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 for a while, and was responsible for all of its care, cage cleaning, and so forth. But I had to give him to my niece when I developed allergies. After that came a few dogs. One was a blue heeler who I played with and roamed the countryside with. 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 for that. 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. Unfortunately, we cannot have pets in our current apartment, and I miss spending time with them.
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
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 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. 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.
Services
Melissa can watch in your home
Availability
I work independently from home, and have a very open schedule. I'm not good with mornings, but most days I am available almost anytime in the afternoon or evening.
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
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 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. 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.
Location
San Antonio, TX
Melissa J.
San Antonio, TX