Duane O.
Services
Duane can care for
Availability
I'm taking a year or two away from work so currently unencumbered by any of those daily stresses. If I'm dog walking or house sitting, I'll be able to give your pets as much attention as they may wish to have.
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About Duane O.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have done over 70 pet sits over the last several years on various platforms. Each has resulted in a 5* review and several that have become recurring sits after I have built up a relationship with the pets and owners. I'm always keen to take the guidance of the owners to understand the level of activity and attention that their individual pets may need. Some cats simply want to be fed and ignored, while some active puppies wish to be constantly entertained. I'm able to adjust up or down based on the pet's needs.
Information Duane O. would like to know about your pet
I'm always keen to know what is considered the length of a 'typical walk' for a dog, and also 'how long is too long of a walk.' It's useful to know what triggers a dog might have while on a walk as well.
A typical day
While spending time with cats I have learnt that you should take their lead to determine what they would like to do. If they wish to chase a laser pointer or just sit and be petted I'm happy to oblige. If they wish to ignore me and go about their day, I promise not to be offended. While I'm also happy to take the dog's lead, if a dog loves a good park walk I'm happy to spend hours walking through parks and fields with them. Spending time with a dog on a picnic rug in a park, or at an outdoor cafe or pub beer garden is my ideal of a perfect day.
Location
, United Kingdom
Friend of dogs and cats alike.
Pet care experience
I grew up with dogs before moving to the UK from America approximately 18 years ago. Shortly after moving to London I began volunteering as a dog socialiser at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for several years. As a dog socialiser I would spend my time with dogs as they were awaiting to be rehomed by either just relaxing with them in their kennel to give them some human interaction, playing with them in one of the on-site paddocks, or taking them for walks in Battersea Park. It was a fulfilling and rewarding experience. In recent years I have become a keen pet sitter / house sitter as a way to stay connected to furry animals. My career is in technology, although currently I'm stepping away from the daily grind and enjoying a bit of a mid-career break, which gives me more time to focus on spending time with animals.
Cat care experience
Duane also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Buddy is my 3yo Bernese Mountain Dog. He's incredibly important to me, and his care in my absence is something I've had varying experiences with (from boarding to other dog sitters in my home). By far, the experience I've had with Duane caring for Buddy in my absence has been the best. He cares for Buddy like he's his own dog, sticks to his routine without exception, and learnt quickly how to listen to his needs - a skill I think is underrated. For Duane, though, this is the bare minimum. He also knows that I want to know Buddy is okay and so cares about the communication I receive on Rover. He shares regular updates - including multiple photos - and I know he would tell me about anything that comes up. This is only the second time Duane has looked after Buddy - but from now on, Duane will always be my first choice. Couldn't recommend highly enough.
Duane’s great!!. One happy,excercised,tired, dog. Thank you
As usual, Duane is an absolute star. He’s so kind. He even got here earlier today,so that I could squeeze in another appointment!!!. My little Doggy girl absolutely loves him!! he’s so good with her. She wa was so happy when I got back well exercised and one happy girl.
As usual ,perfection!!!
About Duane O.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have done over 70 pet sits over the last several years on various platforms. Each has resulted in a 5* review and several that have become recurring sits after I have built up a relationship with the pets and owners. I'm always keen to take the guidance of the owners to understand the level of activity and attention that their individual pets may need. Some cats simply want to be fed and ignored, while some active puppies wish to be constantly entertained. I'm able to adjust up or down based on the pet's needs.
Information Duane O. would like to know about your pet
I'm always keen to know what is considered the length of a 'typical walk' for a dog, and also 'how long is too long of a walk.' It's useful to know what triggers a dog might have while on a walk as well.
A typical day
While spending time with cats I have learnt that you should take their lead to determine what they would like to do. If they wish to chase a laser pointer or just sit and be petted I'm happy to oblige. If they wish to ignore me and go about their day, I promise not to be offended. While I'm also happy to take the dog's lead, if a dog loves a good park walk I'm happy to spend hours walking through parks and fields with them. Spending time with a dog on a picnic rug in a park, or at an outdoor cafe or pub beer garden is my ideal of a perfect day.
