James M.
Downtown, OR
James M. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Reliable, Trusted, Skilled ❤️🐕🙀
Pet care experience
I love what I do. I am very good at building connections with kitties and dogs, especially those who are scared, aloof, or don't like people. Given the time and opportunity, they will come to me. I have a heart for anxious and reactive dogs, and also for their people who may have rescued them and were under-prepared without special handling skills and support needed to be out and about among other people amd dogs. It's very stressful and isolating. I cannot take reactive dogs for boarding and daycare, but I will drop-in at your place, take them out for walks, or house/pet sit for you! So, my mission is...I help alleviate as much anxiety in pets as possible, and also for their people so they enjoy their time away or not worry so much. I have extensive experience caring for cats and dogs. I have a unique ability to connect with the most difficult of cases in a short amount of time, even those pets that would not connect with others. I understand how to interpret their body language and will respond accordingly. I use positive reinforcement, patience, kind words and tone, and skill to obtain their trust. I do not force things on pets, I don't scare them into compliance or use physical force to gain cooperation unless there are immediate safety issues. I can be the "alpha" when I need to be. I have trained my dogs to fetch balls and run down frisbees on land and water, in addition to the basic commands we all need in everyday life to function. I've been able to teach and reinforce calming techniques to dogs and reduce some "out of control" behaviors.
Reviews
Very punctual! James can handle my Great Pyrenees who is 110 pounds. She is also reactive so he's comfortable in managing that. Will repeat.
Thank you so much!! James is a wonderful Petsitter and goes above and beyond. Highly recommend! Thank you for taking such good care of our dog and cats. We feel so much better being away knowing James is with them!
James did a great job of taking care of my elderly kitty, including all of the age-related special needs that he has. James also was very conscientious about taking care of my home and he left it very clean and in good condition. I would definitely recommend him!
James was great with our 2 cats! The effort was above and beyond and much appreciated! Thank you!!
About James M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We can't take reactive dogs for boarding and daycare, but certainly for walks, drop-in, and house/pet sitting! All I need is some basic instructions, proper access, and an opportunity to demonstrate I am respectful, reliable, trustworthy, and responsive. I make every effort to pay attention to what the animals are trying to communicate and respond to it. I believe in the least restrictive measures to correct or redirect them. I talk to animals all the time. I believe they understand more than people give them credit for, so I will even hold up both ends of the conversation with them. It's fun and they love it!
Home
Information James M. would like to know about your pet
I would like to know about any behavior issues you may have. And for your dog too :) Does your doggie get protective around other people or animals? What does that look like? Do they have a bite history? Have they experienced abuse or other trauma? Are they escape artists, or run away and refuse to come back when called? Do they poo and pee in the house sometimes, and if so, what are the circumstances? Are they leash trained, and if so, how well or not? What works with your doggie in terms of coaxing them to obey, or anything that I can use to help keep them and others safe? Do they have a history of medical needs, even if they do not currently? What are their favorite activities? How are they around bodies of water?
A typical day
I enjoy throwing a ball, just walking or running. I love to walk on trails in the wilderness and/or solo. Dog parks can be challenging to manage, especially when the doggies are not yours. If there are confined areas, I love to throw a ball and frisbee! I have trained my dogs in the past to run down frisbees on the ground and in water. My poor lab/retriever mix was hilarious. He was so obedient but didn't know what to do. The first few times I tossed a frisbee at him, he let it hit him in the face! Before long, he was racing 40-50 yards to track that thing down and snatch it out of the air! Such a good boy!
Services
James can host
James can watch in your home
Availability
I'm self-employed focusing on pets full-time. I love housesitting because being in different environments activates my adaptability, creativity, and self-sufficiency. I have also learned a lot from others and have integrated certain things into my life as a result. I'm all about variety and seeking out new experiences. I follow rules and will leave your place at least as good as you left it, and probably find ways to improve it before I go.
About James M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We can't take reactive dogs for boarding and daycare, but certainly for walks, drop-in, and house/pet sitting! All I need is some basic instructions, proper access, and an opportunity to demonstrate I am respectful, reliable, trustworthy, and responsive. I make every effort to pay attention to what the animals are trying to communicate and respond to it. I believe in the least restrictive measures to correct or redirect them. I talk to animals all the time. I believe they understand more than people give them credit for, so I will even hold up both ends of the conversation with them. It's fun and they love it!
Home
Information James M. would like to know about your pet
I would like to know about any behavior issues you may have. And for your dog too :) Does your doggie get protective around other people or animals? What does that look like? Do they have a bite history? Have they experienced abuse or other trauma? Are they escape artists, or run away and refuse to come back when called? Do they poo and pee in the house sometimes, and if so, what are the circumstances? Are they leash trained, and if so, how well or not? What works with your doggie in terms of coaxing them to obey, or anything that I can use to help keep them and others safe? Do they have a history of medical needs, even if they do not currently? What are their favorite activities? How are they around bodies of water?
A typical day
I enjoy throwing a ball, just walking or running. I love to walk on trails in the wilderness and/or solo. Dog parks can be challenging to manage, especially when the doggies are not yours. If there are confined areas, I love to throw a ball and frisbee! I have trained my dogs in the past to run down frisbees on the ground and in water. My poor lab/retriever mix was hilarious. He was so obedient but didn't know what to do. The first few times I tossed a frisbee at him, he let it hit him in the face! Before long, he was racing 40-50 yards to track that thing down and snatch it out of the air! Such a good boy!
Location
Portland, OR
Pets
James M.
Downtown, OR