All my life I have been surrounded with animals, and I would be honored to love and care for yours. Because I genuinely enjoy the company of animals (more than humans, frankly), I will stay close to yours the entire time I am in your home. If your animals prefer to hide or just want to be left alone, I will check on them periodically and talk to them. I have cared for elderly and sickly animals, and comforted many animals in their final days. I am also experienced with giving medications, and I am first aid/CPR-certified for cats and dogs. I volunteer at the Humane Society of Dickson County, where I socialize the most frightened cats and dogs. I charge $10 for each additional dog, and $5 for each additional cat. Most sitters charge much more per animal, sometimes $15 to $40 for each additional dog! If a sitter has a low "per night" rate and you have more than one animal, be sure to check under "additional rates" because most of them charge exorbitant amounts for each extra animal per night/visit. Caring for animals is my lifetime passion, not a hobby. There’s something about me that animals love, even the animals who are scared of everyone. Given time, just about every animal I have met has warmed up to me and wanted affection from me—including the most terrified cats! People have always been amazed at how animals are drawn to me. Whenever I visit someone’s home, the animals quickly end up next to me, at my feet, or in my lap. I love getting to know the unique personality of every animal I meet. Many times I have been told by cat guardians that they have one fearful cat who hides from everyone, and then that cat ends up in my lap purring! My decades of volunteer work at shelters and sanctuaries has taught me a lot about animal behavior. I am skilled at calming down anxious animals and helping animals cope with separation anxiety. I love watching animals curiously assess who I am and then decide that I may pet them. I absolutely love petting animals, which causes the release of the “love” hormone oxytocin in the animals and in the human petting them, resulting in feelings of comfort, healing, bonding, and trust. I have cared for many animal species of different demeanors. If your cats tend to hide when strangers are around, don’t be surprised when they come out to get to know me. I am very experienced with dogs of all sizes and ages, including hyperactive puppies. I have worked with animals who are aggressive, blind, and deaf. I have rescued and fostered kittens and puppies. I have taken care of animals of all kinds: rats, pigs, fish, ferrets, chickens, snakes, hamsters, parrots, turkeys, rabbits, etc. In my experience, animals do better when they are kept in their home environment. I will follow your instructions and respect your home while I am caring for your precious family members. I bring my own food and personal items (such as sheets, pillows, bath towel, etc.) so that you don’t have to worry about me eating your food or using your items. When I am in your home, my priority is making your animals feel safe and loved in your absence. If you prefer a sitter who enjoys spending time with animals rather than staring at a screen, then let's schedule a meet-and-greet!