Senior Pet Care & Pet Sitting in South Lakeland, FL: One More Day

Hi Atta Boy! Familia,

I’ve been thinking a lot about something lately that I know many of us would rather not think about.

Cinco.

He’s 16 years old.

For his past 8 years with us—he has been the dog. The one who has been there through the chaos, the good stuff, the hard stuff, the kids growing up, and all the normal everyday moments that somehow become the memories you treasure the most.

And now we’re in that season of life where I have to think about something I don’t really want to think about:

What happens when it’s time to say goodbye?

There isn’t a perfect way to prepare for losing a pet. Honestly, I don’t think we’re ever really prepared.

But I do think there is something kind we can do for ourselves and for our pets: prepare for the decisions before we’re forced to make them.

That might mean having conversations with your veterinarian about quality of life. It might mean knowing what options are available when the time comes. And it might mean knowing who you can call if you decide that saying goodbye at home would be the most peaceful option for your pet and your family.

One of the local resources I recently learned more about is Loved Veterinary Services, a locally owned veterinary service offering compassionate, in-home end-of-life care.

They are also offering something I wanted to pass along because I think it is incredibly valuable — free virtual pet-loss grief support sessions, open to anyone in our community, whether you’re currently grieving a loss or experiencing anticipatory grief while caring for a pet who is nearing the end of their life.

The sessions are led by Francesca Tocco, LCSW, LMSW-C, a licensed veterinary social worker who specializes in pet loss, anticipatory grief, and the emotional challenges that come with caring for our animals.

The sessions are held online via Zoom, with early afternoon and evening sessions offered monthly.

Register for a free grief support session

And while I’m talking about Cinco, I also want to talk about something a little more everyday — because senior pet care doesn’t always look dramatic.

Sometimes it looks like potty accidents.

Cinco simply can’t hold it like he used to, which makes those midday potty breaks even more important. Giving him that extra opportunity to get outside helps prevent accidents — and gives him a little more comfort in his day.

But senior visits aren’t about rushing in, letting them out, and checking a box.

They’re slower. More intentional. We give them time to get up, move at their own pace, sniff around, and settle back in comfortably.

And that’s something we believe is especially important when providing professional pet sitting in South Lakeland and caring for senior pets in their own homes.

Because every season of a pet’s life needs something different.

Puppies need patience while they’re learning. Adult pets need consistency. And our seniors need more time, more patience, and a little more grace.

For some older dogs, that may mean a slower walk. For others, it may mean an extra midday potty break, help getting comfortable, or simply having someone there who notices that something is a little different than it was yesterday.

That’s one of the reasons in-home pet sitting in South Lakeland can be such a good fit for senior pets. They don’t have to leave their familiar surroundings or adjust to a completely different routine. We come to them.

If your older dog is having more accidents, moving slower, or simply needing to get outside more often, our Weekly Wag Club midday potty breaks in South Lakeland can be a simple way to give them that extra care — while giving you the freedom to do human things without worrying about whether they’re holding it too long. ( sign up for your FREE WELCOME CALL HERE )

And for those of you looking for a professional pet sitter in South Lakeland, FL for an older dog or cat, this is exactly the kind of care we believe pet sitting should provide.

Not just someone who loves animals.

Someone who pays attention.

Someone who notices changes.

Someone who understands that an older pet may need a little more time getting up, a little more patience on a walk, or an extra opportunity to go outside.

Because senior pet care isn’t about doing more just for the sake of doing more.

Sometimes it’s about slowing down enough to notice what they need.

And for those of you with senior pets, I see you. ❤️

I’m just trying to give Cinco as many comfortable, happy, ordinary days as we can.

One slow walk.

One extra potty break.

One more treat.

One more ridiculous dog story.

One more day.

That’s enough for today.

Happy Pets, Happy People!

Amber Van Denzen, CPPS
Owner, Atta Boy! Animal Care

Happy Pets, Happy People!