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D.L. M.

Cookeville, TN

5.0 out of 5 stars
•41 reviews
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Grandmother has Love to Share

Pet care experience

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!

Reviews

Amy A.
House Sitting • Jan 02, 2024
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Donna is wonderful and always takes great care of Kirby! We enjoy using her and will continue to do so in the future!

House Sitting • Oct 04, 2023

D.L. M. cancelled a booking 1 day before it was scheduled to begin.

Keerthana A.
House Sitting • Aug 16, 2023
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Donna was wonderful with our two dogs. She really took care of them even during storms and we had peace of mind being away from them. I would strongly recommend

Laura And Dylan J.
House Sitting • Jan 30, 2023
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Donna was available last minute when we had to travel for a funeral. Very thankful!

About D.L. M.

Communication

14 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
30% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

40 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience

Safety, trust & environment

I have a fenced-in yard and a pet door, so pets always have access to the outside. I do watch them while they're out, though, because things can happen. All animals have continuous access to water and are fed as needed. Love, affection, and play are always available!

Information D.L. M. would like to know about your pet

I'd like to know your dog's breed, size, temperament, and especially important things such as allergies, illnesses, and/or medications. I'd also like to know about their feeding and walking schedule, where the food is kept, and all of the daily things. Do they have favorite treats or toys? Are they afraid of storms or loud noises? Do they have a favorite hiding spot? What about stranger anxiety or strange dog aggression -- are these an issue? How do they react around other animals? What commands does your dog know and respond to? Does he know sit, stay, and the basics? Are these things he needs to learn? Because of my age and health, I do better with smaller- and medium- sized breeds, generally under 50 pounds, but I can handle larger breeds if they're well-behaved. I had a 90-pound Weimaraner and used to regularly sit with a Great Dane, who was no trouble at all for me as he was exceptionally well-trained and had an incredibly sweet temperament. Many of my current dog clients are older and require medication. Some even take insulin injections, so I'm experienced with quite a bit of health issues. Contact information is a necessity, and I prefer to have your veterinarian's information as well -- just in case. I also appreciate knowing safety information for your home. Do you have a fire extinguisher? Where is it located? What about a first aid kit? I've never needed those things on a job before, but I like to be prepared.

A typical day

I may not be able to hike with your dog, but we will get our exercise. After all, it's good for me, too! I'll also do everything I can to keep your dog engaged through playful activity, learning activities when appropriate, and more. I'm loaded with love, cuddles and lots of belly rubs. If your baby is used to curling up next to you at night, then they can curl up next to me, too. If they like to be tucked under a blanket, then I'll definitely tuck them in. If your dog visits in my home, he'll have a fenced-in yard to explore and enjoy, and our little trailer isn't fancy, so we're just fine with cuddling on the couch and having a good time. I do have a small dog of my own, and my roommate has cats, so please make sure your dog is social with other animals. I strive to make your pet as comfortable as I can while you're away, so they're disrupted as little as possible. That keeps them as close to anxiety-free as I can until you return home to them.

Services

House Sitting
in your home
AWAY
Drop-In Visits
visits in your home
AWAY

D.L. can watch in your home

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs

Availability

I stay in your home unless I need to run an errand or go to an appointment, which I try to schedule when I'm not on a job. When I do need to run out, I make it as short as possible, so that your pet isn't alone for too long.

About D.L. M.

Communication

14 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
30% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

40 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience

Safety, trust & environment

I have a fenced-in yard and a pet door, so pets always have access to the outside. I do watch them while they're out, though, because things can happen. All animals have continuous access to water and are fed as needed. Love, affection, and play are always available!

Information D.L. M. would like to know about your pet

I'd like to know your dog's breed, size, temperament, and especially important things such as allergies, illnesses, and/or medications. I'd also like to know about their feeding and walking schedule, where the food is kept, and all of the daily things. Do they have favorite treats or toys? Are they afraid of storms or loud noises? Do they have a favorite hiding spot? What about stranger anxiety or strange dog aggression -- are these an issue? How do they react around other animals? What commands does your dog know and respond to? Does he know sit, stay, and the basics? Are these things he needs to learn? Because of my age and health, I do better with smaller- and medium- sized breeds, generally under 50 pounds, but I can handle larger breeds if they're well-behaved. I had a 90-pound Weimaraner and used to regularly sit with a Great Dane, who was no trouble at all for me as he was exceptionally well-trained and had an incredibly sweet temperament. Many of my current dog clients are older and require medication. Some even take insulin injections, so I'm experienced with quite a bit of health issues. Contact information is a necessity, and I prefer to have your veterinarian's information as well -- just in case. I also appreciate knowing safety information for your home. Do you have a fire extinguisher? Where is it located? What about a first aid kit? I've never needed those things on a job before, but I like to be prepared.

A typical day

I may not be able to hike with your dog, but we will get our exercise. After all, it's good for me, too! I'll also do everything I can to keep your dog engaged through playful activity, learning activities when appropriate, and more. I'm loaded with love, cuddles and lots of belly rubs. If your baby is used to curling up next to you at night, then they can curl up next to me, too. If they like to be tucked under a blanket, then I'll definitely tuck them in. If your dog visits in my home, he'll have a fenced-in yard to explore and enjoy, and our little trailer isn't fancy, so we're just fine with cuddling on the couch and having a good time. I do have a small dog of my own, and my roommate has cats, so please make sure your dog is social with other animals. I strive to make your pet as comfortable as I can while you're away, so they're disrupted as little as possible. That keeps them as close to anxiety-free as I can until you return home to them.

Location

Cookeville, TN

D.L. M.'s Neighborhood

Pets

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D.L. M.

Cookeville, TN

5.0 out of 5 stars
•41 reviews