I'm Donna, a grandmother who just has too much time on her hands and a lot of love to share, so let me help you out by showering love on your fur baby. I was raised on a small gentleman's farm, so I've always had a dog, cat, guinea pig, or other animal in my life. I've been involved in all aspects of the animals' lives as well, from birth to their senior years. I'm not bothered by medications or senior issues, and I hope to take courses in dog training and first aid in the future. I seem to have a natural affinity with dogs. I suspect it's because my voice has a higher tone to it, but I prefer to think it's because I'm blessed with something special. (My roommate is probably laughing at that line.) I do know that once a dog gets to know me then he or she will usually greet me by rolling over for a belly rub, and baring the stomach is how a dog shows it's comfortable with or trusts someone. If they're going to trust me, then I'm going to oblige them with a nice rub on that belly. My own dog is a Chihuahua (I recently lost both my Weimaraner and my Corgi), and my repeat dog sitting clients have ranged from a Parson Russell Terrier to a Great Dane, so I'm used to dogs of all sizes and ages. However, now that I'm older I find that I do better with smaller or older dogs that prefer shorter walks, but if you have a fenced-in yard then size and age are not important as long as the dog is well-mannered. I may not be able to jog anymore, but I'm more than happy to throw a ball, play, and engage in constructive activities with your fur baby. One thing I love to do is bake my own dog treats. I started doing it because my Weimaraner had food allergies, and it was generally cheaper to bake his goodies than to buy them. I now have recipes for just about anything a dog could want, and some are even vegan. When I stay in your home I bring my own food and clean up after myself, so I try to make as little impact on your personal space as I can. I'll also bring in your mail and papers and keep an eye out for any packages that may arrive. If there's garbage pick-up during my stay, just let me know what day, and I'll make sure the can gets to the road and back. I've even been known to water your plants and occasionally dust your furniture. That's not a comment on you or your housekeeping. It's a throwback to my mother. She can't stand dust, and she's always said that if you've got a minute then you've got a minute to dust, so sometimes if I get restless I grab a rag and dust a bit. Other than that, I usually occupy myself with a small craft project, a good book, a bit of writing, or just playing with and loving on your fur baby. I always have time to love on a fur baby! Since I'm a writer, my work can be done anywhere, any time, so I stay with your dog both day and night while you're gone. This allows me to build a bond with your precious pet and helps ease their loneliness and anxiety while you're away. Just an FYI, my mother is where I get my love of animals. She never met a stray she couldn't bring home, get spayed or neutered, and place in a forever home. She also never met a stray human. She and my father fostered over 135 children through the years, and many of them stay in touch. Not only do they visit, but now they bring their children. Holidays can be busy with my family!