Melodie W.
Lexington, VA
Loving, Trusting, Pet professional
Pet care experience
I consider myself to be a professional dog handler and pet sitter. I've been working with animals the last 10 years throughout different professions. I spent many years working in an animal shelter and really honed my skills walking and working with fearful and reactive dogs. I learned a great deal about dog body language and taking the time to get to know each dog while working within the boarding and daycare industry. I've spent the last several years working in veterinary medicine but I've left all that behind to pursue my certification in dog training. I will soon be graduating with my CTA-CDT and will be continuing my education after that. I love all animals but especially dogs. I see each dog as an individual and will treat them as such. I pride myself on treating animals with respect and never breaking that trust. My extensive experience handling all types of dogs and my deep love for them make me the perfect candidate to care for yours!
Reviews
Melodie is great! We will definitely use her again.
Melodie did an excellent job! The pets absolutely loved her!
Melodie has been great and super helpful!
Melodie was fantastic! She did a great job with our furbabies! She was professional, dependable, respectful of our home, and highly attentive to our pets needs. I really enjoyed the updates and photos she sent while I was away. I could not be more appreciative of how well she cared for our pups and rabbit!
About Melodie W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When I am in your home to care for your pets, I will treat the animals and the home with respect. I will try to stick to your pets regular routines and care as to make the time you are away easier for them. I am open to playing ball, tug, going for a walk or just loving on your dog, whatever is their preference. If you are away on vacation or out of town, I will send update pictures to help put your mind at ease.
Information Melodie W. would like to know about your pet
I think it's very important to have a clear understanding of a dogs behavior so I know what type of approach I should have when interacting with the dog. I'd love to know of any handling sensitivities or food allergies. I would like to know if a dog is fearful or reactive, if they have trouble sharing things like food or toys and if they are protective of their home. I have experience dealing with more special needs dogs and am happy to try and make something work for them.
A typical day
I love to play chase, toss the ball or tug on the toy to burn energy. I am happy to bring out any mental enrichment your dog may be use to like kongs or lick mats. I cater to the dog I am walking so if they want to walk fast, we are going to but if they'd like to slow down and take in the smells, I am happy to do what makes them happy. Walks are for them.
Services
Melodie can watch in your home
Availability
My primary job is dog training so I may have appointments during the day I need to go to but I should never be out more than 4 hours. I occasionally pick up shifts to help out at my old job but have an hour lunch break for midday potty breaks. My schedule is overall very flexible if I know a few weeks in advance. When I’m on an overnight, I will spend as much of my time as I can at home with your pets.
About Melodie W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When I am in your home to care for your pets, I will treat the animals and the home with respect. I will try to stick to your pets regular routines and care as to make the time you are away easier for them. I am open to playing ball, tug, going for a walk or just loving on your dog, whatever is their preference. If you are away on vacation or out of town, I will send update pictures to help put your mind at ease.
Information Melodie W. would like to know about your pet
I think it's very important to have a clear understanding of a dogs behavior so I know what type of approach I should have when interacting with the dog. I'd love to know of any handling sensitivities or food allergies. I would like to know if a dog is fearful or reactive, if they have trouble sharing things like food or toys and if they are protective of their home. I have experience dealing with more special needs dogs and am happy to try and make something work for them.
A typical day
I love to play chase, toss the ball or tug on the toy to burn energy. I am happy to bring out any mental enrichment your dog may be use to like kongs or lick mats. I cater to the dog I am walking so if they want to walk fast, we are going to but if they'd like to slow down and take in the smells, I am happy to do what makes them happy. Walks are for them.
Location
Lexington, VA
Pets
Melodie W.
Lexington, VA