A great hike in Tarzana

Looking for a great hike to burn off your Thanksgiving feast calories?  There's a satisfying hike right in Tarzana, Caballero Canyon Trail.  A wonderful website, Hikespeak, lists hundreds of trails, including navigation directions.  Here's a link to the Tarzana trail.  Enjoy.

http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/caballero-canyon-hike-tarzana/
Photo courtesy of Hikespeak.

Thanksgiving do's and don'ts -- keep your pets safe this holidy.

You know you shouldn't but you know you do...here are 10 good tips for what and what NOT to feed your dog or cat this Thanksgiving. Gobble, gobble!

 http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/seasonal/top-ten-tips-for-feeding-pets-thanksgiving-leftovers

Poolside in Northridge, CA

Guest Ziggy sits poolside with Grandma aka "Dogma" Corinne

In September 2012, I moved to Northridge, CA, from Encino.  The reason was that I had literally outgrown my sweet home of 12 years.  With dogs, clients and dog walkers/pet sitters coming and going, and a household consisting of me, my daughter (and her friends) and my mother, it was...well, let's just say...a bit chaotic.  Having started my pet services business in Encino, it was easy to develop a client base in North Hollywood, Studio City, Sherman Oaks and then across the valley floor from Encino, to Tarzana, Woodland Hills and eventually Calabasas.  I have an incredible team of exceptional dog walkers and pet sitters who love dogs and cats and critters with all their hearts and who travel the valley floor constantly, tending to well-loved pets with love and enthusiasm!  (You can see pics of the team on the Pooch Buddies website

One consideration in moving was that by moving just a bit north, to Northridge (I'm around the corner, literally, from California State University of Northridge...a gorgeous campus), I was able to double the size of my home and triple the size of my land.  Which means that all of us can stretch our arms, the dogs can roam in a huge, huge (and beautiful) back yard, resplendant with desert gardens, vegetable gardens, a pool and huge grassy areas.

The other consideration was distance.  What would it mean to move 5 miles further north?  You might laugh, but in traffic-ridden LA, 5 miles can mean an additional 30 minutes of driving.  Distance has not ended up as a problem at all. In fact, being on a beautiful ranch property has enhanced the experience of the dogs to such a great degree, that they can't wait to come back.  And because I offer a drop-off and pick-up service, clients don't even have to make the additional commute (although most choose to drop-off their pups themselves to say goodbye).

My client base has expanded to include Northridge and Porter Ranch, both just beautiful areas and best of all, every day feels a little bit like resort living, for my family and for the dogs staying with us.  Love to hear from you and meet your dogs or cats!

Studio City to Tarzana's Safari Walk...coffee with dog...

This is the best time of year to be a dog walker.  The weather is still just about perfect (so the pups are happy about long walks) and it is a joy to go through the different neighborhoods and seeing who is out and about on the streets.  Earlier this week, I was introduced, by a friend, to the Aroma Cafe in Studio City (which, FYI, is dog-friendly).  Great ambience, lovely 'hood.

In Sherman Oaks, you can find tons of outdoor cafes along Ventura, but El Torito welcomes your pooches with open arms (and water bowls).  Van Nuys and Ventura.  La Frite welcomes only the tiniest of dogs.

I lived in Encino for 12 years before moving to Sherwood Forest, in Northridge, so I've seen places open and close.  I happen to like hanging out at the Menchies on Ventura -- sweet patio, dogs welcome.

Tarzana is famous for the Safari Walk -- topiaries in the shapes of jungle animals -- and you can find places like Starbucks, another Aroma Cafe, and even restaurants like El Tramezzino, who won't turn a cold shoulder if you show up with dog in tow. 

So, enjoy this gorgeous time of year, head out with your dog, and wave hello if you see me driving by in my Pooch Buddies GMC Terrain!

Trouble getting your cat into their carrier?

Here's a great little video from the Catalyst Council on training your cat to love (yes, love) their cat carrier.

Have you heard of Patch.com?

There is a cool hyper-local online community publication called www.Patch.com. Hyperlocal because the news and features focus on what is going on, literally, in your neck of the woods. Owned by AOL, who are putting their considerable power behind it, it is growing quickly and seems to be catching on in a “best-kept-secret” vibey way.

I was asked to write a bi-weekly pet column for our Encino Patch, and have been doing so since the September launch. Thought I’d share a few of the articles — you’ll see they are punchy, fun, and very specific to my area. They are also all about dogs because of my other life, that of running a very busy, also hyper-local pet services business!

Hope you enjoy these few short samples, and check out if there is a Patch for your community!

Man’s Best Friend
New Year’s Resolutions
Holiday Hazards

Puppy play group in Encino

The weather has cooled down and I'm pleased to announce that starting Tuesday, November 2nd Pooch Buddies will be running a Puppy play group, the Puppy Koffee Klatch, every 1st and 3rd Tuesday morning of the month.

Space is limited, and reservations are taken on first-reserved basis.

What: Puppy play group -- in a lovely Encino garden, fully gated, controlled and limited to puppies from 4 - 12 months only. Your puppy must be fully vaccinated, and licensed. A fantastic way to get your dog socialized in a safe environment with other young dogs.

When: The first and third Tuesday morning of each month, from 9:30 - 10:30

Cost: $10/session (includes home brewed fresh ground coffee, homemade baked goods, and a worry-free hour to enjoy watching your puppy socialize & some free basic puppy training tips.) Pay at the door.

RSVP: info@PoochBuddies.com

Include the date you are attending in the subject line. You will receive a confirmation email. Please print out and bring with you.

Pooch Buddies reserves the right to refuse any puppy/owner.