Cheryl B.
North Yarmouth, ME
Let's Play!
Pet care experience
I've been an animal lover my whole life and grew up with both dogs and cats in the house. I currently have a 7-year-old Boston Terrier and a 1-year-old Miniature Aussie, who isn't so mini at 53 lbs! I also had two sweet guinea pigs for the last 5 years who both recently passed away. I'm comfortable handling all sorts of animals, besides dogs and cats: rats, lizards, rabbits, are a few I've cared for over the years. Training my Aussie this past year has been fun and rewarding, and as I meet more and more dogs on our daily hikes and walks, my love of connecting and playing with other dog friends has blossomed. I'm captivated by all of their unique personalities and subtle ways of communicating their needs, fears, etc. With 20 years of experience teaching kids in the classroom, I'm finding many of those skills roll over into my pet care: enthusiasm, attention to detail, reading under-the-radar cues and signs, managing small groups of differing temperaments, confidence in making split-second decisions for everyone's safety, and strong communication skills all come in handy with working with my students, whether humans or animals!
Reviews
Cheryl has been great with drop in visits for my two particular huskies! With my work schedule all over the place, and last minute illnesses it has been easy communicating with Cheryl about our needs changing. She provides great updates each visit, makes sure the dogs are happy and safe. It has been such a relief finding someone we can count on!
Cheryl is punctual, loving and willing to do the little things that keep our dogs (and other pet family members) happy and engaged. We’re really grateful for her help taking care of of Calliope and Tallulah when we’re not able to.
Cheryl has been out go-to cat sitter for years. She’s reliable, caring and very trustworthy. She takes excellent care of our kitties which allows us the freedom to leave them home and feel confident their eating and attention needs are fully met. On top of being an amazing caregiver, she is friendly and has strong communication skills. She has two dogs of her own and takes exceptional care of them too. She’s a treasure and your pets will love her.
About Cheryl B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
For drop-in visits at your home, I'll be sure to follow your rules, stimulate your pet with appropriate games and fun, and give them loads of love and attention to keep them happy until they can reunite with you. I am also comfortable administering oral meds and eye drops. Although I don't yet have experience injecting meds, I'm willing to learn! For walks, I feel comfortable doing both leashed and off-leash walks in parks and on nearby trails, off-leashing only when that feels safe and is allowed. As a dog walker, exercise and fun are my top goals for your pooch, but my number one job is to keep your dog safe and foster positive interactions between your dog and others we may meet while we are out. I'm always on the lookout for any signs of anxiety or fear so that I can avoid negative or unsafe interactions. I use positive reinforcement techniques to shape behavior, and while I'm out with your dog, I'm happy to work on some basic training to improve recall and reduce leash-pulling.
Information Cheryl B. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know of any triggers or reactivity issues that tend to surface in your dog so that I can provide the best possible experience for them. I believe clear and open communication is the key to successful partnerships! Shoot me a message so that we can schedule a meet and greet!
A typical day
I love playing games to stimulate mental and physical activity. I love heading out to some of the quieter trails, like Pineland Public Reserve in New Gloucester or Hedgehog Mountain in Freeport, where your dog can smell and explore a quieter environment while in nature. I also often head to busier spots like Chandler Brook Preserve and Old Town House Park in North Yarmouth for some open space good for retrieving frisbees, balls, and sticks, and for likely romps and games of chase with new furry friends. I base my location for each day based on the needs and comfort level of each dog in my care.
Services
Cheryl can watch in your home
Availability
Right now, I'm a stay-at-home mom/retired teacher, shuttling my kids to and from school and activities in the mornings and some afternoons. My schedule to do local in-home pet visits or dog walks is consistently open most weekdays between 9-3. North Yarmouth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Freeport, Gray, New Gloucester, and Pownal are my main areas of service, but I'm also willing to travel a little farther, depending on your needs. For walks, my dog Arlo and I both love having more company to romp through the woods, streams, and fields with, but I'm also available and happy to do 1:1 walks if that is what you and your dog like best. With my flexibility during the week, I'm sure we can coordinate a time that will suit your needs. I'm also available on some weekend days, so please don't hesitate to ask if you need help on an occasional Saturday or Sunday!
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About Cheryl B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
For drop-in visits at your home, I'll be sure to follow your rules, stimulate your pet with appropriate games and fun, and give them loads of love and attention to keep them happy until they can reunite with you. I am also comfortable administering oral meds and eye drops. Although I don't yet have experience injecting meds, I'm willing to learn! For walks, I feel comfortable doing both leashed and off-leash walks in parks and on nearby trails, off-leashing only when that feels safe and is allowed. As a dog walker, exercise and fun are my top goals for your pooch, but my number one job is to keep your dog safe and foster positive interactions between your dog and others we may meet while we are out. I'm always on the lookout for any signs of anxiety or fear so that I can avoid negative or unsafe interactions. I use positive reinforcement techniques to shape behavior, and while I'm out with your dog, I'm happy to work on some basic training to improve recall and reduce leash-pulling.
Information Cheryl B. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know of any triggers or reactivity issues that tend to surface in your dog so that I can provide the best possible experience for them. I believe clear and open communication is the key to successful partnerships! Shoot me a message so that we can schedule a meet and greet!
A typical day
I love playing games to stimulate mental and physical activity. I love heading out to some of the quieter trails, like Pineland Public Reserve in New Gloucester or Hedgehog Mountain in Freeport, where your dog can smell and explore a quieter environment while in nature. I also often head to busier spots like Chandler Brook Preserve and Old Town House Park in North Yarmouth for some open space good for retrieving frisbees, balls, and sticks, and for likely romps and games of chase with new furry friends. I base my location for each day based on the needs and comfort level of each dog in my care.
Location
North Yarmouth, ME
Pets
Cheryl B.
North Yarmouth, ME