Corrie K.
Victoria, BC
Calm connection; Compassionate care
Pet care experience
I've looked after pets and farm animals of every kind and age (hatchlings/puppies/kitties/kids/kits/fry etc to seniors and palliative since early childhood). I enjoy all and gravitate toward easing anxiously attatched into relaxed connection and joyful play. I'm very open to caring for large dogs, however, if they are very strong they must have basic, good recall training and leash walking skills. (No shoulder dislocating pulling please ;). A set of good written instructions or short reference videos explaining your pets quirks & needs, ensures the best experience for your animal and that we are on the same page re expectations. (Please let me know: 1. How they get along with other animals and different ages or appearances/genders of people 2. The style of training (which signals/recal key words etc) you've been working on with your pet and wish to be consistently reinforced under my care. 3. Other important info: This helps create the ideal scenario where I can avoid triggering environments and encounters and helps me help your animal feel safe, less confused and less anxiously attatched to their sitter/worried about not seeing their people again. Generally, I have a flexible schedule and with notice can work around a variety of care need scenarios from adventures in the woods (I have a vehicle) to staying overnight at the pets home during their people's time away. Unfortunately, I can't host your pet in my home or be available for early morning walks pre 9:30am. (Overnight stays are fine for early jaunts.) I am generally open to caring for your pet most days of the week. Like every human, I do have appointments to attend and errands to run for a couple hours here and there, so will be unable to be with the animal 24/7 but usually I am studying and able to stay in. See my calendar availability for details. I can adapt really quickly to different folk's home environments and with good written instruction, I can make the transition for your pets awaiting your return easeful, mentally and physically stimulating and enjoyable.
Reviews
Took great care of my dog I'm always nervous leaving him with sitters as he can be dog reactive and Corrie was extremely knowledgeable with handling him safely. She sent plenty of updates and it was clear he really enjoyed having her there. She also left my place very clean. Definitely would use her again
Corrie completely understood and was lovely with my anxious poodle mix. She was such a wonderful guardian for my girl and I’d recommend her to anyone.
Corrie was great with our two cats! We left for a weekend and came home to contented kitties and a tidy home. Thanks Corrie!
Repeat customer because Corrie is so good to our dog and so great with the house.So thankful for you Corrie.
About Corrie K.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I take a similar approach with pet clients at first, weather during drop in or walk or house sitting bookings (I do not do boarding services at my place). That approach is "slow and steady wins the trust and keeps the nervous systems regulated for everyone involved". Once I get to know a pet we might try a new adventure like paddleboarding if they like water but until then I like to stick to their familiar routines and areas so they know I have their best interest at heart.
Information Corrie K. would like to know about your pet
I don't have a preference for working with one specific breed or type of animal over another etc. However, it is crucial that I be informed how your animal (especially dog) reacts to which (if any) triggering scenarios/ other breeds or sex of animals and any particular "profile" of person or child they don't do well around. Knowing whether they are spayed/neutered/ likely to react to other animals that are in heat is very helpful. Knowing if your animal has any past history of phsycial/pschological or genetic trauma and if so, of which variety is crucial. (Ie. Is this a rescue dog or from a foreign country? Or is this a pure bred dog that you've had since a puppy but you've discovered your breeder didn't inform you that the dogs grandparents have "fear biting syndrom" or other "quirks" and your dog has begun exhibiting these tendencies?) Knowing if your animal has any particular allergies (other than the obvious like chocolate) or critical health conditions and if they require specific food combinations, routine grooming or medications (and where to find these) etc is also crucial. Knowing if your animal prefers or strongly dislikes any activities is very helpful (ie, Will your dog only chase rocks but not sticks or balls? Will your dog get really freaked out if invited to go for a swim or boat/paddle board float or do they love water?) Anything else you wish to let me know about your unique furry/featherd/scaled family member.
A typical day
For the first few visits while a pet and I get to know each other I prefer to go on lower key/introduction engagements (ie for dogs walks around quieter neighborhoods or onleash on wooded trails). After we've developed a better raport and I know their recall capacity and how they are likely to react in scenarios (like going to the beach, going to open run dog parks, going on walks with other pets or encountering wild animals), then we can go on those kinds of adventures. For cats or other creatures doing things within their comfort zone is important but I'm happy to do stimulating activities with toys or leashed walks (cats) or puzzle challenges (birds) etc. Of course, lots of affection is always available for animals who enjoy snuggling. I also will happily give them space to get to know me and not overwhelm them.
Services
Corrie can watch in your home
Availability
I am studying the soil food web (soil microbiology) online and therefore can be relatively flexible about pet care hours/arrangements. Advanced notice is appreciated thanks :).
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About Corrie K.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I take a similar approach with pet clients at first, weather during drop in or walk or house sitting bookings (I do not do boarding services at my place). That approach is "slow and steady wins the trust and keeps the nervous systems regulated for everyone involved". Once I get to know a pet we might try a new adventure like paddleboarding if they like water but until then I like to stick to their familiar routines and areas so they know I have their best interest at heart.
Information Corrie K. would like to know about your pet
I don't have a preference for working with one specific breed or type of animal over another etc. However, it is crucial that I be informed how your animal (especially dog) reacts to which (if any) triggering scenarios/ other breeds or sex of animals and any particular "profile" of person or child they don't do well around. Knowing whether they are spayed/neutered/ likely to react to other animals that are in heat is very helpful. Knowing if your animal has any past history of phsycial/pschological or genetic trauma and if so, of which variety is crucial. (Ie. Is this a rescue dog or from a foreign country? Or is this a pure bred dog that you've had since a puppy but you've discovered your breeder didn't inform you that the dogs grandparents have "fear biting syndrom" or other "quirks" and your dog has begun exhibiting these tendencies?) Knowing if your animal has any particular allergies (other than the obvious like chocolate) or critical health conditions and if they require specific food combinations, routine grooming or medications (and where to find these) etc is also crucial. Knowing if your animal prefers or strongly dislikes any activities is very helpful (ie, Will your dog only chase rocks but not sticks or balls? Will your dog get really freaked out if invited to go for a swim or boat/paddle board float or do they love water?) Anything else you wish to let me know about your unique furry/featherd/scaled family member.
A typical day
For the first few visits while a pet and I get to know each other I prefer to go on lower key/introduction engagements (ie for dogs walks around quieter neighborhoods or onleash on wooded trails). After we've developed a better raport and I know their recall capacity and how they are likely to react in scenarios (like going to the beach, going to open run dog parks, going on walks with other pets or encountering wild animals), then we can go on those kinds of adventures. For cats or other creatures doing things within their comfort zone is important but I'm happy to do stimulating activities with toys or leashed walks (cats) or puzzle challenges (birds) etc. Of course, lots of affection is always available for animals who enjoy snuggling. I also will happily give them space to get to know me and not overwhelm them.
Location
Victoria, BC
Pets
Corrie K.
Victoria, BC