Safe Travels...with your Pet

If you plan to hit the road for Spring Break or just a weekend getaway - don't put the car in reverse until you watch Aaron Hill's safety tips as seen here on "Good Day Sacramento".





Aaron is a pet expert and owner of Pets in The City (www.PetsInTheCity.com)

OneKid OneWorld Inspires Teens to Help Students in El Salvador

OneKid OneWorld is determined to make a difference in the life of kids around the world, one student, one school at a time.

Next week the Los Angeles-based non-profit will take a group of young women to San Salvador, El Salvador for a week.

Check out the Altadena Patch's preview of the trip: http://altadena.patch.com/articles/altadena-teen-set-to-volunteer-in-el-salvador

Don't think you can make a difference?  Think again - see what OneKid OneWorld is doing around the world: www.OneKidOneWorld.org

OneKid OneWorld teams with LA Teens to help Students in El Salvador

They may only be teenagers but that isn’t stopping a group of students from Westridge School from packing up and traveling around the world with local organization, OneKid One World, to help those in need.

“OneKid OneWorld is dedicated to helping students in impoverished countries get the tools they need for a solid education,” said Josh Bycel, founder of OneKid OneWorld, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization.  “I’m confident that this trip will not only be an eye-opening experience for the young women but I hope it also sparks a life-long passion for philanthropic work.”

At the end of March the six high school students will travel to San Salvador, El Salvador.  During the seven-day trip the students will split their time between running an after-school program at a local primary school, doing an extreme school makeover at a rural primary school and a participating in a cultural exchange with local high school students. 

“These students are very enthusiastic about the purpose and goal of the trip,” said Elizabeth McGregor, Head of Westridge School. “Experiential learning is a critical part of our curriculum so teaming with OneKid OneWorld for this trip was a natural fit.”

Over the past five years, OneKid has raised more than $600,000 with 93% of every dollar going directly to recipient schools.  Classrooms have been built, educational materials and teachers’ salaries have been provided.  Additionally the organization was able to build six solar-power buildings in Kenya so students are able to study at night.

“When you think about what these students don’t have and what they in need to order to get an education it can be overwhelming.  But our goal is to help people realize that every little bit counts.  One book, one painted wall, one school at a time,” said Tracy McCubbin, the co-executive director of OneKid OneWorld.

The great work of OneKid has attracted some of Hollywood most recognizable names.  Television personality Kristin Cavallari along with Law & Order SUV star, Stephanie March, are the group’s celebrity ambassadors.  March also sits on the board of OneKid OneWorld and has participated in several trips overseas.

“OneKid believes every child has a right to education,” said March while on a volunteer trip to El Salvador last October, “And OneKid is here to make sure there are classrooms for them to learn in.”

Stephanie March on OKOW trip to El Salvador, 2011

Kristin Cavallari on OKOW trip to Kenya, 2011

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OneKid OneWorld is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the basic needs of learning fundamentals to impoverished communities around the world. Check out the inspiring work: www.onekidoneworld.org

Founded in 1913, Westridge School is an independent day school for college bound girls grades 4-12. Westridge strives to develop young women whose joy in learning, personal ideals, commitment to ethical action, social and environmental responsibility, courage and compassion will lead them to meaningful lives as contributing citizens of the larger world. For more information about the school, visit www.westridge.org.

dClutterfly LIVE on "AM Northwest"

Chatterbox Media Relations client, Tracy McCubbin of dClutterfly headed to the Pacific Northwest for a fun media tour. First stop, "AM Northwest" on KATU-TV, to wow the host with her de-cluttering expertise! Check it out:

New Pup? Now What?

So you were a very good little boy or girl last year and Santa treated you with a new puppy, but now what?  Are you having a hard time getting the pup adjusted to your life - or better yet - are YOU finding it difficult to adjust to having the pup in your life?

If you answered yes then you're in luck - pet expert, Aaron Hill, owner of Pets In the City has some great advice for how you can get your four-legged friend to mind his manners and keep his "business" in the great outdoors.

1. Be aware - It's important to recognize your pet's existing bathroom tendencies.  For example, most dogs will need to relieve themselves after waking up in the morning and within 20 minutes of eating and drinking.  Typically, the younger the pup, the more urgent the need to go to the bathroom will be.

2. Get on a schedule – As soon as possible you want to get your pet on an eating and drinking schedule.  Follow a strict schedule for potty breaks as well.  This is the best way to help eliminate accidents.

3. Show them the way - It is paramount to train you pet where you want them to go.  When you take your pet out to go potty, walk directly to the same area that your pet has used before and be as "boring" as possible.  Let your dog sniff all around while you ignore them while they do their business.

4. Give them praise - The key with potty training is all in the reinforcement of desired behavior.  When your pup successfully goes to the bathroom outside, shower him with as much attention and affection as you can!  Treats, praise, scratches, toys, play, whatever your dog loves most - let him know that going to bathroom outside is his ticket to happiness.  Never punish for accidents inside

5. Try and repeat - If the dog  does not go to the bathroom outside, take him back in and put him in a crate or tether him to you with a leash so that you can monitor him indoors.  After 30 minutes, repeat the process of taking him outdoors to the designated potty spot and try again.

 

Aaron Hill is a certified professional animal trainer and the owner of Pets in the City (www.petsinthecity.com) a premiere Dog Walking / Pet-sitting/ Training service in Los Angeles.  He is certified in pet first-aid and CPR and is a member of Pet-Sitters International.

dClutterfly Earns Top Honor (again!)

dClutterfly Earns Top Honor from Angie’s List (again!)

dClutterfly, Los Angeles’ premiere home organization and de-cluttering service, has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award.  It’s an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews.

“We are thrilled and grateful to our clients for helping us earn our fourth Super Service Award from Angie’s List,” said Tracy McCubbin, owner of dClutterfly.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that dClutterfly can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

“It’s great to see the transformation in a client’s home after we de-clutter it,” said McCubbin, “But it’s even better to read their reports and know how much they truly appreciate our top-notch personal service.”

McCubbin works with clients all over the country and helps them de-clutter and re-organize their lives.   She has recently been featured on KTLA-TV, KCAL-TV in Los Angeles and KMAX-TV in Sacramento.  Additionally, she has a monthly column in the Cincinnati Enquirer.

VIDEO: Organization Motiviation for 2012 via KCAL 9

Tracy McCubbin, organization extraordinaire, declutter pro and owner of dClutterfly, shared her expertise on KCAL 9 today.  True to form, Tracy offered great tips, advice and some much needed organization motivation for 2012!