Hi! My name is Christine and I am a natural born caretaker. I have been taking care of animals and children since I was a child. I am a retired school teacher who is home all day in order to give your dog the love and attention that you would give them. I believe if you are having me dog sit, then that is my top priority. I may need to run out for an hour or so, but I spend the day with your dog. I don't have kids or other animals in the house, so I can give your pet my undivided attention. Otherwise, why get a dog sitter? I live conveniently right off of route 235 and I am just steps away from one of multiple dog parks. It is a sleepy subdivision where it's safe to walk a dog. A dog-lover from childhood, we always had at least one dog in the house when I grew up. I always took responsibility for our dogs and I spent the majority of my time at home on the floor petting the dogs. As an adult I had a chocolate lab for 14 years whom I dearly miss. I am a natural with animals and I actually prefer them to humans. In my house, the dogs are family. Dogs naturally know that they can trust me and come right to me. I am the person who notices a dog as I walk by and I always stop to pet them if the owner allows. My personality traits of patience, kindness, caring, empathy, and putting others before myself allowed me to be a successful teacher for 25 years. I am retired now and those traits coupled with my love of animals make me a great dog sitter. I think if people trusted me with their children, they can trust me with their fur children. I am loving, yet firm with animals. I make sure to follow the rules and commands that the owner uses at home so the dog does not get confused. I use the same training techniques and if the owner agrees, I add in a bit of training. I am very responsible and would never allow an animal to be put in danger. Most dogs have a trusting nature and I feel the need to protect them. My house and yard are safe, clean and comfortable. Dogs make themselves at home and are very happy to stay for extended periods of time. I routinely dog sit for a family with five dogs and a cat. I am in heaven! I love nothing better than to relax on the couch with a puppy and pet them for hours. It makes them happy and it makes me happy. I like to take a break from my list of things to do and just spend time with the dog. Honestly, it is a pleasure, not a job for me and I can't believe that people are willing to pay me to do it!