L.M. H.
Austin, TX
Extroverted, Friendly Dog Lover!
Pet care experience
I'm Lydia! I grew up with a German Shepard Rottweiler mix who lived past 20, but I was 21 when I decided to get my own dog: a GSP from the pound. They told me I was getting a lab. She was not 😂 She was the love of my life, my ride or die, and I wear her ashes in a ring I commissioned. I adopted another dog, Mason (though I claim Mya really adopted him) a very dumb but sweet Border Collie who passed away in December of 2020 after 14 years as well. I started doing Rover because I'm not quite ready to adopt again, and now I have fallen in love with my regulars who I consider my fur nephews/nieces. I send them valentine's day cards and everything 🥰 I only house-sit one household at a time so the fur kids my full attention and you don't have to worry about me not being there. I am great with needy puppies as well as cranky old man dogs. Weird perk of hiring me? I will legit take adorable photos of your pets constantly ☺️You will get picture updates at least once a day! I am an organized person and I do book up quickly, so don't be afraid of scheduling well in advance! (I am currently accepting bookings through August 2024) I am a definite homebody so expect your "kids" to witness Friday night virtual DnD sessions, 90 Day Fiance marathons, and endless snuggles. Please no interior cameras in your home as it makes me uncomfortable. I completely understand wanting to check in on the fur kids when you aren't there but when I'm staying in a space I prefer them not to be on. (I have had some uncomfortable experiences with prior pet owners.) I shattered my ankle awhile back so hikes on uneven terrain (or very long walks) isn't feasible. I also have fibromyalgia and migraines so one thing I need to not flareup is decent sleep. That means a legit mattress (no sofa beds) access to air conditioning, and a room that can be fully dark. (People many times don't consider the last one for guest rooms.) Also, I was interviewed by This American Life about dog sitting! Check out episode 799, act 3
Reviews
Thank you for taking great care of our pups! I appreciate you coming by beforehand to meet them and your diligence around their needs.
Lydia took wonderful care of our boys. She clearly has a way with dogs as our boys were very calm and relaxed when we returned home - we knew they had been well loved.
Lydia took amazing care of our two pups while we were gone. She sent plenty of photos and updates letting us know how it was going. The dogs were happy!
Lydia is the absolute best! She takes such great care of our pup, Cobra, that I'm pretty sure he loves her the most! Lydia is also a great house sitter and takes great care of everything when we are not around. Literally could not ask for a more wonderful human!
About L.M. H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I will take care of your home like I would my own. I also hate coming home to a dirty house after travelling so I always make sure the space is clean upon your return! I occasionally host a ladies' writers group (5 women in their 30/40s) or enjoy watching a movie with a friend on a Saturday night, so please let me know if you are uncomfortable with me having guests over! I will always prioritize the health of your pets and security of your home. If any of this is uncomfortable for you, just let me know! I prefer no indoor cameras as I have had some bad experiences from the past.
Information L.M. H. would like to know about your pet
Any kind of aggressive past towards humans or other dogs and any variables that might stress them out so I can avoid them to keep them at ease. I've had a lot of experience with dogs with separation anxiety so I totally get it. What their favorite treats are, favorite scritches/types of attention, and any behaviors you would like me to curb/not encourage.
A typical day
I try to mimic the owners' routine as close as possible, so please let me know what y'all normally do! I will say that if they are couch potatoes and just want to snuggle up and watch tv then I am their perfect human :)
Services
L.M. can watch in your home
Availability
I am a humanities professor for ACC (11-4 M-Th) and work multiple jobs from home. I tend to not leave the kiddos alone for longer than 3 hours at a time otherwise. Turns out writers block is great for play time!
About L.M. H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I will take care of your home like I would my own. I also hate coming home to a dirty house after travelling so I always make sure the space is clean upon your return! I occasionally host a ladies' writers group (5 women in their 30/40s) or enjoy watching a movie with a friend on a Saturday night, so please let me know if you are uncomfortable with me having guests over! I will always prioritize the health of your pets and security of your home. If any of this is uncomfortable for you, just let me know! I prefer no indoor cameras as I have had some bad experiences from the past.
Information L.M. H. would like to know about your pet
Any kind of aggressive past towards humans or other dogs and any variables that might stress them out so I can avoid them to keep them at ease. I've had a lot of experience with dogs with separation anxiety so I totally get it. What their favorite treats are, favorite scritches/types of attention, and any behaviors you would like me to curb/not encourage.
A typical day
I try to mimic the owners' routine as close as possible, so please let me know what y'all normally do! I will say that if they are couch potatoes and just want to snuggle up and watch tv then I am their perfect human :)
Location
Austin, TX
L.M. H.
Austin, TX