Alex A.
Portland, OR
Thoughtful Care
Pet care experience
I grew up in a home with bird, cat, and large-breed dog fosters and rescues, working with farm and ranch animals, and volunteering with zoo animals - including as a gorilla nanny. I have been a trusted sitter and walker, giving care, love, and attention to the pets of zookeepers, trainers, behaviorists, DVMs and other professionals. I've administered oral and injected (both IM and SQ) medications, prepared and carefully maintained special diets, and used adaptive techniques and equipment for disabilities. My own late Shar Pei mix was about to be put down with multiple dire health conditions, covered in open wounds, and barely able to stand, when I rescued her. At the time, vets thought she had multiple litters and estimated her age at three or four years, but she went on to live a healthy, energetic, and happy 16 more years (thanks, in large part, to long walks)! My spouse has had a great time and met many wonderful neighbors and furry friends as a Star Sitter on Rover, but now has limited availability. As a pet-lover with extra time of my own, now, I'm hoping to help fill the need for knowledgeable and energetic walkers, reliable drop-ins, and highly-responsible sitters close to my house in John's Landing; close to either side of the Sellwood bridge; as well as neighborhoods to the south along Macadam / Highway 43 such as: Riverdale, Dunthorpe, Birdshill, Evergreen, Lakewood, and Downtown / Old Town Lake Oswego.
Reviews
Alex did a great job watching my two pups. One of them is extremely shy and Alex had so much patience with her, that meant a lot to me. She sent me updates everyday with pictures to keep me informed. I would definitely use Alex again.
Alex has great communication skills with humans and animals. She's reliable, conscientious, and will put your mind at ease while you're away from your pet family members.
About Alex A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Both as a pet parent and volunteer with pets with special health, diet, medication and behavior considerations - and as a longtime home owner - I know how important it is to have a sitter who listens, understands, and carefully follows instructions on the unique needs of your pets and home. Whether they need challenging hikes, energetic play, sniffing strolls, comfort, cuddles, and/or special care, I bring mature wisdom, conscientious reliability, and both the confidence and humility needed to communicate concerns and ask the right questions to keep your beloved pets healthy and happy. I give and ask for full transparency; if I am not up for your fur family's particular needs, I will tell you! I have not checked the box for pet CPR / First Aid, as I'm not currently certified, but I have trained and been certified in the past, and have extensive experience and training in multiple types of crisis and disaster management. I'm not only the unflappable person you want to handle an emergency, I'm the thoughtful and experienced sitter who can prevent and avert crises before they happen.
Information Alex A. would like to know about your pet
All pets are special and individual, let me know what yours love and need! If they haven't spent much time with walkers or sitters without you around, lets talk about it and take it slow. For house sitting, if you have animals besides dogs or cats, or special circumstances, lets discuss. Please also note that I am a bit allergic to flea bites and to some cats. For house sitting, I need to know your pets are on a good flea-prevention regimen, and that your cats are OK if I find I need them to sleep in another room than I do.
A typical day
You tell me what makes a perfect visit, walk, day or week for your pets. I love to walk, play, and engage with pets that are into it, but also understand special needs can mean comfort and particular care are the priority.
Services
Alex can watch in your home
Availability
I have quite a bit of availability to schedule walks, drop-ins, and house sitting. I'm teaching adaptive snowboarding some weekends this spring, but will block out those days in my calendar. Rover does not let me fine tune times of day, much, but I have a regular volunteer commitment that makes me unlikely to accept walks or drop-ins Fridays from 11:30 to evening, though I can change with some notice for house sitting.
About Alex A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Both as a pet parent and volunteer with pets with special health, diet, medication and behavior considerations - and as a longtime home owner - I know how important it is to have a sitter who listens, understands, and carefully follows instructions on the unique needs of your pets and home. Whether they need challenging hikes, energetic play, sniffing strolls, comfort, cuddles, and/or special care, I bring mature wisdom, conscientious reliability, and both the confidence and humility needed to communicate concerns and ask the right questions to keep your beloved pets healthy and happy. I give and ask for full transparency; if I am not up for your fur family's particular needs, I will tell you! I have not checked the box for pet CPR / First Aid, as I'm not currently certified, but I have trained and been certified in the past, and have extensive experience and training in multiple types of crisis and disaster management. I'm not only the unflappable person you want to handle an emergency, I'm the thoughtful and experienced sitter who can prevent and avert crises before they happen.
Information Alex A. would like to know about your pet
All pets are special and individual, let me know what yours love and need! If they haven't spent much time with walkers or sitters without you around, lets talk about it and take it slow. For house sitting, if you have animals besides dogs or cats, or special circumstances, lets discuss. Please also note that I am a bit allergic to flea bites and to some cats. For house sitting, I need to know your pets are on a good flea-prevention regimen, and that your cats are OK if I find I need them to sleep in another room than I do.
A typical day
You tell me what makes a perfect visit, walk, day or week for your pets. I love to walk, play, and engage with pets that are into it, but also understand special needs can mean comfort and particular care are the priority.
Location
Portland, OR
Alex A.
Portland, OR