Ellen D.
Corvallis, OR
Wildlife PhD & Canine Biologist
Pet care experience
My family has always kept border collies, and since my childhood I have been highly involved in raising and training them. I started working as a petsitter in highschool and have cared for a wide variety of species, breeds, and personalities. I am particularly experienced in caring for senior dogs and administering medication to dogs and cats both orally and via injection. Now as a PhD student studying wolf biology at Oregon State University, I study wild canids (wolves, coyotes, and foxes) in Alaska, and have been trained in handling and administering medicine to them as well! I work with conservation detection dogs for my dissertation research. I live with two working dogs (border collies) that belong to my roommate.
Reviews
Ellen was so good with our fur babies while we were gone! She kept us updated and sent lots of pictures! We will definitely reach out again in the future
Ellen always takes our dog on such great adventures and is so flexible with walk schedules! Highly recommend!
Ellen was an amazing pet sitter! She was very responsive, and took great care of my cats. She took amazing pictures (saved them forever) and my cats seemed to really like her. As a first time rover user, I'm super glad I found Ellen!
Ellen is a fabulous dog walker! I get great photos and my dog gets plenty of exercise. I come home to a happy, tired pup. We love her!
About Ellen D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am very tidy and minimalist and mostly keep to myself - I will be very respectful of your space. You will always return to find your home just as you left it. I am a prompt and direct communicator and can check in frequently with you with updates and photos of your pets. I generally go to sleep early (9-10pm) and wake up early (6-7am) and spend the non-active periods of my day reading or working on my laptop computer. For shorter home stays, I generally bring my own pre-made meals so I do not have to use the kitchen much. I have devoted my career to studying wild dogs and have a deep understanding of canine behavior and cognition. I also, of course, love dogs from the bottom of my heart. I really emphasize spending quality interaction time with animals that would enjoy the additional enrichment. I am a very physically active and outdoorsy person who will be happy to take sporty pets for long hikes / runs in the natural areas around Corvallis. I have a dog-friendly vehicle for transporting pets when necessary.
Information Ellen D. would like to know about your pet
Please share with me your pet's preferences in advance so that I can make the experience as comfortable as possible for them (and you!). Please also describe any past or current medical conditions, allergies, and leash or dog reactivity so that I can plan ahead. I am easy to get in touch with via phone call or texting, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns before, during, or after the service.
A typical day
I prioritize engaging outside time for the dogs that I watch, which may include long walks, hikes through natural areas, slower "sniff" walks, swimming, and lots of fun & games with toys. I like to keep high-energy dogs engaged both physically and mentally, and enjoy engaging dogs with fun puzzles and games where they can win a treat or ball reward. If your pet prefers to chill on the couch, I will make sure they are chilling in upmost comfort, and will chill by their side if that is what they like (:
Services
Ellen can watch in your home
Availability
I am a PhD student with a very flexible schedule. I am not currently taking classes. I will be available continually throughout the day to spend time with and care for your pet(s). I can work from anywhere as long as I have my laptop. If housesitting, I will not really need to leave the home for any extended period of time.
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About Ellen D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am very tidy and minimalist and mostly keep to myself - I will be very respectful of your space. You will always return to find your home just as you left it. I am a prompt and direct communicator and can check in frequently with you with updates and photos of your pets. I generally go to sleep early (9-10pm) and wake up early (6-7am) and spend the non-active periods of my day reading or working on my laptop computer. For shorter home stays, I generally bring my own pre-made meals so I do not have to use the kitchen much. I have devoted my career to studying wild dogs and have a deep understanding of canine behavior and cognition. I also, of course, love dogs from the bottom of my heart. I really emphasize spending quality interaction time with animals that would enjoy the additional enrichment. I am a very physically active and outdoorsy person who will be happy to take sporty pets for long hikes / runs in the natural areas around Corvallis. I have a dog-friendly vehicle for transporting pets when necessary.
Information Ellen D. would like to know about your pet
Please share with me your pet's preferences in advance so that I can make the experience as comfortable as possible for them (and you!). Please also describe any past or current medical conditions, allergies, and leash or dog reactivity so that I can plan ahead. I am easy to get in touch with via phone call or texting, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns before, during, or after the service.
A typical day
I prioritize engaging outside time for the dogs that I watch, which may include long walks, hikes through natural areas, slower "sniff" walks, swimming, and lots of fun & games with toys. I like to keep high-energy dogs engaged both physically and mentally, and enjoy engaging dogs with fun puzzles and games where they can win a treat or ball reward. If your pet prefers to chill on the couch, I will make sure they are chilling in upmost comfort, and will chill by their side if that is what they like (:
Location
Corvallis, OR
Ellen D.
Corvallis, OR