I have grown up with both cats and dogs in my life and must admit to having a particular affinity with labradors/retrievers :) , but love them all! I'm from the UK originally and spent a few years there dog sitting for labs, terriers, chihuahuas, doodles and a few others in the Cotswolds region.

My late dog, Angus (a chocolate lab) traveled all around Europe with me in a van, and to NZ and then to AU. Along the journey we always loved walking in nature - although he did also parade around the streets of central London, Barcelona and Amsterdam when necessary, usually looking for chicken bones... He even went on the London Underground and - bizarrely - people started talking to him and then... to each other! Crazy, if you've ever encountered the usual public silence commuting on the tube. It proved to me the unending ability of animals to relax, diffuse tension and to bring such light and connection into our lives. Special indeed and my dog, probably like yours, was an integral part of our family and treated as such.  

Knowing how much my own dog (and I) used to love walking at some of the local nature spots, I would love to take care of your pet for some healthy exercise and companionship during the working week. I work from home on flexible hours so can generally be available most times Monday-Friday.

About my services:

- Dog Walking

The price shown is for an hour, from pick up to drop off (or longer if requested) and it can be tailored to your dog's loves and hates :). I'm happy to jog/run with them if this is something they enjoy, or walk at the pace of a snail if that is their thing. My own dog went from being a lunatic on the lead in his younger years to a supremely slow pace in his twilight years. The importance of walks were always high, no matter his age or ability.

Unless your dog prefers otherwise, I would likely be walking them somewhere like Daisy Hill, in natural surroundings, where the occasional other dog is seen but it's mainly tranquil with lots to see and sniff! Updates/photos of your pet sent via phone or email - I understand the importance of this and have felt reassured myself, as a pet owner, when I've been sent messages showing my dog in good care.

- Daily home visits

I'm happy to visit cats or dogs to feed/water, play with/spend time with, walk (if requested) and, of course, to let them go to the toilet. House-sitting services like bringing in mail and watering plants are also absolutely fine. I work in permaculture (and bicycle touring :)) so am a plant lover, and more than happy to help with any tasks of that nature. As above, updates and photos of your pets will be sent to your phone or email. Daily visits are typically for 1 hour.

Other Services: I can administer oral medications if needed – I became a bit of a whiz at disguising pills in peanut butter/cheese etc for my senior pooch. Happy to brush your pet if required, and play games teaching some commands.

Availability: I work from home with a flexible schedule so am usually available Monday – Friday, mornings and afternoons. I also get up pretty early (around 430am!) as my partner is a tradie, so during the hotter months if you'd prefer an early walk before the sun gets up, that can always be arranged. During the hotter months, walks in the forest are even more valuable, with the shade factor - I'm always very aware of the heat, being a pale pom :) I also will always have a travel bowl and water with me, and my car has working air conditioning.

Doggy Day Care or overnight stays at my home can also be arranged.  

We have just under an acre of outside space, a large deck and plenty of local walks. Your dog will be treated as ours, and able to sleep wherever they feel comfortable.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Jules