Melissa J.
Melissa J.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Responsible compassionate pet care
I grew up with two Old English Sheepdogs and cared for them at a very young age. We had dogs before I was born, and I adopted my own dog in my 20’s the minute I had an apartment so I’ve never lived anywhere without a dog. I also grew up with cats. I got a cat for my birthday when I was 8, and she had a litter of kittens. We also had birds, a hamster and a rabbit… a complete Dr. Dolittle household. I currently have two coonhounds, Pepper (age 12) and Pippi (age 2). I call them Pip & Pep for short :) I am very comfortable with puppies since I’ve adopted a few over the years, some as young as 12 weeks. My dog Pippi was 3 months when I adopted her. I trained all my puppies (and adult dogs) myself understand the importance of early development in dogs and know it takes loving patience. My training style is positive reinforcement and reward based training. I have experience in potty training, obedience and create training. I am also very comfortable with senior dogs. My dog Pepper is a senior and I have cared for many other seniors over the years. I understand the importance of being gentle, careful and kind with our older friends. I have had a wide range of different dogs with different personalities over the years. Some of them have had behavioral issues. I have experience with dogs who have had aggression, fearfulness, anxiety, and hyperactivity. So I’m comfortable with any behavioral special needs. I have also cared for dogs with medical needs, so I am comfortable administering medications and health care. My dog Pepper has a GI disease so I know how important dietary restrictions are. I have experience changing litter boxes for cats, and understand they can be allusive but also want your attention. It’s complicated, I get it felines :) I have cared for my family pets, my own pets, my friends pets and my coworkers pets. I have been surrounded by pets my whole life and therefore have a lifetime of experience. I will care for your beloved 4-legged friend as if they are my own. I will send you updates and pictures so you know how they’re doing while you’re away. I will be responsive and available for whatever you need.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Melissa was sweet, attentive and caring. She did a great job caring for my kitties!
Melissa is kind and loving towards animals and humans alike but is an animal lover through and through. As an artist, she focuses on animals and her home is welcoming with her two sweet pups. I would trust Melissa completely with my sweet dogs and always love our trips to the dog park together. I can’t endorse her enough!
Melissa is a pet owner that has, herself, had to travel frequently for work and enlist pet sitters for her dogs. One of her dogs has special needs, and she knows how important a sitter’s attention to detail and competent care are. She takes the time, listens to requests, and makes the extra efforts to provide exceptional service. She is friendly and responsive and easy to work with.
Melissa has a heart for animals that is bigger than anyone else I know. Her own dogs are treated with so much love and care. Any pet cared for by Melissa will have a 5 star experience!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I currently have a lot of flexibility. I am working on a few different projects from my home and make my own schedule. I am available for walks (any duration), drop-in visits (any duration), doggy day care at my home and/or overnight stays at my home. Overnight stays I can only do at my home because my senior dog has special needs and my puppy can’t be trusted around other people’s nice things yet :) Cats I can only come to your house for drop-ins and/or walks, my dogs unfortunately chase cats.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I have a large yard and a 6ft fence so your pup(s) will have lots of room to sniff but stay safe and secure within the bounds of a fence. I am happy to use a crate with your pup if that’s what they’re used to. My two dogs Pip and Pep are very friendly and playful. They would love to keep your pup company while you’re away!
Pets
A typical day
If your pup needs a little extra stimulation I’m happy to take them on a nice trail nearby or park to walk around. If your pup prefers their normal routine walk, just let me know the route. For drop-in’s let me know their favorite toys and we can play. If your pup just likes snuggles, I’m happy to just sit with them and give them pets.