacation and travel should be a carefree, relaxing time to enjoy with your family. If taking your dog or cat along with you is not an option, contact us to discuss the many benefits of securing reliable in-home pet care for one of the most important ‘members’ of the family.

Peak City Puppy - Professional Pet Care may be reached by calling 919-367-7387 (FOR-PETS) or at www.PeakCityPuppy.com

What's in a Name? A little town called Apex.

2010-05-21T07:48:00.001-07:00

If you were one of the 12,000 residents who braved the crowd and a near 90-degree Saturday to join us at PeakFEST, it's probably no surprise as to where we got our name, "Peak City Puppy". Since moving to the "Peak of Good Living" in 2008, we have been big fans of all things Apex. Despite record growth in the past few years, Apex has been able to maintain a small-town feel; a feature that is palpable as you stroll along the shops and restaurants of downtown Salem Street.

Apex got its name as the "Peak City" because of its status as the highest point on the Chatham Railroad which extends from Richmond, VA all the way to Jacksonville, FL. The Union Depot currently houses the Apex Chamber of Commerce of which Peak City Puppy became a member last year. There is an old train caboose still parked out behind The Chamber that you can visit; a reminder of a simpler time, for sure. As you walk down Salem Street, you can enjoy fine dining at Peak City Grille or stop in to catch the Red Sox beating the Yankees with a burger and beer at Salem Street Pub!

A new and welcome addition to the downtown Historic District is the Halle Cultural Center, home of the Peak City Film Festival in late Fall. This new center hosts various art, music and cultural events. If you haven't been, it's a wonderful building just adjacent to another favorite: Tobacco Road Outdoors, an outdoors specialty shop.

Despite knowing that we would build a business with appeal far beyond the zig-zag borders of Apex town limits, we settled on our name to honor our little town and represent one of our core values: supporting LOCAL business. In a time when 'big-box' retailers push out private booksellers, coffee shops and clothing boutiques, we felt it was important to build a company that maintained a commitment to its local community.

Our participation in this year's PeakFEST was so much more than an opportunity to advertise: for us, it was a genuine celebration of the community and a chance to get out and shake hands with our fellow neighbors; clients or not! We'll be there next year for certain, so if you missed out this year, come JOIN US in May 2011!

Welcome Home, Puppy!

2010-05-19T05:27:00.000-07:00

By: Elaine Pendell, M.Ed. is the Founder/Owner of Carolina Dog Training, LLC.

Elaine is an AKC CGC® APPROVED EVALUATOR and a member of the I.A.C.P (International Association of Canine Professionals) as well as as well as the National K-9 Trainer's Association.

You’ve just brought your new puppy home and you’re SO excited! Until he relieves himself on your dining room rug. Or chews a hole in your wall. (Yes…they can do that.) Or keeps you up barking and crying night after night after night. This is typically the moment when I get “the call.” You know. The one with the once thrilled owner of a wonderful new puppy now transformed into a frustrated—and sometimes sobbing—owner of a puppy they don’t know what to do with. It’s a typical scenario—but one that can be avoided with a little planning.

One of the most important things you can do to ensure that you and your puppy share a lifetime of enjoyment is to begin training him the moment he comes home. Some owners read all of the training books and watch all of the training DVDs they can get their hands on before bringing a puppy home. And there are a lot of excellent resources available for those interested in doing that. However, for many puppy owners, it’s one thing to read about training—but an entirely different thing to implement it correctly and consistently. That’s perfectly understandable. Because each puppy is different and will require a unique approach when it comes to dealing with behavioral issues. One that often isn’t “by the book.”

For puppy owners who are either having a hard time implementing what they’ve read or who just don’t know where to even begin, consider bringing a trainer in to conduct a puppy developmental session. Doing so can help owners and their puppies get started off on the right foot. If it’s done in your home without requiring your puppy to be around other dogs, it allows you to start the training and socialization process before he is fully vaccinated—giving you a head start that will prove to offer a host of long-term benefits. Interestingly enough, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.

During the first three months of a puppy’s life, his interest in new people, animals, objects and experiences far outweighs his fear of them. And it’s during this window that the socialization process should begin to take place. If it doesn’t—or if it’s done improperly—there is an exponential increase in the risk of your puppy experiencing significant behavioral problems as she moves into adulthood. These can include fear, avoidance, and/or aggression. It’s behavioral problems such as these that are the greatest threat to the bond between owners and their dogs.

At Carolina Dog Training, LLC, we come to your home and conduct a one-on-one, two-hour puppy developmental session that covers topics such as:

Crate training
House training
Jumping
Play-biting
Leash introduction
A variety of handling and socialization exercises including unfamiliar visual, tactile and auditory stimuli
Bringing home a new puppy should be one of the most exciting events of your life. And by getting things started off right with a Puppy Developmental Consultation, you can make sure it’s a very happy memory for you and your pup!

For more information about Puppy Developmental Consultations and other dog training needs, call Carolina Dog Training at 919.349.0000 or visit www.carolinadogtraining.com

We say goodbye to Roy...

2010-05-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

As it seems with so many of our four-legged friends, Roy's time came way too fast. Just a couple of weeks ago he joined Team Peak City Puppy at the SPCA Walk for the Animals and completed a 1 mile walk with us to raise funds for shelter pets in Wake County. Yet this week, we had to say good-bye to the gentle giant; a beautiful black with grey bearded Greyhound rescue. Roy had been suffering for a couple months with a hard-to-diagnose 'sinus infection' and after weeks of resisting treatment, his parents decided to seek a second-opinion. We recommended our vet, Dr. Jodi Reed at Harmony Animal Hospital and within minutes, the prognosis seemed bleak. Roy appeared to have been suffering from a cancer likely affecting his sinuses. His final days were tough on his parents and those of us who adore him, as he wasn't his usual self. So we'd like to honor the 'Puppy' we knew Roy to be....the gentle guy who was the Peanut Butter to his sister Ramona's Jelly. The more subdued, laid-back and quintessentially chill partner to the exuberant Ramona; Roy was just a cool dog. While most dogs greet us with jumps and crazy licks, Roy would often saunter over and just lay his head next to your leg basically saying, "I appreciate that you're here. Rub me, please." We will miss Roy, though as Dr. Jodi said in her usual calming and supportive way, "He helped make the decision" for our friends, Andi and Mike...who's devotion to their Greyhounds is unmatched. In the end, Roy helped let them know that it was his time and while we're all very sad not to have him around, we are not surprised that in his own way, he made it easiest on the humans....that was just the way Roy rolled. Stay cool, buddy. We'll see you at the Rainbow Bridge.

2010-04-15T08:52:00.001-07:00

TWONGO!

Peak City Puppy is trying something new by joining with TWONGO, an on-line, group-purchasing cooperative where the more people who buy, the greater the benefit (discount). TWONGO offers daily deals for all the best that Wake County has to offer including restaurants, spas, cleaning services and now, Professional Pet care! Peak City Puppy is the first pet care and dog walking service featured on TWONGO and we hope to be able to do it again.

Here's the link: Peak City Puppy TWONGO deal

The Importance of a Daily Dog Walk

2010-04-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

By: Frank Verni of Best Paw Forward Dog Education & Master Certified Dog Trainer

Why is it so important that my dog receives a walk daily....I have a fenced-in yard?
Many dog owners feel that a yard or an outside place for their dogs to play is enough. It's not. To your dog, your yard is nothing more than a large kennel. They must be able to travel at a continuous pace every day to get proper exercise. Exercise (walking) is the most important part of a dog's mental health.

In the wild, dogs roam for miles every day and that natural instinct to roam is still present in all dogs - even yours. All dogs have different levels of energy, and even dogs with a low amount of energy need at least an hour of exercise a day.
The phrase, 'a tired dog is a good dog' could not be more true. Through regular daily walking, many behavior issues can begin to be resolved. After a long walk, your dog is in a calm state of mind and is more receptive to training and behavior corrections.

I have a hard time walking my dog because she pulls...why does she do that?
When a dogs mind is racing, it is harder to get them to focus on one thing at a time. Just as when we have too much on our minds, it is hard to keep your thoughts from wandering and concentrate on the task at hand.
It really is about who's making the decisions. Was your dog in a calm state of mind when you snapped on their lead? Did you obey when your dog demanded you to take him for a walk?

If the humans allow the dog to decide, because after all she walks 'pretty good', then the dog is making the calls and that is allowing your dog to be your leader. Since instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, your decision to allow your dog to walk in front will be communicating to your dog that you are allowing him to be your leader.

What else do you suggest to help with walking my dog?
Walk your dog, do not let your dog walk you. If you allow your dog to walk in front of you while on a lead you are reinforcing in the dog's mind that the dog is alpha over you. Leader goes first. This can lead to many behavioral issues that some regard as a 'Breed Trait' or 'Personality' when actually it is just your dog in charge of it's humans. A dog walking in front does not drain their mental energy. They are not relaxed and following, as they have a big responsibility to be leading the pack.

Be the 'Figure of Authority'. Stand tall with shoulders back and eyes forward, now walk with confidence. Play follow the leader (with you as the leader), when the dog goes in one direction, turn and go in the opposite direction. Eventually, the dog will start to focus on you.

Frank Verni may be contacted at Best Paw Forward Dog Education or (919) 557-2853.

SPRING has SPRUNG! Let the Training Begin.

2010-04-09T01:15:00.000-07:00

Before the pollen and warmer weather arrived, the Team at Peak City Puppy brushed off our athletic sneakers for a Spring Training session with our friends from Best Paw Forward Dog Education. Frank and Beth joined us to review advanced dog handling skills so we are all better equipped to handle the variety of breeds, temperaments and energy levels of our dog walking clients.

We were surprised to learn that many of us had it all wrong..."Leaving your dog outside in a yard is equivalent to leaving him in a big kennel; it doesn't burn his mental or much physical energy," said Frank. Upon learning this, the team at Peak City Puppy learned valuable leash and posture tricks to ensure that dog walk clients are receiving a maximum physical AND mental workout with us; whether it is for 15, 20 or a full 30 minutes. We also learned how to appraise a dog's attitude based on signals he provides with his body (tail, head and mouth positioning). All in all, it was an incredible valuable morning and we are excited to welcome the Best Paw Forward team back again in the fall for some additional team training.

Peak City Puppy offers dog walking services in plans that fit your unique needs. While some clients who work long days use us five days a week; others keep us on 'reserve' to call upon us when the boss calls a last-minute lunch meeting or a travel date leaves the pups home alone during the mid-day. We offer special rates for mid-day dog walking which vary based on frequency and duration of visit. Call or email us to inquire.

The Original Peak City Puppy...our beloved Cirrus

2010-03-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

Cirrus was the kind of puppy that had her own fan club...for real. I remember when my sister brought her home just about 14 years ago, how adorable she was as a puppy. People would stop in their tracks upon seeing her to ask, "What kind of dog is she? She's beautiful." Proudly, my sister would say, "She's an American Staffordshire Terrier" which is often commonly known as a 'Pit Bull'. The look of surprise on people's faces was immediate as I'm sure they thought, "there's no way that sweet dog is a 'Pit Bull'!"

Indeed, Cirrus changed the minds of a lot of people and she certainly won their hearts. Always a clown, Cirrus was most content to be with the humans....whether it was a drive to Dog Beach in Beverly or her favorite destination: a short 1.5 hour trek to the Great State of Maine to see Nana, Grampy and the like....Cirrus was happiest just to BE with you. I remember picking her up just to drive around in my car with her sitting shotgun. She was so well-behaved and yet, miraculously, she never had a day of formal 'training'. That was what was so amazing about Cirrus. Somehow she just knew how to BE the perfect puppy. I recall Erin telling me that Cirrus never once soiled her apartment when she was a puppy and how miraculous that was to me....somehow Cirrus just knew.

Even at the end, with Erin on the road, Cirrus just knew to wait a bit longer until Mom could come home and together, with Ryan, they could make their final car ride into Boston to say good-bye. Cirrus just knew that it was her time and as though I believe Erin loved her more than anyone could love a dog, somehow, Cirrus' spirit gave Erin the strength to also just know....know it was time.

The hardest part about loving these sweet creatures that bless us is that the time is always too short. Cirrus lived every day of her nearly 14 years as a puppy and somehow just being around her, made you want to throw yourself unabashedly into the grass and roll over silly...as if no one was watching. Thank you, Cirrus.

Peak City Puppy celebrates 1-year in Apex at the Chamber of Commerce!

2009-12-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

We've officially gone to the dogs...Peak City Puppy celebrated one full year of business with a yellow-ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Apex Chamber of Commerce at 10AM yesterday at the Chamber's Salem Street address. Nestled in front of the Peak City Puppy-mobile was a large crowd including the Peak City Puppy team and its most faithful supporters (including a good number of four-leggeds!). Since opening in November 2008, Peak City Puppy has proudly served almost 100 human clients with over 2,500 pet visits! The decision to join the Apex Chamber of Commerce is just one more example of the team's commitment to creating a sustainable business here in the 'Peak City'. We thank all of our supporters who came out yesterday for the exciting ribbon cutting ceremony and to our many Happy Clients who have made our vision a reality! dogs dig us....

Peak City Puppy raises funds for The Coalition to Unchain Dogs

2009-11-17T17:16:00.001-08:00

Every year, Landon and Lesley Lovelace, co-founders of Peak City Puppy, host a gathering of friends and family to celebrate a few of their favorite things: football, chili, poker chips and charity! This year's 4th annual Lovelace Chili cook-off and charity poker event sponsored The Coalition to Unchain Dogs. This is a Triangle-based organization of volunteers who help to educate and inform Triangle residents about the dangers of pet restraint. The event hosted over 50 participants who brought out their wallets and taste buds to vote on the best chili & raise over $300 to support bales of hay for over 60 dogs this cold winter. Peak City Puppy co-hosted the event and will be looking forward to making this an annual event.

If you would like more information about or to donate to The Coalition to Unchain Dogs, check them out at: www.unchaindogs.net

How to Screen a Potential Pet Sitter

2009-11-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

by Adam, Wendy & Lola, proprietors Paw Luxury

Last-minute travel plans are stressful enough, but finding someone to tend to your pet can add another level of anxiety.

Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society or dog trainer. Make sure your chosen pet sitter is affiliated with a professional pet sitting organization or has solid references. Once you have made a list of trustworthy and reliable sitters in your area, the next step is to call and interview candidates over the phone.

Ask what they charge, how long the visits are, if they are bonded and insured, and if they have any special skills, such as caring for birds or reptiles or veterinary experience. When calling an agency, find out how many pet sitters they employ and their days of operation. Inquire whether they charge extra during the holidays. And make sure you ask them to bring references if you decide you want to meet them in person.

************************
Peak City Puppy is licensed, fully bonded & insured and professionally trained in pet care including American Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR. We have cared for over 100 pets in Apex, Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs and now Raleigh, NC. Meet the Team at Peak City Puppy to read our personal bios: http://www.peakcitypuppy.com/meet_your_pet_sitters.html

Non-Spooky Halloween Pet Tips from Peak City Puppy

2009-10-22T03:34:00.000-07:00

Leaving your pets outside on Halloween is not a god idea. There are plenty of tales of malicious people who tease, injure, steal, torture, even killed peoples pets on Halloween. Not to mention that dogs and cats can scare easily with all the trick-or-treaters coming to your house. Here are some tips to keep your pets happy on Halloween.

As much as your dog or cat may beg for some of your Halloween candy, always remember that chocolate is deadly to them in any amount.

If you work in a pet store, remember that this is the time of year that can be deadly for black cats. Some sick people who play at being what they'll call a Satanist will buy them to "sacrifice" If you can, don't take any black cats or sell them during October.

The wrappers, such as tin foil, can get stuck in your pets digestive tract and make them ill or cause death. There are plenty of recipes for making home made dog and cat treats, you can always make them on a Halloween note.

Dogs can have lethal tails, wagging all over the place. Don't leave any lighted candles or Jack-O-Lanterns where they could be knocked over by a swinging tail or by a curious cat. Not only could your pet start a fire but they could severely burn themselves in the process.

If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing it discomfort and stress. Some animals don't mind at all but others do not want to be bothered with this kind of thing. They'll be under enough stress with the festivities going on outside and people at the door constantly so don't cause them any more nervousness then you have to. You may love to dress in costume but then, you aren't a dog or a cat.

If you put a mask of some type on your animal, make sure that the eye holes are big enough for them to see peripherally. Animals depend on their vision to let them know what's going on and even the nicest dog can get snippy if he can't see what's around him. In fact, masks really aren't a good idea.

If you are having a indoor party, make sure that you put your dog or cat in a room where they won't be disturbed. Unless your pet is ultra friendly and doesn't mind loud noises, music and lots of people you should keep them separate for the night. Also, be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart out through the open door as you hand out candy. Best bet is to just put them in a room with some food and water for the night and check on them once in a while to let them know everything is fine.

Service Now Available in WEST RALEIGH!

2009-10-14T18:09:00.001-07:00

We've always had big dreams at Peak City Puppy....but we never thought that before hitting our 1-year anniversary, that we'd already be expanding our service area. We are proud and happy to announce that we now offer in-home pet sitting, dog walking & new puppy service in West Raleigh. Our over 75 clients in Apex, Cary, Morrisville and Holly Springs can attest that it is our professionalism and top-notch service that sets us far apart from other local options. Why board your pet when he can remain in his home environment and get 2 to 3 walks daily? All for a lower price than most kennels.....

At Peak City Puppy, we do not believe in surcharges for anything: multiple pets, medication administration, Holiday service. Why? We are pet owners ourselves and run a business designed with other pet owners in mind.

So check out our website and give us a call: 919-FOR-PETS (367-7387). dogs dig us.....you will too.

Annual Dog Olympics!

2009-10-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Mark Your Calendar: Annual Dog Olympics TOMORROW!

Canine athletes will have the opportunity “Go for the Gold” when the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at North Carolina State University hosts the 18th Annual Dog Olympics from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh.

The Dog Olympics is a charitable event that is open to dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes. Medal events include athletic and non-athletic competitions such as doggie limbo, musical sit (similar to musical chairs), best beggar, best pet trick, Frisbee toss, doggie high jump, longest tail, wiener toss, "Roll over Beethoven," and the howling contest. CVM faculty members will oversee the events and award prizes to gold, silver, and bronze medalists.

In addition, the American Kennel Club will host an agility demonstration and will sponsor a Canine Good Citizen Testing program. There will be a $5 fee payable to the AKC for those who would like to participate in the program and certify their pet as a good citizen.

The “Olympic Village” will include a free microchip clinic sponsored by the Raleigh Kennel Club. Trained personnel will painlessly implant a microchip that, if needed, can be scanned with a handheld device to reunite a lost dog with its owner. The family-friendly event will also feature information booths sponsored by various breed and shelter rescue groups and refreshments for dogs and their human companions.

Admission is $1 for spectators and owners and $7 for dogs; children five and younger are free. The cost of canine admission covers an entry fee for one event and a photo of your dog in the winner’s circle. Each additional event or photo is $1.

Sponsored by the CVM Student Chapter of the American Animal Hospital Association (SCAAHA), the Dog Olympics helps raise donations for the student chapter and for local animal shelters and rescue organizations. SCAAHA is proud to support the efforts of the Raleigh Kennel Club to promote animal health, safety, and responsible pet ownership.

Dog attendees should be kept on a leash at all times and must be at least four months old and current on vaccinations in order to participate. In the event of rain, the Dog Olympics will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31th.

For more information e-mail organizer Bobbi McQuown at blkeslin@ncsu.edu or call 919.513.6662.

Charitable Giving

2009-09-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

Peak City Puppy - Professional Pet Care is proud to donate time and money to several Triangle-area pet advocacy and rescue organizations.

Here are a few of the ways we support Triangle-area pets:

*Proud Corporate donor at the 2nd Annual 'Whiskers & Wedges' Golf Tournament at Crooked Creek to benefit Best Friends Pet Adoption

*Members, APS of Durham, 2007 - 2009
*Members, SPCA of Raleigh, 2008 - 2009

Please feel free to check out the websites of these organizations and consider joining the effort to support shelter & rescue pets in our community. If you have ideas or suggestions for future charitable giving or sponsorship, please contact us!

Big Business, Little Business

2009-07-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

Since our official launch of business in March, PEAK CITY PUPPY - Professional Pet Care has completed almost 1,000 pet care visits for over 100 dogs, cats, fish & even a few farm animals! We are delighted at the early success of our business; one that was founded on the premise that if you do something you love, you'll never work a day in your life. Thus far, we've found this to be true!

That said, with days quickly booked up with ten to fifteen dog visits, we've recently discussed expansion ideas so that we can continue to accept new reservations and add new families to our Happy Clients list! We have a new team member coming on board in August, which makes us very happy. Sabrina is a long-time friend and former co-worker with Lesley, who shares her passion for animals and even spent some time as a veterinary technician. We know Sabrina will do a fantastic job and remain consistent with the level of service that Peak City Puppy clients expect from a pet care company.

As the second half of the year approaches, we'll continue to evaluate our team, our capacity and our ability to grow and serve more clients while keeping the principles of personal service our current clients trust and value. We are excited to imagine a business that grows beyond our dreams, because it means we've done a great job, but with the excitement, comes the hard work of ensuring we hire only the best individuals for our team. If you are interested, or know someone who fits what you've come to know and love about us at Peak City Puppy, send them to our website to submit an employment inquiry! In the meantime, thank you to all our current clients for making it a successful first half of the year!

New Puppy Service!

2009-07-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves a new puppy, but who knew they were so much work! From feeding several times a day to the patience required to successfully potty train a new pup, PEAK CITY PUPPY - Professional Pet Care now offers NEW PUPPY Service. This service is available mid-days and visits are at a discounted rate for new customers; only $10 a visit! We'll spend individual time with your new pup helping alleviate the stress of leaving him or her alone while you're at work or out running errands. We'll also help support you in Basic Manners training by reinforcing the commands you are working on with your new pup. Please call us today to discuss how PEAK CITY PUPPY can help make your new pet happy!

Summer is Here!

2009-06-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Summer is here in North Carolina. Now is the time to reserve service with Peak City Puppy - Professional Pet Care. We offer residents in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs and Morrisville a more affordable alternative to kennel boarding. Compared to the competition, Peak City Puppy offers professional, reliable service without surcharges for things we consider part of our job: taking full care of your pets!

Now is also a good time to brush up on summer tips for pet owners. We liked this article from the ASPCA

Enjoy the beginning of summer!

We're Growing Fast!

2009-05-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Since opening in December, we've been amazed at the response from our local community. It appears that providing pet owners with a great alternative to boarding their pets is in high demand in Western Wake. We already have customers in Cary, Apex, Morrisville and Holly Springs.

Unlike most traditional pet sitting companies, Peak City Puppy offers more than pet sitting: walks or runs are complimentary on every visit and we do not believe in surcharges for things that we consider part of our jobs: taking care of pets the same way their owners do!

Be sure to book early for the busy summer months. The heat indicates that it's already fast on its way and Peak City Puppy is hotter than ever!

We're HIRING!!!

2009-04-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Do you dig dogs as much as we do? Or know someone who does?

PEAK CITY PUPPY - Professional Pet Care is looking for fun, energetic and reliable pet sitters and dog walkers to join our rapidly growing staff. PEAK CITY PUPPY provides its team with excellent support including: professional training and certification; generous commissions; a flexible work schedule and the best benefit of all, working with pets! Current openings in Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Fuqua Varina and Raleigh.

If you or someone you know are ready to learn more about becoming part of the PEAK CITY PUPPY team, please head to our website: www.PeakCityPuppy.com and Click "Join us". Complete the brief on-line application and submit it electronically. We’ll give you a call to determine if our current openings are a good fit for you, perform a background check and then the training begins! Before long, you too could be part of the best pet care team in town: PEAK CITY PUPPY…dogs dig us.

SPCA Walk a SUCCESS!

2009-04-20T15:18:00.000-07:00

We want to THANK all those who donated time and/or money to Team PEAK CITY PUPPY at this past weekend's SPCA K-9 Walk for the Animals in Moore Square, Raleigh. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we unveiled the Peak City Puppy Promotion Tent complete with all our new brochures, signs and postcards. We received over 150 raffle entries and selected Jennifer M. from Apex as the winner of the $40 Gift Bag; including $20 to use with Peak City Puppy - Professional Pet Care.

We are delighted that our team raised over $1,000 for Wake County shelter pets. Can't wait for next year and THANK YOU again!

JOIN US: 10th Annual K9-3K Dog Walk

2009-02-25T17:18:00.000-08:00

PEAK CITY PUPPY is excited to announce that we will be participating in this year's SPCA K9-3K Dog Walk to raise money for homeless pets.

The theme this year is BELIEVE. Believe that euthanasia is not the answer to solving pet overpopulation; prevention is. The SPCA of Wake County is putting this belief into action with the Saving Lives Spay/Neuter Clinic.

If you would like to join Team PEAK CITY PUPPY, please call us 919-FOR-PETS or contact us through email at info@peakcitypuppy.com. Our goal is to raise over $1000. Whether you can walk with us or contribute with a donation, THANK YOU!

To donate or learn more: http://www.spcawake.org/goto/peakcitypuppy

Grand Opening!

2009-02-01T03:20:00.000-08:00

Service now available in APEX, CARY, HOLLY SPRINGS & MORRISVILLE!

It is with much excitement that we announce the official launch of PEAK CITY PUPPY, our new small business here in the Triangle. We have spent months building a professional pet care business that is built on the belief that 'happy pets make happy homes'. We offer in-home pet sitting, pet waste removal and dog fitness services.

Please take a moment to check out our website: www.peakcitypuppy.com to read About Us and Our Services.

Call us at 919-FOR-PETS or Request Service on-line at www.peakcitypuppy.com!

dogs dig us.