Melissa J.
San Antonio, TX
Petless Pet Lover Seeks Time w/Pets
Pet care experience
I grew up in the country, and there were always cats and dogs around. I was responsible fairly early in my life for feeding the barn cats, but I would say my first serious experience in caring for animals started when I was around 13/14. I had a Guinea Pig, and was responsible for all of its care, cage cleaning, and so forth. Then there were a few dogs. One was a blue heeler who I played with and roamed the countryside with. She was very active and loved playing kickball and going for hikes. There were also Maltese. It started with 2 my mother got, and one became hers and one was mine. Mine was very difficult to groom, and he required a lot of extra care and patience for that, while also needing a firm hand so that he knew that acting up wouldn't mean we'd skip necessary care. These two had several litters of puppies, so I have some experience there. More recently, I have cared for my aunt's very elderly dog for long periods. He needs medication twice a day, and is of course very fragile. He can't see well, and can be unsteady on his feet. This means he needs an extra level of attention, and when I take care of him I am very used to being constantly aware of where he is and if he needs anything. I am usually very focused on any animals around me anyway, but he needs just a bit extra in that department, and so I can say I am completely ready to put my entire focus on your furry loved one, too Unfortunately, we cannot have pets in our current apartment, and I miss spending time with them. I miss it a lot. Since I have none of my own at the moment, caring for any animal is precious time to me, and during our walks or drop-ins, I can honestly say these pets are the center of my world.
Reviews
Melissa was about as good a walker as she could be. Definitely would use her again and highly recommend. Our dog was happy to be walked and petted by her.
Melissa was very flexible with our schedule. She took good care of our girls. Will definitely use her again when we are in the San Antonio area.
Melissa is dependable and reliable. She uses excellent judgement. I trust that she will do the right thing with care and efficiency. In the fifteen years that I have known her, my respect for her has grown.
About Melissa J.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When I have taken care of Moses, my aunt's dog, this required keeping him on his schedule for taking medication twice a day. I set alarms and got up early (for me, at least) to make sure he stayed on the same schedule he had had. Beyond the medication, I spent most of my time with him. He isn't a very physically affectionate dog, but he wants you close by. He has some trouble getting around, especially up and down the back stairs and sometimes the stairs to the bed. I always try to stay close in case he needs help. He also can't see well, so that needs extra attention -- making sure he gets treats and food and doesn't miss them.
Information Melissa J. would like to know about your pet
For walks: I'd like to know how they are on the leash. I don't mind pullers at all, and in fact often find it interesting what they want to check out. But I'd like to know if they want to run up to other people or dogs, and how they are with them. Do they try to jump up on people? Do you have any problems with other people petting your dog or giving them treats if they have any? If there are other dogs around, is yours comfortable with the usual sniffing and maybe a bit of play, or are they anxious or aggressive? I am very happy to walk dogs of any temperament as long as they aren't aggressive with me, but I need to know if I need to keep them away from other animals or people. For drop-ins: Please let me know about any food/treat needs. I don't want to overfeed or underfeed. If there are any particular games or toys they prefer, I'd love to know that, too! I can and have administered oral meds to dogs. When I watched my aunt's dog, they went in his food. But I have needed to give other dogs oral meds, so I do know how. I had a Maltese once that would not stand for grooming. The vet approved a medication to sedate him, and I learned then how to give it directly, as he'd spit it out if it was concealed in food. However, I do need to know if your pet is difficult to administer to -- do they fight, or spit out the medicine? My top goals for caring for an animal are their safety and my own, so if I feel things are crossing a line that way, I may not be able to administer their medication.
A typical day
Beyond walks, I love to play kickball/fetch and tug-of-war. I am happy to do almost any play a dog would enjoy, except if it involves a lot of running. I can do some if needed, but it isn't the easiest for me, so I prefer to do other activities with them.
Services
Melissa can watch in your home
Availability
I work independently from home, and have a very open schedule. I am more of an afternoon/night owl, but I can happily be available in the mornings, too.
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About Melissa J.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When I have taken care of Moses, my aunt's dog, this required keeping him on his schedule for taking medication twice a day. I set alarms and got up early (for me, at least) to make sure he stayed on the same schedule he had had. Beyond the medication, I spent most of my time with him. He isn't a very physically affectionate dog, but he wants you close by. He has some trouble getting around, especially up and down the back stairs and sometimes the stairs to the bed. I always try to stay close in case he needs help. He also can't see well, so that needs extra attention -- making sure he gets treats and food and doesn't miss them.
Information Melissa J. would like to know about your pet
For walks: I'd like to know how they are on the leash. I don't mind pullers at all, and in fact often find it interesting what they want to check out. But I'd like to know if they want to run up to other people or dogs, and how they are with them. Do they try to jump up on people? Do you have any problems with other people petting your dog or giving them treats if they have any? If there are other dogs around, is yours comfortable with the usual sniffing and maybe a bit of play, or are they anxious or aggressive? I am very happy to walk dogs of any temperament as long as they aren't aggressive with me, but I need to know if I need to keep them away from other animals or people. For drop-ins: Please let me know about any food/treat needs. I don't want to overfeed or underfeed. If there are any particular games or toys they prefer, I'd love to know that, too! I can and have administered oral meds to dogs. When I watched my aunt's dog, they went in his food. But I have needed to give other dogs oral meds, so I do know how. I had a Maltese once that would not stand for grooming. The vet approved a medication to sedate him, and I learned then how to give it directly, as he'd spit it out if it was concealed in food. However, I do need to know if your pet is difficult to administer to -- do they fight, or spit out the medicine? My top goals for caring for an animal are their safety and my own, so if I feel things are crossing a line that way, I may not be able to administer their medication.
A typical day
Beyond walks, I love to play kickball/fetch and tug-of-war. I am happy to do almost any play a dog would enjoy, except if it involves a lot of running. I can do some if needed, but it isn't the easiest for me, so I prefer to do other activities with them.
Location
San Antonio, TX
Melissa J.
San Antonio, TX