Tag: Rollo

Playing Catch with Dogs

Esther’s writing prompt: October 22, 2026: Catch

Playing catch with dogs is my response to Esther’s October 21st prompt Catch. Click here or here to join in.

Playing catch with a dog is a fun way to provide exercise for the dog and perhaps for you too. Many dogs love to play the catch game whether it is with a ball, a squeaky toy or some other kind of toy. You just need to be a little bit careful not to overdo it. The wrong kind of toys can hurt their teeth and be careful, so you don’t accidentally throw the toy right at the dog and hurt them. Nobody likes to have a ball land on their head.

Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo loves balls, and he loves playing catch with balls and squeaky toys. Today October 22nd it is National Make a Dog’s Day, and we played with Rollo and he also got a little bit bigger dinner than usual.

Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is rolling and biting a soccer ball.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo love balls. Here he is playing with a soccer ball. My photo.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is rolling and biting an orange volleyball.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo love balls. Here he is playing with an orange volleyball. My photo.

I took the photos above, but I do not have any photos of our dogs playing catch and therefore I am using Shutterstock photos or pictures I generated using ChatGPT for dogs playing catch.

Rollo’s Bad Blue Ball Day

As mentioned, Rollo loves playing catch with balls and with squeaky toys.

The picture shows a dark brown and white mini-Australian Shepherd with a green and brown mallard duck in his mouth.
Illustration of our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo with a squeaky duck in his mouth. I generated this picture using ChatGPT.

However, it does not always go well, for example, the time when I threw a big blue ball really far and he ran after it really fast and tried to catch it, but it landed right on top of his head. He did not get hurt but he yelped a little. We were done playing catch the ball after that incident. What a disappointing ending to a fun game.

The picture shows a dark brown and white mini-Australian Shepherd with a blue ball on top of his head.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd gets a ball on his head while playing catch the ball. I generated this picture using ChatGPT.

Our Dogs Playing Catch

We used to have Yellow Labrador, Baylor, and he loved playing catch. Well, he was not a pure Labrador. He was quarter Rhodesian Ridgeback. If I threw a ball or another toy he would run after it very excitedly, come back and then we did it again. It was something he could do over and over. He might have been the most playful dog we’ve had.

A close up photo of our yellow lab Baylor. His face is towards the camera.
Our labrador Baylor (allegedly quarter mix with Rhodesian ridgeback) was a very playful dog.
Picture of a Yellow Lab jumping after a green tennis ball.
Illustration of Baylor catching a tennis ball.  I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT.

Our German Shepherd called Baby was not as playful as Baylor, but she sometimes played with toys and might run after a ball if she was in the right mood.

Photo of Baylor and Baby. They are laying down.
Our yellow lab Baylor on the left. Our black German shepherd named Baby on the right. Our photo.

Our Japanese Chin Ryu was almost as playful as Baylor and Rollo. He loved playing with toys and running after balls. However, he preferred the squeaky toys over balls.

Black and white Japanese Chin lying on a red sofa.
Our Japanese Chin Ryu on the sofa. My photo.
Black and white Japanese Chin running to catch a thrown toy duck.
Japanese Chin trying to catch a toy duck.

Our Pug Daisy sometimes played with toys, like her favorite duck toy, but getting her to play catch the ball was mission impossible. She was not interested in such silliness.

A toy duck and our Pug Daisy laying on her back.
Our pug Daisy played with the squeaky duck for a while and then she spent the afternoon sunbathing in the warm sun. She did what she enjoyed best. My photo.

Leonbergers Playing Catch

Leonberger dogs are big and very playful dogs, and you can play catch the ball with them, but only so much. They get bored by repetition, and our Leonberger dog Bronco was that way. If you threw the ball, he would run after it and come back with it. If you threw the ball a second time, he would walk to get it and come back. If you threw it a third time, he would just stare at you as if he was thinking “what’s wrong with you? You get it this time.”. However, he was more interested in other kinds of games. For example, he loved swimming and chasing ducks in the water.

The picture shows a Leonberger running on grass chasing a green tennis ball.
A Leonberger dog is chasing a tennis ball. Leonbergers are playful but not fond of repetitive play, so throwing the ball will only work for so long. I made this picture with the help of ChatGPT.
The picture shows a man who is throwing a tennis ball in a field. A Leonberger dog is standing there looking at him. A thought bubble above the Leonberger's head says "I already got you the ball. This time you go get it."
With our Leonberger you could only throw the ball so many times. I made this picture with the help of ChatGPT.
Leonberger is swimming with a ball in his mouth.
Leonberger is swimming with a ball in his mouth. Leonbergers are playful and love swimming. Stock Photo ID: 720242263 by Christian Mueller.

Finally, a video about a Leonberger catching sausages. The Leonberger named Hagrid appeared on Britain’s Got More Talent in 2017, and in other places. Hagrid was attempting to set a new Guinness world record for catching the maximum number of sausages in his mouth in the shortest period of time. You can watch Hagrid’s attempt below. The video is 4 minutes and 46 seconds long.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

Today Is Rollos Eight Birthday

Today is our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo’s eight birthday. Rollo grew up with his big brother the Leonberger Bronco and his sister Daisy the Pug. Now a day he is an only dog. We celebrated his birthday today by singing Happy Birthday and he ate a hot dog.

Photos from Rollo’s Birthday Today

Our mini-Australian Shepherd is sitting on a chair by the kitchen table. On the table there is hot dog with two candles. He is looking into the camera.
Rollo with his hot dog with two candles. It is his 8th birthday.
The photo shows Rollo sitting on a chair but without his blue party hat.
Rollo is looking into the camera, but he has just used his paw to remove his blue party hat.
The photo shows Our mini-Australian Shepherd wearing his blue party hat again.
The blue party hat is back on. We are singing Happy Birthday to Rollo.
The photo shows Our mini-Australian Shepherd and two red brightly shining candles in the hotdog.
We continued singing to Rollo. Happy 8th birthday Rollo.

Older Photos of Rollo

Our mini-Australian Shepherd is lying on the grass in our backyard.
Rollo as our new puppy. He had just arrived at our home.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is lying on a black spotted blanket. He is looking into the camera.
Rollo is lying on a blanket on our sofa.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo lying in front the gate to the kitchen and our Leonberger Bronco is standing behind him.
Rollo with his big brother the Leonberger Bronco.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is behind our Leonberger Bronco. He is biting and pulling Bronco’s tail.
Rollo is terrorizing his big brother the Leonberger Bronco.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is wearing a blue party hat and is staring at his pupcake.
This photo is from Rollo’s fifth birthday. He ate a pupcake, which is a cupcake for dogs. Unfortunately, the pupcake store has closed.

Dog Play

Esther’s writing prompt: September 30, 2026: Play

Click here or here  to join in.

For this prompt I decided post stories about dog’s playing as well as pictures of dog’s playing. Some of the pictures are my photos. Some pictures I generated with the help of ChatGPT. My first story is about when our big Leonberger dog playfully greeted our neighbor by putting our neighbor’s head in his mouth like the circus lion trick.

Swallowing the neighbor’s head is impolite

A Leonberger dog is putting his paws on a short man’s shoulders while licking his face.
Our friendly neighbor and our big playful dog. I made the picture with the help of ChatGPT.

On one occasion, one of our neighbors came over to say hello to our big Leonberger dog Bronco. We’d had Bronco for a year by then, so he was big. As our neighbor entered our hallway, Bronco came running, and before I had a chance to stop him, he jumped up and put his paws on our neighbor’s shoulders. This man is somewhat short, so Bronco was able to lick his head, which he proceeded to do. Then Bronco did something we were totally unprepared for. You know the circus trick in which the lion tamer puts his head in the lion’s mouth? Yes, that’s the trick Bronco performed on our friendly neighbor.

Bronco was just playing and having fun, but that’s not how to greet a neighbor. I apologized profusely, but our neighbor said that it was perfectly all right and that there was no harm done. He looked a bit unnerved, and obviously he had not expected to be part of a circus act, but he said that Bronco was a wonderful dog and that he really loved the big galoot.

A Leonberger dog is putting his paws on a short man’s shoulders while opening his mouth big and putting the man’s head in his mouth.
Our shocked neighbor and our big playful dog. I made the picture with the help of ChatGPT.

Despite what happened, our neighbor was always very nice to Bronco. However, for us that first encounter was a red flag. We had to get the jumping-up-on-people problem under control.

Japanese Chin Sings Opera

We used to have a Japanese Chin called Ryu. One of the things that stood out about Ryu was his singing. Japanese Chins are famous for their singing—well, actually, it’s closer to howling, but Ryu’s was a beautiful howl, and he was very proud of it.

The photo shows the bottom half of a girl hold the front paws of a happy black and white Japanese Chin. The dog’s mouth is wide open.
Our happy Japanese Chin Ryu. Our daughter is holding his paws. This is my photo.

As soon as he discovered that he got a lot of attention for it, he started doing it quite often. Whenever we came home, he would sit politely, look at us intently—it seemed like he was clearing his throat, too—and howl. Like an opera singer, he would slowly turn his head to look at us, as if he were performing. In fact I think Ryu’s howling sounded just like a night at the opera—especially when the lyrics are sung in Italian.

We would say, “Good boy, Ryu,” and clap, and he looked mighty proud. Other people thought it was cute and wonderful, too, and they gave him lots of praise, and of course he loved doing it and got good at it. When Rachel played the harmonica, Ryu would howl along. They made quite a duo. “Good boy” might not be the kind of praise Andrea Bocelli would want, but Ryu was perfectly happy with it.

The picture shows the same hallway as above. However, in this case there is Japanese Chin howling, a girl playing the harmonica and a family of four standing in the background clapping their hands.
Ryu howling while our daughter is playing the harmonica. I made the picture with the help of ChatGPT.

Our German Shepherd Baby & our Leonberger Puppy Bronco

We used to have a German Shepherd called Baby. She came from a shelter and from not so good circumstances. Even though Baby was a shy and anxious dog at first, once we got our Leonberger puppy Bronco, her personality changed. She loved Bronco, and she took on the job of being Bronco’s adoptive mom. She played with him; she watched him; she was fiercely protective of him. Bronco was her puppy. She seemed rejuvenated, as if she had found an important job to do a purpose, if you will. It was beautiful to see her take care of Bronco and play with him. She became happier and more confident, and Bronco loved her.

A black female German Shepherd and Leonberger Puppy almost as big as her are lying on the floor playing with each other.
Our German Shepherd named Baby is playing with our Leonberger puppy. She was like his mother. Photo by me.

Tug of War the Not So Great Game

Photo of Baylor and Baby. They are laying down.
Our yellow lab Baylor on the left. Our black German shepherd named Baby on the right. My photo.
A close up photo of a yellow lab.
Our labrador Baylor (allegedly quarter mix with Rhodesian ridgeback) was a very playful dog. Our photo.
Yellow lab grabbing a thick rope with his jaws as a man on the right is pulling hard.
I sometimes played tug of war with Baylor. We had fun but I’ve learned that this is not a good game. It can make a dog aggressive. Baylor never became aggressive though. I created this image using ChatGPT.

Dogs at Play

A photo from a dog park. Our lab and our Japanese Chin are in the photo and so is one more dog.
Our Japanese Chin Ryu playing at the dog park. Baylor is running in the background. My photo.
Black and white Japanese Chin lying on a red sofa.
Our Japanese Chin Ryu on the sofa. My photo.
Our Pug Daisy is wearing a pink birthday hat.
Our pug Daisy. It is her birthday. My photo.
A toy duck and our Pug Daisy laying on her back.
Our pug Daisy taking a rest in the sun after playing with her duck toy. My photo.
Our Pug Daisy has her head stuck in a tissue box.
Playing with a tissue box is risky. Poor Daisy. My photo.
Illustration showing a man chasing a Leonberger dog.
Our big and strong Leonberger Bronco was playful. Once when I walked him the leash failed and he got lose. He had a lot of fun with me chasing him around the neighborhood. I made this picture with the help of ChatGPT.
Our Leonberger Bronco swimming in slightly brownish water.
Our Leonberger dog Bronco loved to swim and chase ducks and egrets. He had no regrets. My photo.
A dark brown and white mini-Australian Shepherd peering from behind a sofa.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo as a puppy. He loves to play and run around. My photo.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is lying playfully on his side showing his belly to our Leonberger Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo loved to play with our Leonberger dog Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle. My photo.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is rolling and biting an orange volleyball.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo love balls. Here he is playing with an orange volleyball. My photo.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is rolling and biting a soccer ball.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo love balls. Here he is playing with a soccer ball. My photo.
Rollo is lying on his side facing Bronco who laying down.
Our little mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo wanting to play with our big Leonberger Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle. My photo.
The photo shows a mini-Australian Shepherd biting a Leonberger’s tail.
Rollo loved our Leonberger Bronco, but he was all over him, biting his tail, swinging in his tail, sitting on him like as if he was a horse. Well, his name was Bronco. Bronco was very patient, but we had to intervene. My photo.
The photo shows Rollo surrounded by a plastic fence that constituted his baby jail.
When left Rollo alone with Bronco, we put him in a playpen that we called baby jail. We trusted Bronco completely, but Rollo could be obnoxious and for his own safety we thought baby jail / playpen was best while we were gone. My photo.
Leonberger is swimming with a ball in his mouth.
Leonberger is swimming with a ball in his mouth. Leonbergers are playful and love swimming. Stock Photo ID: 720242263 by Christian Mueller.
Two sand colored Leonberger puppies playing.
Two Leonberger Puppies at play Shutterstock ID:2141564415 AnetaZabranska
The picture shows a Leonberger running on grass chasing a green tennis ball.
A Leonberger dog is chasing a tennis ball. Leonbergers are playful but not fond of repetitive play, so throwing the ball will only work for so long. I made this picture with the help of ChatGPT.
The picture shows a little boy sitting on a Leonberger. The picture has a big red X over it.
Playing with Leonbergers is fine. They are friendly and playful, but don’t do this. Don’t do this to any dog. I made this picture with the help of ChatGPT.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

How to Keep Your Home Clean and Happy with Pets Around

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about me posting an  article he had written called “How to Keep Your Home Clean and Happy with Pets Around”. The article is below. I provided some pictures.

Our Leonberger dog Bronco splayed out on the large leather sofa. Our Leonberger dog Bronco gives me a hug. Ten Leonberger puppies sitting on a sofa – Shutterstock-ID: 561107650 by Akbudak Rimma. Our Leonberger dog Bronco looking straight at me. Our Leonberger Bronco accidently clears a table with his comfy cone. Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo as a puppy.

How to Keep Your Home Clean and Happy with Pets Around – by Ryan Goodchild

Busy pet owners juggling work, family, and a lived-in home know how fast things pile up: pet hair management that never seems finished, muddy paws that turn into scratches and stains, and the slow creep of pet-related property damage on floors, furniture, and doors. The real home maintenance challenges aren’t just cosmetic, lingering odors, allergens, and worn surfaces can make a home feel harder to relax in. The good news is that a cleaner, safer space usually comes from a few consistent pet household upkeep habits that reduce mess and protect what matters most. A home can stay clean and happy with pets around.

A muddy dog lying on tile floor.
Puppy that just played in the mud. Shutterstock asset id: 2198115179 by Thicha6327

Build a Pet-Proof Maintenance Plan in 7 Practical Upgrades

A clean, happy pet home isn’t about constant deep-cleaning, it’s about setting your space up to resist mess in the first place. These upgrades build on your “little-and-often” routine so hair, scratches, and smells don’t snowball into weekend-long projects.

Our Leonberger Bronco and Pug Daisy are in kitchen with pieces of a gingerbread house in front of them on the floor. They are looking into the camera.
Choose flooring that forgives claws and spills. Our Leonberger Bronco and our Pug Daisy are making a mess in the kitchen. Luckily it is easy to clean a tile floor.
  1. Choose flooring that forgives claws and spills: If you’re replacing floors (or even just one high-traffic room), prioritize durable options like luxury vinyl plank, porcelain/ceramic tile, or sealed concrete for easy wipe-ups and fewer scratch worries. If you have hardwood, add washable rugs and felt pads under furniture legs to reduce scuffs from zoomies. Keep a small “paw station” by the door, towel + paw wipes, so grit doesn’t become sandpaper on your floors.
  2. Add pet-proof furniture protection where it counts: Use machine-washable slipcovers or tightly woven throws on the seats your pet actually uses, not the whole couch. On corners and arms, apply clear protective film or corner guards to prevent repeated clawing from becoming a reupholstery problem. If shedding is your main issue, pick one blanket per pet and wash it weekly, containing fur is easier than chasing it room to room.
  3. Build an odor-control “layer cake” (source → fabric → air): Start at the source: clean accidents quickly and use an enzymatic cleaner so the smell doesn’t rebound later. For soft surfaces, rotate washable items (pet bedding, throw covers, crate mats) on a simple schedule, every 7–14 days is realistic for most homes. Then support the air: crack windows for 5–10 minutes when weather allows and run bathroom/kitchen exhaust fans after baths, litter box cleanouts, or rainy-day dog walks.
  4. Replace air filters more often than the box suggests: Pet hair and dander can load filters faster, which can reduce airflow and make your home feel stuffy. Check your filter monthly, and if it looks gray or fuzzy, swap it early rather than waiting for the “official” interval. Pair that with a quick vacuum of return vents every few weeks to keep buildup from circulating back into freshly cleaned rooms.
  5. Do a 5-minute fence safety inspection every month: Walk the perimeter and look for gaps under the fence, loose boards, wobbly posts, and latch issues, especially after storms or freeze/thaw cycles. The stat that homeowners replace fences due to damage or decay is a good reminder that “set it and forget it” rarely holds up. Keep a small bin with gloves, zip ties, and basic fasteners so minor fixes don’t turn into a weekend project, or an escape risk.
  6. Switch to a pet-safe cleaning kit you can grab fast: Choose a few essentials you’ll actually use: a mild dish soap, an enzymatic cleaner for accidents, and a diluted vinegar-and-water spray for glass and some hard surfaces. Store them in a portable caddy so you can respond quickly when you spot muddy prints or a hair tumbleweed. When in doubt, rinse well and keep pets out of the area until floors are fully dry.
  7. Create “safe zones” to protect your home during the messy hours: Baby gates and a simple playpen setup help limit damage when you’re cooking, on a work call, or can’t supervise closely, especially for puppies or newly adopted pets. Guidance like baby gates keeps chewing, scratching, and accidents confined to an easy-clean area rather than your whole house. Over time, this reduces wear-and-tear and makes your regular maintenance routine feel doable.
Do a 5-minute fence safety inspection every month. But seriously, this photo is taken after a tornado went through our neighborhood. Our old Leonberger Bronco recently had a toe amputation in picture, and he has a plastic bag around the bandage.

Protect Your Budget When Pets and Breakdowns Hit Together

Once you’ve tightened up the everyday upkeep that comes with pets, the next stress test is what happens when a big home system still breaks at the worst possible time. A home warranty can give pet owners peace of mind by helping cover unexpected repairs to major systems and appliances that can be affected by pet-related wear, like an HVAC system that’s struggling after pet hair builds up and clogs components. Instead of a surprise breakdown turning into a budget crisis (on top of the ongoing costs of pet-proofing and cleaning), warranty coverage can help you handle those sudden service calls and repairs with less financial whiplash.

Hole that sucks up a businessman and money.
Avoid drowning in debt. Shutterstock Asset id: 335014478 by alphaspirit.it

Home warranties are customizable annual service plans that cover repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances, with optional add-ons to help homeowners manage unexpected repair costs due to normal wear and tear, so it can be worth comparing affordable home warranties if you want a little more predictability.

Pet-Friendly Cleaning and Dander FAQs

Backside of rabbit. There’s dandruff in the fur.
Dandruff hair in a brown rabbit due to Cheyletiella mites in veterinary clinic. Shutterstock asset id: 1561131680 by Alejandro MR

Q: What is pet dander, and why does it trigger allergies?
A: Pet dander is made up of tiny scales from your pet’s skin, and it can collect in carpets, bedding, and vents. Allergens cling to soft surfaces, so symptoms can flare even when your pet is not in the room. Washing fabrics weekly and using a HEPA vacuum can make a noticeable difference.

Q: How can I cut down on dander without bathing my pet constantly?
A: Brush outdoors a few times a week, wipe coats with a damp microfiber cloth, and wash pet bedding on hot. Keep pets off pillows and sleeping areas if allergies are a concern. Consistency beats occasional deep cleans.

Q: Can I use “natural” cleaners safely around pets?
A: “Natural” is not automatically pet-safe, since some essential oils can irritate lungs or upset stomachs. Choose fragrance-free, pet-labeled products, and rinse floors well so paws do not track residue. Ventilate during cleaning and store chemicals where pets cannot reach.

Q: What actually removes pet odors instead of masking them?
A: Start by removing the source: wash fabrics, clean litter boxes daily, and wipe accident areas promptly. Enzymatic cleaners break down urine proteins so smells do not come back. Airflow helps too, so replace HVAC filters on schedule.

Q: How do I prevent scratching, chewing, and stain damage?
A: Protect high-wear spots with washable throws, rugs, and scratch guards, then reward pets for using approved posts or chew toys. Trim nails regularly and keep a simple “trade” routine for chewing: swap the wrong item for the right one. For recurring issues, add more playtime and enrichment to reduce boredom.

Pet-Friendly Home Care Checklist to Finish Today

A simple checklist turns “we’ll clean later” into quick wins you can repeat every week and season. Use it to spot problems early, reduce lingering odors, and protect your floors and furniture without living in cleanup mode.

✔ Set a weekly fabric wash day for throws, curtains, and pet bedding

✔ Run a HEPA vacuum on carpets, rugs, and upholstery twice weekly

✔ Wipe hard floors with pet-safe cleaner and a clean-water rinse

✔ Clean litter or potty zones daily and empty waste into a sealed bin

✔ Treat accidents immediately with an enzyme cleaner until odor is gone

✔ Swap HVAC filters on schedule and keep vents clear of fur

✔ Inspect scratch points, trim nails, and refresh approved scratchers

Check these off for two weeks, and your home will feel calmer fast.

Building Pet-Friendly Home Habits That Protect Your Space Long-Term

Life with pets is joyful, but fur, odors, scratches, and surprise messes can make a home feel like it’s always one step from chaos. The steadier answer is a proactive home maintenance mindset, pet-focused upkeep that treats cleaning, small repairs, and safety checks as normal rhythms, not emergencies. Over time, that consistency reduces pet damage risks, keeps a truly pet-friendly household, and supports long-term home preservation so floors, furniture, and air quality hold up better. Small, consistent pet-friendly upkeep protects both your home and your peace of mind. Choose one checklist item today and set it on repeat for the next week. That simple commitment keeps home and family life healthier, calmer, and more resilient for years.

Five large Leonbergers standing in front of some rock formations.
Five sweet Leonbergers, from left to right, Kuiper, Caspian, Rilian, Austin, Obi-Wan. Photo by friend Ira Van Order / Velvy the Lion.

Our Florida Vacation

The focus of this blog is Leonbergers. However, sometimes I post about other things and today I am posting about our short vacation to Florida, to the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort in Sarasota to be specific. It was just for a few days. We were supposed to come home last night but the plane was more than five hours late due to the thunderstorm in the picture below, so we came home this morning. That is the reason I have not been posting since Wednesday, and I have mostly been missing from the blogosphere in other ways as well.

The photo shows buildings in the background, an angry storm cloud that seems to have eyes, and I included an arch in the photo. The arch looks like an angry mouth on the cloud.
This is the picture of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort and the angry thunderstorm that delayed us. I used the arch on the pier to make the cloud look angry. Notice the eyes, the nose, and the angry mouth on the cloud.
Just a zoom in of the angry cloud picture.
Zoom in of picture above
A white and beige six story building with lighting above its roof. It looks like it is striking the building, but the lightning flash is really behind the building.
Soon after I took the previous photo I took this photo of lighting striking behind one of the buildings that is part of the resort.

Now a day whenever we go on vacation we have someone we know well and trust stay with our dog Rollo, in our house, and sleep with him during the night. This way that someone is house sitting for us too. It is safe, Rollo is taken care of, and it keeps potential burglars away. However, that does not mean that Rollo is happy when we leave.

A photo of our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo. His face is sad.
Rollo does not like it when we leave, but he is well taken care of.
The photo shows a mini-Australian Shepherd standing behind a window looking out.
Rollo looks out his window seeing us leaving. He says goodbye Woof! Woof! Woof!

Photos of St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

Here are some photos of the resort.

Photos of the Gulf of Mexico

I swam in the Gulf of Mexico quite a bit. It was maybe a bit too warm, 86 degrees, or 30 degrees Celsius. That is not refreshing but certainly easy to jump into. One good thing with the Gulf of Mexico as compared to the Atlantic Ocean on the East coast of Florida (at least the place we’ve visited) was that there were hardly any Jellyfish or Zooids, the ones often called Portuguese Man of War. There were sting rays though.

The dark picture is of the Gulf of Mexico at night. You can see Venus and a thunderstorm cloud. We had one thunderstorm every day, which I have to say is a lot. In Texas we’ve had sunny and super-hot and sunny weather every day for almost two months, In Texas we have very severe thunderstorms in spring, but it seems like Florida has more medium sized thunderstorms pretty much every day in summer.

Photos of Florida Beers

The beers I drank were Luminescence from Florida Avenue Brewing Co. Jai Alai IPA from Cigar City Brewing. Unholy from Coppertail Brewing Co. Postcard Pils from Green Bench Brewing Co.

The Lagoon Adventure Feeding Sting Rays

The trip had two highlights for me, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and snorkeling and feeding the sting rays in their Lagoon Pool. They had a large pool that looked like a little lake surrounded by rocks and parts of it were glass. I did not take good pictures. First of all, I took photos straight through the glass standing in front of the glass. As you may know the reflections in the glass will destroy the photo, something I did not think about until afterwards. I have included a couple of bad pictures as well as ChatGPT generated images of me feeding sting rays.

A black blob in water, which is a sting ray.
A very bad photo of a sting ray passing by. The photo was from above the water and through glass.
You can see lots of fish but there is also a lot of reflections resulting in a strange photo.
Fish in the lagoon pool. Photo taken through the glass resulting in bad reflections. You need to take these kind photos from a side angle.

Feeding the string rays was an amazing experience. The instructor had a big bucket of dead squid that we used to feed the sting rays. At first, I did it all wrong. I placed the squid right in front of the sting rays. However, sting rays have their mouth underneath their bodies, not in front. Not only did the sting rays not get any squid, the fish knew of this mistake and took advantage of the situation. They jumped to get the squid and also bit my fingers. They swallowed my fingers whole. It did not hurt. The fish had very small teeth.

In the pictures below the fish are not swallowing my fingers whole as they did in reality. However, it is against ChatGPT community standards to generate images with fish swallowing fingers. Don’t ask me why.

Four fish attacking my fingers and stealing the squid. The poor sting ray isn’t getting any.
Me feeding the sting rays the wrong way. The fish loved my mistake and went for my hands. I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT.
Me standing in water reaching up to the sting rays mouth holding a squid in my hand.
Me feeding the sting rays the right way. My hand is underneath the sting ray so that the sting ray can get the squid.

I can add that the sting rays were very friendly and seemed to like to be petted and they came up to us, maybe hoping for more food. I can add that the sting rays as well as the fish were well fed. No one was starving.

Back home to Rollo

We arrived late early this morning and this is what we saw. Our house sitter had left but Rollo was standing in his window waiting for us. He was very happy to see us.

Rollo our mini-Australian Sheperd is standing in a room looking out a window.
Rollo is waiting for us in his window.

Designing a Stylish and Durable Dog Friendly Home

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about me posting an  article he had written on designing a stylish and durable dog friendly home. The title of the article is “How to Design a Stylish and Durable Dog-Friendly Home That Lasts”  it is below. Ryan wrote the article and I provided pictures.

Our Labrador Baylor and German Shepherd Baby. Bronco wearing a soft cone and accidentally clearing a table. Our Leonberger dog Bronco sleeps on our big leather sofa. Young Bronco is giving me a hug. Our Japanese Chin Ryu is licking our Pug Daisy’s ear. Our Leonberger dog Bronco is sitting in my wife’s lap. Bronco and our Pug Daisy are eating a gingerbread house in the kitchen. Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo biting Bronco’s tail.

How to Design a Stylish and Durable Dog-Friendly Home That Lasts

For design-minded dog owners and busy households with pups underfoot, home should feel welcoming without looking worn down. The real challenge is balancing pet needs and aesthetics when muddy paws, shedding, scratching, and daily mess collide with a polished space. Dog-friendly home design isn’t about sacrificing style; it’s about choosing durable home materials and stylish pet accommodations that hold up to real life. With the right mindset, long-term home functionality becomes a design feature, not a compromise.

Bronco is standing by the entrance to the kitchen with little Rollo right in front of him.
Our Leonberger dog Bronco and our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo when he was a puppy.

Upgrade Room by Room: 8 Dog-Proof, Design-Forward Ideas

A dog-friendly home doesn’t have to look like a kennel, or feel like you’re “settling.” Start with the rooms you use most, choose finishes that hide real life, and upgrade in layers so your style stays front-and-center.

The German Shepherd is lying on the floor and the Leonberger puppy is on his back.
Our German Shepherd Baby playing with our 4 months old Leonberger Bronco.
  1. Start at the entry with a “dirt-control” landing zone: Put a washable runner (or indoor/outdoor-style rug) right inside the door and add wall hooks plus a closed bin for leashes, towels, and paw wipes. This keeps grit from traveling to your nicer surfaces and makes departures less chaotic. If you can, add a low bench so you can wipe paws without wrestling.
  2. Choose scratch-resistant flooring where claws hit hardest: In high-traffic paths, entry, hallway, kitchen, prioritize tough, easy-clean surfaces and keep area rugs for warmth and style. If replacing floors, ask for samples and do a real test: drag a key lightly, spill water, and see if it shows. If full replacement isn’t in the budget, a long runner in the “zoomie lane” protects what you already have.
  3. Upgrade to easy-clean fabrics (and make them work harder): For sofas and dining chairs, look for tightly woven performance fabrics or removable, washable covers in mid-tone colors that hide fur and smudges. The right pet-friendly upholstery fabric can cut daily maintenance and keep your room looking “done” longer. Add a throw you don’t baby to your dog’s favorite spot so you’re laundering one layer, not deep-cleaning cushions.
  4. Build a feeding station that’s neat by design: Convert a lower cabinet, nook, or mudroom corner into a built-in feeding station with a wipeable surface and a pull-out bin for food. Add a washable mat under bowls and mount a small hook for the scoop so it’s never on the counter. This keeps crumbs contained, reduces slipping bowls, and makes the area look intentional instead of temporary.
  5. Dog-proof storage with small hardware changes: Use lidded cans, add simple childproof latches to low cabinets, and keep tempting items behind closed doors. A few minutes spent removing personal items from reach prevents chewed shoes, shredded mail, and unsafe snacking. Aim for one “dog-safe” basket in each main room so clutter has a place without becoming a hazard.
  6. Create a durable “rest zone” that protects your layout: Give your dog a defined spot, bed, crate, or mat, near where you actually hang out, not tucked away. Place it on a washable rug or low-pile mat to protect flooring and help anchor the room’s arrangement. When your dog has a predictable place to settle, you’ll see less pacing, less furniture-hopping, and fewer dirty paw prints on upholstery.
  7. Make your yard a secure outdoor dog space, not a stress zone: Check fence gaps, latch reliability, and sightlines at gates, then add a double-latch or self-closing hinge if you’ve had close calls. Define one “dig/zoom” area with mulch or gravel and keep the rest landscaped for looks. A shaded water spot and a clear path back to the door reduce tracking mud through the house.
  8. Choose pet-safe landscaping that still looks polished: Skip plants known to be toxic to pets and avoid cocoa mulch; use sturdy groundcovers and hardscaping borders that won’t splinter or poke paws. Create a rinse-off station with a hose and spray nozzle near the door so muddy days don’t wreck your floors. These aesthetic home upgrades let the outdoors feel curated while staying practical.
Six Leonbergers with celebration hats are looking straight into the camera.
Six Leonbergers and a birthday celebration. Photo by friend Jen O’Keefe.

If You’re Building New: Ask These Warranty Questions at Closing

After you’ve planned dog-tough finishes and built-ins, it’s worth protecting the structure those upgrades depend on. When you’re closing on a new build, ask your builder whether a structural warranty (or similar long-term protection) is included, and what it covers if defects show up after you move in. This kind of coverage can help safeguard the home’s integrity, which matters when you’ve invested in pet-friendly choices like durable flooring or built-in features that are meant to perform for years. Getting clarity up front on coverage expectations, and whether a third-party, insurance-backed option like a builder-backed warranty for new homes is part of the package, can add peace of mind as your dog settles in. Next, we’ll tackle the practical questions homeowners ask most about odors, stains, fences, and resale value.

A two story house with six dogs in front. From the left to right, a Leonberger dog, a Labrador, a German Shepherd, a Pug, a Japanese Chin, and finally a mini-Australian Shepherd.
A dog friendly house. Generated with the help of ChatGPT.

Dog-Friendly Home Design: Common Questions Answered

Q: What actually keeps dog odor under control without making the house smell like chemicals?
A: Start with what holds odor: washable covers, low-pile rugs, and sealed floors that do not absorb. Use a HEPA vacuum weekly, launder soft goods often, and run a carbon air purifier in the main hangout zone. If odors persist, an enzyme cleaner beats masking sprays because it breaks down the source.

Q: How do I remove urine stains from floors or carpets without ruining the finish?
A: Blot first, then apply an enzyme-based cleaner and give it enough dwell time before rinsing or blotting again. Avoid steam cleaners on fresh urine since heat can set stains and odors. Test any product in a hidden spot, especially on hardwood sealants.

Q: What fence type and height works best for most dogs?
A: A solid, climb-resistant fence with minimal horizontal rails is a reliable choice for many homes. Many installers consider the ideal fence height 4 to 6 feet, with 6 feet as the industry standard for containment. Match the design to your dog’s jumping and digging habits, then add a buried edge or kick plate if needed.

Bronco is standing in a blue kiddie pool. He is getting washed.
Our Leonberger dog Bronco and fence you cannot dig holes under. Leonbergers are expert diggers.

Q: Can I keep resale appeal if I choose dog-proof materials?
A: Yes, when choices read “durable and neutral,” not “pet-only.” Stick to classic colors, consistent hardware finishes, and quality flooring that any buyer would see as an upgrade. The best pet-friendly features look like smart maintenance, not a special-purpose remodel.

Q: How do I reduce everyday wear and tear from paws, nails, and outdoor mud?
A: Create a simple entry drop zone with a washable runner, hooks, and a closed bin for towels and wipes. Keep nails trimmed and place scratch-friendly surfaces like washable mats near doors and feeding stations. Outside, use hardy groundcover or gravel in the main run path to limit dead grass and tracked-in dirt.

On the hooks there is a dog leash, a jacket and a bag.
Leonberger dog at the entrance of a house standing on a washable runner. There are hooks and a bin for towels. Generated with the help of ChatGPT.

Finish-Strong Dog-Friendly Home Checklist

This checklist turns good ideas into repeatable habits, so your home stays stylish while handling real life with dogs. Use it to decide what to upgrade now, what to schedule, and what to maintain each week.

✔ Choose sealed, non-absorbent floors for high-traffic zones

✔ Add washable slipcovers and throws to the main seating

✔ Place low-pile, easy-clean rugs where paws land most

✔ Run a HEPA vacuum on a weekly calendar reminder

✔ Keep an enzyme cleaner stocked for fast accident response

✔ Set an entry drop zone with towels, wipes, and a closed bin

✔ Inspect fencing for gaps, dig spots, and climb points monthly.
Check these off once, then protect them with routine.

Backyard, relax and portrait of dog on grass for obedience, support and fun in leaves in sunshine. Nature, foliage and Labrador with tongue out in garden by fence.
Labrador in front of fence in the backyard. This is good fence but has a potential dig spot. Shutterstock asset id: 2485564001 by PeopleImages
Bronco is laying on the ground facing the broken fence. He has a plastic bag around his bandage.
The fence needs to be fixed after a tornado went through the neighborhood. Bronco had just had a toe amputation.

Make Style Last With Dog-Ready Materials and Layouts

Living with dogs can feel like a constant trade-off between a home that looks pulled together and one that can take daily wear. The steadier path is designing for real life: choose materials supporting pet durability, use layouts for pet and people, and keep integrating pet features in ways that maintain home style with dogs. Design for the dog you have, and your style will last longer. Pick one high-impact change from the checklist this week, swap in a tougher surface, protect a high-traffic zone, or refine a room flow, then build from there. Long-lasting pet-friendly design protects comfort now and creates a calmer, more resilient home for everyone.

Rollo Go Look Out the Window

Rollo Go Look Out the Window – that is what we tell our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo when we have to leave him home alone for a couple of hours. Whenever we say that he runs to the window and looks out the window. He isn’t happy about us leaving but he likes looking at all things that he can see through his window, and he barks at the things he sees.

But what does Rollo see? See the children’s story below. I should say that I will work on this story and try different kinds of images to go with it. For this attempt, the first and second photo in the story are taken with my cell phone. The photo of planet Earth is from pexels.com. All the other pictures in the story I generated with help of ChatGPT. The photos outside / after the story are all photos taken by me.

What does Rollo See out his Window ?

Rollo’s owners are usually with Rollo most of the time, but sometimes they have to leave him for a couple of hours. When that happens, Rollo is not happy.

A photo of our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo. His face is sad.

However, Rollo’s Mama says, “Rollo go look out the Window” and Rollo runs to look out the window.

Mini-Australian Shepherd looking out a window with grids. You can see the room in the background.

What does Rollo see? He sees the blue sky and the clouds; he sees birds flying and he sees the black crows walking on our lawn. He doesn’t like the black crows walking on his lawn, so he goes woof, woof, woof, woof.

I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT. It is based on a photo of our front lawn. I added crows, clouds, and a tree on the left.
I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT. It is our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo, but I made him bark.

He sees the green grass and the houses, he sees the jagged edges of the roofs and the chimneys, and he sees workers repairing shingles on roof tops, and that looks scary, so he goes woof, woof, woof, woof.

To the previous AI generated picture of our front lawn I added workers repairing shingles on roof tops, children playing, squirrels climbing the tree, a cat sticking out its head, and rabbits.

He sees rabbits running, cats hiding, children playing and laughing, and he sees squirrels running up the trees, so he goes woof, woof, woof, woof.

I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT. It is a picture of Rollo standing in the window and barking. It is slightly different from the previous picture with Rollo barking out the window.

He sees people walking by our house. Do they see him? Maybe not. But there, someone sees him, and he goes woof, woof, woof, woof.

I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT. I used the previous picture of our front lawn but added a woman and man walking by the house. The man is looking at Rollo.

He sees people with dogs walking by the house and that makes him mad, so he goes woof, woof, woof, woof.

I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT. I used the previous picture of our front lawn but removed th woman and man walking by the house. Instead, I added two people walking a Leonberger dog with on leash.

Then the cat asks Rollo if he could come out and play with her. But Rollo can’t. He is stuck inside behind the window, so he goes woof, woof, woof.

I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT. It is zoom in of the cat’s head.

Rollo looks out the window and he sees the world, and he knows that the world was made for him, but he has to stay inside.

This is a photo of planet Earth from pexels.com

Rollo’s owners left him alone in his despair for nearly two hours but now he sees them coming home and he runs to the door, and he goes woof, woof, woof, woof.

A happy man and a happy woman enters a front door and are greeted by a happy mini-Australian Shepherd.

They ask him, Rollo, what did you see out your window today? And he goes woof, woof, woof, woof.

Photos of Rollo Looking Out the Window

Rollo our dark brown and white mini-Australian Shepherd is standing in front of the window looking out.
Rollo is looking out the window. Photo taken by me.
Rollo our dark brown and white mini-Australian Shepherd is standing in front of the window looking out.
Another photo of Rollo looking out the window. Photo taken by me.
Rollo our dark brown and white mini-Australian Shepherd is standing in front of the window looking out. The photo is from a larger distance so you can see the brick wall.
Rollo is looking out the window. I am standing a bit further away from the window.

Daisy and Rollo Looking Out the Window

Rollo grew up with two dogs, our big fluffy Leonberger dog Bronco and Daisy our Pug. Bronco sometimes stood and looked out the window, but Rollo and Daisy loved doing that together. They stood on the sofa and barked at everything they saw outside.

A pug and a mini-Australian Shepherd are standing on the sofa looking out the window. The joke goes: Daisy says : Rollo do you want to hear a joke? Rollo says OK. Daisy says Knock! Knock! They both start barking like crazy.
Daisy’s and Rollo’s knock knock joke.
Rollo standing in front of a Rolo candy.
Finally, I just wanted to point out that Rollo is named after the Viking king who tried to sack Paris, not the Rolo candy.

How to Launch a Mobile Pet Grooming Business

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about me posting an  article he had written on how to launch a mobile Pet Grooming Business. The title of the article is “A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Mobile Pet Grooming Business”  and you can see the article below. Ryan wrote the article and I provided pictures.

Our Leonberger dog getting washed in a kiddie pool. Our mini Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo with a brush. Our Pug Daisy getting a bath. Our Pug Daisy with a bath hat. Our Leonberger Bronco is hiding in the bushes. Amie a Swedish Leonberger standing on a bench. Fluffy black Newfoundland dog by Emma Johnson. Saint Bernard dog Stock Photo ID: 1713912484 by fred12. The photo of five Leonbergers wearing patriotic hats lying on grass by a lake was taken by Jen O’Keefe, (from left to right; Obi, Delfi, Aslan, Gryphon, Digory).

A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Mobile Pet Grooming Business

For service-minded workers, career changers, and local business owners who want a practical small business startup, a mobile pet grooming business can feel like a rare fit between steady demand and flexible operations. The core tension is real: pet care services must be consistent and safe, but most aspiring owners also need a model that can start lean and earn trust quickly. The mobile grooming market meets busy households where they are, turning convenience into repeat business and clear entrepreneurial opportunities. With the right expectations, this can become a reliable local service brand.

06-30-2022 Tulsa USA - Mobile Dog Wash and Grooming van parked in front of cute house in leafy neighborhood.
Mobile Dog Wash and Grooming van Shutterstock asset id: 2248201135 by Vineyard Perspective

Build and Launch Your Mobile Grooming Service

This simple sequence helps you turn a love of pets into a real mobile pet grooming business with a plan, the right gear, and repeatable daily operations. It matters because small early decisions, like what services you offer and how you schedule, can prevent costly surprises later.

Female groomer cutting French bulldog's nails at grooming salon.
Grooming French Bulldog. Shutterstock asset id: 1340980898 by hedgehog94.
  1. Start with a simple business plan
    Use start with a business plan to define your services, pricing, ideal customer, and what “success” looks like in the first 90 days. Keep it short: one page is fine if it clearly guides your next choices. A basic plan also makes it easier to estimate costs and avoid undercharging.
  2. Define your offer and your boundaries
    Decide what you will do on day one, such as baths, haircuts, nail trims, de-shedding, and what you will not handle yet, like severe matting or aggressive pets. Write down your service times, cancellation policy, and any add-on fees so you can explain them calmly to clients. Clear boundaries protect safety and keep your schedule realistic.
  3. Choose essentials and build a safe setup
    List the non-negotiables you need to groom hygienically and efficiently, such as clippers, blades, shears, combs, towels, cleaning supplies, and secure restraints. Buy for reliability first, then upgrade as revenue grows. Do a dry run in your workspace so you can reach tools quickly and reduce stress for the pet.
  4. Set up operations that run on repeat
    Create a weekly routine for booking, travel time, service time, cleanup, and restocking so your days do not spiral when you get busy. Use a simple intake checklist for allergies, coat condition, bite history, and owner preferences, then store notes for next time. Consistency is how you deliver safe grooms and earn referrals.
  5. Market locally and ask for the first bookings
    Choose two channels you can maintain, such as a Google Business Profile and a neighborhood social group, and post clear before and after photos with your services and prices. In your plan, include basics like your mission and target market because business plan outlines make marketing messages easier to write and repeat. Then invite every satisfied client to leave a review and refer one friend.
A so called undercoat rake is used to brush and penetrate deep into the coat of a double coated dog.
Brushing a double-coated dog close-up. Shutterstock Asset id: 2441132455 by Gayleen Froese.

Strengthen Your Business Skills Before You Scale Service

Once you’ve got the basics of launching and operating your mobile grooming setup in place, the next growth lever is often strengthening the business and marketing skills that turn steady bookings into a scalable service.

For some owners, going back to school for a business degree provides the structure to sharpen how you plan, position, and promote your services, especially as your route gets fuller and your choices carry bigger financial stakes. If you want a quick grounding, building those fundamentals can help you build confidence in core business and marketing concepts you’ll use every week.

A master’s in business administration equips you with skills in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and data-driven decision-making to excel in diverse business environments. And because online degree programs are designed for flexibility, it’s often possible to keep running your business while you’re in school.

Photo of a Leonberger standing in snow. In the background there is snowy forest.
Well-groomed Leonberger standing in a snowy forest. Shutterstock-ID: 705193912 by Eric Isselee.

Plan → Groom → Follow Up → Improve

Your mobile grooming business grows faster when each day runs on a repeatable loop, not memory. This rhythm helps you protect pet care quality standards, reduce missed details, and keep your calendar predictable even as requests increase. It also builds trust so clients rebook without needing extra reminders, especially when many owners prefer scheduling sessions on a steady cadence.

Grooming cartoon pets with bathing equipment and salon accessories for animal spa service. Dogs and cats with brushes and towels, scissors, shampoo bottles and hair dryer. Playful hygiene collection.
Dogs and cats with brushes and towels, scissors, shampoo bottles and hair dryer. Shutterstock asset id: 2681547649 by myteamart.
StageActionGoal
Plan the routeConfirm addresses, time windows, services, add buffer timeFewer late arrivals and smoother drive time
Pre-visit prepSanitize tools, restock supplies, review pet notesSafe setup and consistent readiness
Intake and consentCheck coat condition, discuss goals, confirm pricing, document issuesClear expectations and fewer surprises
Groom to standardFollow checklist, monitor stress, take quick before and after photosConsistent results and pet comfort
Close and follow upShare care tips, collect payment, book next visit, request feedbackHigher satisfaction and repeat retention
Review and adjustLog time per service, update notes, refine pricing and buffersBetter margins and fewer bottlenecks

Because each stage feeds the next, small improvements compound: cleaner prep speeds the groom, clean intake reduces callbacks, and follow-up keeps your appointment scheduling system full. Over time, your customer satisfaction management becomes measurable, not guesswork.

Majestic Leonberger standing on grass and there is a forest in the background.
Healthy Leonberger posing in front of a forest. Shutterstock asset id: 1474761425 by AnetaZabranska.

Mobile Pet Grooming Startup Questions, Answered

Q: What licenses or permits do I need to groom pets from a van?
A: It depends on your area, but plan for a basic business license plus any mobile vending, zoning, or parking rules that apply to operating from a vehicle. If you collect sales tax on products, you may also need a sales tax permit. Call your city or county business office and ask for a checklist for mobile services so you do not miss a step.

Q: How much insurance should I carry, and what does it cover?
A: Many owners start with general liability and then add tools and equipment coverage, commercial auto, and care, custody, and control if offered. Budgeting is easier when you know that mobile pet groomers pay an average of $65 per month for general liability insurance. Ask an agent to quote the exact services you offer, like nail trims, de-shedding, or handling anxious dogs.

Q: How should I price services without undercharging?
A: Use a base price by size and coat type, then add clear line items for mats, heavy shedding, special handling, or extra brushing time. Track your true minutes per dog for two weeks so your prices reflect labor, drive time, supplies, and vehicle costs. If clients ask for discounts, offer a maintenance plan for repeat visits instead of lowering your standard rate.

Q: When should I require deposits or cancellation fees?
A: Deposits help protect your day when a no-show leaves an empty time slot you cannot fill. Keep it simple: a small deposit to book and a cancellation window that feels fair, like 24 to 48 hours. Put the policy in writing and confirm it at booking to avoid awkward conversations.

Q: How do I handle common grooming concerns like mats, fleas, or anxious pets?
A: Start with a quick coat check and explain what is safe and humane before you begin, especially if shaving is the kindest option for matting. For fleas, have a sanitation plan and be ready to reschedule if the infestation is severe. For anxiety, shorten the session, use breaks, and recommend a vet consult for medically appropriate calming support.

Leonberger dogs in field of purple flowers saying hello to each other.
Shutterstock Asset id: 450770140 by everydoghasastory.

Turn a Mobile Grooming Plan Into a Consistently Full Schedule

Starting a mobile pet grooming business can feel like juggling licensing, insurance, pricing, and pet safety while still needing clients on the calendar. The steadier path is a community-first, systems-minded approach: use the business launch recap to clarify your offer, follow through reliably, and let trust, not hustle, drive growth. Applied consistently, this builds entrepreneur motivation through visible progress, stronger customer loyalty building, and fewer preventable setbacks on the road to long-term business success. A full book comes from consistent service, clear communication, and repeatable operations.

Photo of a Leonberger swimming water and there is green tall grass in the background. The Leonberger has a ball in his mouth.
Leonberger swims with a ball. Stock Photo ID: 720242263 by Christian Mueller.
A majestic looking Leonberger is sitting on a green hill.
A majestic and well-groomed Leonberger on a grassy knoll. Shutterstock-ID: 731020957 by Peter Josto.

Why did the Dog Cross the Road

Esther’s writing prompt: June 17 : Cross

Click here or here  to join in.

A mini-Australian Shepherd is crossing the street on a crosswalk.
A dog is crossing the road. Created with the help of ChatGPT.

Top Ten Reasons as to why the Dog Crossed the Road

  1. The dog got sick and tired of this side of the street.
  2. The dog wanted to stalk someone on the other side of the road and then not bark at them and get a treat for not barking at people.
  3. Because he wants to chase a cat on the other side of the road.
  4. The dog wanted to smell something on the other side of the road.
  5. A dog is barking at us on the other side of the road, and our dog wants to put him in his place.
  6. There was a scary noise on this side of the road.
  7. Someone the dog knows and love is on the other side of the road.
  8. The dog has to cross the road to get to grandma and grandpas house.
  9. Because someone said let’s cross. Note: our dog Rollo knows the word “cross” very well.
  10. Because someone accidentally said the word “cross”, for example, “After graduating from college, I found myself at the crossroads”. Now we all have to cross the road.

About number 2. Our dog Rollo loves getting close to people and not bark because he knows he will get a treat if he does not bark at people. So sometimes it appears that he wants to stalk people to get a treat. He even spots people half a mile away. However, we do not actually stalk people.

A mini-Australian Shepherd is lying on his side as in front of Bronco as if he wants a belly rub.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd with our Leonberger Bronco who was old at the time.
Rollo is biting a large orange volleyball.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo rolling a ball.

The danger of dogs crossing the Road

Our dog Rollo loves to cross the street when we are out walking, and we cross the street many times during our walks. He knows the word “cross” because we have taught him this word so that he understands that crossing a street back and forth is a special action that he needs to pay special attention to. We want him to know that when crossing the street, you have to be careful. Ideally, we would like for him to look both ways before he crosses a street, but we are working on this. We have had a bad experience with dogs crossing roads.

WARNING: the paragraphs below are very sad, so if you are sensitive, please skip to “My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts”.

Close up photo of Baylor’s face.
Our Yellow Labrador Baylor

In December of 2008, we were planning a one-week trip. Baylor our yellow Labrador was maybe twelve years old at this point, and Bronco our Leonberger dog was a year and a half. We also had Baby our German Shepherd and Ryu our Japanese Chin. We needed someone to watch our four dogs while we were gone. Following a recommendation from our veterinarian at the time, we settled for a sitter who would visit the dogs, feed them, and walk them but not stay at our house full-time. This sounded like the best option at the time, but it turned out to be a disaster.

After we left on our trip, we got a phone call from the sitter, who told us that she was taking care of several other dogs in addition to ours and that she did not have time to drive back and forth to our house and attend to our dogs. The fact that she was taking care of several other dogs simultaneously was news to us. She asked if she could take our four dogs to her house. She stated that she had a fence like ours, and by having them at her house she could watch them 100 percent of the time.

We didn’t really like the idea because the dogs had never stayed at someone else’s house before. Moreover, we had never seen her house, and we had no idea how crowded it was with the other dogs there. But it sounded like the best solution under the circumstances, so we reluctantly agreed.

A couple of days later, the dog sitter called us again, but this time she told us that Baylor was missing. He had been barking at night, so she put him out in the backyard. Unfortunately, the gate at her place had been left open, and she didn’t notice that Baylor was gone until early in the morning. She asked us what we thought she should do.

We told her that she had to find him. “Go look for him; put up posters,” we said. She was reluctant to do any of that because she didn’t want to leave the other dogs alone. We told her that it was an emergency and she had to do it. We suggested that she recruit other people to help her. Baylor had to be found.

We were pretty upset about the fact that the sitter had put Baylor out into the backyard in the middle of a cold night and left him there. However, we needed her help, so we kept calm. We enlisted help from family members in Dallas, and I used an online service called My Lost Pet Alert, which sent 2,264 emails to people in our neighborhood that night. It didn’t help that it was cold and sleeting and the streets were icy and dark. Baylor also needed his insulin shot in the morning.

The following afternoon Baylor was found dead two miles from the dog sitter’s place. He had been hit by a car. He was found around midway between her house and our house, so it seemed like he was trying to get home.

Baylor had a very special place in our hearts, and I was devastated. My wife Claudia was crying, and the kids were crying. Not only had we lost a family member in a sudden cruel twist of fate, but his death was also likely an unpleasant one. That it was the result of a dog sitter’s carelessness didn’t make it any better. In fact, it made it worse. It is a traumatic event that none of has yet gotten over.

Baylor crossing the rainbow bridge and it says “you were our favorite Hello and our hardest Goodbye”.
Illustration by Naomi Rosenblatt.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

A New Beginning Opening a Pet Treat Bakery

This is a guest post written by Ryan Goodchild. He emailed me asking me if he could publish this post regarding opening a Pet Treat Bakery . I said yes. See his post below.

Our mini Australian Shepherd Rollo is looking at a pupcake in front of him. He is wearing a blue party hat.
Our mini Australian Shepherd Rollo loves pupcakes (cupcakes for dogs). We bought it at a pet treat bakery.
It is also a Response to Esther’s writing prompt: December 31, 2025: New Beginnings

Opening a Pet Treat Bakery could certainly be a New Beginning. Click here or here to join in Esthers prompt.

Image: Freepik

Opening a Pet Treat Bakery: A Step-By-Step Business Guide

Opening a pet treat bakery means turning a love of animals into a food-based business with real operational demands. This venture blends culinary care, compliance, branding, and sales into one compact operation. Done right, it can become a loyal, repeat-driven business with strong word-of-mouth momentum.

Quick Takeaways

  • Start with a narrow product focus so you can control quality, costs, and compliance.
  • Treat regulations as a design constraint, not an afterthought.
  • Your brand story matters almost as much as your recipes.
  • Distribution decisions will shape your margins more than ingredient costs.

Starting With a Clear Vision

Most pet treat bakeries fail by trying to do too much too early. Decide whether you are specializing in dog treats, cat treats, or a specific niche like grain-free, dental chews, or celebration cakes. Your ingredient list, pricing, and even packaging flow from this first decision. A tight focus also makes it easier to explain your value to retailers and customers.

Understanding Food Safety and Legal Requirements

Pet food is regulated differently than human food, but it is still regulated. In the U.S., this typically involves state-level registration, labeling rules, and adherence to basic manufacturing standards. Some states require inspections or proof of safe production processes. Call your state agriculture department early so compliance shapes your setup instead of delaying your launch.

Enhancing Business Skills with an Online Degree

Many founders realize quickly that baking skill alone is not enough. Formal business education can help you understand pricing, cash flow, and long-term planning without learning the hard way. A bachelor of business administration program builds confidence in areas like accounting, communications, and management, which directly affect whether your bakery survives its first few years. Flexible online programs allow you to keep working while sharpening these skills, making it easier to balance learning with real-world operations.

Pricing and Cost Control

This table shows common cost categories and what to watch for as you price your treats.

Cost CategoryWhat To MonitorWhy It Matters
IngredientsSupplier consistencyImpacts quality and margins
PackagingDurability and labelingAffects compliance and branding
LaborBatch efficiencyDetermines scalability
DistributionShipping or wholesale cutsDirectly hits profit per unit

Quick Steps to Launch Your Pet Treat Bakery

Follow these steps to move from idea to first sale:

Marketing Without Overstretching

Pet owners respond to trust and transparency. Share ingredient sourcing, show how treats are made, and encourage reviews from early customers. Local partnerships with groomers or pet boutiques often convert better than broad advertising. Consistent storytelling builds familiarity and repeat purchases.

FAQs for Future Pet Treat Bakery Owners

Before making final commitments, these questions often come up.

How much startup capital do I realistically need?

Most small pet treat bakeries launch with modest budgets by starting home-based or renting shared kitchens. Your biggest early costs are compliance, packaging, and initial inventory. Planning for six months of operating runway reduces stress.

Can I operate from home?

This depends on local and state regulations governing pet food production. Some states allow home kitchens with registration, while others require commercial facilities. Always verify before investing in equipment.

How long do pet treats last?

Shelf life varies by recipe, moisture level, and preservatives used. Many baked treats last several months when stored properly. Clear expiration dating builds buyer confidence.

Should I sell direct-to-consumer or wholesale?

Direct sales offer higher margins but require more marketing effort. Wholesale moves volume faster but reduces per-unit profit. Many bakeries start direct, then add selective wholesale partners.

When should I expand my product line?

Expansion makes sense once your core products sell consistently and operations are stable. Adding too many items too early increases complexity and waste. Let customer demand guide growth.

Conclusion

Opening a pet treat bakery is equal parts creativity and discipline. Success comes from pairing safe, appealing products with clear systems and realistic pricing. Start small, learn fast, and build trust with pet owners at every step. With focus and patience, a niche bakery can grow into a durable, well-loved brand.

Photo of our mini-Australian Shepherd being sitting on a leather sofa and looking at a pupcake.
Rollo our mini-Australian Shepherd and a pupcake on a table. This pupcake was bought at a local pet treat bakery. They also have cupcakes for people, but it is important to keep them separate.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

Would you like to Open a Pet Treat Bakery?