Mary J.
Lansdowne, PA
Nature & Animal Lover here!
Pet care experience
Nice to meet you! I'm Mary, most people call me MJ. I've been interested in animals and the natural world since I can remember: "adopting" neighborhood community cats as a kiddo, begging my parents for dogs, going vegetarian at 12 years old, supporting friends through animal births. As soon as I got out of college, I adopted my darling 12-year old dilute tortie Oxana. She and I love birdwatch (ask me about migration season!) and cuddle up on the couch with a good non-fiction book. In 2017, I adopted a heartworm positive ACD/border collie mix and nursed him through the treatment process. That was one of the toughest pet experiences I've ever had! I'm happy to report that today, he is 8 years old and heartworm-free, living a joyous and free life :) I would love to help support you and your animal family! I spend a lot of time on walks, observing the plant and animal world around us. I would love to take your furry friend with me and enjoy the wonder of being alive together. I have a warm spirit and a patient demeanor, and many years of experience caring for various animals in different capacities. If you don't see your needs listed on my profile, reach out and let's try to work something out!
Reviews
MJ provided exquisite care to my beloved cat. This cat is the most precious being to me in the world and I would trust MJ with her any day !!!
I think so highly of Mary, where do I even begin! I’ve known Mary for over six years now and she’s never faltered in her kindness and dependability. She has a great love and respect for all animals. She’s taken care of my three cats on multiple occasions. I can also see her organization and great communication skills transferring well here - being detail orientated with instructions and updating parents. I very much endorse her; I’d trust her with my pets and much more.
Mary loves animals and is an extremely responsible and caring person. With my dog, she projects a steadying presence for him, notices his signals and anticipates his needs.
MJ is definitely a whisperer of all things animals and nature. My cat is usually very scared of new people at first, but as soon as MJ walked in my cat was at ease. They are a deeply trustworthy person, attuned, capable, intuitive, responsible and responsive. I would have them take care of my precious cat any day and for any length of time!
About Mary J.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I consider safety the highest priority . Beyond pet sitting, I have many years of professional experience in which safety was of the utmost importance. I have extensive knowledge of wildlife and know which snakes are venomous and which are not - a constant dog-owner question! I have spent enough time with dogs and cats to understand their unspoken language, and will ask you beforehand what signs I should be looking out for in case your pet is feeling badly. In your home, my first priority is to follow all instructions you have laid out and ensure the safety of your pet. I'm a generous communicator and I'm not afraid to ask questions if I don't understand something. At my home, I have a fenced backyard where your dog can get the wiggles out. I have a beautiful walk route near my house that goes by a creek, let me know if your dog likes the water. There is one mostly mild-mannered cat in my home. We can discuss arrangements to keep them separated if need be. At this time, I am prioritizing dogs who are older and/or mild-mannered for boarding. If this doesn't fit your description, reach out and let's try to work something out!
Home
Information Mary J. would like to know about your pet
I would love to receive any information about your pet that you find important. The more information, the better! Some basic questions I might ask: - Tell me about mealtime. Any foods they cannot have? - What are their favorite things to do? - How would you describe their demeanor? - Do they have any aggressions? How are they with other animals/children and on walks? - Are there specific environmental factors I should be aware of (Ex: they like to chew on cords, there's a hole in your fence where they got out before, the lock on your front door is self-locking, etc.) - How do you want to be in touch while you're away? (Ex: pictures twice a day, pictures once every three days, only contact me in an emergency, etc.)
A typical day
During out M&G, I will ask what specific activities your pets like to do. I'm happy to provide time for outdoor play, short and/or long walks, playing in the creek, trick training, and other active time. For winding down, I absolutely love showing pets affection with belly rubs, cuddles, owner-approved treats, and however else your pet likes to be spoiled. For cats, I have scratch pads, a cat tower, string toys, catnip, and lots of small toys that we can play with. I also love to snuggle up with kitties (for as long as they let me!).
Services
Mary can host
Mary can watch in your home
Availability
I work from home and have a very flexible schedule, so I'm able to fit pet care into my day as needed. I'd love to work with you to create a schedule that works for both of us!
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About Mary J.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I consider safety the highest priority . Beyond pet sitting, I have many years of professional experience in which safety was of the utmost importance. I have extensive knowledge of wildlife and know which snakes are venomous and which are not - a constant dog-owner question! I have spent enough time with dogs and cats to understand their unspoken language, and will ask you beforehand what signs I should be looking out for in case your pet is feeling badly. In your home, my first priority is to follow all instructions you have laid out and ensure the safety of your pet. I'm a generous communicator and I'm not afraid to ask questions if I don't understand something. At my home, I have a fenced backyard where your dog can get the wiggles out. I have a beautiful walk route near my house that goes by a creek, let me know if your dog likes the water. There is one mostly mild-mannered cat in my home. We can discuss arrangements to keep them separated if need be. At this time, I am prioritizing dogs who are older and/or mild-mannered for boarding. If this doesn't fit your description, reach out and let's try to work something out!
Home
Information Mary J. would like to know about your pet
I would love to receive any information about your pet that you find important. The more information, the better! Some basic questions I might ask: - Tell me about mealtime. Any foods they cannot have? - What are their favorite things to do? - How would you describe their demeanor? - Do they have any aggressions? How are they with other animals/children and on walks? - Are there specific environmental factors I should be aware of (Ex: they like to chew on cords, there's a hole in your fence where they got out before, the lock on your front door is self-locking, etc.) - How do you want to be in touch while you're away? (Ex: pictures twice a day, pictures once every three days, only contact me in an emergency, etc.)
A typical day
During out M&G, I will ask what specific activities your pets like to do. I'm happy to provide time for outdoor play, short and/or long walks, playing in the creek, trick training, and other active time. For winding down, I absolutely love showing pets affection with belly rubs, cuddles, owner-approved treats, and however else your pet likes to be spoiled. For cats, I have scratch pads, a cat tower, string toys, catnip, and lots of small toys that we can play with. I also love to snuggle up with kitties (for as long as they let me!).
Location
Lansdowne, PA
Pets
Mary J.
Lansdowne, PA