Brooke C.
McKinleyville, CA
Experienced Dog Godmother!
Pet care experience
What kind of animals do you have? It doesn't matter, I can take care of them all! I worked with an educational outreach program in Los Angeles bringing exotic critters to classrooms, and I have also worked as a dog handler for nearly 10 years. In short - animals, and specifically dogs, are my entire life! I love every single dog and all of their flaws - from being shy, to fearful of strangers, jumping in excitement, being picky eaters, or anything in between, I can not only handle, but have handled before. I adopted an animal-reactive dog myself and used positive counter-conditioning training to get her to a more peaceful, happy place. If you'd like, I can do the same for your dog! I am fully available for dog walks and animal check-ins. I cannot board at my home or at your home; this is so I can give my own dog the attention she needs overnight! I am skilled with medication administration (including insulin shots), fancy diet preparation (I'm looking at you, dehydrated tripe), handling "hard to handle" dogs, and giving genuine love to every single animal I meet. The following are the other animals I have experience handling: birds (including giant parrots), nearly all common reptiles, insects, small mammals like bunnies or hamsters, and tarantulas. If you have another type please feel free to ask me, I may have just left them off my list! I can offer basic training for additional fees dependent upon the situation, and am happy to demonstrate my methods! I am not certified and have not worked professionally as a trainer, but have experience in this sector when I worked as a dog handler and when training my own dog (who was severely dog-reactive when I adopted her). I use positive-reinforcement methods, including re-direction and counter-conditioning. Please understand that I will not use prong-collars, shock-collars, or other disciplinary measures for training, and am not comfortable being asked to do so.
Reviews
Brooke is currently working on her undergraduate degree studying wildlife biology because she loves animals (and nature) THAT much. She has been in the animal industry since she could first work and she devotes endless time/energy/resources to all animals in her care. She knows more about dogs than most people, there is no one better suited to be trusted with your beloved pets!
About Brooke C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I understand a dog's safe place is their home. Some dogs may welcome me into their home with wagging tails and bouncing legs, while others may feel wary and protective. Each dog has a unique personality, and each dog will respond to my presence differently. I embrace this by validating my presence as a positive thing; they will be rewarded with treats, praise, walks, or other things you (their human) recommend they like best. Perhaps your dog requires pet stairs to get onto a couch -- I'll be sure they use it! Perhaps they have a lot of energy, but have a paw injury -- they'll get a potty break and lots of sniffs outside, but with permission, be given a PB lick mat or frozen kong inside to keep them stimulated without moving around much. Perhaps they are SUPER JAZZED to be outside, but are still in training to not pull or jump on passerby -- I'll be sure we work on that! Whatever your dog needs for appropriate care, if it is within my power, it will be done. I just want them to be happy!
Information Brooke C. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your dog has special needs, if they have behavioral concerns, if they are reactive to ANYTHING (other dogs, people, skateboards, small critters, bikes, etc), and how they are with new people (such as myself).
A typical day
I love to hike! If you have a healthy dog, I'd love to take them on an adventure with me. We can explore Trinidad beaches, the Arcata Community Forest trails, McKinleyville hidden corners, or just the neighborhood roads! I am a fit person and can handle the steep hikes or the long walks around town. I am comfortable bringing your dog into my car, just be certain to take travel time to and from the adventure into account! If I am in your home for a drop-in visit, I would love to goof around with your dog (if they like that sort of thing!), run around the back yard with them, throw toys around, give them stimulating treats (such as frozen PB toys or lick mats), or simply be there to pet them and remind them they're loved. Until your dog and I are bonded and familiar with one another, I will not allow any dogs to be off-leash or at dog parks. Dog parks are wonderful places, but they are also dangerous for some dogs, especially if these dogs do not know the person watching over them. This is for my safety and your dogs' safety. I do have a 30ft long leash I can use if you want them to zoom around the beach, though!
Services
Brooke can watch in your home
Availability
I recently graduated and recently finished a seasonal work contract as a wildlife biologist, and finally have free time to give you and your dog! My professional work schedule (I am a wildlife biologist) varies depending upon seasonal contracts and grad school preparation, but currently, I am fairly open for you and your dogs' needs. I am mostly on Rover because while I love my professional work, I miss working with dogs enough to seek them out here. Being with dogs just gives me a sort of satisfaction I can't find elsewhere. I am typically not available after 5pm, but depending on individual circumstances, we may work around that. I expect my work schedule to change early next year.
About Brooke C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I understand a dog's safe place is their home. Some dogs may welcome me into their home with wagging tails and bouncing legs, while others may feel wary and protective. Each dog has a unique personality, and each dog will respond to my presence differently. I embrace this by validating my presence as a positive thing; they will be rewarded with treats, praise, walks, or other things you (their human) recommend they like best. Perhaps your dog requires pet stairs to get onto a couch -- I'll be sure they use it! Perhaps they have a lot of energy, but have a paw injury -- they'll get a potty break and lots of sniffs outside, but with permission, be given a PB lick mat or frozen kong inside to keep them stimulated without moving around much. Perhaps they are SUPER JAZZED to be outside, but are still in training to not pull or jump on passerby -- I'll be sure we work on that! Whatever your dog needs for appropriate care, if it is within my power, it will be done. I just want them to be happy!
Information Brooke C. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your dog has special needs, if they have behavioral concerns, if they are reactive to ANYTHING (other dogs, people, skateboards, small critters, bikes, etc), and how they are with new people (such as myself).
A typical day
I love to hike! If you have a healthy dog, I'd love to take them on an adventure with me. We can explore Trinidad beaches, the Arcata Community Forest trails, McKinleyville hidden corners, or just the neighborhood roads! I am a fit person and can handle the steep hikes or the long walks around town. I am comfortable bringing your dog into my car, just be certain to take travel time to and from the adventure into account! If I am in your home for a drop-in visit, I would love to goof around with your dog (if they like that sort of thing!), run around the back yard with them, throw toys around, give them stimulating treats (such as frozen PB toys or lick mats), or simply be there to pet them and remind them they're loved. Until your dog and I are bonded and familiar with one another, I will not allow any dogs to be off-leash or at dog parks. Dog parks are wonderful places, but they are also dangerous for some dogs, especially if these dogs do not know the person watching over them. This is for my safety and your dogs' safety. I do have a 30ft long leash I can use if you want them to zoom around the beach, though!
Location
McKinleyville, CA
Pets
Brooke C.
McKinleyville, CA