Christine B.
Christine B.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Compassionate Staycations for Pets
I specialize in offering short- and long-term staycation for senior and special needs pets, while warmly welcoming pets of all ages. At this point in my life, I value presence, purpose, and a gentler rhythm of living. Pet and house sitting has become a natural extension of that choice. I'd love to meet you and your companion at a Meet & Greet. Leaving a pet behind can be one of the hardest parts of traveling or working long shifts. My goal is to make that separation as safe, compassionate, and reassuring as possible—for both you and your companion. I practice positive reinforcement. Oopsies are part of life, especially for puppies, senior pets, and animals recovering from illness or surgery. I don't mind cleaning accidents. My focus is always on your pet's comfort and well-being. For over 30 years, I have been fortunate to care for my own dogs, as well as the pets of friends, roommates, and clients, through every stage of a pet’s life—from energetic adventures and cross-country road trips to the quieter seasons of aging. Traveling with my dogs has taught me how important routine, familiar comforts, regular breaks, and a calm presence are to a pet's sense of security. My first dog, Pirelli, traveled with me to China and lived a happy life until the age of sixteen despite losing his sight. My second dog, Lilas-blu, accompanied me throughout my doctoral journey, writer retreats, and on countless journeys across North America. As she grew older and arthritis gradually limited her mobility, I adapted our adventures to match her pace. These experiences taught me patience, attentiveness, compassion, and respect for the changing needs that come with every stage of life. They also reminded me that every pet has its own personality, its own pace, and its own unique needs. I have the patience and experience to care for pets at their own pace. Whether that means slow walks, using a mobility harness, helping a pet into a carrier or stroller, administering medication, or simply offering quiet companionship during stressful situations such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud noises. I take pride in adapting my care to each pet's individual needs. Before my early retirement, I taught at universities, and later worked for the Government of Canada and at the Casino, where my positions required professionalism, discretion, reliability, and respect for people's privacy. I hold a Secret Security Clearance and a Red Cross First Aid certificate. I am fully bilingual in English and French, with conversational Spanish and Mandarin. You can trust that your home, your privacy, and your beloved companions will be treated with the utmost respect. Pets are family! Whether your companion is a senior pet, recovering from surgery, living with reduced mobility, or simply needing a little extra support, I understand how reassuring it is to know they are receiving thoughtful, consistent care while you're away. My commitment with you is that when you return home, your pet will have enjoyed a serene staycation in the comfort and familiarity of home, cared for with the same kindness, patience, and attention I gave my own dogs throughout their lives. My pet-heart awaits your pet family!
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
Client’s home: I believe pets feel safest when their routines are respected. Before each stay in your home, I take the time to learn your dog's habits, favourite words, feeding schedule, medications, exercise routine, and any special needs. I'm comfortable administering oral medications (pills and oral syringes), checking for and safely removing ticks after walks, wiping muddy or snowy paws, towel-drying after rain or swimming, cleaning food and water bowls, and handling the occasional "oopsie" with patience and good humour. I pay close attention to changes in appetite, mobility, energy, or behaviour and will let you know promptly if anything seems unusual. I'll also send regular updates and photos so you can enjoy your trip knowing your companion is safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
Ratings and reviews
I've known Christine for many years, first in China with her little dog, Pirelli, and later in Canada with Lilas-blu. What always impressed me was the deep bond she had with her dogs. They weren't simply pets—they were true members of her family. She travelled with them whenever possible and, when she couldn't, she carefully chose trusted care so their well-being always came first. Christine has a remarkable ability to notice each dog's personality, routines, body language, and even the different sounds they make. I watched her adapt patiently to Lilas-blu's changing needs as arthritis slowed her down, always making sure she remained comfortable and included in their adventures. Christine is kind, patient, dependable, and deeply respectful of both animals and people's homes. I would trust her completely to care for my own pets.
Christine est une naturelle avec les animaux de compagnie. Depuis son jeune âge qu’elle s’occupe des chiens. Elle les aime et les traite comme un membre de la famille. Que ce soit au niveau des soins prodigués ou encore la nutrition, elle prend à coeur leur bien être et leur santé. Elle est fiable, on peut lui faire confiance et elle offre toujours un excellent service, attentionné, selon les besoins et les comportements. Je ne serais pas inquiet de lui confier la garde de mon chien, peu importe l’âge, les conditions et les préférences des propriétaires.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
Daytime visits Overnight stays Weekdays, weekends, and statutory holidays Short-term and long-term bookings For stays of 6 nights or longer, I'm happy to travel up to 250 km from Gatineau/Ottawa.