Anne

Please Note: during the current Coronavirus pandemic, if any pet owners who have booked me need to cancel their plans for that reason, I am happy to provide a full refund.

I am a retiree who is also a writer, which means I can pick up my laptop and go anywhere, or fit in home visits and dog walking, as and when required.

I have been an animal lover since I was old enough to recognise the unique loveability of furry, four-legged friends who

bring such delight into our lives.

I have owned some very special dogs and cats over the years and remember them all with love.

Currently, my husband and I have two dogs of our own, Toby a Border Terrier and Danni an Irish Setter.

As my husband is also retired, he is willing to take on the mantle of dog-carer for our dogs at home if I'm away or out minding other pets.

As our two dogs are far too spoiled to share the attention with any other four-legged boarders, the service I offer would be in your own home.

As a long term pet owner, I understand only too well the wrench

it can be to have to leave your pets in boarding kennels when you're away from home.

It's difficult to relax and have a totally enjoyable holiday when you're anxious about your pets having to deal with unfamiliar and challenging situations (and possibly different diets) as well as being denied the comforts of their customary snoozing and playing spaces.

It's only fair to our pets, I think, to make sure they're having as pleasant and enjoyable a time as we are.

In particular, it's important to avoid potential upheaval for older dogs and cats who may be facing age-related or other health challenges.

They, especially, are far more content in familiar surroundings.

Coming home to a happy, relaxed and secure pet makes having a pet sitter such a worthwhile alternative.

I would like to help ease the experience of leaving your four legged family members behind and am happy to either make home visits once or twice a day (or more frequently if preferred), or stay in your home while you're away as a house and dog/cat sitter.

My animal caring credentials come from long years of experience rather than formal training, but I am very attuned to animals and their needs, possible problems, etc. so would give yours my undivided and devoted attention. In addition, over the years I've taken my own dogs to many training courses and classes, (most recently with my dog Toby who is still a youngster and has needed firm guidance with some aspects of his behaviour!).

As a result, I'm very familiar with current thinking and approaches to dog training and handling.

I love walking and walking with dogs is twice the fun, so that would be a service I'm also very happy to provide.

Around the house, I am fastidious and thorough about keeping everything clean and neat, and would care for your home and belongings (as well as the fur babies) as if they were my own.

I am also very happy to care for your garden in terms of chores such as watering, caring for potplants etc. For your added peace of mind and security, I confirm that

I am the holder of an up to date Police Check Certificate.

I would prefer caring for dogs who are reasonably easy to manage and not likely to drag me off my feet if I take them for a walk, however as my own are a couple of crazy mutts at times, I'm very used to active and boisterous behaviour around the house.

Also I have the advantage of matury and understanding of both people's and animals' needs.

I love to live a quiet life and would, therefore, relish the opportunity to spend time caring for your pets and home.