I know leaving part of your family behind is very stressful. My goal is to remove some of the anxiety involved, so you can enjoy your time away and be as productive as possible. Your pets become part of my pack for a short time, are well cared for and loved on, and are calm and ready when you return. Their social and mental needs are met along with their physical needs; socializing with other dogs, play, walks...keep your pet happy and healthy in your absence. About this sitter: I have a Bachelor's Degree in Pre-Med Biology & Chemistry and a Master's Degree in Biology. I have been a Microbiologist for a heart valve manufacturing company, owned and operated a Medical Transcription service, taught high school and middle school science and math, was a Mary Kay Grand Achiever, and was a Quality Assurance Specialist evaluating compensation examinations for the VA. I have been caring for animals of all kinds for as long as I can remember, and professionally since 2009. I began RIDGES & PAWS as a service to provide for the times when you could not care for your pets. Having my own lifelong pets, I understand how difficult it is to find someone who will care for your family members as well as you would like. Your pets become an immediate part of my family! I have a Rhodesian Ridgebacks named Samson, whom I use to welcome, to evaluate and to socialize other dogs, and 3 cats - Shadow, Nala & Grayson, the latest in a series of what I lovingly call "failed rescues" - they never left. I have given up on gardening for the time being ;). I would love to get to know your family, and to welcome your pets into mine. I have experience caring for all forms of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, snakes, geckos, lizards, goats, horses, cows, hamsters, guinea pigs, pigs, etc. Why I love dog sitting I have loved and owned dogs most of my life. My passion is to help owners and the public better understand how to relate to dogs. ie, training the dog means first training the owner. Meet my pets I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Samson, whom I use to welcome, to evaluate and to socialize other dogs, and 3 cats - Shadow, Nala & Grayson, the latest in a series of what I lovingly call "failed rescues" - they never left. About my yard My backyard is fenced, secure, has good grass and shade. I have double entrances inside & outside, to reduce 'unauthorized' exits & field trips. My experience administering medication My background is medical, so wound/illness care and administration of medications is part of providing care. At our first meeting, we will go over paperwork for you to complete, answer any questions you have for me, and anything I need to know about your family member. As a general rule, all that will need to accompany them during their stay is food and medications/vitamins/supplements they will need. Food bowls are helpful. Any bedding, toys, accessories may come as well, with the understanding that they may not return in the same condition. Routine business hours are 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. Please let me know if you have petcare needs outside these times. We play hard, and we rest hard; Repeat. Schedules may differ based on the makeup of a daily pack, but routines remain consistent. Everything I do is to enhance a calm and peaceful environment for my guests. During rest periods, and especially during storms or fireworks, shades are drawn & smooth jazz is playing. My backyard is fenced, secure, has good grass and shade. I have double entrances inside & outside, to reduce 'unauthorized' exits. Kennels are used for sleeping, eating, transitions & any unsupervised times, to ensure everyone's safety.