I work from home for a Distance Learning College as both an Admin and a faculty member, I recently moved and missing the family dog, Lily, who was with me almost 24/7 for the last two years while working from home. Lily's dog bed was on a short side table next to my desk, with a window at her dog bed level - she was able to look out the window to the backyard and if a squirrel or bunny was eyed, she jumped to action and I needed to let her into the backyard. I loved seeing her want to keep her yard free of invaders and she was so pleased when the squirrel escaped to the neighbors yard. I knew Lily for 5 years, but got to know her even more and have a special relationship with her since working from home and spending so much time with her - walks, sitting outside, hearing her breath as she slept near my desk, and having her wanting to eat the carrots I was cutting for dinner. I found it so fun to look for new neighborhoods and trails to walk - so that Lily could explore a new area. I also enjoyed meeting up at the "dog park" each morning. I miss Lily and her friendship since I moved across country and I would like to be able to give the opportunity of constant friendship to other dogs, (or cats!) who might prefer to be with someone than alone while their parent is out. As I was planning my move, and knowing I would miss Lily, I thought about how many dogs and cats sit alone at home while their parent(s) might be away. I would love the companionship plus to be able to be a friend to a pet who could enjoy it. A Win Win situation! I have grown up with having cats and dogs most of my life. Many of my family and friends like pets as well, but comment on how much I am drawn to animals. I have caught myself being more excited to see a pet than being engaged in conversation with a person I am visiting. It is common for a pet owner of a dog or cat I meet for the first time, to express surprise when their shy pet is comfortable with me and "likes me". I seem to do well with the nervous dogs. I have stayed with dogs who have high anxiety of being alone at home and/or loud noises. I have taken my neighbor's boxer for water therapy 3x week to help slow down weakening muscles from a disease similar to ALS for humans. This meant helping to lift Rave in/out of the car and putting special boots on her feet before outings. I have had my own cats and/or looked after (including hosting for long periods of times), friend's cats over most of my life. I have given medicine a number of ways - via needles, via dropping it in the back of a cat's throat, and via putting ointment into a cat's eye. I have also, unfortunately, experienced caring for two of my cats who experience(d) kidney issues. I frequently pet sit in people's homes (for pets and children) and enjoy serving others in such a practical way. I would even be willing to be a "dog nanny". Other than working from home and having some video call meetings, I am pretty flexible with my time. I enjoy the opportunities to take breaks from work to care for pets and taking dogs for walks. My work is very portable, so I can easily bring my laptop and as long as I can connect to the internet, I can continue my work at the pet's home when I dog/cat sit. Other than the occasional short errands to the post office or store, I tend to be working at home if I am not out walking. I do have commitments on Monday and Wednesday evenings from about 6:30-9:30pm during the school year (mid Sept-mid Dec and mid Jan-early May) and Sunday mornings from around 9am-1pm. Twice a week, I spend a couple of hours in the morning helping my friend out by taking her daughter to a park or just to roam around outside to explore. We are always asking to pet a dog that is in the area. We welcome a pet to come along on our 2-3 hour adventures. Although I do not have a pet in the home, I regularly watch a friend's Chihuahua, Amber, during the day. I prefer to to accept hosting dogs who will be friendly and enjoy a friendly/not bothersome Chihuahua. Amber loves walks when not sleeping on the bed. I am fortunate to have a flexible schedule and am excited to have the excuse to take more breaks to walk and play with a dog. I love having a furry pet around to love on and keep company. Few details for hosting, I welcome pets sleeping on the bed:) I do not have a fenced in yard but a plus is that there are no steps into or within the house, and medium sized dogs can easily look out of the windows if they wish to. I will only host housebroken dogs who do not chew on furniture, etc. I also am not able to host a dog at my place that tends to bark at/during the night, or during the day. I am likely best for low energy dogs who enjoy quiet while I am working between our 20-60 min walks throughout the day. (I generally walk for less time when it is warm outside in the middle of the day, and do longer walks in the morning/evening when it is cooler). *My settings are for one dog at a time so as to care for a pet one on one. I am happy to look after multiple pets from the same home. Just let me know and I can adjust my preferences so that you can book with me for particular dates.