Melissa J.
Melissa J.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $25 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Dogs are my favorite people!
Ever since the Beagle my parents brought into our family when I was a kid, I've been a dog person. As an adult, my partner and I were custodians of one sassy Chihuahua who lived to 16 and a half, and since her passing we've adopted a rat terrier mix as well as another Chi. While I have an undeniable fondness for small breeds, I love dogs of all shapes and sizes (I've spent a lot of time around Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Chow Chow mixes, so I know I can handle the physical demands of larger breeds). My terrier and I graduated from Mad 4 My Dog's basic obedience training course, so I've learned effective techniques for dog-walking and verbal commands. Dogs thrive around humans who are receptive to their needs, especially for exercise and mental stimulation, so whether I'm home with my own two dogs or spending time with friends' or family members' dogs, I try to provide not only affection but also the calmness and consistency that let a dog know they are safe and can trust me.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
When caring for pets in clients' homes, I'll happily uphold all "house rules" concerning where dogs are and aren't allowed to be, both inside and out. Safety should be every pet-sitter's #1 priority, so when your dog is in my care, I'll do my best to minimize all foreseeable hazards.
Ratings and reviews
I am delighted to recommend Melissa as a dedicated and qualified dog walker and pet sitter. What sets Melissa apart is her genuinely compassionate approach to all creatures great and small. She doesn't just enjoy animals; she is deeply committed to their health, well-being, and individual needs. Melissa is a proven advocate for animal health, evidenced by her personal experience as a rescue dog owner. She has rescued two Chihuahuas, one of whom was obese. Melissa worked diligently, implementing a careful diet and exercise routine to successfully restore the dog to a healthy weight. Her diligence and patience likely added years to that dog's life. Furthermore, she has handled canine behavioral challenges with remarkable patience and dedication. When her dogs had some issues cohabitating, Melissa didn't give up. Instead, she actively sought advice from canine professionals and proactively adapted her home environment to manage and minimize their distress. I am confident that she is prepared to handle the diverse personalities and needs of all pets. Lastly, Melissa’s commitment extends beyond her own pets. She has volunteered at WildCare, an organization specializing in the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. This experience highlights her reliability and her sincere love for all animals across the spectrum. I am certain that any animal placed in Melissa's care will receive love, care, and attention. Her history proves she is prepared to manage both the routine and the unexpected challenges of pet care. I recommend her wholeheartedly.
Melissa is wonderful caring for all different kind of pets. I have known Melissa for over 40 years and she has helped care for our animals many times over those years and she always treats them with compassion and respect. She is mindful and pays attention to detail and follows directions, even going above and beyond by providing extra love and care to our dogs and cats. I have seen how Melissa treats her own dogs and can say that she treats all animals with the same love and care. She is cool under pressure and can handle any pet situation that may present itself. Melissa is respectful of property and is on time. I have and continue to trust her with the care of my beloved dogs and cats!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I'm currently completing coursework in pursuit of a new professional license, but since my classes meet only on weekends, I am wide open from mornings through evenings throughout most of the week!