Trustworthy, Experienced, Reliable & Gentle with a Genuine Love for Animals

About this sitter

About Me
Trustworthy
As a pet owner, my pets were as important as the humans in my household. I understand how very important it is that you can trust the person you leave with your pets, as well as your home. I have a clean legal record (verified by TrustedHousesitters per Enhanced Level verification status where I am also listed), references, a degree in teaching children (as well as an MBA), and a high level of empathy that helps me to carefully address the needs of your precious ones. I am extremely clean and tidy, and I live a healthy lifestyle that involves regular exercise (no substance abuse or addictions).

Experienced & Reliable
I’ve had one anti-social pet and two that required careful medical attention on a regular basis which gives me a special understanding of the tenderness, caution and attention to detail necessary in properly caring for your loved one(s). I will take notes, be sure to maintain your pet's health/eating habits, and make an effort to understand his/her characteristics in order to provide your angel with exemplary care.

Calm
Any pet parent knows that with animals' things don’t always go according to plan. As a former pet parent, I understand the importance of remaining patient when your pet doesn't behave as expected, and to stay calm so your pet doesn't feel and react to the anxiety.

Sensitive & Gentle
A good pet sitter recognizes the needs of your pet and responds to them. For example, it is important to realize when your pet doesn’t want to play anymore and give him or her space. You can count on the fact that I will handle your pet affectionately and never use physical punishment or force.

Genuine Love for Animals
Ask me about the pets I've mothered in the past! I started bringing home animals at a very early age, have a deep respect for them and the desire to make their every moment as precious as they are. The only reason I don't have any now is that I'm taking this time to travel and will again have pets once this travel bug is out of my system!

Why they want to house sit

I like the comfort and connection animals bring. It makes for a richer life.

Their experience

My experience
50+ years

As an adult I've had 2 cats and 3 dogs and as a child we had a goat, guinea pigs, turtles, chickens, fish, horses, dogs, cats and rabbits. Ask me about the pets I've mothered in the past! I started bringing animals home at a very early age, have a deep respect for them and the desire to make their every moment as precious as they are. If I could claim one special gift it would be my appreciation and reverence for animals. In fact, while I don't have any right now (I am taking this time to travel), much of my travel involves observing all sorts of animals and, when not traveling, I visit the local dog park to enjoy other people's pets.

I've also worked as an educator in the education department at the Honolulu Zoo. While as I've learned more about ideal conditions for various species, I've grown less supportive of keeping wild animals in captivity, that exposure to these amazing beings definitely helped me understand them better and appreciate the need to treat them with the utmost care.

While all animals need to be observed and treated with special care and respect, my experience in mothering one anti-social pet and two that required careful medical attention on a regular basis gives me a special understanding of the tenderness, caution and attention to detail necessary in properly caring for your loved one(s). The calm, attention to detail, reliability and ability to be a strong yet gentle presence in the household is always necessary and especially critical when dealing with delicate situations.

Having been a pet parent for most of my life, I understand the importance of being comfortable with the person you choose to watch your baby. I welcome you to reach out with any questions. I am happy to skype, speak on the phone etc.

What can they bring to the assignment

Experienced with senior and ill pets needing medication. Nala comes to mind. She was very fragile at the time - on her way into her 3rd surgery for cancer.

It was an honor to have been selected as her caretaker by her fastidious pet parents. Nala is forever a fond memory I hold deep in my heart. She was an amazing animal.