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STOCKTON: Pet-sitting is career for borough woman

By Cynthia Williamson, Special Writer
   STOCKTON — In the three years that Carolyn Murphy worked as a veterinarian technician at the Lambertville Animal Clinic, the Stockton resident never dreamed a desire to help people and their pets would blossom into a fledging career.
   When clients would be squeamish about giving their newly diagnosed dog or cat insulin injections, for example, Ms. Murphy would volunteer on her own time to go to their homes and show them how to administer the medication. Or, she’d be called on to perform any number of tasks associated with the care of household pets.
   ”Before I knew it, I was running all over the place taking care of animals,” Ms. Murphy recalled.
   It was her boss at the animal clinic, Dr. Daniel Eubanks, who made her realize the pace she was going would take a toll sooner or later. In 2000, Ms. Murphy made a decision to leave the clinic and devote her energy to starting a pet-sitting service.
   ”I always thought I could do both,” she said. “But, I am grateful for my time at the clinic because I learned so much.”
   Having already made a name for herself, she just needed a name for her business. Irish Paws Pet Sitting Service was conceived when an acquaintance remarked that she had a lot of Irish paws running around her house. Being of Irish descent, Ms. Murphy said it struck a familiar chord.
   ”People associate Irish with being friendly and happy-go-lucky,” she said. “People don’t always remember my name but they remember Irish Paws. I wanted something that was simple and easy to remember.”
   A decade later and Ms. Murphy’s business is still going strong. Together with several employees that include her mother, Charlotte Murphy, the younger Ms. Murphy’s days frequently start “at the crack of dawn” and end late in the evening.
   ”We do anything pertaining to pets,” said Ms. Murphy, whether it is tending to household pets when owners are on vacation or providing transportation to veterinarian or grooming appointments or assisting pet owners care for sick animals.
   Most clients are dog and cat owners but, every now and then, there is the unusual request.
   ”One of my first jobs ever was taking care of a blind rooster,” she said. The bird was accustomed to being sung to and lived in the house with its owner. It even had its own room with a bed in it.
   Also on her list of clients has been the owner of a pot belly pig named, “Tiddlywinks,” guinea pigs, fish, rabbits, chickens and variety of small reptiles. But, Ms. Murphy draws the line at snakes.
   ”I don’t do snakes,” she quipped.
   As a 10-year member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), Ms. Murphy decided last year to participate in its annual Presents 4 Pets Program. NAPPS members are asked to cull animal shelters and rescue organizations in their area to determine what they need in the way of supplies. The list is then posted at collection boxes placed at various locations throughout the community. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Ms. Murphy said, “but the response was overwhelming.”
   The NAPPS campaign concludes the second week in November to coincide with the Humane Society’s National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. But, Ms. Murphy extended her campaign six additional weeks through the holiday season.
   Ms. Murphy estimates she collected $5,000 in donations, including such items as food, medical supplies, carriers, towels, blankets and even a washer and dryer.
   ”Lambertville Animal Clinic would call and say, ‘your box is filled, your box is overflowing!’ “ Ms. Murphy said. Five local shelters and rescue organizations benefited from the collection effort.
   Ms. Murphy said funding for shelters and rescue organizations is usually not sufficient to provide all the necessary care animals need. But, by supporting these groups with items they use on a routine basis, they are able to allocate funding to such things as veterinarian services and medications.
   Ms. Murphy kicked off this year’s campaign in August. It will run through to the end of the year. Collection boxes have been placed at the following locations in Lambertville: Contractors Supply Co., City Market and Lambertville Animal Clinic; Bitter Bob’s Authentic BBQ, New Hope; Pennington Quality Market, Pennington; and Whiskers & Tails Grooming Shop, Hamilton Township.
   The items needed include: sheets, towels, bedding, collars, throw rugs, carpet squares, scratching posts, pet carriers and durable toys. These items can be used, but they must be clean and in good condition.
   Shelters and rescue organizations also need canned dog and cat food, cat litter, paper towels, trash bags, Pedialite, chicken-flavored baby food, Latex gloves, unused medical syringes, grooming brushes and combs (preferably new) and non-plastic feeding and watering bowls.
   In addition, monetary donations also are accepted as well as gift cards to pet stores or supermarkets.
   Donations will be distributed to the following animal groups: Ewing Animal Shelter, Mercer County Wildlife Center, Pet Rescue of Mercer, Animal Alliance of New Jersey and Easel Rescue Group of Ewing.
   If there are other shelters or organizations in need of donations, Ms. Murphy said she welcomes suggestions.
   Last year, Ms. Murphy stored the donations in her garage until she could disperse them. This year, friend Brian Fitting has offered to allocate space in garages he owns in Lambertville.
   Likewise, if anyone would like to volunteer to help Ms. Murphy with the monumental task of collecting the items and organizing them, “I wouldn’t turn down any help,” she said.
   For additional information about donating items or volunteering with the collection effort, contact Ms. Murphy at Irish Paws Petting Sitting Service, 397-9192, or via e-mail: [email protected].
   ”I really enjoy what I do,” Ms. Murphy said. “I don’t care if I have to get up on a Sunday at 7 a.m. to walk a dog.”
   When she isn’t taking care of others’ pets, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, camping and bicycling “when I have time to do it.” Ms. Murphy, who purchased a home in Stockton six years ago, also plays outfield on a softball team, sponsored by Applebee’s of Hamilton Township.