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 family. That is how I got into 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 more over the years. Many problems can be alleviated simply with some basic understanding of how animals think. 

     We provide quality 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 will be met while you're away. Your pets' safety and well-being is our top priority!

     Daily and monthly rates are available. 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 of how much fun it is at Aunt Barbie's take a look at this video !

     You can also see a video testimonial here.

                                     General Information about Pets 

     Do you have one of the many breeds available? A "mutt", pure-breed, or just the loveable old hound dog that takes up space on your bed at night, but offers you security and love when you need it? Did you know that...

     Owning a pet promotes increased health? Several studies made at universities and medical centers the world over suggest that the ownership of a pet promotes lower blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol levels, higher survival rates after serious illnesses, quicker recovery after serious heart attacks, reduced loneliness and depression, enhances family life, and aids child development.

     Pets also aid in the socialization of the masses. It's been found that the people who walk their dogs are found to be more friendly and approachable to other people, which boosts the dog owners' self-esteem.

     So with all this mounting evidence, why wouldn't you want to own a pet?

                              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 have to evacuate your home to flee a natural disaster.

1. To prepare, call your local Emergency Operations Center 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.

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 stored in a re-sealable plastic

           bag, such as a Zip-Lock.

       b. At least 3-7 days of pet food (rotate for

           freshness every 2 months of storage time).

       c. At least 7 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

          scoop-able litter and litter box.

       g. For dogs: Collar, long leash and yard stake.

       h. At least a 7-days' supply of all of your pets'

            medication, 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...

                                                          Kacee 

    Kacee was our very own dog---our special Baby Girl Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix. She was our constant companion and source of enjoyment and 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.

                                                   Dog Wedding Video 

                              (Click the picture bellow to see the video!)

        Once you've watched the video, go over to www.dogsongs.net and order one of Kirk Olsen's CD of dog songs! He is a treasure! He let my husband Rick use two songs from the CD as background music for this video, as all the "wedding presents" went to the local Humane Society. 

                                         Our New Video 

We can pet sit your bird! This lovely avian friend is Jose, and she is quite the talented talker!