5.0

Watching other people’s dogs started when I was a teen, many years ago. I never knew why people asked me to watch their dogs back then but now I feel, they must have seen something in me that I didn’t know about myself. I love all dogs. Pet owners have always left it up to their animals to choose me...and, I've never been turned down! Dogs love the yard here at the house. It is fully fenced and it’s nearly an acre. My husband is also around the house since his retirement and he loves dogs as well. When dogs are left alone, which is rare and for short stints, there are pens set up inside the house. These are movable fences. Inside a pen, we keep a dog bed, and water bowl. I've been sitting for people's dogs, as an adult, since 2010. I traveled to other states to spend time with dogs, pigs, chickens, and horses! Now, we only board dogs because other responsibilities keep me around home, in Woodland Park. I've cared for all kinds of animals from one night up to to four months. Breeds have included: bloodhound, mini-pinscher, chihuahua, labrador retriever, blue heeler, german shepherd, golden retriever, Airedale, standard Poodle, wheaten terrier, Chesapeake bay retriever, Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky, West highland terrier, St Bernard, Great Pyrenees, beagle, pointer, shih tzu, Pomeranian, cavapoo, etc. I am also an artist and writer. I've published a book about a fundraising system for non-profits and my art is displayed in my studio in Woodland Park. I’ve opened two galleries in Woodland Park and an art studio space. I also manage art events and art shows as part of a program called Destination Art Pikes Peak. I am different from other sitters because my time with your animal(s) is like therapy for me. I've been known to say, "I'm receiving fur therapy this week" to friends when I spend time sitting for animals. In the past I've given medication and baths, which has happened after a dog has found a mud puddle! I've also given special food to an older horse in a pasture with other horses. This task required keeping the other horses away while the older horse ate. Certainly a challenge, which made for great feelings of accomplishment!