CWE Pet Sitters, a mobile vet & a dog whisperer to the rescue!

In this neighborhood with its large population of pets, it is entirely possible that you may get to know a neighbor's dog before you meet its owner. This is especially true if your travels cause you to cross paths with Kim Traylor (lower right, above), proprietor of CWE Pet Sitters, or one of her employees (also above), out walking their four-legged charges in the neighborhood.

The possibility of not knowing your neighbors and their pets was precisely the reason Kim invited me to an informal gathering on pet safety last week. Many of Kim's clients lived in the apartment complex on Lindell that burned last month, and some of their pets perished in that fire. After that experience she realized the need for apartment and condominium dwellers to know their neighbors' pets, so they can take action in the event of an emergency. Kim thought she could start to get the word out on this important issue through my blog.

The informal gathering also included Kyle Smith (standing left), a dog behaviorist, and Pam Clary, a veterinarian who makes house calls!! Kyle is a self-taught dog whisperer who has been in business for 12 years. He originally worked with police canines, and then started working with family dogs with behavioral problems. Kyle's website explains that he "teaches dogs and humans balance through calm-assertive energy."

Last week Kyle Smith demonstrated how to work with a dog who's hard to handle using a neighborhood Corgi as his test subject. Kyle has many CWE clients, not because neighborhood dogs need more training of course, but because there are a lot of dogs living here. Basic obedience training starts at $44, and if there are serious aggression problems Kyle might suggest a 5-day "away" boot camp at his home in Wentzville. You can contact Kyle through his website, his email: [email protected], or (314) 600-6929.

I had seen Pam Clary's Mobile Veterinary Services truck parked on Newstead and Laclede sometime recently, but couldn't snap a photo before the stoplight changed. So I was very happy to meet her at the gathering. She was asked to offer the CWE Pet Sitter crew hot-weather health safety tips (below).

Dr. Clary demonstrated how to identify heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which would be highly possible during this summer's heat wave. I learned that dogs (and cats) feel warmer to humans because their normal body temperature is about 101 degrees. Dr. Clary, who lives in the CWE, has been making house calls in both the city and county for nine years. To contact Dr. Clary, visit her website or call (314) 799-0043. Her fees are available upon request.

Though Kim's 7 employees love taking care of pets, I was interested to learn about their other careers too. Melissa (wearing a hat) is a music teacher, Robin (in green shirt previous photo) is a professional soccer player, Seamus (sitting right) is a guitarist in a band called Wise Brothers, and Alex (standing) is a student.

Before I tell you more about CWE Pet Sitters owner Kim Traylor, I want to point out the cat, above, whom we noticed watching the dog safety lessons with great interest from the other side of the gate on McPherson.

Kim Traylor and her crew log 200 pet visits a week in the neighborhood. CWE Pet Sitters offers "safety, security and happiness" for your pet while you are away. Kim follows homeowners instructions explicitly, keeping a folder on each pet. She charges $15 a visit which includes 30 minutes of outdoor exercise (for a dog), followed by 10 or 15 minutes tending the pet in the homeowners house. I've engaged Kim to take care of our cat, also $15 a visit, and have always been extremely pleased with Bella's care. I've chuckled at texts that say our cat is eating well, which has never been an issue…unfortunately. Kim will also bring in your mail, and even water a plant or two. And this avid pet lover is available to come talk to your group about pet safety at no charge. Visit Central West End Pet Sitters website, email [email protected], or call (314) 882-5365.