Welcome to Aunt Barbie's Pet Sitting and Daycare Services, where exciting pets come to get board!
General Information about Aunt Barbie
Hello! My name is Barbara Shorrock. Welcome to my home page. I love animals of all kinds, but I'm especially fond of domestic pets. My pets have always been members of my own family. That's how I got in to this business! I got to thinking one day, What do other people do with their pets if they too are unwilling to kennel them? (You wouldn't put a member of your family in a cage, would you?) So Aunt Barbie's Pet Sitting was born in 1998. I understand many of the social problems some pets, especially dogs, can have, and I've learned so much over the years. Many problems can be alleviated simply with some basic understanding of how animals think and react to their environment.
We provide quality and affordable pet sitting services to your pampered pet while you're away. More efficient and loving than a kennel, we cater to the emotional needs of your pet. Application of medical regimens are not a problem. We have a good rapport with the local vets in the area, so that any medical emergency can be met while you're away. Your pets safety and well being is our top priority!
Daily and monthly rates are available, as well as Day Care (which is available from Monday through Friday). You can call and request a Welcome Packet that includes a business card, a brochure explaining our mission statement and a list of references by calling 863-699-6229. We are Aunt Barbie's Pet Sitting and Daycare Services: Family close to home!
Just to give you an idea how fun it is at Aunt Barbie's, take a look at this video!
You can also see a video testimonial here.
Disaster Preparedness and your Pet
We all remember Florida being hit by four hurricanes in 2004. There are certain things you can do to avoid a last-minute crisis, should you and your pets have to evacuate your home to flee a natural disaster.
1. To prepare, call your local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or vet to find a list of shelters and hotels/motels in your area that will accept pets.
2. Map out a primary and secondary evacuation route that your family will travel in the event of a natural disaster. List these on a map and store it in your vehicle's glove compartment, or map out your route and your waypoints on your family's GPS.
3. Store, in a cool, dry place in your home, the following emergency evacuation kit for your pet:
a. Copies of your pets' records from your vet. These should be store in a re-sealable plastic bag, such as a Zip-Lock.
b. At least three to seven days of pet food (rotate for freshness every 2
months of storage time).
c. At least seven days worth of bottled water for each pet (replace every
2 months).
d. A travel case or sturdy carrier for each pet.
e. Recent photos of your pets, should you become separated during the
disaster.
f. For cats: a pillowcase or "evac-pack" and litter box with scoop-able
litter.
g. For dogs: collar, long leash and yard stake.
h. At least seven days' supply of all your pets' medications, if required.
What we can do to help: If you find that your family and pets need to evacuate to this area from any natural disaster, we do offer a 10 per cent discount to your pets if you need to board them with us. Please call in advance (Phone: 863-699-6229 or fax: 863-699-0145) if at all possible to see if we are able to sit your pet(s).
In Memory of: Gone but not Forgotten Pets
"if tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to Heaven
and bring you home again!"
In memory of...
Butch Katie Cheddar Suzie Tiger K.D. Mitzy Sparkle Bashia
Tina Benji Jason Copper Samson Delilah Pepper Missy Augie
Lizzie Dutchess Kenya Shela Ben Lacy Rocky Bruno Kaelei
Sadie Lou Kacee Xena Zach Porky Rudy Kimmie Oreo
Wrangler Frodo Bam Alice Prince Poochie
Cookie Pippin Kanani Maxie Samson Crystal Fancy
Scooter Maggie Buddy Molly Fudge Rosie Rosco Sadie
Rocky Penny Ralph Freckles Isabella Jaxie
Kacee
Kacee was our very own dog---our special Baby Girl Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix. She was our constant companion and source of love for many years. She succumbed to a stroke the night of Valentine's Day, 2012 and went to be with the Lord the next morning.
Lacy was a very special guest here at Aunt Barbie's. She was one of those rare animals that was always friends with every person and animal to visit our home. A wagging tail, inquisitive eyes and a paw raised in greeting met us every time we saw her. It didn't matter how many times she saw us in a day. Every meeting was exactly like the first. She was a joy to be around, and one of those guests that we wished could stay with us forever. Sadly, she went to be with the Lord in April 2009. She will be forever missed.
We first received Oreo, a Cocker Spaniel, as a guest in March of 2005. She brightened our day each time she walked through our door. "Freckle Face" and "Oreo Cookies" was what we called her. Her owner, Meghan, told us she was a fun dog, and she certainly was a very clever little girl. About Oreo's passing, Meghan said "Heaven gained a lot more freckles today. As y'all know, I loved that little lady with all my heart so this is really hard but I know she is having the time of her life teaching her big brother Schultzie how to swim in a lake where the water is made of of peanut butter and the sticks are made of milk bones. I've heard Heaven is a perfect place so I know it will have my Oreo when I get there too some day." Oreo was a joy and a very bright influence when she was with us. There's another shining star in the heavens today.
Alice
We first started sitting Alice in October of 2008. She was one of those dogs that we welcomed into our home like she was our own. Although a year younger than her more energetic "brother" Ralph, what she lacked in flat out, "running-through-the-back-yard-at-top-speed" antics, she more than made up with her shear ability to make us love her. One look into those soulful eyes of hers did it for us. That, and the hilarious way she greeted us with wolf-like howls. She was so lovely and eager to please: the two top qualities of every good dog.
Prince
Prince was a Standard Poodle: Everyone's friend, companion to the young dogs, as well as to the old. Majestic in his own way, but fun-loving, too, as the photo above shows.
Casey
Casey was a beautiful mini schnauzer. She was abandoned and near death as an infant, when she was rescued by a wonderful woman. It was a miracle she survived at all, but after much veterinary support, and the support of a loving family, she had a great life. She was raised by her new Mommy and Daddy, and her new big brother, Pepper, as well! She was always the The Princess of the family. Even after surviving many obstacles in her life, the love she exuded was felt by all two-legged and four-legged inhabitants and guest in our home. Sadly, Casey lost her battle with cancer and passed away in August of 2016. She will be forever missed by many. She is greatly loved. RIP, Little Princess.
Maxie
If you look up the definition of 'fun' in the dictionary, there you'd find Maxie's picture! From the time he arrived in our establishment, until the moment he went home, he was all about playing with the other doggies and giving and receiving love. His unique play style of rubbing against our legs and the other animals made him hands (or paws!) down one of our most dearest customers.
Maxie, you are greatly loved.
Fudge
"Fudge-O-Nuts" is what we called her. Always full of fun and misadventures---because you couldn't get her to stand still long enough! She invigorated the entire household with her ability to spin, police the fun, and sit on anyone foolhardy enough to lounge in her preseence. She went to be with the Lord in August of 2020.
Sadie
For Sadie. any bed, couch or lap that was big enough and warm enough to support her was where you could find her on any given day.
When she wrapped her paws around you, you knew instantly you were loved.
If dogs could aspire to be better canines, Sadie would be their benchmark.
Ralph
Ralph was the "running through the back yard at top speed" canine: always on the move, rarely settling down. The quintessential Great White Hunter. When he was not chasing critters in the back yard (his idea of fun), he was protecting us from perceived threats on television (he really liked to watch TV!) Anything from dragons to seemingly harmless wildlife was fair game. It was all harmless fun for him. That fun-loving spirit that lived within him was why we adored Ralph, who sadly passed away in September of 2022. May you forever frolic through fields of Heavenly green, Ralphie. We sure will miss you.
Jaxie
Jaxie was one of those dogs that you loved, no matter what mischief he seemed to be getting into. The other dogs that would happen to be staying here with him would provide the opportunity, but Jaxie was most happy lounging in his padded travel case, or tilting his head quizzically to one side while he watched television with us. Sadly, he left this realm early in 2023. Vaya con Dios, my friend.
Watch a movie!
