GREAT NEWS!
For me, the past couple of weeks have been crammed full of amazing hurdles. Hurdles like, getting a review of a book and getting a wholesaler to distribute it. Just recently, two interviewers contacted me to offer their review services - one in the U.S. and the other in India. Plus, my book, OF THE LAW, has just received a contract with a wholesaler (Partners/West Book Distributing, Inc.) to get it "out there" into the hands of the reader. They sell directly to bookstores. This is a great opportunity for the book. It's repercussions are innumerable. Suffice to say, it's like scaling a 20-foot wall.
Anyway, onward and upward, right? Remember, keep writing!
Sincerely, Susan.
5/22/07
5/16/07
Susan Wingate - Magazine Articles
Magazine Articles by Susan Wingate
(previously published in Cage & Aviary Birds, Parrot Magazine, and BirdKeeper Magazine; graphics and photos have been removed)
16 Steps: Starting Your Own Pet sitting Service by Susan M. Wingate
With only four pet-sitters in our community to choose from, I began a search for the perfect pet-sitter. Apparently, my search and that of the Holy Grail were equally out of reach on the small island where I live.
Two available pet-sitters were deemed unacceptable by reputable staff at a local vet clinics and the pet store. Another one proved very expensive. The last specialized in ‘experimental’ techniques. I knew from my search there was a great need for reasonably priced, sensible people.
After years of caring for animals, I decided to use my talents professionally and started my own pet-sitting business. I've condensed my experience into a logical format.
Using these 16 steps, anyone can start and run her own pet sitting service.
Have you ever wondered what a pet-sitter does? Or, maybe you’ve used the services of a pet-sitter. You might have even considered pet sitting as a career?
People often envision the pet-sitter as the stereotypical dog walker. Pet sitting is so much more. I’ve walked dogs, of course, but I’ve also provided healthcare for sick animals when their masters could not. For instance, I’ve administered medications orally (by mouth), subcutaneously (under the skin) and intramuscularly (into the muscle). I’ve changed dressings and treated injuries, given fluids to dehydrated animals, orally tube-fed birds and even helped a vet neuter a cat! However, I specialize in birds and this is a marketing plus.
.
As you see, a pet sitter is no longer the run-of-the-mill dog walker, far from it.
As pet sitter, I’m available for births, monitoring fluids, special care feedings, providing exercise, and giving attention when owners must be absent.
I have great respect for animals and consistently try to learn about animal issues. It may prove beneficial to have a strong stomach in some cases too.
My decision to become a pet sitter seemed was natural. I’ve always cared for animals, always had them around, all kinds.
Pet sitting allows a part-time income and I meet all sorts of people and animals. I consider myself to be a temporary caregiver. Our company name is Professional Pet Sitting Services. Our motto is “We care while you’re away!” And, we do. My partner, LouAnne Spendiff, provides overnight stays at clients’ homes. I provide in-home boarding at my house. We complement each other’s services, and we both offer client visitations.
The following 16 steps will help you in your quest for a career in pet sitting:
1. Check with governmental agencies for licensing and permitting
2. Research other pet sitters’ fees and set your own competitive rates
3. Decide on services to perform
4. Take along a log to monitor time & expenses for each visit
5. Computerize your appointment schedule
6. Keep well-documented travel logs
7. Create a specialty marketing niche
8. Consult veterinarians
9. Talk with pet stores and groomers
10. Plan a marketing strategy using business cards and leave them with vets, pet stores, and groomers
11. Keep well-organized records of:
• Clients’ information
• Pets’ names species/breeds
• Veterinarian
• Emergency contacts
• Special diets and/or routines
• Special care giving requirements
12. Stock treats for different kinds of pets, i.e., cat treats, dog biscuits, horse pellets, yogurt bits for rabbits, honey sticks for birds, etc.
13. Know ‘norms’ for your clients’ and try to maintain them
14. Decide if you will provide care for small animals, large animals, or both
15. Spend quality time with clients
16. If necessary you may need to report unhealthy conditions to local authorities
One key factor when you approach new clients, consider the human one. Sometimes they will need to feel comfortable you and their pet have a good rapport. Many people ask me over to meet their animals and to ‘feel me out’ before handing over the. This watch includes the weighty responsibility of safeguarding important members of their family. We must understand this human concern when we meet.
In other words, we are entrusted to ensure the pet remains healthy during the absence of the owners. This point cannot be understated.
I’ve been a caregiver for over ten years now. Pet sitting can be a very arduous yet fulfilling career. The clients you care for can change your life. Animals are intuitive and it’s important to walk into each situation with honesty and integrity. But, most importantly, have fun!
Tip: We obtained an insurance policy providing caretaker coverage.
FOR MORE INFORMATION E-MAIL SUSAN AT susanwingate@centurytel.net OR CALL (360) 378-8760 PST
“A Safe Haven: Placement Options for Relocating Your Companion Bird”
by Susan Wingate
We’ve all heard the horror stories of people who procure large tropical birds only to realize – after an agony of trials and tribulations, squawking, destroying personal affects – the bird is way too much to handle.
Likewise, what happens in the case of the death of a bird’s primary caregiver? Larger tropical birds can easily outlive their human counterpart. It’s not unheard of for one of these birds to live to be 85 years old. So, what happens then?
The inherited caregiver might desperately try to place these companion pets. They might walk the streets nailing flyers on telephone poles, putting them in pet stores, on the bulletin-board of the local grocer’s – to no avail. After months of searching for a new home, the bird remains unplaced. Or, maybe worse, the bird is placed in another home with a family who is unfit to handle these special creatures. It’s not uncommon for these sometimes misunderstood birds to be bounced from one improper home to another.
Sound too familiar? Of course it does. We all know of someone who has been through this type of ordeal and maybe we ourselves have been in this heart-breaking situation.
A Solution is Available!
After a simple search of the internet, I found several not-for-profit organizations that provide sanctuary and re-homing services for exotic birds – from Ireland to the U.S.!
Sanctuary services include housing and caring for birds in ‘perpetuity’ – or until they die.
Re-homing services include placing birds into proper homes. Most of these services have a strenuous interview process to make sure your bird is being properly placed.
Organizations such as:
• Feathered Friends Forever (www.featheredfriendsforever.org).
• The Gabriel Foundation (www.thegabrielfoundation.org).
• African Grey Rescue – Greysworld (www.greysworld.co.uk)
• Amazon Parrot (www.amazona.co.uk/PAhtml/amazons/messages/259.html)
• The Society for Conservation in Aviculture: National Organization (http://thesca.org.uk)
• A listing service called: The Parrot Pages (www.parrotpages.com/links/sanctuaries-rescues.html)
• A listing service called: UK Animal Rescuers (www.animalrescuers.co.uk/html/birds.html)
Are available and this is just the tip of the iceberg! There are many more out there – far too many to list here.
These foundations provide alternatives for the well-being of the bird but also allow for the peace-of-mind of those who want to ensure the proper care and handling continues after its owner dies.
How does this work?
1) Make contact: The current caregiver must contact the organization. A person may request that their tropical bird will be placed at one of these organizations or adopted into a new home.
2) Internal processes & policies of the facility: Some organizations have a lengthy interview process to make certain the bird is being properly placed with them. Other organizations will only ask you to allow for the transport of the bird.
3) Estate planning: Provide in your estate planning documents a codicil that requests your bird be placed in a desired foundation. The codicil should allow for a bequest sufficient to cover upkeep costs of your bird for the remainder of its life.
4) Make travel arrangements: Secure transport for the bird via air or automobile. (The relinquishing party may accompany the bird in its transport to the care facility). If you are sending the bird alone on a plane call and request the rules the airline requires of those transporting tropical birds. Each airline differs and some do not allow transportation of birds at all. Alaska Airlines is one of few airlines that DOES allow for the transportation of these special animals.
In most cases, these organizations operate as non-profits. Our job is threefold. First, we must fully understand the costs associated with maintaining the upkeep of a relinquished bird. Second, we must appreciate the nature of each non-profit organization. Generally, non-profits operate at a break-even rate and sometimes less than that. Third, if at all possible, we must contribute monetarily for any costs associated with the relinquishment of our birds. [Basic upkeep costs include food, shelter, and regular veterinary examinations.]
With the advent of the internet, finding a proper home for your bird is only a “click” away. That click just may be the difference between a life of unrest for your bird or a “port in the storm.” Now there is hope. These organizations offer hope of a happy ending and a healthy continuance for our unwanted, abandoned, or surviving avian pets.
For more information or questions about this article, please contact Susan Wingate at: susanwingate@centurytel.net.
(previously published in Cage & Aviary Birds, Parrot Magazine, and BirdKeeper Magazine; graphics and photos have been removed)
16 Steps: Starting Your Own Pet sitting Service by Susan M. Wingate
With only four pet-sitters in our community to choose from, I began a search for the perfect pet-sitter. Apparently, my search and that of the Holy Grail were equally out of reach on the small island where I live.
Two available pet-sitters were deemed unacceptable by reputable staff at a local vet clinics and the pet store. Another one proved very expensive. The last specialized in ‘experimental’ techniques. I knew from my search there was a great need for reasonably priced, sensible people.
After years of caring for animals, I decided to use my talents professionally and started my own pet-sitting business. I've condensed my experience into a logical format.
Using these 16 steps, anyone can start and run her own pet sitting service.
Have you ever wondered what a pet-sitter does? Or, maybe you’ve used the services of a pet-sitter. You might have even considered pet sitting as a career?
People often envision the pet-sitter as the stereotypical dog walker. Pet sitting is so much more. I’ve walked dogs, of course, but I’ve also provided healthcare for sick animals when their masters could not. For instance, I’ve administered medications orally (by mouth), subcutaneously (under the skin) and intramuscularly (into the muscle). I’ve changed dressings and treated injuries, given fluids to dehydrated animals, orally tube-fed birds and even helped a vet neuter a cat! However, I specialize in birds and this is a marketing plus.
.
As you see, a pet sitter is no longer the run-of-the-mill dog walker, far from it.
As pet sitter, I’m available for births, monitoring fluids, special care feedings, providing exercise, and giving attention when owners must be absent.
I have great respect for animals and consistently try to learn about animal issues. It may prove beneficial to have a strong stomach in some cases too.
My decision to become a pet sitter seemed was natural. I’ve always cared for animals, always had them around, all kinds.
Pet sitting allows a part-time income and I meet all sorts of people and animals. I consider myself to be a temporary caregiver. Our company name is Professional Pet Sitting Services. Our motto is “We care while you’re away!” And, we do. My partner, LouAnne Spendiff, provides overnight stays at clients’ homes. I provide in-home boarding at my house. We complement each other’s services, and we both offer client visitations.
The following 16 steps will help you in your quest for a career in pet sitting:
1. Check with governmental agencies for licensing and permitting
2. Research other pet sitters’ fees and set your own competitive rates
3. Decide on services to perform
4. Take along a log to monitor time & expenses for each visit
5. Computerize your appointment schedule
6. Keep well-documented travel logs
7. Create a specialty marketing niche
8. Consult veterinarians
9. Talk with pet stores and groomers
10. Plan a marketing strategy using business cards and leave them with vets, pet stores, and groomers
11. Keep well-organized records of:
• Clients’ information
• Pets’ names species/breeds
• Veterinarian
• Emergency contacts
• Special diets and/or routines
• Special care giving requirements
12. Stock treats for different kinds of pets, i.e., cat treats, dog biscuits, horse pellets, yogurt bits for rabbits, honey sticks for birds, etc.
13. Know ‘norms’ for your clients’ and try to maintain them
14. Decide if you will provide care for small animals, large animals, or both
15. Spend quality time with clients
16. If necessary you may need to report unhealthy conditions to local authorities
One key factor when you approach new clients, consider the human one. Sometimes they will need to feel comfortable you and their pet have a good rapport. Many people ask me over to meet their animals and to ‘feel me out’ before handing over the. This watch includes the weighty responsibility of safeguarding important members of their family. We must understand this human concern when we meet.
In other words, we are entrusted to ensure the pet remains healthy during the absence of the owners. This point cannot be understated.
I’ve been a caregiver for over ten years now. Pet sitting can be a very arduous yet fulfilling career. The clients you care for can change your life. Animals are intuitive and it’s important to walk into each situation with honesty and integrity. But, most importantly, have fun!
Tip: We obtained an insurance policy providing caretaker coverage.
FOR MORE INFORMATION E-MAIL SUSAN AT susanwingate@centurytel.net OR CALL (360) 378-8760 PST
“A Safe Haven: Placement Options for Relocating Your Companion Bird”
by Susan Wingate
We’ve all heard the horror stories of people who procure large tropical birds only to realize – after an agony of trials and tribulations, squawking, destroying personal affects – the bird is way too much to handle.
Likewise, what happens in the case of the death of a bird’s primary caregiver? Larger tropical birds can easily outlive their human counterpart. It’s not unheard of for one of these birds to live to be 85 years old. So, what happens then?
The inherited caregiver might desperately try to place these companion pets. They might walk the streets nailing flyers on telephone poles, putting them in pet stores, on the bulletin-board of the local grocer’s – to no avail. After months of searching for a new home, the bird remains unplaced. Or, maybe worse, the bird is placed in another home with a family who is unfit to handle these special creatures. It’s not uncommon for these sometimes misunderstood birds to be bounced from one improper home to another.
Sound too familiar? Of course it does. We all know of someone who has been through this type of ordeal and maybe we ourselves have been in this heart-breaking situation.
A Solution is Available!
After a simple search of the internet, I found several not-for-profit organizations that provide sanctuary and re-homing services for exotic birds – from Ireland to the U.S.!
Sanctuary services include housing and caring for birds in ‘perpetuity’ – or until they die.
Re-homing services include placing birds into proper homes. Most of these services have a strenuous interview process to make sure your bird is being properly placed.
Organizations such as:
• Feathered Friends Forever (www.featheredfriendsforever.org).
• The Gabriel Foundation (www.thegabrielfoundation.org).
• African Grey Rescue – Greysworld (www.greysworld.co.uk)
• Amazon Parrot (www.amazona.co.uk/PAhtml/amazons/messages/259.html)
• The Society for Conservation in Aviculture: National Organization (http://thesca.org.uk)
• A listing service called: The Parrot Pages (www.parrotpages.com/links/sanctuaries-rescues.html)
• A listing service called: UK Animal Rescuers (www.animalrescuers.co.uk/html/birds.html)
Are available and this is just the tip of the iceberg! There are many more out there – far too many to list here.
These foundations provide alternatives for the well-being of the bird but also allow for the peace-of-mind of those who want to ensure the proper care and handling continues after its owner dies.
How does this work?
1) Make contact: The current caregiver must contact the organization. A person may request that their tropical bird will be placed at one of these organizations or adopted into a new home.
2) Internal processes & policies of the facility: Some organizations have a lengthy interview process to make certain the bird is being properly placed with them. Other organizations will only ask you to allow for the transport of the bird.
3) Estate planning: Provide in your estate planning documents a codicil that requests your bird be placed in a desired foundation. The codicil should allow for a bequest sufficient to cover upkeep costs of your bird for the remainder of its life.
4) Make travel arrangements: Secure transport for the bird via air or automobile. (The relinquishing party may accompany the bird in its transport to the care facility). If you are sending the bird alone on a plane call and request the rules the airline requires of those transporting tropical birds. Each airline differs and some do not allow transportation of birds at all. Alaska Airlines is one of few airlines that DOES allow for the transportation of these special animals.
In most cases, these organizations operate as non-profits. Our job is threefold. First, we must fully understand the costs associated with maintaining the upkeep of a relinquished bird. Second, we must appreciate the nature of each non-profit organization. Generally, non-profits operate at a break-even rate and sometimes less than that. Third, if at all possible, we must contribute monetarily for any costs associated with the relinquishment of our birds. [Basic upkeep costs include food, shelter, and regular veterinary examinations.]
With the advent of the internet, finding a proper home for your bird is only a “click” away. That click just may be the difference between a life of unrest for your bird or a “port in the storm.” Now there is hope. These organizations offer hope of a happy ending and a healthy continuance for our unwanted, abandoned, or surviving avian pets.
For more information or questions about this article, please contact Susan Wingate at: susanwingate@centurytel.net.
5/15/07
Susan Wingate, Writer
JUGGLING ALL THE BALLS!
Some days seem to flow like a ball-bearing on glass. Other days, however, seem as though I'm climbing a narrow flight of stairs and carrying three pieces of luggage.
Lately, my days have been filled with writing (of course), working with publicists, interviewers, reviewers, distributors, libraries and book stores. Not bad if you want to sell your books, right? But, there's this fine line of desire: of wanting to sell your newly released book (in my case, OF THE LAW) and writing all day long.
As an unagented writer, my work has become fourfold. These are the interlacing "prongs" I find my workday consists of:
1. writing
2. promotion
3. publishing, and
4. distribution
WRITING requires constant attention whether you write technically or creatively. You must be diligent with both to improve your craft. Practicing everyday will allow your work a freedom you will not find with "hit & miss" writing practices.
PROMOTION whether direct or indirect is a must in the publishing industry of today. When I speak of direct promotion, I'm speaking of any number of promotion attempts to market yourself or your work.
Some examples of direct promotional attempts are:
1. e-mails for current campaigns, with me this means marketing OF THE LAW my debut novel.
2. mailings to bookstores, libraries, and other literary hot spots to market my book.
3. calling people in decision-making roles to contact and put my name "out there".
4. dealing one-on-one with my publicist.
Some examples of indirect promotional attempts are:
1. sending out a monthly eNewsletter, mine is entitled, Sincerely, Susan.
2. attending literary events and making contacts.
3. staying involved in the local/regional writing community through membership and writing groups.
4. updating my website and blog to allow for any advances throughout the week.
5. presenting workshops at seminars and conferences.
Aspects of the PUBLISHING side of my daily activities may include any of the following activities:
1. Reviewing galleys for editing errors.
2. Communicating with the printers.
3. Helping with the design and overall look of the book.
Finally, my DISTRIBUTION activities seem nonstop since the book has come to print. I will, on any given day, be required to do any of these types of tasks:
1. mail books to people who want a signed copy and want to buy directly from me.
2. deal directly with the distributor, bookstores, and libraries.
3. make arrangements for reading & book-signing events my publicists obtains for me.
For me, the book almost seems to be the easier part of the publishing process. Once the book is complete and in print, the real work begins and it's a whirlwind of activity. The important thing I find I must do is to keep in the forefront of my consciousness that I am a writer first and all that other stuff last. Somedays it's difficult just to keep my head above it all, I'm so busy. The way I stay focused in my writing efforts is to read my mission statement daily. It goes like this:
"Write everyday. Write with passion and devotion. Seek out others with like interests, learn from them then turn around and help them. Be a guiding force for emerging writers. Remain committed to your dreams. Your dreams will thrust your writing into the cosmos and will act as an example to others. Make writing your life's work and with any kind of work take time out to play with family and friends. Be human, be humane, and be a humanitarian."
Good fortune and good writing!
Sincerely, Susan.
Some days seem to flow like a ball-bearing on glass. Other days, however, seem as though I'm climbing a narrow flight of stairs and carrying three pieces of luggage.
Lately, my days have been filled with writing (of course), working with publicists, interviewers, reviewers, distributors, libraries and book stores. Not bad if you want to sell your books, right? But, there's this fine line of desire: of wanting to sell your newly released book (in my case, OF THE LAW) and writing all day long.
As an unagented writer, my work has become fourfold. These are the interlacing "prongs" I find my workday consists of:
1. writing
2. promotion
3. publishing, and
4. distribution
WRITING requires constant attention whether you write technically or creatively. You must be diligent with both to improve your craft. Practicing everyday will allow your work a freedom you will not find with "hit & miss" writing practices.
PROMOTION whether direct or indirect is a must in the publishing industry of today. When I speak of direct promotion, I'm speaking of any number of promotion attempts to market yourself or your work.
Some examples of direct promotional attempts are:
1. e-mails for current campaigns, with me this means marketing OF THE LAW my debut novel.
2. mailings to bookstores, libraries, and other literary hot spots to market my book.
3. calling people in decision-making roles to contact and put my name "out there".
4. dealing one-on-one with my publicist.
Some examples of indirect promotional attempts are:
1. sending out a monthly eNewsletter, mine is entitled, Sincerely, Susan.
2. attending literary events and making contacts.
3. staying involved in the local/regional writing community through membership and writing groups.
4. updating my website and blog to allow for any advances throughout the week.
5. presenting workshops at seminars and conferences.
Aspects of the PUBLISHING side of my daily activities may include any of the following activities:
1. Reviewing galleys for editing errors.
2. Communicating with the printers.
3. Helping with the design and overall look of the book.
Finally, my DISTRIBUTION activities seem nonstop since the book has come to print. I will, on any given day, be required to do any of these types of tasks:
1. mail books to people who want a signed copy and want to buy directly from me.
2. deal directly with the distributor, bookstores, and libraries.
3. make arrangements for reading & book-signing events my publicists obtains for me.
For me, the book almost seems to be the easier part of the publishing process. Once the book is complete and in print, the real work begins and it's a whirlwind of activity. The important thing I find I must do is to keep in the forefront of my consciousness that I am a writer first and all that other stuff last. Somedays it's difficult just to keep my head above it all, I'm so busy. The way I stay focused in my writing efforts is to read my mission statement daily. It goes like this:
"Write everyday. Write with passion and devotion. Seek out others with like interests, learn from them then turn around and help them. Be a guiding force for emerging writers. Remain committed to your dreams. Your dreams will thrust your writing into the cosmos and will act as an example to others. Make writing your life's work and with any kind of work take time out to play with family and friends. Be human, be humane, and be a humanitarian."
Good fortune and good writing!
Sincerely, Susan.
5/10/07
Susan Wingate, Writer
Susan Wingate's reading at the San Juan Island Library was a smash!
Well, well, well! What fun we had. Thank you all who attended my reading and book-signing. I'm overwhelmed by the fantastic turn-out.
For those of you who missed it my book is available locally at the following bookstores:
Boardwalk Bookstore, (360) 378-2787, http://www.boardwalkbookstore.com/
Harbor Bookstore, (360) 378-7222, http://www.harborbookstore.com/
Islehaven Bookstore, (360) 468-2132, http://www.islehavenbooks.com/
Island Studios, (360) 378-6550, http://www.islandstudios.com/
San Juan Island Library, (360) 378-2798, http://www.sjlib.org/
Orcas Island Public Library, (360) 376-4985, http://www.orcaslibrary.org/
And, now, mystery novel OF THE LAW will be available at bookstores around the U.S.!
Partners/West Book Distributors agreed to distribute it for Sixteen Cat Tails Publishing. This is a great boon for the book and I'm happy to say we've already made great strides in the sales department!
For more information about Partners/West Book Distributors check out their website:
http://www.partners-west.com/ or call them at (800)563-2385!
Thanks once again for the terrific showing.
You can always check out my website by clicking here.
Check out Sixteen Cat Tails Publishing
Well, well, well! What fun we had. Thank you all who attended my reading and book-signing. I'm overwhelmed by the fantastic turn-out.
For those of you who missed it my book is available locally at the following bookstores:
Boardwalk Bookstore, (360) 378-2787, http://www.boardwalkbookstore.com/
Harbor Bookstore, (360) 378-7222, http://www.harborbookstore.com/
Islehaven Bookstore, (360) 468-2132, http://www.islehavenbooks.com/
Island Studios, (360) 378-6550, http://www.islandstudios.com/
San Juan Island Library, (360) 378-2798, http://www.sjlib.org/
Orcas Island Public Library, (360) 376-4985, http://www.orcaslibrary.org/
And, now, mystery novel OF THE LAW will be available at bookstores around the U.S.!
Partners/West Book Distributors agreed to distribute it for Sixteen Cat Tails Publishing. This is a great boon for the book and I'm happy to say we've already made great strides in the sales department!
For more information about Partners/West Book Distributors check out their website:
http://www.partners-west.com/ or call them at (800)563-2385!
Thanks once again for the terrific showing.
You can always check out my website by clicking here.
Check out Sixteen Cat Tails Publishing
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