Christina B.
Merle Hay, IA
Walks & play on a flexible schedule
Pet care experience
Dogs have always been part of my family and truly my best friends! I had my own dog for 12 years and grew up in a house of at least one, if not two. We would go for at least one walk a day and loved exploring not just the neighborhood but the parks and nature trails in the Des Moines area. When I first adopted my pup, he was anxious and leash reactionary and we went through training classes in order to go on peaceful walks. (And we were in Chicago at the time so dogs were everywhere!) Those classes were successful, and I'm happy to accommodate any specific training regimens. I've loved and lived with some special needs dogs and straight up quirky dogs too. One was particularly skittish of hardwood floors, another pup had separation anxiety and a third lost the use of her hind legs as she aged and needed physical support to go outside. They were all wonderful animals, and I see it as my role to ensure they're comfortable and cared for regardless of their specific circumstances. My own pup recently passed after a long happy life so I became quite experienced with senior care, whether that's doling out medicines or being patient when a walk becomes a slow ramble. Sometimes playtime is more just pets and hangout time. I'm happy with all of it - it's really more about whatever is best for your dog. Though I personally never had a cat due to family members'allergies, I have watched friends' cats before, including giving them fresh food, cleaning their litterboxes, and giving them some ear scritches- if they wanted to come out and visit :)
Reviews
We added an extra visit on the night we came home - the puppies were all taken care of so we could just settle in and relax with them after a late flight back. Christina did an amazing job the whole week!
Christina did an amazing job taking care of our two older dachshunds. We arranged for home visits 3 times a day for a week. She was patient and caring from the first meet and greet, and since both of our dogs are anxious around new people it was an extra challenge. After a short time though, she had both dogs rolling over for belly rubs and jostling for pets! She really cared about their well-being and we could tell from the wonderful photos she sent the dogs were relaxed around her and having a good time. She even washed their bandanas for us when they got dirty. We highly recommend Christina!
Christina is great with dogs! She has a lot of patience for all dogs, from boisterous puppies to senior dogs who may move at a slower pace to stop and sniff the flowers. She is reliable and I would trust her to take good care of any dogs on her watch.
Christina is the absolute best when it comes to caring for dogs. She has a deeply caring and empathetic heart and puts their well-being first. She makes sure they always get nice long walks to tucker them out and plenty of snuggles and pets. She's very organized and makes sure she attends to everything you ask. If you haven't made a checklist for her, she's probably made one herself. Would absolutely trust her with any dog!
About Christina B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
For both home visits and walks, I'd like to understand the temperament of your pup so I can best meet their needs (e.g. lots of energy so they need lots of play) and if there are specific commands or training I should follow. Also, if there are any mediciations, treats, or other items your dog needs during the visit. When on walks, I never let a dog off leash, even if there are no people or animals around. I'll avoid interacting with other dogs on the walk so as to ensure everyone's safety, and I keep extra treats on hand in case a distraction is needed. I also prefer to avoid retractable leashes, as they diminish the walker's awareness and don't offer as much control. I would like to know if there is a standard route the dog is used to or any other ritual (e.g. always a treat after the walk!). Pets can be very routine orientated so I'll do my best to slot into the established rhythm. Please be sure to let me know if your dog is in any training program so I can follow along. We can have playtime or chillout time after a walk, whatever your pup needs! With anxious dogs, having some quiet time to relax after a walk can be beneficial. I can crate your pup before departing, if needed.
Information Christina B. would like to know about your pet
I like to be prepared so please let me know if your pup has a usual walk route or park they like, or training they're working through. What kind of walker are they (e.g. do they motor or do they like to slow down and take in all the sniffs)? I'd also like to know if there are specific medications or specific to treats to dispense.
A typical day
I love to give the dogs as much outside time as possible, whether that's a walk, sniffing around the park, or playing in the backyard. We can play with their favorite toys, work on new tricks, or cuddles too.
Services
Christina can watch in your home
Availability
I'm a potter and work from home so I set my own schedule. I can easily accommodate whatever works best with the family. A pup might benefit most from a late morning/early afternoon walk during work and school hours, though a long morning walk to burn off pent up energy or an evening jaunt before winding down for the night is all doable.
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About Christina B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
For both home visits and walks, I'd like to understand the temperament of your pup so I can best meet their needs (e.g. lots of energy so they need lots of play) and if there are specific commands or training I should follow. Also, if there are any mediciations, treats, or other items your dog needs during the visit. When on walks, I never let a dog off leash, even if there are no people or animals around. I'll avoid interacting with other dogs on the walk so as to ensure everyone's safety, and I keep extra treats on hand in case a distraction is needed. I also prefer to avoid retractable leashes, as they diminish the walker's awareness and don't offer as much control. I would like to know if there is a standard route the dog is used to or any other ritual (e.g. always a treat after the walk!). Pets can be very routine orientated so I'll do my best to slot into the established rhythm. Please be sure to let me know if your dog is in any training program so I can follow along. We can have playtime or chillout time after a walk, whatever your pup needs! With anxious dogs, having some quiet time to relax after a walk can be beneficial. I can crate your pup before departing, if needed.
Information Christina B. would like to know about your pet
I like to be prepared so please let me know if your pup has a usual walk route or park they like, or training they're working through. What kind of walker are they (e.g. do they motor or do they like to slow down and take in all the sniffs)? I'd also like to know if there are specific medications or specific to treats to dispense.
A typical day
I love to give the dogs as much outside time as possible, whether that's a walk, sniffing around the park, or playing in the backyard. We can play with their favorite toys, work on new tricks, or cuddles too.
Location
Des Moines, IA
Christina B.
Merle Hay, IA