5.0

I use “Kahu” to describe us animal caretakers (I don’t believe in calling ourselves “owners”). “Kahu” is Hawaiian and translates to guardian, protector, steward and beloved. ❤️ I love dogs and cats more than people. I’ve been the token animal caretaker in my home since I was little. I grew up with an American bulldog (Justice), a bull mastiff (Libby), a bassett hound (Dopey) and two cats (Kitty and Spike). I have two dogs and three cats. I share the dogs with my best friend, so they are here half the time, and with her half the time. The cats are always here. One dog Griffey (shichon) came to me via rehoming. I had watched him for years on Rover, and his family needed to rehome him, so I joyously took him in. He’s very clingy and mostly calm with bursts of energy. The other dog Cappy (chiweenie) came to me via Montgomery County Animal Services. I kept him after another family had returned him to the shelter. He sleeps all day and prefers to be carried, though I do make him walk! I have a tortie named Kapika. She adopted me in 2021 in the streets of DC. She is always excited to have visitors. I also have two bonded cats, Moxie & Maven, affectionately known as my Mini M&Ms. They came from a farm in Arkansas but were adopted here in Maryland as kittens. They’re a bit more shy around dogs but will come out eventually. Before Kapika, I had my beloved Baby Cat of 13.5 years. He was the sweetest, chonkiest, most loving boy. He had diabetes for five years, which I effectively managed with insulin. He ultimately died of metastatic lung cancer after doing everything I could to help him with palliative care. I know how to care for elderly and sick pets, so I’ll be patient, affectionate, and attentive to your pet’s needs. I know what it’s like to love your pets more than anything and worry about leaving them alone or with a sitter. Rest assured I will treat yours with the utmost love and care. Pets are family! Just think of me as the fun auntie who will spoil your fur child like my own. 😊 Career wise, I am in a transition phase. I recently quit my BigLaw job as an attorney and am in graduate school at GW for forensic psychology. I live in MD and attend school in VA. For drop-ins, I am flexible on timing except for when I have class (6-8 pm on Mondays and Thursdays and 9-5 on Saturdays once a month). For boarding in my home, I can spend most of the day with them, but they will sometimes be left alone when going to class, networking, running errands, and fulfilling other obligations. I fill out Rover cards for cat visits and take pictures. I’m very patient with cats who are more shy and timid and am usually successful at coaxing them out. If a cat gets in my lap, I literally won’t move until they do. I let dogs roam freely when I’m home and don’t mind if they sit on furniture. If I have to leave the apt, I’m happy to let them stay loose if they will not destroy things or crate them if you bring one. I have squeaky toys and treats here too. Because I have three cats (one is shy, two are very social) and two small dogs (both older and calm), it is a requirement that dogs boarded in my home get along with cats and dogs.