Hello!  

ABOUT ME 

I am an ex-builder and handyman retired from my own small renovation and building business. I am originally from Finland but have been living in Australia for 30 years and call it my home. I love animals, especially dogs, and spend much of my retirement time reading, online learning, cooking, catching up with friends and relatives online or in person – and looking after dogs. Being an animal lover through and through, I really missed their company once my own had passed away, so pet-sitting seemed like a perfect solution – hopefully for you too! 

MY EXPERIENCE 

I have had several dogs of different breeds throughout the years, the latest dogs we had being two gorgeous Jack Russel terriers from tiny pups to great old dames of >15 years until their passing in 2015. One of them suffered from various ailments towards the end, including blindness, so I became proficient with various medications, treatments and special diets for her. I also became practised in dealing with her limited mobility with extra attention and patience – so taking care of an older pet with special needs is not a problem.  

I notice the dogs before their owners and know all the dogs in the neighbourhood but am often a bit less knowledgeable about their owners… I have a special connection with many dogs and have been known to be referred to as a kind of a ‘dog-whisperer’ or their favourite person. Depending on the dog’s personality, some dogs seem to stick more with me, and some with my wife, so we both have our favourite regulars! 

MY CARE 

I am retired so am at home every day, and even without a dog, take several walks around the neighbourhood each day for my health. I am happy to tailor the walks to your dog’s needs, but my usual
routine is 4 to 5 walks lasting 10-20 minutes per day. Knowing that for dogs these walks are not only about exercise or bodily needs but about socialising, reading the latest ‘pee-mails’ and meeting neighbours, I always have the patience for their interests, their wellbeing being my highest priority.  

My wife of > 30 years, Teija, still works, but largely at home and is as much involved in looking after the dogs as I am, walking, feeding and playing with them. She also often walks in Sydney Park for longer stretches, trying to ‘get her steps in’. She is also happy to look after the pets on her own if I ever happen to be away. 

I welcome small and medium-sized dogs, but due to my arthritis, I prefer not to take on big dogs, especially ones who pull in the lead. As we have wall-to-wall carpets, I can accept only fully house-trained dogs, so unfortunately can’t take small puppies or any dogs that may not be able to hold it in between the walks, or are otherwise anxious or overtly dominant and do worry or territorial pees.  

By now I have several regulars who come to me for daycare of boarding, and I am happy to look after more than one pet at a time, so if your dog is friendly with other dogs, he/she may also have an opportunity for a playmate. I will discuss with you about that possibility in any case when we discuss
about a booking. 

MY HOME 

Our place is an apartment in an inner-city complex with a balcony equipped with a dog toilet (pee grass) and a nice view overlooking our quiet street for any dog interested in observing comings and goings there. The complex has a fully enclosed inner courtyard with grass and plants for the residents
and their (small) pets. It is fully pet-friendly, and the neighbourhood with old terrace houses, some modern complexes and small parks dotted here and there provides a nice, relaxed environment for pet walking, not to mention Sydney Park with its vast expanses just a few blocks away. 

As mentioned, we have wall-to-wall carpets, so if there are any ‘wee’ accidents, there may be an additional feel for cleaning expenses, to be discussed on a case-by-case basis.  

WHAT TO BRING 

· Dog bed and bowls only if preferred - I have a mid-sized dog bed and have accumulated a collection of dog bows of different sizes, so no need to bring those unless you want to. Dogs are also more than welcome to sleep in our king-sized bed.  

· Toys if preferred - I also have a collection of dog toys such as balls, chew toys, soft toys, Kongs and tug ropes, and make my own toilet-roll-treat-toys.  

· Please bring enough of your dog’s usual food and poo bags to cover the stay, and any special treats your dog likes. Please also bring feeding instructions, especially if your dog has any allergies or food intolerances, and any other general dos and don’ts.  

· Also please bring any possible medications and instructions about them, as well as your dog’s regular vet details, just in case. So far none have been needed but better to be sure than sorry – however, if there are any immediate emergencies, there is a pet hospital only 500 m away and 24/7 emergency vet only 3 km away.  

· Any other special things your dog needs or wants. 

DOGGIE DAYCARE SERVICES 

Daycare includes approximately 8 hours at my home with me (and often with my wife too), at minimum 3 walks, feeding as required and instructed, and photo and text updates. For extended hours an additional fee of $5/hour or as discussed applies. 

DOG BOARDING (OVERNIGHT) SERVICES 

Dog boarding includes 24/7 at home with me (and my wife), at minimum 4 walks, more likely 5 walks a day (usually around 6-7 am, 10-11 am, 2-3 pm, 5-6 pm and 9-10 pm), feedings as instructed, photo and text updates. Overnight is considered to be approximately same time drop-off and pick-up, and for extended hours I’m sorry but I have to apply an additional fee as discussed on a case-by-case basis.