HI! I'm Colleen, I'm that amazing animal person next door you just haven't met yet. I am currently working as a Vet assistant at Banfield Pet Hospital! I've grown up around dogs and cats my whole life. I make it a priority to firstly keep them safe and disciplined and after that, affection is the easy part!!. I would love your pet to join our pack while your away. You can be assured that not only will they be getting personalized care, but they will be immersed in a loving and structured environment while your away! I do ask that you provide food and toys but I'd be happy to arrange those for an additional fee. I also ask that pet parents who have crates at home to please bring them along. A pet's crate can go a long way in making a new environment feel homey and safe. Availability is on a first come first serve basis, but I will always try to be as accommodating as possible. Looking forward to meeting you! About this sitter: Hey fellow Pet Parents! Don't you just hate that feeling of guilt that creeps into your belly every time you leave your furry loved one alone? I know I do, especially when I know it's for a few days. The only real comfort comes from knowing that the pet sitter will do all they can to make your pet more comfortable. That's what I'd like to offer you, the opportunity to know that not only is your pet getting all of his physical needs met (food/exercise), but that each sitting experience is geared toward developing trust and companionship with your pet. Why I love dog sitting I have been a dog lover since childhood. Growing up we had a large yard with 5 large breed dogs, I have always appreciated the companionship of animals,and currently have one cat and one Beagle at my house. The Beagle belongs to my sister, who travels frequently, so I am intimately acquainted with the special care a lonely (and slightly neurotic) pet requires ;) Meet my pets Currently, I live with one tuxedo cat, Jaysus. He usually tolerates dogs well but is an inside/outside cat, so he simply excuses himself to the outdoors if he's uncomfortable. I also have a rambunctious Beagle named Bugsy! He's a special pup, with a bit of anxiety, but once he's acclimated, there is no more chill friend! The house is multi-level (tell me if stairs are an issue please) and equipped with a dog door leading into a spacious enclosed backyard. There are usually 3 to 4 people coming and going throughout the day so interaction and affection are never a long way off, but let me know if activity is a problem. About my yard I have a wonderful medium sized backyard that provides ample room to stretch the legs and explore a bit. The yard is down some stairs, so if arthritis is a problem that would be great to know. There is a paved portion of the yard along with a grassy half. The yard is grassy with soft soil, ideal for planting flowers and digging up flowers =) My experience administering medication: Yes. I have plenty of experience administering medication orally and topically to both cats and dogs. .