Lee A.
Liberty Lake, WA
Any Dog, But Especially Seniors!
Pet care experience
I didn’t have a dog growing up, which meant that as soon as I wanted one, I had to prove to two pet-less parents that I could definitely, completely take care of one. The bottom line was that it would be ME, not them, and that requirement of responsibility had me scrambling for every pet-sitting job I could get my hands on. I was looking after my dad’s cousin’s poodle, my mom’s friend’s cat, my next door neighbors’ two huskies. Time after time proving that I wasn’t afraid of walking, feeding, or most of all…poop-scooping. (My parents were very fixated on that last one.) When I was 16, I went to visit the shelter where my cousin volunteered. On the car ride there, she gave me a pitch for Augie, a senior beagle with chronic obesity and “a lot of personality”. He had been neglected in his first home and returned to the shelter by his second. I was lucky enough to have him for the remainder of his life. By all accounts - particularly those of his sitters - Augie wasn’t an easy dog to take care of. Separation anxiety, bad joints, a collapsed trachea, not to mention an endless appetite. But I did the research for his dog food and switched his collar out for a harness. I held him whenever he was scared and helped him up and down the stairs. Eventually, I changed his diapers. He wasn’t an easy dog to take care of, but he was a dog who was worth it, and I learned a great deal from him. I strongly believe that senior dogs should be treated not only with love, but with attentiveness - no matter how “inconvenient” that might be. Every dog deserves to be taken care of, and I will gladly accommodate any and all of the needs that they develop with age.
Reviews
Amazing job as always. We decided to do a last minute backpacking trip and Lee was so gracious and squeezed us into their schedule! We were able to take our trip and not worry about anything because we knew our babies were taken care of.
Lee did an amazing job with our senior dog and very vocal little cat. They shared a lot of pictures and updates with us which was really wonderful! 10/10 will be asking Lee to sit for our babies again.
Lee was very kind to our dogs and fish. We are glad they had companionship over our 6 day vacation. There were key essential requirements for our situation and for which we spoke about in our interview and left a set of instructions for, that were not met during her stay: our 2 1/2 yr old dogs were not fully exercised as requested and they got into a bit of mischief, mail was not collected as asked, garbage was not rolled to the curb, and packages were not collected. These items may become more familiar to her over time with feedback as she gains experience. Lee did exercise the dogs after recognizing the mischief was from lack of attention/exercise. We were happy she was present and available for our pets at our home versus just stopping by to let them out. This was familiar for our pups as our family has flexible work schedules.
Lee took care of our dog and our home for 12 days and did a great job! We would definitely have Lee back again.
About Lee A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When it comes to pet-sitting, my number one priority is personalization. No two pets are the same, so each individual animal needs a specific kind of care. One of my cats loves being scooped up and smooched and squished with abandon. The other likes choosing when she comes to me, and only wants to be scritched in specific places. With every animal I meet, no matter how brief of a time I’m spending with them, I’m always keeping an eye out for those kinds of preferences. Beyond feeding and cleaning up after the pets I take care of, familiarizing myself with them and earning their trust is how I prepare for trickier tasks like meds administration and vet visits.
Information Lee A. would like to know about your pet
Rover has a pet profile format that is very comprehensive when filled out in full. I appreciate having that outline in advance, with specifics being laid out in person so that I know where to find food, toys, doggie bags, etc.
A typical day
Typically, the first thing dogs need at the beginning of the day is a bathroom break. I keep an eye on them while they’re out and pick up after them as needed. Serving food and checking water is next, as well as administering any required medications (that aren’t intended for bedtime). Activities will depend on the dog’s energy level and physical capabilities. I keep to neighborhoods for normal walks and will generally bring the dog to parks via car in order to avoid busy streets and traffic along the way. With older dogs, it’s more a matter of keeping them company and giving them love. Playtime is at the dog’s indication or as an outlet for excess energy. Treats are rationed and given on a sporadic basis or as a reward. If the dog has a nighttime routine, I’ll follow it with them and take them out for a final bathroom break before bed. If necessary, I will typically administer nighttime meds about an hour before bedtime - particularly anti anxiety meds that need a little while to kick in.
Services
Lee can watch in your home
Availability
My own pets are a very natural part of my day-to-day schedule, and yours will be too. Weekdays with obligations (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) will only ever require a maximum of three hours of my time, before and after which I am fully available, unless otherwise specified.
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About Lee A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When it comes to pet-sitting, my number one priority is personalization. No two pets are the same, so each individual animal needs a specific kind of care. One of my cats loves being scooped up and smooched and squished with abandon. The other likes choosing when she comes to me, and only wants to be scritched in specific places. With every animal I meet, no matter how brief of a time I’m spending with them, I’m always keeping an eye out for those kinds of preferences. Beyond feeding and cleaning up after the pets I take care of, familiarizing myself with them and earning their trust is how I prepare for trickier tasks like meds administration and vet visits.
Information Lee A. would like to know about your pet
Rover has a pet profile format that is very comprehensive when filled out in full. I appreciate having that outline in advance, with specifics being laid out in person so that I know where to find food, toys, doggie bags, etc.
A typical day
Typically, the first thing dogs need at the beginning of the day is a bathroom break. I keep an eye on them while they’re out and pick up after them as needed. Serving food and checking water is next, as well as administering any required medications (that aren’t intended for bedtime). Activities will depend on the dog’s energy level and physical capabilities. I keep to neighborhoods for normal walks and will generally bring the dog to parks via car in order to avoid busy streets and traffic along the way. With older dogs, it’s more a matter of keeping them company and giving them love. Playtime is at the dog’s indication or as an outlet for excess energy. Treats are rationed and given on a sporadic basis or as a reward. If the dog has a nighttime routine, I’ll follow it with them and take them out for a final bathroom break before bed. If necessary, I will typically administer nighttime meds about an hour before bedtime - particularly anti anxiety meds that need a little while to kick in.
Location
Liberty Lake, WA
Pets
Lee A.
Liberty Lake, WA