'What pets do you have?' was one of my favourite questions to answer as a kid. We'd had a turtle, hermit crabs, fish, guppies, rabbits and even a chicken, rescue hedgehog for a very stinky cute moment, for the briefest moment sea monkeys and an ant farm also made the list. But no dog ever replaced Dad's beloved German Shepherd that died when I was nine. I've had a dog-shaped hole in my heart that's only got bigger with age and intensified since losing my Dad. My mom imparted her love for cats. It was only natural since her mom breeds British shorthairs. So one of my earliest memories is looking everywhere for Kitty and being inconsolable and praying she'd be found for weeks as I realised she wasn't coming back. The real love of my life was Misty cat. We had our own language and secret hangouts on my bed before Dad would tuck me in. She was irreplaceable. Then, I briefly adopted my mom's cat, Xena. Xena loves being on your lap, or will lie on your back if youare on your stomach, or hiding in igloos and cupboards when she was sick, or enjoying the warmth of a nest. We'd frequently spend Christmas holidays at my grandparents farm. They briefly had ostriches, but always sheep dogs, droppers and cats, as well as various alpacas. Our favourite times were watching kittens being born, blind and finding their way around the new world. Going there when there were kittens to play with or lambs to bottle feed were some of the highlights.

But I'm currently pet-less. So here I am, ready to treat your pet as my own and your home as the sacred sanctuary it is <3


My
I'm an experienced high school teacher who misses her classroom/students and staff, but not the system (my VIT registration is 401982, this is even more rigorous than a police check, so I havne't paid for an additional one through Pawshake (I'm currently unemployed to look after myself - like with pet care and therapy ;)) and am looking for work outside of teaching, but you can check it out through VIT).

My services
At your preferred times, I offer: Dog Walking/or run if they desire ;) (From 30mins walk time from when we leave your home/meeting point); Home Visits (From 30mins - play, feed, clean, monitor - may vary in length if required or besotted, if booking for a weeek or more I'll fully clean any litter trays with your supplies); House sitting (From 24 hours);
*From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset I keep a Sabbath but for extended bookings I can commit to walks, visits and house sitting.
**Unforunately, I don't offer Doggy Day Care or Boarding at this time, because fortunately I have an incredible 19 year old cat at home who loves people company (only :p).

My services will abide by Pawshake's criteria. But I love being helpful, so if there's something unqiue to your circumstances that aren't recognised, or fit your needs, feel free to let me know what you wat and we can make appropriate arrrangments :)
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**I say no to jobs I think aren't within my scope and will be honest at a Meet and Greet if I think this is the case. Safety for everyone is important. Alternatively, if there is something beyond my experience/expertise and you'd like to show me (e.g. specific bathing and grooming; training skills etc), then I absolutely love to learn.**

My Approach
- Love and affection: I like letting an animal become familiar with me and warm to me on their terms (although I will try and use owner's insights to incentivise that connection ;)). I like recognising their individual quirks, personality traits, needs and joys and capturing these special moments to share with doting pet parents. If a pet is particularly enjoying an activity (like a pat, playtime, enrichment time, walk, sniff, scratch etc.) then I usually end up enjoying it just as much as them and engaging until they disengage, or I absolutely have to go...

- Flexible Communication: Some people want me to be contactable at all times, or just love regular updates and photos whilst they're away, others find it overwhelming or unnecessary, and usually others are somewhat in the middle. Whatever your communication preference, I'll meet it or collaborate with you before or during our Meet and Greet. :)

- Warm, welcoming and compassionate: people have all different kinds of homes, living arragements and preferences for their pets and/or homes. I'm also a cleaner and declutterer because I've found so much joy in it. However, when I come to look after your pet, I just see your pet and the sacred space it lives in. Some may look cluttered, lived-in, chaotic, unfinished, rundown, and others can look like you've pulled it from a professional photo shoot. Either way, I intend to love and respect the space the way you and your pet do. (They only time I will be concerned is if there are strong artificial fragrances, mould, poor ventilation, or if the space is of danger to me, or your pet. If I can fix it in 15-30minutes of the visit or stay, then I'm more than happy to do so and make a judgement call about letting you know. If I can't rectify it by myself within an appropriate time, I'll let you know and happily help delegate/make appropriate alternative arrangements within my stay time to ensure your home will be safe as soon as possible.).

- Low-tox cleanliness: I love cleaning. To me it's a mindful gratitude practise. I have regular cleaning rituals that help keep our pets fed, medicated, with clean water and food bowls (that are cleaned out everyday and cleaned every few days), and litter trays. After a week, I like to clean it thoroughly and completely empty the litter, wash out the tray and dry it. I'll treat your pet with the same pride and care. However, if you have other preferences, I'll follow suit :).

- Attentive and attuned: I am studying or mostly self-employed, which means I can notice when your pet needs or enjoys something and respond appropriately. Maybe they're bored and need enrichment; sad and need pats or outside time; cold/hot etc.. I can pause what I'm doing and modify my plans to meet their needs. If I am day or overnight sitting, I'll try not to leave them for over an hour, if it's over two hours I'm anxious, even if you're not or they aren't. Depending on the situation I can stay the full time but I may request additional payment, some food, or enough notice for me ensure I've packed all the food, clothing and supplies I'll need, so that I can remain by their side until your return.

When walking dogs, I do my best to ensure we safely cross the road before we come in contact with others. If I'm sharing the footpath I make sure to give a wide birth, keep them clam and focused, just in case there's any vulnerabilities from either party. When walking I like to be provided with doggy bags and appropriate treats.

- Respect: I will treat your home and pet like you would like them to be treated. I'll happily use your routines, behaviour cues, sayings, antics, training and socilisiation preferences. I'm happy to bring my own bedding, or appreciate the bedding you provide. If your pet sleeps on your bed, I'll happily sleep with your pet. If your pet sleeps in a crate, I'll put them in their crate. It's your home and I'll tread lightly and graciously, knowing what a privilege it is to be invited into someone's space. Your personal belongings are yours and unless you've offered/asked me or needed me to look for something, they will remain your private personal posessions. I know how vulnerable it can be inviting someone into your home, so I take the respect of this role seriously!

- Reliability: I try to meet or exceed your expectations in communication, punctuality and trustworthiness. My phone is usually on sleep mode at night and I'll often put it into flight mode. So if being contactable at all times is improtant to you, we can make arrangements.

- Medical observation and administering care and skills: As a former childcare assistant and high school teacher, I have attentive observation skills for behavioural changes or distress, and have experience preventing, recognising and responding to subtle cues or medical needs. Some direct experience with pets has been: recognising UTIs and yeast infections; collecting urine samples from pets; administering liquid medication; mixing probiotics and anti-anxiety powders into food; administering subcutaneous injections and taking blood glucose readings (to care for diabetic cats). Let me know your pet's allergies/sensitivities, preferences, needs, habits or quirks and I'll readily adapt to them.

Contact me for a friendly meet & greet! It's always free and obligation-free. :)