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! 

Introducing an Exciting Guest Blogger ~ Dunkin the Dog!

Well, it's about time!  My Mom has been totally lazy when it comes to my blog, but amazingly, she managed to find a Guest Blogger ~ Introducing Dunkin the Dog!

Hi!  I'm Dunkin.  My life has not been going that well lately.  My sister, Molly the Puppy, has been yapping away so I can't have my daily nap.  That means I am extra grumpy!  Even when it's bedtime, I can her her whimpering.  Anyway, my house is big - it has 3 bathrooms which means 3 place to drink toilet water.  

Here are the people in my family.  I have A LOT of brothers - Owen, Cole, Jack, and Kyle; my Mom and Dad; and Molly the Puppy.  I've been with my family for 2 years, and I love them very much.  I'm one of the only dogs on my street so it's pretty lonely.  My favorite thing is when I get real food - not those brown pellets that me me want to spit them out.  When I get ice cream and get one all to myself, I LOVE IT!

Thanks Gabi the Dog for letting me on your blog.  

Dunkin the Dog ~ out!

I can't believe that Dunkin the Dog gets HIS VERY OWN ICE CREAM CONE!  I'm going to show this picture to my Dad so he can get me one of these!

Like I always say, having friends who want to write on my blog is the BEST.  If you want to be a guest dog, please let my Mom know.  I LOVE reading about how other dogs live ~ especially when they get their own ice cream cone!  WOW!

Sparty the Puppy came back!

Well, my cousin, Sparty the Puppy, came to live with me again.  He's still a puppy, but he's a really BIG puppy:

The best part about Sparty is that he loves to relax as much as me - which is A LOT - by the way.  Of course, I have the spot closest to the table - just in case any food falls on the floor.  It is my house  so I should get most of the treats.  When it comes to food, I must admit it - I don't share.

When it comes to laying down on one of my couches, I'm much better about sharing:

That Sparty - he sure loves the couch and getting attention.  It's a good thing that I'm not jealous!  Also, check out Sparty's paws - they're really BIG!

Like I always say, little pups are going to grow up, and sometimes, they'll be even bigger than you so set a good example so you'll always get along.  It's so much easier to be friends and share (as long as it's not food!). 

Things can always be worse!

As  you know, I've adjusted to wearing bows in my ears:

↓

Can you see those bows?  Janet the Groomer tries to put them way back on my ears so I can't get them off.  Guess what?  I ALWAYS get them off as fast as possible!

Then, of course, I'm always getting stuffed into that shirt:

As you can tell, I've given up.  My Mom is never going to listen to me when it comes to wearing that shirt.  Let's face it - REAL DOGS DON'T WEAR CLOTHES!

Wait, it gets worse!  Check out this get-up:

To make matters even worse, I had to wear these clothes more than once:

As you can see, I just laid down and closed my eyes.  I was hoping that wearing this awful costume was a bad dream - well, it was for me any way!  My family enjoyed laughing at me and taking my picture.  All I was thinking is "ENOUGH ALREADY!"

Like I always say, just when you think things can't get any worse, they do.  There's nothing you can do about it either.  Everything prepares you for the next awful thing.  Luckily for me, I survived wearing that awful costume.  I'm back to wearing just my fur coat now, AND THAT'S THE WAY I LIKE IT!

Meet some of my favorite visitors!

I LOVE to sit in my front yard!  If the sun is out, I make sure to sit in the sun so my fur gets nice and warm.  If I get too hot, I'm so lucky that there is a tree where I can lay in the shade.  Of course, I've also dug up the grass so I can lay in the dirt which is amazing - I LOVE dirt!

When I'm out front, I have visitors - dogs and people.  Barney the Dog and his Dad are some of my most favorite visitors:

That's me and Barney saying hello to each other.  I've known Barney since he was a puppy.  He's still small but now he's all grown up!

Barney's Dad always gives me treats, too:

Does it get any better than this?  I'm the luckiest dog ever - I get treats just for sitting out in front of my house!

One time my Mom and I walked by Barney's house.  Barney almost jumped out of the window when he saw me in front of his house because he was so excited.  Now that's what I call a real friend!

Like I always say, friends come in all shapes, sizes and colors!  As long as my friends stop by to say hello, I'll be sitting outside waiting for them - especially if they bring along a treat!  Make sure to get out and see your friends today - maybe you'll get a treat, too!

Sparty the Puppy Plays with Russell the Dog

This is the last story about Sparty the Puppy - for now!  A while ago, Sparty the Puppy lived with me.  Russell the Dog is my neighbor down the street, and he has A LOT of energy.  My Mom thought it would be THE BEST idea if Sparty the Puppy went to play with Russell in his backyard.  After all, a puppy would have A LOT of energy to keep up with Russell.  Here's what really happened:

Russell jumped all over me; ran after me; and followed me while Sparty the Puppy looked on.  Finally, Russell did play with Sparty the Puppy, but he got tired out right away.  Russell the Dog still has the energy of a puppy!  After a while, Sparty had to go lay down - he was so tired and overwhelmed - I don't blame him either - see above picture.

Here is Sparty recovering from playing with Russell:

Of course, I had to lay down, too - except I had company because Russell is such a loyal friend:

Like I always say, if things get a bit rough, go spend some time alone or walk away.  It's not a good idea to get overwhelmed.  Some times, you're better off by yourself.  That's why I always mind my own business - it's better to stay out of trouble.

Defending my cousin, Sparty the Puppy!

You know how much I LOVE sitting out front in the yard.  I have regular visits from several dogs and people.  I make sure that they stop by and say hello.  If I'm super lucky, the person brings me a treat! 

Well, when Sparty the Puppy was sleeping over, Trooper the Doberman stopped by.  You might remember that Trooper needs to wear a coat in the winter - poor dog - he can't even roll around in the snow.  You know how I feel about dogs wearing clothes anyway - UGH!

When Trooper stopped by, we were having a fine visit until he decided to JUMP on my cousin, Sparty.  Well, that was it - I stepped right in and put an end to that:

I started HOWLING!  That put an end to that - I'm not going to let anyone hurt my cousin - after all, he's only a puppy!  It's my job to keep my family safe, and I'm ready to step in whenever I'm needed!  As you can see in the picture, Trooper the Doberman stopped RIGHT AWAY.  Dogs listen when Gabi the Dog howls - as they should!

Like I always say, if someone is hurting your family or your friend, speak up.  Sometimes you need to defend the dog who might get hurt.  I bet Sparty the Puppy was glad that I helped him.  No one wants to get hurt after all!

Meet my new cousin: Sparty, the Puppy!

Well, here is some very exciting news - Sparty the Puppy came to live with me at my house.  That's right - he came for my morning walk, he ate at my house, he sat with me out front and in the backyard, and he slept over.  Check us out:

As you can see, Sparty the Puppy is no ordinary puppy - he's as BIG as me!  He thought he was going to play with me all day - I set him straight right away!  Sitting out front is part of my job - I need to pay attention ALL the time.  Plus, people come to visit and give me treats, and I can't miss out on that.  The good part was that Sparty was a good student - I showed him how to sit out front, and he did it just right.

The first night he slept over, he jumped over his fence from the mudroom and ran straight into my Mom's room.  Guess what?  I was sleeping in my Mom's room already so Sparty and I jumped all over my Mom while she was in bed.  We licked her face and made her bring us for our walk bright and early.

Oh, Sparty thought he was going to jump on me while we walked.  I set him straight on that right away, too.  My morning walk is serious business.  I need to watch for bunnies!  I can't have a puppy trying to play with me while I'm walking!

Like I always say, when you're the older dog, you need to teach the younger dogs or puppies how to behave.  I want to be a good dog.  I LOVE when my family says that I'm good.  That means that I need to set a good example.  I made sure to help Sparty so he could learn to be a good dog - just like me!  Make sure you're good today, too!

Check our my Mom's New Project - UGH!

I guess my Mom must be bored because look what she's spending her time doing:

I mean - that dog up there doesn't even look like me!  It might - just a little - but, overall I'm definitely not that goofy looking.  Oh well, I guess it's better than getting my picture taken.  Then again, at least my pictures look more like me that that dog up there.

Like I always say, your Mom is going to embarrass you A LOT so just get used to it.  Maybe some other lucky dogs - like me - will get one of these dog-like pictures.  I'd like to hear about it.  Maybe my Mom will get some hints on how to make me look like Gabi the Dog - not some goofball dog!  Please help her!

Introducing A Guest Blogger: Gronk the Cat!

I have been quite busy - or rather, my Mom has been quite busy.  The good news is that she's managed to recruit a guest blogger, and he's a cat.  Here he is - Gronk the Cat:

Hi!  I"m Gronk the Cat.  I'm a teacup cat.  The first dog I met was my cousin, Cinnamon the Dog.  I scratched her in the nose by accident.

Once I got out and took a little nap under my Mom's car.

At my first haircut, I was pretty nervous.  When I got there, this guy cut my furballs out so I hissed at him.  Then my Mom and my brother, Devin, took me home.

I sleep under my brother's blanket.  It is comfortable.

I even caught a mouse.  My Mom screamed, and everyone ran down the stairs.  My family asked my Mom what was wrong,  She said, "There's a mouse."  I started  to sniff the mouse and started to play with it.  Then my Dad got some cups and scraped it up.  He put the mouse outside.  I sure was a hero that day!

Wow!  Gronk the Cat sure is exciting.  I've never caught a mouse, but I would like to!  

Special thanks to my Mom's student, Devin, for helping Gronk the Cat to guest blog.  I'm impressed!

Like I always say, cats are alright in my book - as long as they don't hurt me!  Thanks Gronk the Cat!  You can guest blog any time!

My First Trip to the Emergency Room!

Last night I was having the BEST time in my backyard.  I got to be off my leash - thanks to my Dad who trusts me and basically let me do whatever I want.  I got to sniff around; eat some rabbit poop; walk wherever I wanted...It was AWESOME!  I even found this bone!  My Dad thought he was going to take it away - NO WAY!  I wouldn't let that happen.  I even managed to get the bone into the house.

Then this awful thing happened:

OUCH, OUCH!  The bone got stuck on my jaw.  My Mom and Dad tried to take it off, but it wouldn't move.

My Mom, Dad, and sister, Bethany, all piled in the car with me and off we went.  I must admit I was getting scared with this bone stuck on my jaw.  Then we arrived at the Emergency Room which is serious business.  The doctor came out; looked at me; and took me right to the back.  The doctor made me go to sleep so he could cut the bone off my jaw.  WHAT A RELIEF!  IT WORKED!

Here's a picture of me with the nice doctor who saved my life:

Like I always say, listen to your Mom and Dad.  If I had listened to my Dad, this bone never would have gotten stuck on my jaw.  I was too stubborn.  I never knew that treats could be dangerous.  I just learned an important lesson from this experience.  Be very careful about what you put in your mouth every day.  It's definitely not fun to go to the emergency room!

Here we go again!

It's been pretty exciting around here!  The snow is back, and I just LOVE rolling around in the snow.  The other day, my Mom was complaining about how I smelled like poop.  HA!  She should know that I LOVE to roll around in poop.  I just LOVE the way I smell afterwards.  Well, my Mom got super lucky because my friend, Trooper the Doberman, stopped by.  He had to wear this fancy coat with a belt - poor guy!  Any way, I was just showing off like crazy.  I dove into the snow and rolled around.  Then I'd pop up and dive into a new spot.  It was kind of like having a bath in the snow.  While I was showing Trooper how much fun it is to dive in the snow, he watched me.  I bet he was wishing he could get rid of that coat.

You know how I feel about dogs wearing clothes.  REAL DOGS DON'T WEAR CLOTHES!

Of course, that doesn't stop my Mom from stuffing me into that Patriots shirt OR Janet the Groomer from putting bows on my ears.

Here I am having a GREAT time in the snow:

Like I always say, spend time outside and check out what's happening.  You don't want to miss out on any excitement.  I'm always happy to hear, "Want to go OUT?"  I sure LOVE the snow!

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Turkey is delicious!

I bet you can figure out what my favorite holiday is!  It's Thanksgiving!  This is by far the BEST eating day of the year.  I have endless opportunities:  dropped food; licking plates; helping at the dishwasher...My grandfather gives me the MOST treats.  He might throw the munchkins, but I can find and eat them really fast.

Anyway, let's get back to Thanksgiving.  My Mom was taking this GIANT turkey out of the oven, and she DROPPED it right on the floor.  Well, I could hear and smell my chance.  I was there in a flash.  I got to eat some turkey, and since I'm such a helpful dog, I even helped clean up what was left behind:

I wonder if that turkey might fall again.  I made sure to keep an eye on it - just in case.


By the way, that's my cousin, Lulu the Dog.  She only gets my leftovers because my Aunt won't let Lulu even have any treats.  I feel really bad for her.  What would life be life without treats?

Like I always say, be on the lookout for any and all food-eating opportunities.  You never know when you luck is going to change.  My Mom might have been upset, but I wasn't.  I actually hope she drops more delicious meat when she takes it out of the oven.  I'm always available to help out!  Make sure to help out whenever possible - you never know what you might get in return!