They're Just Like Us!

K9 Resorts is excited to launch a new contest on Monday, March 4, titled "They're Just Like Us!"

The contest will be run via the official Facebook page of K9 Resorts. Fans of the page will be asked to submit photos or videos of their pets in real-life human situations, be it dressed up in formal wear or sitting at the computer. Submissions will be accepted through the month of March and then the entries will be faced by the public!

K9 Resorts will ask its fans to vote for their favorite photo of the pet that really is just like us, and the winner after a three-week voting period will receive a $150 Visa gift card.

If you have think your pet has the human gusto it takes to win, be sure to check out the K9 Resorts Facebook page by clicking HERE.

Oh No, Where'd You Go?

Veterinarian clinics report that approximately 14% of dogs seen are suspected to suffer from separation anxiety. Since canines are very social animals, it's no surprise that many develop increased attachment behavior to their human family members. The onset of these problems often coincide when there is a dramatic change in the amount of time the owner spends with a pet. Symptoms can include increased activities like restlessness, pacing, and whining when the owner is not present. Depression and physiological changes such as panting or even vomiting can occur. But short of never leaving your pet's side, how can you avoid increased anxieties in your furry friend?

Professionals report that medications should only be used in extreme cases, and there are many things owners can do to avoid serious situations. Ignoring attention seeking behaviors such as whining and nudging during training is important. Certain departure cues such as picking up keys and purses, or putting on coats and shoes should also be kept as low key as possible. Creating a big to-do when leaving a dog at home is common in humans, but this can increase the likeliness of anxieties in pets. Until a dog is desensitized to those cues, it's helpful to do them in another room or while the dog is distracted with a special toy.

Upon returning, you of course want to play with your dog immediately, but it can be very helpful to wait until your pet has calmed down to begin playtime. 

Leaving your pets behind isn't easy for anyone whether it be an hour or a day, but creating and maintaining a normal and low-key routine can make it easier on everyone. K9 Resorts can help when you leave for an extended vacation to give your pet the same amount of attention and love that you do at home in our beautiful accommodations to ensure your pets stays happy through your absence and are ready for your return. 

Pet Trends Turn to Acupuncture

The past decades have indeed seen a huge increase in the amount of care and money that is spent on pets in the United States. But going beyond the boarding, diets, and designer threads, the newest trend for pets seems to be in human medicine. In fact, beyond traditional approaches to therapy, owners have begun exploring alternative therapies. Namely, acupuncture. ABC's Nightline recently ran a feature on the new trend.

Sessions ring in around $100 per visit three times per week, but doctors say that's a small price to pay for something you care about most. Owners report that even though their pets, of course, may not be able to speak for their results, they do see a difference in pet behavior. One owner even reported that pet acupuncture saved his dachshund's life. 

Still, all agree that the best medicine for any pet is free: TLC. 

To read Nightline's full article and view the video feature, click HERE or view the video feature below:

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Westminster Dog Show Will Go On

The Westminster Kennel Club is hoping that the impending winter storm indeed moves beyond the New York area by mid-Saturday as predicted. WKC released this statement on their website:

"Westminster is fully informed about the impending storm but all reports indicate that the storm will move out by Saturday afternoon. So, in the tradition of all good dog shows, the show will go on."

The world famous show is in its 137th edition, and this year, will take place at two locations in Manhattan. The Best in Show will be crowned, as tradition has it, at the World's Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden. However, new in 2013, the breed judging will be moved to Piers 92/94 on the West side of Manhattan.

The DAILY NEWS ran a story of the preview that happened this past Thursday at the New Yorker hotel, which held touching moments as survivors of Hurricane Sandy strutted their stuff proudly down the runway. Owners shared many inspiring stories, having to lead their pets down countless flights of stairs in complete darkness, some still not having been able to return to their homes since. To read the full story, click HERE.

Canines featured at the show this Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 11-12) have surely shared in an abundance of weather related setbacks. We wish them all the best and safest travels as they come to compete for the crown.

K9 Resorts featured on Fox Business News!

The segment was titled "Give Your Pets a Luxury Vacation" and aired live on January 28^th.  The Parker brothers, K-9 Resorts founders, were live in-studio. The six minute segment featured the history of K-9 Resorts, the services they offer and the plans for future development. Steven and Jason did a great job explaining their passion for the industry and the growth the franchise along the east coast. 

Check out the segment HERE.

The segment also gained a feature in an article within the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch. Begin reading the article below or click HERE for the full article.

Owners of K-9 Resorts In Fanwood Featured on Fox Business News

Residents of Scotch Plains, Jason and Steven Parker who own K-9 Resorts in Fanwood were featured on Fox Business News on Jan. 29.

By: Nicole Bitette 

Earlier today, Jason and Steven Parker of Scotch Plains were featured on Fox Business News to discuss their business, K-9 Resort Daycare and Luxury Hotel located in Fanwood.

The brothers, who Patch previously reported were in the process of franchising out locations, told Fox Business News that they are closing the ninth franchising deal this Friday and the 10^th deal next month.

K9 Resorts to hold Ground Breaking Ceremony for Middletown, NJ Location

Dan and Lisa Cody, owners of the K9 Resorts in Middletown, NJ, along with K9 Resort founders Jason and Steven Parker, are pleased to announce they will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the soon-to-open location on February 2, 2013, at 12:15pm. The ceremony will take place at 889 Route 35, Middletown, NJ.

Also attending will be the Mayor of Middletown. The Codys, along with the Parkers, will be presenting the Mayor with a $500 donation to the town, which will be put towards the Hurricane Sandy relief fund.

We are all very much looking forward to the groundbreaking event and the future success of New Jersey’s second K9 Resorts location!

2013 Pet-Sitting Industry Forecast

Pet Sitters International released their 2013 Pet-Sitting industry forecast which has the market looking up for pet-loving entrepreneurs. It's no secret that America has a growing love-affair with its pets and owners are increasingly seeking out even in-home pet care options. K9 Resorts is ecstatic about the forecast.

Begin reading the article below or click HERE.

Pet Sitters International Releases 2013 Pet-Sitting Industry Forecast
By: PRWeb

A new e-book released by Pet Sitters International (PSI) this month highlights the growth of the in-home pet-care industry and shares encouraging industry data for pet-loving entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on the nation’s ever-growing love affair with pets.

PSI’s "2013 Pet-Sitting Industry Forecast"—a follow-up to the association’s 2012 report—is a compilation of data from its State of the Industry Survey, current market research, its collective intellectual capital and knowledge from its 18-year history and more than 7,100 member businesses. Analyzing the current climate, culture, increased competition and continuing opportunities within the professional pet-sitting industry, PSI predicts another stellar year for this growing profession.