Office manager starts pet-sitting service

Denise Van Sickel can’t wait to throw her business career to the dogs – and cats, birds or any other pet in need of personal care.

Van Sickel, office manager for a Lawrence dental office, is owner of Lawrence Pet Friends, a new pet-sitting business.

The pet owner is available to make house calls on other pets while their owners are away, whether its for a vacation, business trip or simply a long day at work.

Van Sickel’s services include walking, combing, feeding and cleaning up after animals.

Then there’s the “pet slumber party.” Van Sickel, who is insured and bonded, is willing to stay overnight to keep your pet company.

“I really want to focus on people who are crazy about their pets, who look at their pets as a member of their family,” said Van Sickle, whose own brood includes dogs Marley and Gertie and a cat, Morticia.

For more information, click on www.lawrencepetfriends.com.

Workplace

Eat, plan, breathe way to a better day

Do you get to work brimming with energy, or find that you’re more productive later in the day?

Most of us wane as the day winds down, according to a survey from staffing firm Accountemps that polled senior executives on employee productivity. A third of the 150 executives said from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. was the least productive time of the work day, with the post-lunch period, noon to 2 p.m., cited by 29 percent.

So, how best to cope? Max Messmer, author of “Managing Your Career for Dummies” and CEO of Accountemps, offers a few tips:

¢ Get fresh air. Eat lunch outside, or take a short walk. A few minutes away from your desk can make a large difference.

¢ Eat. Skipping a meal is a sure way to feel sluggish and sap your energy.

¢ Plan. Don’t defer difficult tasks until the end of the day, when you’re tired and rushed to leave.

¢ Take a mental break. Don’t spend every second of the day contemplating work. To rest, take your mind elsewhere for a few minutes.

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