Time Flies When You're Hanging With Dogs

Two years ago, in March, Ilana and I were working our corporate jobs at Hilton in Tampa and decided after a lot of deliberation to take a chance on ourselves. We have always LOVED (like on a crazy level) animals and knew that our calling in life was to work with them. It took a lot of courage, but we filed for a business license and soon after quit our jobs to put our whole hearts into the business we were so passionate about. 

Two years ago!? Looking back, we are filled with so much joy for making that choice to follow our dreams and put ourselves and our ideas out there. Here we are, two years later and finding success doing something we love everyday. Such an amazingly, indescribable feeling. 

March 2017 looks a little different than March 2015 in a very good way. Here's a look back at some of the highlights from a very busy, very fun month! 

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FairyTail Weddings

Our Wedding Services are essentially the basis of our business. It is definitely what sets us a part from other pet sitting companies. We kept hearing from so many people that they wanted to include their dogs in their wedding day, but it was just too stressful. The idea to create a service to make it possible for couple's to include their best friends in their special day is where it all began!

This month we helped five different couples include their puppies in their weddings - each one totally unique and totally amazing!

Bubby, Shadow & Willie at Bird Island Lake Ranch

Photo by Marc Edwards Photographs

Annie at Museum of Fine Arts St Pete

Tofu at Old McMickey's Farm

Wesley & Layla at The Postcard Inn

Dixie at The Lange Farm

This wedding was extra special to us. We were absolutely honored to be a part of the inspiring love story that is Melissa & Cameron. You may have heard Melissa Dohme's story - she has been through so much and remains to be one of the kindest, most genuine people we have ever met. 
When we found out that her and her hero wanted to include their baby Dixie in their wedding day, we instantly jumped on board. Donating our services to a couple so deserving, and being able to partake in their special day, filled our hearts! This day was absolutely beautiful!

Photos by Pezz Photo | Planning by RSBP Events

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FairyTail Photo Shoots

When we started working with photographers for weddings, we discovered there was another great service that we could offer - helping to include pups in photo shoots! Clients want to include their dog in their engagement sessions, family photos, announcements etc., but the dog is only needed for short amount of time. We come along to help keep them entertained, cared for and to pose them for photos so clients can focus on having fun, the photographer can focus on capturing the perfect shot & the pup is happy, tired & smiling for photos!

Riley & Daisy

Some behind the scenes shots from this super fun lifestyle engagement session. Can't wait for their wedding in March!

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FairyTail Pet Sitting

After creating our wedding services and starting our business, the pet sitting side of our services naturally fit right in. We've been pet sitting for friends and family for as long as we can remember, and found ourselves wondering what we would do if we didn't have each other or our family to watch our dogs when we were out of town. We wanted to offer an alternative to boarding with a more personalized service for those that wanted to keep their pet's in their own environment and provided with the same love & care that they receive from their families.

This month, we've watched tons of amazing dogs and cats (& one iguana!) with the help of our phenomenal team of pet sitters! Here are a few of our four-legged friends from March!

Loki 

Loki's parents were getting married on a sunny Friday afternoon. They had a low key wedding at the courthouse, but knew they would be busy all day so they asked us to spend time with and care for their furry best friend for the day! He's such a cutie!

Carmella, Jesse, Aiden & Sonny 

We LOVE watching this house full of quirky, incredibly sweet rescue pups. Their parents volunteer at the same shelter we do and took a fun vacation to Colorado so that we could watch their babies... or maybe it was the other way around?? Either way, we had a fun filled week with these four cuties! (Oh, and can't forget about their three chicks, too!!)

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Mutt Mondays

Call us crazy, but our favorite day of the week is Monday!! That's because every Monday we volunteer at Suncoast Animal League, an incredible no kill, no time limit animal welfare organization that cares for domestic animals, as well as wildlife. 

Just look at all these sweet faces!!! Don't you want to kiss them all??!

#AdoptDontShop

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Beers & Paws For A Good Cause

One of the biggest highlights from this month was the fundraising event that we planned & hosted to raise money for Southeastern Guide Dogs, an organization that breeds, raises & trains guide dogs and provides them to visually impaired at no cost.

We are so proud to say that the event was an incredible success and we raised over $800 for the organization!!

Thank you again to Circa 1949, AGoldPhoto, Buddy Brew Coffee, Leon Majcen, & PaniniRiffic!!!

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Bark in the Park

We partnered with Buddy Brew Coffee at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay's 30th Annual Bark in the Park at Curtis Hixon Park. There were SO.MANY.DOGS there of every shape & size!! The event was a huge success and we had the best time, especially since we were right next to the adoption tent - so much happy!

Dogs & Coffee - does it get any better than that!?

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Personal Life

Ah, yes, while it may seem like we are always working, we do in fact have personal lives outside of FairyTails (though, when you own your own business the two really tend to blend together - no complaints!)

I (Kelly) bought a house!! The puppies are LOVING their new yard! We've found ourselves in the midst of quite the painting project, and are seriously so happy to have a place that we call 'home'!

When Ilana is not working, she is planning her WEDDING! No official date set, but things are moving along (especially with the assistance of the freaking angel, Jennifer, from Bourbon and Blush!) We're really looking forward to enjoying the OTHER side of the wedding world :)  

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It's been a crazy month and a whirlwind of a couple years. Thank you to everyone who supports us and those who trust us with the care of their babies, we could never really express how grateful we are!

Photo by Ashlee Hamon Photography

All You Need Is Love...& A Dog

Ah February, the month of love!

While the human world celebrates Valentine’s Day; teddy bears and flowers might not mean the same to your dog as they do to your significant other. And you definitely can’t show them you love them by gifting them a big box of chocolates! So how do you show your dog you love them in a way that they understand? It might sound easy, but each pup is different and has their own idea of what “love” looks like.

Here are a few ways you can communicate with your fur friend in an affectionate way that is appreciated! 

Body Language

Did you know that there are certain things you can do with your body to show your dog he/she is adored? For instance, eye contact is very important in the canine world. It can be viewed as a threatening or dominant move if a stranger is involved. However, according to Dr. Brian Hare, author of The Genius of Dog, when your dog is staring at you they are “hugging you with his eyes.” Try to pet your pup and give a relaxed loving look. What about raising your eyebrows? Based on a study of Behavioral Processes, dogs will raise their eyebrows (specifically the left one) when they see their owner, and show less facial expression when a stranger welcomes them. In turn, this leads us to believe that having a more expressive face and raising eyebrows could convey a positive message. 

Feed Them By Hand

Starting out as a puppy it is important to establish who is the pack leader and food provider. Feeding your dog by hand will allow for a positive foundation. There are many veterinarians and dog behavior specialists who will recommend that you feed your pooch by hand to also help eliminate aggression. This is an easy and intimate step that can result in a very beneficial outcome.  

Cuddle in Bed

Not only is it proven to help reduce anxiety, sleeping with your pup can be another way to show them they are loved. Gregory Berns, author of How Dogs Love Us, discusses research gathered through many years of exploring the canine mind. This research shares that when a dog sleeps with his human, it is the “ultimate display of affection” mostly because this is a time where the dog is at its highest vulnerability. When we sleep with our dog, we are telling them we trust them enough to be vulnerable around them as well.

Train Your Pup

When you have a dog that is lacking confidence, positive reinforcement is the perfect way to help build their self esteem! Training through positive reinforcement will help your dog to trust you more. Through this trust the relationship you share with your canine friend will start to grow stronger. And through the process you will begin to learn how to better communicate and understand your pup. 

What is Your Dog Telling You?

Of course we want to show affection to our most loyal companions, but it is important to know that dogs communicate differently than we do. Yes, we all know they don’t speak our language, but they also do and don’t like certain things. Pay attention to what your dog is really telling you through the body language being displayed. It will help you to respect one another and is another great way to show your love! 

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Your dog will appreciate these more than any diamond necklace (or collar). They love you and want nothing more than to be your best pal. Because we love them so much we want them there for every special occasion, especially the ones we hold most dear to heart. When you want to make your pet a part of a family photo shoot to document the love, or even want to include them in your BIG day, just remember FairyTail Pet Care is a click away.