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I have a pet-sitting experience. I pet sat for an adorable Yorkshire Terrier several times, once while his owners reached the Sumit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and in NOLA for a sly indoor/outdoor Garfield-ish kitty. I've sat for 2 large boxers that I walked together (hello biceps) and an adorable poodle/terrier mix pup and I am familiar with labs too. I also worked at my friend's parents' bed and breakfast outside of Boston during summers. I cleaned the rooms, greeted guests, and often made breakfast. This experience, as well as typically being the one who travels and boarded pets, allows me to understand how to provide a great experience for you.
I grew up with pets. My family rehabbed and re-homed abandoned pets. I rescued a baby robin bird as a 9-year old, dug worms for it nightly. We also had horses across the street from our house and I used to feed them apples and carrots all the time. I adore horses. I asked to go horseback riding every family vacation. I love horses.
I adore Siamese cats. I was a pet parent of many Siamese and a Ragdoll kitty. Siamese cats are more like dogs. Sadie, my chocolate point, used to walk on a lead and growl at the doorbell. She actually walked with the Yorkie I watched - they were so cute together, her tall and slim, him squat and fluffy. She also greeted people in Grand Central Station on her trips upstate. Sky, my blue point therapy-cat Siamese, tried to gnaw on window sills before he got dog chew toys and chew training. Siamese kitties need to be trained, they are very intelligent. Mine knew several commands (like calm and gentle), they stopped when I asked and got down on command. People often commented that they were the most well-trained, loving kitties. :)
I miss having my own pets, but with my travel, it would not be fair to own a pet. Having been a traveling, devoted pet parent, allows me to understand how to be a good pet sitter. So you can really enjoy your work travel or your break from everyday life.
Also, I am a minimalist with too much stuff, so I have absolutely no interest in your stuff. I had things go missing over the years with all the house cleaners, movers, and packers, moving across the country for my career, so I want to reassure you. Also, I believe in karma, so there is no reward for wonky behavior.
I've also been specializing in long term pet sits one with the pet parent working on intense work projects away for weeks - months at a time (Malibu & Pasadena). I have monitored health closely, as I would for my own fuzzy babies, and I have communicated & then taken furry clients to the vet even to address a worsening cold. I like long term and repeat sits. All relationships deepen. It reduces the stress among my fuzzy clients, as they know me.
I am also very open to understanding what you need to feel comfortable with. I am happy to make a list of tasks for the pet and for the house. I can provide updates, as appropriate. I know when I had a pet sitter, I often asked for photos because it gave me peace of mind. And I am happy to provide that to you as well! :) Looking forward to meeting you! :)
Quick FAQs:
I prioritize pets first. I love walks/the beach. I am very active/fit.
I do not text or talk on the phone when I walk your pet. My focus is on your pet/our walk.
I am a solo sitter. I do not have other people over to the pet sit home. It's just me.
I adore cats, dogs, horses, and many other warm fuzzies (plus fish).
I do not have my own pets now. I am doing this for fur therapy/great writing buddies!
I teach meditation, creating calm in people and I find it transfers to animals.
I prefer to keep the house/apartment tidy, aired out, laundry is done, trash clear, plants watered and shoes outside (better feng shui, energy, & flow for writing).
I am gaining more experience with private pools/hot tubs (filters, aqua link ap, etc.).
After the pets are walked/cared for, I write, research, interview on-line, sometimes I teach meditation. I plan my outings around meeting pet's needs. :)
I have my own car in the U.S. mainland. I use public transit when flying into town.
Safe parking of the car is important to me :)
I travel lots & book up quickly. Updates on your selection process help me to plan - thanks :)
