Blue Skies Pet Care

09/01/2026

🐾 One small Bungalow detail that can make a BIG difference at home, too: frosted windows.

Some dogs love watching the world go by from a window. Others? Ehhh… not so much. 😅

People walking past, other dogs, delivery drivers, squirrels, or neighborhood activity can send some dogs into barking, rushing the window, pacing, or lunging at the glass. And when they get to practice that response again and again, it can become an increasingly strong habit.

That’s why one simple management tool we often recommend to training clients is something we built into The Bungalows from Day One: frosted windows.

The goal isn’t to “fix” a dog with window film. It’s to reduce unnecessary visual triggers so they have an easier time relaxing instead of spending the day on neighborhood watch.

And it’s a surprisingly inexpensive solution:

🐾 Wax paper + masking tape can work in a pinch.

🐾 Adhesive privacy film works for something more permanent.

🐾 Static-cling window film is our favorite. It applies with water, smooths into place, removes easily, and comes in everything from basic frosted glass to decorative patterns.

You don’t necessarily need to cover the whole window, either. Often, covering just the portion at your dog’s eye level is enough.

At The Bungalows, we use a basic frosted static film. It still lets in plenty of natural light while giving our boarding guests some privacy from all the activity outside.

Sometimes helping a dog feel more comfortable isn’t about asking them to learn to ignore everything. Sometimes we can simply make the environment easier! 💙

Management is part of good dog training, especially when it prevents repeated practice of behaviors that leave a dog stressed or overly worked up.

Little details like this are part of the benefit of boarding designed and managed by professional pet caregivers and dog trainers who think about what helps dogs actually settle and feel comfortable.

And if your dog spends half the day yelling through the front window at the neighborhood… consider this your sign that an $8-ish roll of window film might be worth a try. 😂

08/28/2026

If you know Patty Briar, please let them know that their social security card was turned into the Harvey County Sheriff's Department. We found it out on a dog walk today. ❤️ No other info is available, as we passed it right along.

08/17/2026

Rain or shine, Oliver has places to sniff. ☀️🌧️🐾

Oliver is one of our regular dog walking buddies, and we love getting to be part of his routine! Since life keeps his busy mom, well… busy, our team helps make sure Oliver still gets a chance to stretch those long legs, explore the neighborhood, investigate all the important smells, and enjoy a little one-on-one time.

Some days are sunny. Some days are soggy. And some days Oliver would probably vote for staying on the couch with a good book. 😂📚

But having a consistent walking routine means his mom doesn’t have to choose between everything on her plate and making sure Oliver gets the activity and enrichment he needs.

That’s exactly what recurring dog walks are for. 💙

Rain or shine, we’ve got you, Oliver!

08/15/2026

Sometimes a “behavior problem” isn’t just a behavior problem. Up to 80% of behavioral issues may be pain-related. 1 in 3 of dogs over 1 suffer from arthritis. 80% of dogs over eight years old.

Pain and physical discomfort can change how dogs and cats interact with the world. A pet who suddenly becomes more irritable, hesitant, sensitive to handling, reluctant to move, less social, or defensive may be communicating that something hurts. Changes in behavior are considered an important indicator of pain in both dogs and cats.

But pain doesn’t always create an obvious new behavior problem.

Sometimes pets compensate...

A dog with chronic arthritis may still go on the walk, but shift their weight differently (like leaning forward to take pressure off back leg pain). They may stop jumping into the car and wait to be lifted. They may hesitate before lying down, take longer to get up, choose different sleeping positions, avoid slick floors, or slowly reduce how much they play.

A cat may still get onto the couch - but start using an intermediate surface instead of making one big jump. They may spend more time downstairs, groom less thoroughly, stop chasing toys as often, or develop litter box difficulties because climbing into the box has become uncomfortable. Chronic musculoskeletal pain can develop gradually enough that these changes are easy to mistake for simply “getting older.”

And compensation occurs from a behavior standpoint, too!

If standing, sitting, turning, being touched, navigating stairs, getting into position, or performing a particular skill is uncomfortable, we can very easily interpret the animal’s response as:

“They’re being stubborn.”
“They know how to do this.”
“They’re just not listening.”
“They’ve suddenly become reactive.”
“They don’t like being groomed anymore.”
“They’re getting grumpy in their old age.”

When what we could actually be seeing is an animal making choices based on what their body can comfortably do.

That doesn’t mean every behavior change is caused by pain.

Behavior in any mammal (including humans!) is complicated, and medical, environmental, learning, and emotional factors can all play a role. But when behavior changes - especially when something changes suddenly or an animal begins avoiding something they previously did comfortably - physical discomfort deserves a place on the checklist.

And you don't necessarily need to see an obvious limp before asking the question.

If you've found yourself wondering, “Could my dog be in pain?”, Canine Arthritis Management has a free resource designed specifically for pet owners. It walks you through signs that can be easy to overlook, what information and videos can be useful to collect for your veterinarian, and how to prepare for a veterinary conversation about pain.

During continuing education, our team was introduced to a free resource from Canine Arthritis Management that we thought was worth sharing. It’s designed to help dog owners take a closer look at subtle signs of discomfort, identify changes that can be easy to overlook, and gather useful information to discuss with their veterinarian.

👉 Is My Dog in Pain?
https://www.cameducation.co.uk/course/is-my-dog-in-pain

Sometimes the first clue that a body hurts isn't a limp.

Sometimes it's a change in behavior.

(Stats provided in this post courtesy Dr. Hannah Capon and CAM)

07/25/2026

🐾 We’re hiring Pet Caregivers and Team Leads!

Blue Skies Pet Care is looking for reliable, compassionate pet lovers to join our growing team in Newton, Kansas.

✨ Paid training
✨ W-2 employment
✨ Mileage reimbursement between visits
✨ Client tips
✨ Growth opportunities
✨ Benefits available for eligible full-time Team Leads

Reliability, communication, good judgment, and a true love for animals matter most.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please tag them or share this post!

Ready to make pets and these clowns your coworkers?

More info and application link is in the comments. (If post is shared, click through to the original!)

07/18/2026

🐾 We’re Expanding Our Team Leadership! 🐾

Pet Care Team Lead in Training - Evening & Weekend Shifts
📍 Blue Skies Pet Care | Newton, Kansas
(Application link below!)

Blue Skies Pet Care is hiring dependable, level-headed animal lovers for two hands-on positions with a clear path into a Pet Care Team Lead role.

This position is a great fit for someone who provides excellent pet care, notices the details, communicates clearly, and can make thoughtful decisions without needing step-by-step direction after training is complete.

***Two Positions Available***

Position 1: Evening Team Lead Shifts (EDIT: FILLED)

Position 2: Weekend and Monday Team Lead Shifts

Saturday: 6:00 AM-3:00 PM
Sunday choice of:
• A double shift from approximately 6:00 AM-10:00 PM
• Or, one regular shift with on-call coverage during the other shift (First shift: 6:00 AM-3:00 PM, Second shift: 3:00-10:00 PM)
Monday choice of:
• A double shift from approximately 6:00 AM-10:00 PM
• Or, one regular second shift: 3:00-10:00 PM

Reliable availability is essential.

How the Position Works

The selected candidates will begin as Pet Caregivers for approximately 90 days at the regular caregiver rate.

This introductory period provides time to learn Blue Skies Pet Care’s clients, systems, safety procedures, service standards, Bungalow routines, and daily operations.

Candidates who demonstrate reliability, sound judgment, initiative, strong communication, and the ability to work independently may be promoted to Pet Care Team Lead at or before the end of the 90-day introductory period.

In plain language: dependable, thoughtful, capable people who take appropriate ownership will not be made to wait unnecessarily for the promotion.

Pet Caregiver Responsibilities

🐶 Completing pet sitting, dog walking, and p**p-scooping services throughout Newton and the surrounding area
🐱 Caring for boarding guests at our Bungalow locations
💊 Following feeding, medication, access, safety, and household instructions carefully
📸 Writing professional visit reports and taking quality pet photos
❤️ Monitoring pets for changes in behavior, appetite, mobility, elimination, or health
🧹 Keeping pet areas clean, comfortable, and secure
🚗 Driving safely and remaining on schedule
📱 Communicating promptly and appropriately when concerns or unexpected situations arise

Team Lead Responsibilities

After promotion, responsibilities will also include:
• Supporting and guiding caregivers during the shift
• Helping troubleshoot scheduling, access, pet care, and client concerns
• Monitoring visit progress and making sure nothing is overlooked
• Assisting with Bungalow operations and boarding guest rotations
• Responding calmly and appropriately when plans change
• Documenting concerns and escalating genuine emergencies
• Helping shifts run smoothly through practical problem-solving and professional communication
• Balancing independence with knowing when management needs to be involved

Team Leads may also complete supplemental paid duties during downtime or slower seasons. These may include Bungalow cleaning and organization, special projects, training activities, door-to-door flyer distribution, and paid volunteer work with local community organizations like Caring Hands Humane Society.

A Strong Candidate Will:
• Have excellent attendance and arrive ready to work
• Notice details others may miss
• Follow written instructions and important safety procedures
• Use critical-thinking skills before escalating routine problems
• Ask questions when clarification is genuinely needed
• Communicate directly, respectfully, and professionally
• Remain calm when pets, clients, schedules, or coworkers are having a difficult day
• Work independently without constant reminders
• Care about doing the job correctly even when no one is watching

Minimum Requirements

• At least 18 years old
• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable, insured vehicle
• Smartphone with dependable service
• Ability to pass a background check
• Comfort working with dogs and cats of different sizes, ages, and temperaments
• Ability to walk, bend, lift, clean, manage multiple leashes, and work outdoors in Kansas weather year-round
• Reliable availability for one of the posted schedules
• Willingness to work assigned holidays (with holiday pay!)

Professional pet care experience is helpful, but strong judgment, reliability, communication, and the ability to learn are even more important.

About Blue Skies Pet Care

Blue Skies Pet Care has served Newton-area pets and their families since 2010. Our local W-2 employee team provides professional pet sitting, dog walking, limited small-group boarding, dog training, and p**p-scooping services.

We believe pets are family, safety matters, communication should be clear, and reliable employees deserve opportunities to grow.

📩 Interested applicants should apply here: https://blueskiespetcare.mfs.gg/mIfi-3m

Note in the application that you are interested in the pet care team lead promotion path.

https://blueskiespetcare.mfs.gg/mIfi-3m

Compensation

Compensation dependent on experience.

Candidates promoted to Pet Care Team Lead will receive an increased Team Lead rate based on experience, performance, and demonstrated readiness for the role.

Additional compensation may include:

• Tips from clients
• Mileage reimbursements
• Holiday pay for eligible assigned holidays
• Paid training and team development
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (full-time team lead and above only)
• Sick leave and PTO (full-time team lead and above only)
• Paid supplemental work during slower periods, including Bungalow projects, community volunteering, and flyer distribution

https://blueskiespetcare.mfs.gg/mIfi-3m

07/15/2026

Feeling overwhelmed with your busy summer schedule? Trying to get all your vacation plans set? Let Blue Skies Pet Care handle your pet care needs! Just like Chris, you and your pets can experience the peace of mind that comes with our top-rated, insured, and bonded pet sitting services. 🐾💙

Chris says, "I would recommend Blue Skies to anyone needing amazing pet care service." We're here to provide that same exceptional care for your furry friends, with the reliability of a team-based approach and the personal touch of a locally-owned small business.

➡️ Visit us at BlueSkiesPetCare.com to learn more about our services in Newton, KS, and the surrounding areas. Let us help you find the perfect care solution for your pet!

Contact us today at [email protected] and let's chat about how we can support you and your pet!

07/11/2026

A little throwback to 2021 with Watson. 🐾 This week, we were working with a small dog that is unsure about cars and I remembered Sir Watson.

I still remember this session because it was one of those moments that might have looked small to someone passing by, but felt huge for the dog and family involved.

Watson was afraid of getting into his mom’s van. He would shake once he was inside and because he was a big guy, lifting him was difficult (impossible) for her.

That day, he jumped into the van voluntarily for the first time.

We did NOT “fix” all of his fear in one short session and that was never the expectation. But we gave him a safer, more positive starting point, worked again another day, and we gave his mom practical tools to keep building on that success after I left.

These are the kinds of training moments we have always loved most: helping a dog feel a little safer, helping a family understand what their dog needs, and making an everyday task feel possible again.

Looking back, Watson’s big van victory is still a good reminder that progress does not always look flashy. Sometimes it looks like one brave choice, one relieved pet parent, and a much easier ride ahead.

💙, Ashley

"What did you do today?" Today Watson jumped into his mom's van voluntarily for the first time. It's hard for his mom to lift him and he shakes when he does get into the van for her. His fear isn't solved in one short session with us, but he's off to a great start and we plan to see him one more time as well as giving his mom the tools she needs to make van rides enjoyable for both of them.

Does your pet have a quirk? That one weird or naughty behavior? Reach out sometime and let us figure it out! In addition to our multi-week curriculums for training, we offer consultation services like for Watson here.

https://blueskiespetcare.com/pet-care-services/dog-training/

07/07/2026

Everybody is splooting today. ☀️🐾

When the weather gets this hot, the dogs have officially entered pancake mode: bellies down, back legs out, maximum floor contact achieved.

We’re keeping things cool with shade, water breaks, shorter outdoor time, and plenty of indoor lounging. Stay cool out there, friends ---- and may your pets find the perfect cool spot for their dramatic summer sploot!! 💙

07/07/2026

We are so grateful for all the care and heart that Vanessa has brought to Blue Skies Pet Care during her time with us. She has made a meaningful impact on our training clients and their dogs, and we hope you’ll join us in wishing her the very best as she takes her next steps!

In the future, Vanessa will be moving on to her own niche training services centered around trauma-informed work, with plans to focus more specifically on trauma-informed therapy and service dog work down the line. We’ll miss having her here and we are grateful for the care she has brought to Blue Skies Pet Care and proud of the nuanced work she is continuing.

Blue Skies Pet Care will continue offering science-based and force-free dog training support, including puppy training, everyday manners, life skills, behavior solutions, and therapy dog prep. As always, our goal is to help families better understand their dogs, build trust, and create more peaceful, practical routines at home and out in the world.

Please join us in thanking Vanessa for everything she has contributed to Blue Skies Pet Care and in wishing her all the best in her next chapter. 💙🐾