Total Eclipse of The Heart

April 08, 2024
By: Adriana Valle

I was on a flight during today’s eclipse. It was pretty cool to be in the air when the moon crossed the sun. The passengers – myself included – seemed to be excited to experience the solar eclipse in flight, especially considering the next eclipse of its kind is expected to occur in August 2044. Today, I’m sharing my standouts of the eclipse – my total eclipse of the heart 2024 – and it’s probably not what you’re thinking…

pet news old saybrook
Photo taken by the pilot during today’s eclipse

Total eclipse of the heart: Pet Parent Education

One of the things that stood out to me in the weeks leading up to the eclipse is the abundance of educational information I saw on social media and on the news regarding the eclipse; namely, what pet parents needed to know. While the information was pretty basic and simply recommended avoiding crowds, keeping pets indoors, and preventing pet loss, I was happy to see helpful information being shared for the sake of companion animals across the United States.

Total eclipse of the heart: Pet Parent INTEREST

dog walking old saybrook ct shoreline

In reviewing much of the information shared regarding the eclipse and our pets, I also noticed pet parents taking a keen interest in what they could expect of their pets during the eclipse. I read many questions and comments from concerned pet parents asking how the eclipse would affect their pets’ behavior, eyesight, and overall wellbeing. While the consensus was the most pets wouldn’t even notice and didn’t need eye protection, it’s nice to know that pet parents were being proactive by asking questions and preparing for the event.

Total eclipse of the heart: team support

dog walker ct shoreline old saybrook

Our team at Shoreline Happy Paws also took a keen interest in the eclipse’s potential effect on pets. Many of them took the time to educate themselves and share their findings with the team. Some were proactive in discussing the eclipse with their clients. And, all of them were receptive to our guidelines and best practices for services that were scheduled during the event. All in all, the team did a great job ensuring that pets were cared for as scheduled and that they enjoyed the eclipse safely.

Total eclipse of the heart: evolution of pet care

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All in all, the pets may not have noticed a thing but I noticed the way that pet care and the commitment we have to our pets’ safety has evolved. Maybe 20 to 30 years ago, pet owners wouldn’t have taken as much interest in the way an eclipse can affect animals. Most would probably have left their cats and dogs outside like they did every other day. They would likely have given little thought to the way pets felt during an astronomical event like this one. Yet, here we are in 2024, and millions of pet parents made sure they set their pets up for success during the eclipse. We are obviously moving in the right direction and, for that, I’m happy.

Total eclipse of the heart: best pet care

At Shoreline Happy Paws, we value science, education, and connection. These values are reflected in our attention to detail, loving care, and commitment to quality. The Great American Eclipse 2024 brought together many of our interests and values; it started conversations that helped us evolve as care providers and pet parents ourselves. The eclipse coupled with the outstanding pet parent dedication is my total eclipse of the heart 2024. Anybody else have that song on repeat today?!

dog walking dog walker ct shoreline

We welcome new Shoreline Happy Paws clients to create an account with us to get started. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you, your family, and your pet(s) up for success during visits. Existing clients may book dog walking, dog hiking, or pet sitting services by logging in to your client profile.

Shoreline Happy Paws serves the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:

  • Old Saybrook
  • Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
  • Deep River
  • Chester
  • Westbrook
  • Clinton
  • Old Lyme
  • East Lyme
  • Niantic

Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:

  • Lyme and Madison
  • Waterford, New London, Groton
  • Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank

Adriana Valle

Adriana Valle is the Owner, Founder, and Chief Pet-Loving Officer at Shoreline Happy Paws LLC, where she has led professional pet care since 2010. Her pet care journey started in Doha, Qatar, where she founded the country's first full-time pet sitting service, before relocating to the Connecticut Shoreline in 2017 and rebuilding it into a team-based pet care company trusted by more than 600 local families. Adriana is a Certified Pet First Aid and CPR Instructor, trained through the Pet Safety Crusader curriculum by Denise Fleck, and teaches hands-on Pet CPR and First Aid classes for pet parents throughout the Shoreline. She is currently pursuing a certificate in dog behavior from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and is a longtime member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International. She regularly attends pet industry conferences across the country to stay on the leading edge of professional pet care standards, safety practices, and industry trends. Shoreline Happy Paws is veterinarian recommended and proudly holds a 5-star Google review from Saybrook Veterinary Hospital. Beyond daily pet care, Adriana leads the Shoreline's pet parent community, running social community walks, hikes, and Dog Water Adventures for pet parents across Southeastern Connecticut, along with the CT Pet Parents Facebook community. She also welcomes dogs into her own Essex home through the company's Homestyle Boarding service, and is currently launching the first Doggie Adventure Bus in the CT Shoreline, a group enrichment adventure on wheels. Her love of animals started early, growing up in El Salvador surrounded by eight Boxers and her grandparents' farm animals, and later volunteering with the Qatar Animal Welfare Society caring for rescued strays. A fluent Spanish speaker, she is proud to serve Shoreline families in both English and Spanish. Today she shares her home with her husband Chris, Cannoli the Corgi, and Gnocchi the hedgehog. Adriana has written more than 200 articles on pet care, safety, and pet-friendly living. She posts weekly blogs to ensure that pet parents in the Shoreline and Lower River Valley areas of Southeastern Connecticut stay informed and educated on pet care best practices and pet-friendly living. Her topics range from Shoreline Happy Paws-specific topics, including highlighting the benefits of Dog Walking, Dog Hiking, and Cat Sitting services, to reporting on local shelter changes, wildlife threats, pet industry trends, and other current events.

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