I’ve loved animals my entire life. Growing up, our family always had dogs and cats, and as an adult, I’ve had the privilege of caring for two blind rescue dogs, as well as my current lovable 16-pound Aussiedoodle, Zoey. Zoey lives with me and gets along well with other dogs. For the past 2½ years, I’ve owned and operated a dog-walking and cat-care business, caring for a variety of neighborhood pets. My experience includes three 19-year-old cats, two medium and large Doodles, a Dachshund I’ve cared for since he was just 10 weeks old, and dogs of many different mixed breeds, ages, and personalities. My approach is to always let the animal lead. Both of my rescue dogs came from very difficult circumstances, and I learned how important patience, trust, and a sense of safety are. Rather than expecting an animal to immediately feel comfortable with me, I give them the time and space they need to open up on their own. With a calm, loving, and safe environment, that trust usually begins to develop naturally. I’m especially comfortable with animals who may be shy, fearful, cautious, or unsure of strangers. I take a very gentle approach, allowing them to get to know me at their own pace. Once they feel safe and comfortable, that’s when the magic unfolds! I’m happy to follow your dog’s normal routine, whether that means sleeping in a crate at night or curling up on the bed. I live in a first-floor apartment facing a nice open green space, which makes it easy to provide frequent potty breaks and neighborhood walks. With pet-parent permission, it’s my norm to send daily updates and photos so you can see how your pet is doing while you’re away. I’m also comfortable administering medications and handling foods that require refrigeration or freezing. My schedule is fairly flexible, and I do my best to accommodate each pet’s individual routine and needs. Just let me know what works best for you and your pet!