Starting a New Business and Getting a New Pet? You're in the right place!

 Hello everyone!  My new friend, Ryan, wrote a guest post for my blog!  Thank you, Ryan!

Start Off on the Right Paw: Launching a Business 

While Welcoming a New Pet

While starting a business and bringing home a new pet seem like different endeavors, they share similarities. Gabi the Dog Has a Blog shares these approaches for starting off both adventures on a solid footing for success.

Prepare Beforehand

⦁ For Your Pet: Learn as much as you can before the pet enters your home. Make sure you have access to any appropriate spaces your pet may need, such as wide-open parks and other areas for high-energy canines to play. According to the Animal Humane Society, you should ⦁ check your pet for cues that indicate how he or she is feeling after coming home. Slowly introduce new pets to any existing pets and young children. Acquire basic care equipment, such as feeding dishes, beds, leashes, and other necessary items. 

⦁ For Your Business: Creating a detailed business plan is one of the foundational tasks of starting a business (click ⦁ here to learn more about the process). Consider whether you might need a loan, permit, or application to do the type of business you have in mind. If working from home, also ensure your neighborhood is zoned for business. Research any equipment you might need as well as the type of business formation required for tax and liability purposes.

Establish a Set Routine

⦁ For Your Pet: Just like with kids, ⦁ establishing a routine is important for your pet because it helps build a sense of security and comfort. Select specific times to go for a walk, eat, play, and rest so your furry friend knows what to expect and gets used to the schedule as soon as possible.

⦁ For Your Business: With a brick-and-mortar operation, stick to your business hours and make sure your customers know you will be there at that time. If you are working from home, it is vital to ⦁ dedicate a workspace and ensure your family knows what times you will be working. This separates your living space from your work-from-home space and enables better productivity for you.

Enlist Help

⦁ For Your Pet: Caring for a pet is a lot of work, and you may not be an expert on ⦁ training animals. Particularly with dogs, take advantage of professional dog training to help teach your pet good behaviors. If your animal requires a lot of supervision that you can't provide while working, hire a pet sitter for specific times of the day so you can focus. 

⦁ For Your Business: When running your own business, don't be afraid to delegate minor tasks to outside help to free up your time for the more important operations. Freelancers are independent contractors who can assist with specialties like graphics and web design as well as office work and organization. 

Implement Tools, Gadgets, and Apps

⦁ For Your Pet: Gadgets and apps like smart feeders and pet cameras make it easier to monitor your pet when you're in the office or out of the house. There are also platforms that make it easier to find pet-friendly outdoor spaces in your area. Regularly check out the ⦁ latest pet products to see what might benefit you. 

⦁ For Your Business: Business apps, software, and other technology ⦁ make it easier to manage products, communicate with customers, and track accounts. The type of tech you need depends on your business, but implement these tools as early as possible to get a leg up on success.

There's no need to go it completely alone in business or with a new furry companion. Technology and resources exist to help startups and pet owners succeed. With an open-minded approach, you can find your groove in your professional life and at home with your fur baby. 

Image via Unsplash

Thanks again, Ryan, for writing for my blog!

By the way, I am 14 years old now!  I still love sitting out front on my lawn and eating treats!  

Here are the the resource links:

Gabi the Dog Has a Blog - https://gabithedog.blogspot.com/

check your pet - https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/adoption/introducing-new-pet-your-household

here - https://www.zenbusiness.com/start-a-business/

establishing a routine - https://dogtime.com/dog-health/81423-is-routine-important-for-dogs

dedicate a workspace - https://talkroute.com/working-from-home-learn-how-to-separate-your-work-home-life/

training animals - https://www.cesarsway.com/5-essential-commands-you-can-teach-your-dog/

latest pet products - https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/smart-technology-pets/

make it easier - https://www.otelco.com/small-business-technology/

Image via Unsplash - https://unsplash.com/photos/azsk_6IMT3I

Are you thinking of adopting a dog? Advice from a Guest Blogger!

Hello everyone!  You should know that I am a rescue dog.  I was adopted by my forever family, and I haven't looked back since.  That's why I think rescue dogs are amazing!  We need to be loved, and in return, we will love you back even more!  

This nice lady, Aurora,  wrote to my Mom.  You should all listen to her awesome advice!  

How to Adopt a Pet During the COVID-19 Pandemic

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot about our lives, it hasn’t changed the fact that pets need good homes. If you’re stuck at home right now, you may feel the need for a companion. Plus, all the time you spend at home provides the perfect opportunity to bond with your new pet. Below, find resources that will help you adopt a pet and get everything arranged during and after the COVID-19 crisis.

How to Help Dogs and Cats During the Coronavirus Pandemic

How to Pick Out a Dog, Cat or Other Pet

During Coronavirus Closures, What Happens to Animal Shelters?

State Exemptions Protecting Pet Care, Supplies, and Services During Shutdown

The Process of Adopting a Pet From a Shelter

6 Tips for Picking the Perfect Pet Name

Helping Your Dog Adjust to a New Home After Adoption

How to Bond with Your New Cat, According to Experts

CDC Provides Guidance on How to Protect Your Pet From COVID-19

5 Steps to Take When Choosing a Good Vet

How to Pet-Proof Your Home

How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Dog

Choosing Safe Play Toys for Your Cat

Solutions for Removing Pet Odor

How to Find a Pet Sitter: An Expert Guide

How to Find the Right Dog Walker

While social distancing orders may mean you have more free time right now, you still have to think long-term before adopting a pet. If you can’t spend as much time at home when the social distancing requirements change, make sure you have arrangements made for a pet sitter or dog walker. This will allow you to keep providing the level of care and attention your companion has come to love and need.

Like I always say, if you're going to get a new dog, think about adopting one!  Look at how lucky my family is, they got me!

I even go to birthday parties with my Mom who is a teacher:

Well, there you have it!  Thank you to Aurora for being a guest blogger!  If you want to be a guest blogger, let my Mom know. 

Now I can finally go back to laying down outside on my lawn!

             

Wow! I'm finally back!

Hello friends!  I've been missing on my blog for a very long time, but it's not my fault, of course.  My Mom says she had too much to do.  It's a good thing that I don't mind waiting around ~ I'm good at that.

Anyway, I've had a friend, Cody the Cat, for a long time.  I'm happy to introduce you to him:

Cody the Cat and I make sure to keep our distance.  That's just the way things are these days.  Even though I love Cody the Cat, I'm still afraid of him, and I think he might be a little afraid of me.  Plus, we don't want to make each other sick.

Like I always say, don't get too close to anyone else.  These days you're better off, too.  You'll be healthier and happier.  Maybe some day, things will be different, but right now, stay home ~ like me!  I love being at my house and in my front yard!  I go on LOTS of walks so I'm getting exercise.  Life is good as long as I have my family and food!  (I still LOVE to eat!).

Left Behind But Not Alone ~ that's good!

Well, my parents have left me at home while they go off on vacation.  Lucky for me, I have brothers who are willing to step in and pick up the pace.  Casey the Dog's brother, Stephen, comes to take care of me, too! It's a rough life being left home.  No one gives me treats like my Dad ~ how do you think I gained 12 pounds ~ it's not my fault if my Dad LOVES to give me treats!  Now I'm not getting any treats!

Here's the deal though ~ my parents could have taken me along to Florida with them!  That's right ~ Florida has beaches where dogs can go and vacation homes where we can stay, too!

Just click on that picture up there so you can see all that I'm missing!  Don't leave home without your dog!  We want to go wherever our family goes ~ even the beach!

If my parents do take me to the beach, I will not wear sunglasses or go on a surfboard like that dog up there.  No thank you!

Of course, I learned the hard way that the water at the beach tastes AWFUL!

You can read more about that experience here,

Like I always say, dogs can come on vacation with you!  You just have to go to the right places.  Now I just have to convince my parents to take me next time!  At least, you're visiting me by reading my blog!  I do LOVE having visitors!

National Love Your (Favorite Blogging) Pet Day!

Well, it's about time that I got some love and appreciation around here ~ after all it's National Love Your Pet Day!  Check out what's new and exciting in my life these days:

The bunnies are coming back!  For some reason, the bunnies have disappeared, but now they're coming back, and as always, I'm on the case!  I make sure to let my whole family know when they are right outside the door by barking A LOT no matter what time of day it is:

The bunnies must LOVE my barking because they don't move which makes me bark and jump even more.  That's ok with me because I LOVE bunnies!

Also, I have my visitors well-trained.  Every time they stop by to visit, they give me treats:

This is Trooper the Doberman and his Mom.  Poor Trooper ~ he has to wear a coat.  His Mom says he has at least 10 coats!  Poor guy!  Well, at least his Mom carries around treats, and I lift up my paw which works every time!  I definitely know how to get a treat!

Like I always say, be on the lookout for exciting events!  Look at your windows or hang out in your yard!  There's always something happening which gives me plenty to love about my life ~ especially on National Love Your Pet Day!  Make sure to love your pet today and every day ~ we can never have enough love!

Dog Park Days ~ at the New Dog Park!

I haven't been to the dog park in forever.  Just in case you forgot, I used to roll around in poop and eat poop at the old dog park.  That's when my Mom decided that I was too disgusting and refused to bring me to the dog park ~ which was too bad because I really do LOVE poop...

Fast forward to last weekend...I got to go to a new dog park.  There was only one problem ~ my Mom stuffed me into that shirt:

No wonder those other dogs were more interested in sniffing the ground that playing with me ~ who wants to hang out with a dog who wears clothes?  How embarrassing!

Like I always say ~ and I've said this before ~ your Mom knows just how to embarrass you.  She just can't seem to help herself.  Of course, she only does these things because she loves you so much and wants to keep you safe.  I just wish my Mom would stop making me wear clothes!  She doesn't really listen to me, but I'll keep trying.  I just hope that I can wear just my fur coat from now on!

It's A Miracle ~ Another Guest Blogger ~ Knox, the Dog!

My Mom must have the BEST students this year because their dogs want to be Guest Bloggers!  How amazing and exciting is this!  I am so HAPPY to introduce you to:

Knox, the Dog!

Hi!  I'm Knox, and I'm so excited to tell you about my life.  I live in Africa with my Mom, Cindy, and my Dad, Rob.  I have two kids who love me ~ Sierra and Avery ~ my cousins!  I'm coming back in May or June.  Oh, it's time for me to eat my lunch.  Thank you for letting me be on your blog, Gabi the Dog!

You know, I think Knox the Dog and I would be such great friends.  Maybe when he comes to visit, I can meet him, and we can take the very first Dog Selfie ~ that would be amazing!

Like I always say, you never know when you're going to make a new friend.  Knox the Dog and I might even be related ~ how cool it that!  WOW!