Expert Levy Keeps Pets Laughing
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Expert Levy Keeps Pets Laughing

Karen Levy explains how to optimally select and care for pets … including listening to music.

After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.

Levy poses with her “heart dog,” Diesel // Photo Credit: Leesia The
Levy poses with her “heart dog,” Diesel // Photo Credit: Leesia The

Pet “whisperer” and caretaker, Karen Levy, shares her expertise on how to best understand your pet’s language, and provide for their happiness when owners are not always able to be at home.

Levy, who grew up in Columbus, Ga., and attended the University of Maryland, ultimately left a career in sales to open Laughing Pets where she manages 17 employees who offer overnight pet sitting in clients’ homes, dog walking, and cat sitting services.

Levy mused, “Dogs are always communicating with us. Their body language relates if they are happy, stressed, fearful. There’s no such thing as a ‘bad’ dog breed. Having said that, they are animals and are capable of biting if they are stressed or provoked. That’s why it’s important to understand their body language.”

Levy chose the “Laughing” name to represent her company because she wanted to convey an emotional state and avoid the overuse of the word “happy” when it comes to pets.

Laughing Pets has practical advice about keeping pets safe and happy.

Regarding felines, Levy said, “Cats are social animals; and if you can adopt two kittens or parent and kitten, it’s always a good idea. As far as handling, it’s best to ignore a cat (or dog) until you are sure they are ready to engage.”

She also explained that with cats, it’s best to use one or two fingers to lightly stroke the cats face or chin; and not a good idea to stroke all the way down the back, pick them up or try to rub their bellies.

When it comes to selecting a new pet to bring into the home, Levy advises listening to the adoption counselor to determine if you are a good fit for that dog’s needs. It’s important to be realistic about your own energy level and commitment to giving the dog enough exercise. If someone is a “couch potato,” there’s a “couch potato” dog for you. If you want to go running with a dog … there’s a dog for you. If you envision yourself going “here and there” with your dog, it’s important to adopt a dog that is confident in strange places.

Levy’s pet sitting and walking business has become increasingly relevant because of Atlanta’s active work force and more owners traveling. Levy stated, “Hiring the right professional is important. Before leaving, you should outline all feeding and medication instructions clearly, concisely and accurately. You should also let the sitter know how your dog interacts with other dogs, what equipment you use during walks, dietary restrictions, if they will “dart” the door, try to dig out of the yard … everything they need to know to keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe.”
For travelers, she recommends a minimum of three visits per day or the best option — someone sleeping at the home site to keep the pet’s stress level down and provide the amount of human interaction they deserve.

“Cameras are a must. A good sitter will want to be held accountable for their actions and nothing documents that better than a camera. I don’t think dogs should have access to toys and bones while they are unsupervised. There’s always a risk of choking,” she added.

Millennials are a popular market for Levy because they own more pets than any other generation. Millennials and Gen Z are attracted to companies like Laughing Pets because they like the ease of use, which includes having an app and the reliability of a company. For maximum safety, Laughing Pets only walks one household of dogs at a time. They avoid high traffic areas like the BeltLine and never go into an off-leash park unless it is completely empty.

On a fun topic, Levy thinks that dogs can be entertained by watching TV with two types of music proven to be soothing: classical and reggae. Also, YouTube has 10-hour programming just for dogs (and cats.)  She recommends turning music off overnight to give pets a break.

Levy also addressed sleeping with own’s pet. “Dogs should sleep where they feel safe and comfortable, whether that’s in a crate, dog bed, or human bed.”

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