Hi, fellow paw lovers! I’m Jiaru, a service designer who recently moved from China to Melbourne. I’m new to Pawshake, but caring for furry companions has been part of my life for years.

Back home, I have a rabbit named Charcoal. For eight years, I’ve watched her grow from a tiny fluffball that fitted in my hands into a senior bunny with her own routines, preferences and opinions! Caring for her through different life stages has taught me to pay attention to the little things and respect that affection doesn’t always mean being picked up—sometimes it means sitting quietly nearby and letting her come to me.

Charcoal is still in China, and I miss her dearly. I can’t bring her to Australia, but I’d love to bring some of that care and companionship into the lives of pets here in Melbourne. I’ve also been the person arranging a sitter to visit my own bunny, so I understand how much trust it takes to hand over your keys and leave your little companion in someone else’s care.

My experience includes dogs, too. My roommate and I shared a dog for a year, and I’ve looked after friends’ dogs while they were away. One of my favourite things about walking with dogs is watching them explore: stopping at a fascinating smell, choosing a path, and finding something worth investigating in a place I might otherwise walk straight past.

I now live in Brunswick East and work from home on design projects, so I have flexibility for daytime walks and rabbit visits. I offer up to two dog walks a day, lasting 40–60 minutes each, around the neighbourhood, including Fleming Park (off-leash park) and Merri Creek if that suits your dog’s energy and preferences.

I welcome small and medium dogs. I’m also happy to walk calm larger dogs who are comfortable on a lead and don’t pull strongly. At 160 cm tall, I want to make sure I can handle your dog safely and that we both enjoy our time outside.

For rabbits, I offer home visits with feeding, fresh water, litter cleaning and companionship—whether that means playtime, gentle interaction or simply quiet company while they do their bunny things.

I currently live in an apartment and don’t offer dog or cat boarding. I may add this once we move into a house with suitable space.

Outside work, I enjoy meditation, music, cooking good food and long walks. I play the ukulele and sing, so your pet might occasionally have a small, very informal concert! I also love photographing animals and capturing their funny expressions and little moments. You can expect photos and updates while you’re away.

Before caring for your pet, I’d love to hear about their health conditions, food preferences, personality, social needs and everyday habits. What helps them feel comfortable? What do they avoid? How do they let you know they want attention—or some space? For ongoing or longer-term care, I’d like us to arrange a meet and greet so we can get to know each other first.

Looking forward to meeting you and the little character who makes your home theirs.