Stacey

First and foremost, I can't resist dishing out some good ol’ TLC to all guests in the form of some ear, butt scratches or couch cuddles. Give me a big happy tail wag or a content snoring puppy head in my lap any day!

Aside from being a part-time belly rubber, I am also a full-time Interior Architecture student. I study online, so this means unless I am mostly home throughout the day to attend to my patting duties.

- OUR HOME - 

Bella (my dog), my partner have been slowly renovating our home in balcatta. The place is starting to look pretty good, and we are ready for a game of fetch!

We have a fantastic extra-large fenced-in backyard for dogs to explore and play in. There’s lot of grass, some fig trees, a mango tree, a lemon tree, some grapevines. We have also built on a big shady deck that wraps the back of the house. The yard is secure and fenced on all sides but as a precaution for sneaky escape artists I invite all meet & greets to check out the yard for themselves.

If your doggo prefers to be inside, our home is pet friendly, with cuddles on the couch encouraged. We also have plenty of space and sleeping spots to choose from if they choose to have some alone time. Unfortunately, there is no doggy door, so guests do need to be house trained.

- EXPERIENCE -

Having a few years of pet sitting experience pre covid, I’m excited to be doing it again in our new home. Bella and I have also more recently shared a home with some beautiful German Shepherds and 2 cats! Initially sharing our space with a senior German Shepherd and then more recently with a White (Swiss) German Shepard puppy from 10-weeks old.

- ABOUT BELLA -

Although Bella is now 10, she is still social with other dogs and initially very excited to meet new friends, sometimes forgetting her manners. Her play style will vary from dog to dog and is dependent on how your pooch reacts and likes to play.

In her older age she has become a bit of a grumpy old lady and is accustomed to being the boss. She won’t tolerate dominate or reactive behaviour and therefore we are best suited to sitting doggo’s who are either calm, not fussed with other dogs or are happy being submissive. 

Outside of playtime Bella is a snooze machine and likes to nap on one of her three beds (or the couch) and can’t resist a tasty carrot or treat. 

- CARE & ACTIVITIES -

Doggo’s are always welcome to be inside our home and are let out to run around, play and toilet a few times throughout the day. If they prefer to stay outside for extra exploring, I'll pop out every now and then to make sure they aren’t getting up to too much mischief.

Our couch having been a comfortable snoozing spot for many a pooch, we are also happy to leave trusted and house-trained guests inside on their own on the occasions we are out. If unsure about their behaviour/toileting when left on their own (but are still best suited to being inside), we are also happy to place them (with their bed and toys) in our big laundry that joins onto a fully enclosed indoor porch space and this ends up being decent sized area. 

When it comes to bedtime most guests opt to sleep in our bedroom with us, although not allowed to sleep on our bed, we will settle them on their own bed before turning out the lights. On the occasion we mind ‘outside’ doggo’s we are also happy to accommodate that as well. Most find a comfy spot up on the outdoor lounge that’s sheltered out on the deck. 

Unfortunately, there isn't any great parks nearby, so the go-to exercise routine is playing basketball/fetch in our big backyard and on occasion a short walk around the block. Outside of this routine Bella is now beyond her years of excessive exercise so please consider carefully if I am the right fit as a sitter for you, your pup, their exercise, and stimulation needs. But don’t forget additional dog walking can always be added at an extra charge to any booking if you require them to have guarantee exercise outside of the backyard. 

As a bonus, my partner is more of a dog lover then myself. This means for Bella and any doggo guests we have staying with us it is very exciting when he arrives home from work! He also always ends up falling asleep snuggling our guests on the couch after dinner, for me, this is a highlight of pet sitting I look forward to. 

Because I accommodate overlapping sits and day-care, I’m always available (space pending) to take on last minute bookings when life happens. If your doggo isn’t suited to having extra playmates though I can also accommodate ‘single sitting’ rates in lieu of taking on other bookings. Other good alternatives I can arrange are house visits or house sitting!

- MEET & GREETS - 

For doggo’s we haven’t cared for before I will always arrange a meet and greet at the park on our street (neutral ground) to make sure we are happy with the initial interactions between our respective pups. If this goes well, we can proceed to having a play in the backyard and a bit more of chat about routines, behaviours, and any concerns.

- THE RIGHT FIT? -

Leaving your mate with a stranger is understandably hard as no one knows or loves them like you do. I feel the same when it’s my Bella, so I always want to make sure we are the right sitter for you (and your pup) before a stay takes place. 

Although I am home more often than not, on occasions doggo’s will be left on their own and unfortunately this means I’m unable to provide hosting for pets that don't cope well in unfamiliar environments. This does include pooches with separation anxiety or that need 24 hr supervision because of destructive behaviours (such as chewing). But just because some doggo’s aren’t suitable for hosting doesn’t mean they should forgo the ear and the butt scratches as I’m always happy to arrange house visits and or house sit for the more challenging pups out there.

If we are a match, you can look forward to the photos I inevitably take of Bella, my partner or myself having a cuddle or a play with your pup whilst in our care. 

- PEACE OF MIND -

The local vet is also just up the road in Yokine or Balcatta. They both have a 24-hour emergency rooms and although I’ve thankfully never required their services its nice to know they're close by! If you have a regular or preferred vet in case of an emergency, please provide their information upon check-in of your pups’ staycation and I of course will accommodate where possible.