Weekly Scoop
September 2, 2020
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As you might expect, once Covid-19 lockdown phases began in March 2020, pet sitting and dog walking requests dropped off significantly. We have been running at about 45% of what they were last year. However, many of you continue to use our services and we are extremely grateful. Thank you for supporting us through this "unique time".
Always one to look on the bright side....there is a silver lining to this "unique time". We have been able to focus on improvements and additions to a number of processes and practices in order to fine tune them for efficiencies and effectiveness.
One of the areas we focused on is client communications. We believe one of the benefits of using LIttle Friends for your pet care services is our level of communication.
But we know it is a lot. Perhaps too much!
We received feedback from some of our clients indicating as such. So we evaluated our communication practices.
Two communication changes are in place as a result. See below.
We continue to look for ways to improve your experience with us. We will always be open to your feedback. Please send it.
It takes a village!
Terry Richardson
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Newsletters Moving to Weekly vs. Two per Week |
The goal of the newsletter is to provide pet related:
- Process and practice changes and reminder notifications
- Articles of interest and education
- Fun facts and quiz questions
- Reminder of current or new discount options and specials
- Local Pet Related Partner Resource Opportunities: Vets, Groomers, Products, etc.
- Fun Pet Friends Events (after Covid)
Change: Scoop is moving from two times per week to once a week.
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One Scheduling Confirmation vs. Two |
Historically, you received your first confirmation once a sitter was assigned to your scheduled visits.
You received a second confirmation at least 7 days prior to the first visit.
You also received an invoice prior to the first visit letting you know your card will be charged.
Change: One confirmation will be sent to you versus two. You will continue to receive the invoice which will also serve as a reminder.
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Need to travel during the COVID-19 outbreak? |
Corona Travel Advice
Mayo Clinic
Need to travel during the COVID-19 outbreak?
Protect yourself and others with these precautions.
Are you considering rescheduling travel that you put off because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Maybe you have work or family obligations that require you to travel. Yet worries about safe travel and lodging are holding you back.
Get the facts about your travel options and learn how to protect yourself if you must travel.
Stay safe when you travel
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends following these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:
- Maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others as much as possible.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick
- Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
- Wear a cloth face mask.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean your hands often. It's especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
Check local requirements and restrictions
Air travel
Car travel
Other ground transportation
Hotels and other lodging
Make a packing list
Considerations for people at increased risk
Remember safety first
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When you are ready to fly again....... |
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Product Spotlight - "Cool" Dog Tshirts
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"Even mild overheating is considered a veterinary emergency." - Veterinarian Colleen Smith, founder of Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute, President of AHVMA
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"Linda Code is a client of Little Friends and also my Tax Accountant. About a year ago, she and a partner started the process to design, manufacture, and sell these amazing shirts to keep your dog cooler in the heat. Check out Linda's website and try out her product. I have mine ordered and can't wait to test them out. I am hearing lots of great things about this new product." ---Terry
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Did You Know Your Dog’s Fur Can Heat Up to 145°F on an 80°F Day?
Here’s What I Do To Keep My Dog Cool
Guest blogger: Linda Coad, CEO & Co-Founder of Coolvio
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In less than two minutes, even in the cool grass, my dog's fur heated up to 145° F on an 80° day. That’s the photo you see to the left. Shocking, isn’t it? If you think just letting your dog lay on the grass will cool them down enough, think again!
After an “Aha!” moment at the beach one day (a story I’ll share with you below), my passion became finding a way to keep my dog cool and comfortable when she was with us on our adventures. Whether it was a hike at Crowders Mountain State Park or paddleboarding on Lake Wylie, I didn’t want her to miss out on our family fun. But I constantly worried about her overheating and how to keep her cool.
Here’s what I do to keep my dog cool - especially during these hot, humid dog days of summer:
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Product Spotlight - Dog/Cat Bowls
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Hand Painted Portraits painted by Debby Carman, a worldwide acclaimed Laguna Beach artist and sculptor, known for her warm, whimsical and heartwarming pet portrayals.
Description
- Fun Themes and Colorful Designs
- Heavy - No Tip Ceramic Dog Bowls
- Free Personalization with Pets Name on Bowl
- Create for Any Breed of Dog or Cat
- Want a different color? Just ask. No extra charge for color or change of breed request.
- Dishwasher Safe, Microwavable
- Non-toxic, Lead Free, Food & Liquid Safe
- Made in California USA
Sizes
Small - 6" (2" deep and holds 24 oz.)
$55
Medium - 8" (2.5" deep and holds 36 oz.)
$70
Large - 10" (3" deep and holds 48 oz.)
$85
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"We purchased two of these bowls for our three dogs. They are wonderful. Very sturdy and so cute in our home. A piece of unexpected 'art'. This artist has many to choose from on her site located on Etsy.com and also offers other types of pottery such as treat canisters, cups, different shaped bowls and plates, etc. Check it out! --- Terry
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Covid-19 Safety Precautions
Little Friends appreciates the opportunity to continue serving our clients during this worldwide health crisis. We also want to remind all of our pet parents that we are carefully following CDC guidelines to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
- We practice social distancing and wash our hands and/or use hand sanitizer before and after each pet sitting/dog walking visit.
- Our staff will be wearing a mask during all pet sitting & dog walking visits. During in-home consultations, we ask that you wear a mask as well.
NEW - Mask Report Card Icon - In addition to the usual walking, feeding, and pet waste icons there is now a face mask icon which appears after each visit. Masks are absolutely mandatory while in any client's home.
Please feel free to give us a call with any questions or concerns.
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Your sitters and walkers love caring for your pet family! Thanks for tipping. They greatly appreciate it! |
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