Christine N.
Deep Creek South, VA
Experienced & loving pet sitter
Pet care experience
I started watching my cousin’s dogs at 15. From there I continued to watch the dogs that I call my own, and have lived with continually since 2018. I have experience taking care of senior dogs, dogs that have medical issues, dogs that’s require medication, special needs dogs, and dogs post op. I have given insulin, oral medication, eye drops, & topical ointments to our dogs for various conditions. I have experience caring for up to 7 dogs at a time. Breeds i have cared for are German Shepards, pit bulls, beagles, jack Russells, chihuahuas, Pekingese, a hound dog, and a lab. I’ve also helped bathe our dogs with our friend who was a vet tech. Several of our dogs in the past required medication. One had type one diabetes, Cushings, & myokemia. 2 of our chihuahuas had congestive heart failure & one had to have an eye removed. Our Pekingese had both eyes removed and suffered from recurring kidney issues that resulted in recurrent UTIs. Our one jack Russell who was 16 1/2 suffered from seizures towards the end of her life and needed Valium rectally. I’ve also done a few dog transports to help out a rescue in NC to get them to a foster.
Reviews
Christine was great she really met my dogs needs and easily figured out my dogs personalities. I will definitely book with her again and highly recommend her as a pet sitter. My dogs absolutely loved her and felt extremely comfortable with her.
Christine is a fantastic caregiver for our 4 dogs that she lives with in our home. At one point we had 7 dogs. Many had medical issues as they got older. She took care of our one dog with Cushings disease and type 1 diabetes and myokimia. She checked his blood sugar levels, administered insulin and proper medications. We had another dog with kidney disease who did not like getting his medications. She easily administered those as well. Our last dog that we recently lost had congestive heart failure and she went above and beyond to care for her as well as giving proper medications even if it took many different tries to get her to take them. She is patient, kind and loves all animals!! She’s the only person I trust to watch our dogs if my husband and I are out of the house.
About Christine N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have plenty of toys including a snuffle mat and puzzle toys. I love using familiar environments (a walk to their favorite place) and familiar items (a favorite toy for example) to them to de-stress them. I also like using Amazon Alexa, if the owner has it, to play soothing music. I use positive reinforcement for corrections that need to be made. I believe in cuddling with dogs who need some extra love, and walks for dogs who would rather get their energy out. I would love being able to go somewhere to throw frisbees or balls like i do in our yard with our dogs. I have no problem getting dogs into crates when I need to leave. Walking is always done on a regular leash (no retractable leashes). For smaller dogs I walk them on harnesses to avoid them getting loose. For larger dogs, I can either walk them on a harness or just using a regular collar. Because of our German Shepard, I do know how to use a pinch collar if the owner requests and is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. I will not walk them during the day when it is too hot and they could burn their pads.
Information Christine N. would like to know about your pet
I am not comfortable with dogs who show aggressive behavior (food aggression being the exception). While my profile does state that I will only watch dogs up to 40 lbs, I will watch dogs up to 70 lbs IF they get along well with their smaller siblings AND are well trained. I will also watch cats on as needed basis for overnight care only. I just want to know basic information like bathroom schedule, temperament, feeding schedule, any medication required, any allergies, etc. If they are food aggressive, I also want to know how they’re normally fed, especially if they have siblings. If they have separation anxiety, I want to know how it’s been handled in the past so I know how I can best serve you and your dog (especially if they go on hunger strikes).
A typical day
My snuffle mat(or yours if you have one) & puzzle toys are a great way to stimulate their mind. At my house, we do anything food related(besides feeding or treats for everyone) in a separate room or in a crate. I would do something similar at your house assuming that you are ok with it. I think that playing with toys, whether balls, soft toys, ropes, etc is essential. I enjoy taking them for walks around the neighborhood. If you have a dog that is just a couch potato (like our 2 senior dogs), that’s completely fine too and I’m fine just cuddling with them on the couch.
Services
Christine can watch in your home
Availability
I currently don't work, so I have a lot of free time to watch pets. As long as the pets in my household are being taken care of, I have endless time to spend with your furbabies.
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About Christine N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have plenty of toys including a snuffle mat and puzzle toys. I love using familiar environments (a walk to their favorite place) and familiar items (a favorite toy for example) to them to de-stress them. I also like using Amazon Alexa, if the owner has it, to play soothing music. I use positive reinforcement for corrections that need to be made. I believe in cuddling with dogs who need some extra love, and walks for dogs who would rather get their energy out. I would love being able to go somewhere to throw frisbees or balls like i do in our yard with our dogs. I have no problem getting dogs into crates when I need to leave. Walking is always done on a regular leash (no retractable leashes). For smaller dogs I walk them on harnesses to avoid them getting loose. For larger dogs, I can either walk them on a harness or just using a regular collar. Because of our German Shepard, I do know how to use a pinch collar if the owner requests and is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. I will not walk them during the day when it is too hot and they could burn their pads.
Information Christine N. would like to know about your pet
I am not comfortable with dogs who show aggressive behavior (food aggression being the exception). While my profile does state that I will only watch dogs up to 40 lbs, I will watch dogs up to 70 lbs IF they get along well with their smaller siblings AND are well trained. I will also watch cats on as needed basis for overnight care only. I just want to know basic information like bathroom schedule, temperament, feeding schedule, any medication required, any allergies, etc. If they are food aggressive, I also want to know how they’re normally fed, especially if they have siblings. If they have separation anxiety, I want to know how it’s been handled in the past so I know how I can best serve you and your dog (especially if they go on hunger strikes).
A typical day
My snuffle mat(or yours if you have one) & puzzle toys are a great way to stimulate their mind. At my house, we do anything food related(besides feeding or treats for everyone) in a separate room or in a crate. I would do something similar at your house assuming that you are ok with it. I think that playing with toys, whether balls, soft toys, ropes, etc is essential. I enjoy taking them for walks around the neighborhood. If you have a dog that is just a couch potato (like our 2 senior dogs), that’s completely fine too and I’m fine just cuddling with them on the couch.
Location
Chesapeake, VA
Pets
Christine N.
Deep Creek South, VA