Barbara B.
Calistoga, CA
Fun, Respectful & Caring!
Pet care experience
I have grown up with dogs and cats since I was 5. We had medium sized dogs, 2 terrier mixes Benz & Benjamiah, and a poodle named Tracy. My grandparents had Irish Setters, Brandy & Rusty, who I spent my summers running and swimming with. We had a Siamese cat Coco, a domestic short haired named Butterscotch, a longhaired named Gati, and had 4 cats at one point- Strider, Waldon, Keelee & Kara. I even owned guinea pigs Albert & Lilac, a hamster I took over for a roommate named Einstein, and a beta fish Bebe lol. Do sea monkeys count lol? I give animals 100% attention, and make sure they feel loved and cared for. I love playing with cats with feather wands or laser pointers, and playing fetch and tug of war with dogs. I feel comfortable with animals to make sure they feel safe and am willing to try and help out with unwanted behavior. I have my cat Gizmo, who is more in retirement mode lounging about at the ripe old age of 18.
Reviews
Barbara is the best person I've ever had take care of my dogs. She won over my shy girl Zelda to the point where I received a photo of Zelda snuggled up and giving Barbara her look of love. And she accepted Jasper's generous affection. J & Z got lots of play time, walks and love while she stayed with them. I was able to fully relax and enjoy my trip knowing Barbara was taking care of my fur kids. Her communication before and during my trip was thoughtful and thorough as well. I count myself very fortunate to have connected with Barbara and know you will too.
Auntie Barbara Rocks! My wife I live in Reno and I was officiating a wedding in Calistoga (overnighting at the Motor Lodge). We need a sitter to watch our HIGH energy, 5-month-old , 7lb Aussiedoodle name Mabel - who can be a bit of a bully when it comes to love and attention! Barbara took on the task and loved, cared, walked, played and managed Mabel– phenomenally well! Barbara is amazing, flexible (our schedule continued to evolve) and supportive – I would trust Barbara with a human relative. Mabel sends her love to Auntie Barbara and wishes she lived in Reno!
Barbara did an excellent job looking after our outdoor cat and garden while we were on vacation. She was extra committed to giving him all the love and attention he needed. She really got all the details on what I needed done, and even kept me informed by texts and pictures on how he was doing during my vaca. I'd recommend her to any neighbor that would need someone to look after their home or pet while on vacation.
Hi, we luckily found Barbara approximately 5 weeks ago. She has been taking our pups out 3-5 days a week since that time. They clearly love her and race down the stairs the minute they hear her arrive for their walk. She takes them for a good hour and they return happy and tired. She is kind and really works with your dogs individual personality and needs. She is also a very nice person and has a great way with animals and humans alike!
About Barbara B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I make sure to get and follow instructions at my client's home for their pets. I let the pets sleep on the bed with me, and can drive dogs to different places to go for a walk if allowed. I can bring toys for cats if they don't have any to play with, most love catnip if allowed. I bring a collapsable water bowl for dog walks. I give them a lot of attention and love playing with pets. I make sure I know the commands the owner's use so I use the same ones. I give pets a lot of affection, and being a massage practitioner, I do give good rubs and pets, feeling where they could use it, and where they like it as well. They usually look forward to my return, remembering the time I spent with them with their tail wags and excitement on my return. I can send photos of pets, even videos, and don't mind client's checking in while they are gone. I am detail oriented and pay attention to what the pets are doing, like habits, and share that with the owners. I’m used to cleaning dogs paws or drying them off if its been muddy/rainy. Also getting off any eye crust.
Information Barbara B. would like to know about your pet
I prefer to know commands used beforehand, their likes and dislikes, triggers they might have, and of course their daily routine w/meals and exercise. Anything that makes them happier and is easier for me.
A typical day
I love to play tug of war or fetch with their ball or favorite toy. I like to walk the dogs and even jog a bit if they are up for it. I like walking them around the Calistoga neighborhoods, the elementary school, or Logvy Community Park. Wappo Park is nice in St. Helena and walking the dogs around the St. Helena neighborhoods is enjoyable as well. Yountville is great for rural shady walks.
Services
Barbara can watch in your home
Availability
I am currently able to pet sit full time. I do try to take some time each day Monday-Friday to spend time with my cat when pet sitting. I have 3 regular clients that I walk their dogs 3 times a week. I make my schedule every week and make it around the pet sitting having priority so it works for everyone.
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About Barbara B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I make sure to get and follow instructions at my client's home for their pets. I let the pets sleep on the bed with me, and can drive dogs to different places to go for a walk if allowed. I can bring toys for cats if they don't have any to play with, most love catnip if allowed. I bring a collapsable water bowl for dog walks. I give them a lot of attention and love playing with pets. I make sure I know the commands the owner's use so I use the same ones. I give pets a lot of affection, and being a massage practitioner, I do give good rubs and pets, feeling where they could use it, and where they like it as well. They usually look forward to my return, remembering the time I spent with them with their tail wags and excitement on my return. I can send photos of pets, even videos, and don't mind client's checking in while they are gone. I am detail oriented and pay attention to what the pets are doing, like habits, and share that with the owners. I’m used to cleaning dogs paws or drying them off if its been muddy/rainy. Also getting off any eye crust.
Information Barbara B. would like to know about your pet
I prefer to know commands used beforehand, their likes and dislikes, triggers they might have, and of course their daily routine w/meals and exercise. Anything that makes them happier and is easier for me.
A typical day
I love to play tug of war or fetch with their ball or favorite toy. I like to walk the dogs and even jog a bit if they are up for it. I like walking them around the Calistoga neighborhoods, the elementary school, or Logvy Community Park. Wappo Park is nice in St. Helena and walking the dogs around the St. Helena neighborhoods is enjoyable as well. Yountville is great for rural shady walks.
Location
Calistoga, CA
Pets
Barbara B.
Calistoga, CA