Converted art teacher/artist to stay at home mom professional groomer...I have two children Evelyn 9, and Lena 6. They have been raised with animals, and have grown to treat them with respect and compassion. I have not had a problem with animals around my children, but I take common sense precautions. I have boarded many times for grooming clients, and when new animals are in our home, they are welcome as one of the pack for their stay. Must be vaccinated with rabies and routine shots. My animals are all vaccinated and spayed/neutered. I like to know if your dog is too before they stay with us. I also offer grooming services during their stay. I love clean doggies:). I'm a Groomer/artist, and have experience as a Vet Assistant so I'm used to seeing anything and everything. I can handle gross. I have taught children and animals. I also do doggie massage, and have trained many dogs through basic obedience, puppy stages, and even a few tricks here and there. I enjoy training and know each dog comes as an individual in a new situation. I have had 2 rescue dogs in my life. They inspired me to go as far as I have in the animal industry including going to grooming school, and working as a vet assistant. I am also equally a cat person so of course I have three. They are all very used to dogs. If your not sure about how your dogs act around cats just schedule a meet and greet with me and we can see. I have a very friendly giant Siamese that would love to meet your dog. I have had several dogs in the past that weren’t very cat friendly, but my cats have higher places they can exist just fine if need be. I have a full privacy fence in my back yard, and literally live right by the Pennsey Trail for dog walking. It is an extremely dog friendly neighborhood. About this sitter: I am a single mother of two beautiful girls, a licensed groomer, and artist. I went to Indiana University, and have a BA in Studio Art, and Visual Arts Education License. I have a passion for animals great and small, and have found my little niche in the groomer/pet sitter side very rewarding. I have a gate system that makes it all safe for visiting dogs to live with my animals and children when either needs space or when eating. When other dogs are here they are welcome as one of the family. I just need to know all their "particulars" , general behavior, chewing choices, food, and history. My animals are all vaccinated and I keep all my animals on flea control. I can take care of any fleas and groom before I let new doggies into my house. I just need to know. I love clean dogs, and like the bond that can be created through grooming. Some dogs are shy and unsure of what's happening when they first arrive as well as owners, but be assured we let your dog acclimate at their pace, and wait to introduce my dog after they've met me. My kids know to wait and let the dog settle. I teach them a lot about reading body language, and giving guest dogs their space. About cats. I love cats as much as dogs. My cats are very dog friendly and good at steering clear if they feel like lunch, but appreciate a heads up if your dog doesn't know cats and/or chases cats, and needs an first feline introduction. I have a German Shepard client that saw my cats as prey on her first stay, and on her third stay they chill on the couch together so I know it can be done with patience. If you have any questions I haven't answered feel free to text or call. Thanks! Why I love dog sitting My whole life. I grew up with dogs, cats, and lots of different small critters. I decided to take a break from art teaching and got a job as a vet assistant at a spay & neuter clinic. That was when I knew that I always wanted to be involved with animals in some way. I decided that with my background in art I would enjoy grooming. I started out at Petsmart as a bather, then went to work at a smaller shop once I went though grooming academy at All Creatures Great and Groomed. The owner is very involved in dog fostering, and exotic animal rescue, and exposed me to working with animals that were considered difficult, too old, or handicapped and turned away from other groomers. I worked as an independent groomer for her until I was 9 months pregnant. I stress safety with my children, and do not leave them unattended with dogs. We have 3 cats that are all very used to dogs. I've had a lot of dogs stay here that had never been around cats before. Meet my pets Siamese cat, 9 years, Baby Kitty Brown Tabby cat, 8 years, Little Monster Black long haired cat, baby, Frodo About my yard fenced back yard. My experience administering medication Yes. I have one client that has dogs that take several medications 3 times a day. Plus with my experience as a vet assistant I'm very used to giving pills to dogs and cats.