Meryl E.
Wilmington, NC
Big lover of all animals!
Pet care experience
Throughout my entire life I’ve worked with and owned a multitude of different types of dogs, varying from a plethora of different needs. From fostering puppies to providing hospice care for seniors, I’ve pretty much experienced it all! Pets are family to me, and your furry babes will be given the same love and care I give my own. If your dog likes long walks on the beach, so do I. If your dog likes to lay on the couch and get belly scratches all day, then guess who’s getting belly scratches all day?! If your dog stays with us (my husband and I, he is also an avid animal lover), they will be showered in love and kisses (if that’s what they want). We have a .3 acre completely fenced in backyard, a multitude of toys and bones, and our own dog Murphy who loves playing, but is also down to snuggle all day. Despite his age, he is respectful of space and will not be in your dogs face. He is generally submissive and honestly can be a little awkward at first, but he’s incredibly sweet and wouldn’t hurt a fly. We also have a cat, but he tends to keep to himself when new animals are in the house. If your dog is not cat friendly, we can safely put Bruce (the cat) up while you’re pup is with us. We just ask that your pup is crate trained so when we need to leave, all animals will be 100% safe! Ethical pet stainless steel bowls are provided, but if you prefer to bring your own that is totally fine too! We have two extra XL memory foam beds, a ton of blankets for them to use on the beds, lots of treats, an extra kong, lick mat, and a whole lotta love for animals!
Reviews
Meryl was great. We've worked with her multiple times and would highly recommend.
Meryl did a fantastic job. Great communication. We will be using her again!
Meryl is great! She came through for us in a pinch and took such good care of our puppy for a full day. She communicated with us throughout the day, sent photos, and had a great attitude. We're hoping our puppy behaved for her and played well with her pups so we can work with her again. Thank you, Meryl.
Meryl Estep is a responsible young adult who has given care to plenty of dogs before. Currently, she owns two dogs which she cares for and walks daily and showers with love and affection. Meryl very much loves animals of all kinds, especially canines and is always the first to notify others when there’s an animal in need. She follows through on her promises and is quick to think in any situation with a leveled head. Meryl would be a perfect dog sitter for any household given her prior experience with many kinds of dogs she has dealt with and helped in the past, be that her own, a stray, fostering, or previous dog sitting.
About Meryl E.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
My animals are my family. Their safety and health are of the upmost importance to us. When caring for any animal I treat them how I would treat my own, with lots of love, care, and kindness. Toys/bones are put up when we are not home, and we make sure our house is a choke free hazard. Having dealt with a dog who had destructive separation anxiety, we know what needs to be put away in order to prevent any kind of hazard. During meal times the dogs will eat spaced out as to not trigger any potential reactivity, and will be monitored during bone/kong/lick mat time. Our cat has his own room that always has a baby gate on it, but also has a door that can be shut when not cat friendly dogs are here. As previously mentioned, we just ask your dog is crate trained for when we are not home for the safety of our cat and your pup. Alternatively, when requested, I have brought dogs back to the clients home while we are at work and then picked them up at the end of the work day. I am willing to work out a situation to make sure you and your pup are feeling safe and happy! In terms of drop-ins/walks, I like to provide ample communication and updates during my time in the clients home. I make sure the animal feels safe with me and am incredibly patient. I understand that I am in their home and they might need some time to warmup, and I’m happy to give them that time! I always like to give that extra few minutes of a walk or snuggle time if your pet needs it.
Home
Information Meryl E. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog has any special needs or specific “quirks” (ex. one of my dogs is scared of brooms so we put him outside when we sweep). I’m well versed in giving medication to dogs and have had to provide injections for my dogs as well. If your dog has any reactivity please let me know! It is definitely not a deterrent, but we want all people/animals to feel safe in our home or in your home. List any allergies your dog has and if they have a specific diet/cannot have treats. We love to do peanut butter kongs and cook an egg on our lick mat for our dog and are happy to share with yours if allowed!
A typical day
With dogs I have previously watched (as well as my own) I provide long walks that can range anywhere between 10 minutes for my senior babies and an hour for the high energy ones. I also love doing mentally stimulating exercises with dogs such as lick mats, kongs, and teaching them basic commands. We love taking our dog to the park, breweries, and the beach. We love to have our clients pups come with us, but are more than happy to stay close to home if that’s what is requested. I have safely been able to walk up to 3 dogs and can handle up to 6 if my husband is with me. I can also do solo walks if needed.
Services
Meryl can host
Meryl can watch in your home
Availability
My husband and I both work Monday-Friday but pop in for lunch to let Murphy out, and take him on long walks before and after work, so we would provide the same care for your pup if that’s what they need/are staying with us! For drop-ins, my work is flexible. Before 12 is always easy for drop ins/walks, then I can provide drop in services only between 12-5:30. After 5:30 I can provide drop ins/walks again. Weekends we love taking Murphy out and about, or lounging around the house with him. Whichever you/your pup prefers, we will happily accommodate.
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About Meryl E.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
My animals are my family. Their safety and health are of the upmost importance to us. When caring for any animal I treat them how I would treat my own, with lots of love, care, and kindness. Toys/bones are put up when we are not home, and we make sure our house is a choke free hazard. Having dealt with a dog who had destructive separation anxiety, we know what needs to be put away in order to prevent any kind of hazard. During meal times the dogs will eat spaced out as to not trigger any potential reactivity, and will be monitored during bone/kong/lick mat time. Our cat has his own room that always has a baby gate on it, but also has a door that can be shut when not cat friendly dogs are here. As previously mentioned, we just ask your dog is crate trained for when we are not home for the safety of our cat and your pup. Alternatively, when requested, I have brought dogs back to the clients home while we are at work and then picked them up at the end of the work day. I am willing to work out a situation to make sure you and your pup are feeling safe and happy! In terms of drop-ins/walks, I like to provide ample communication and updates during my time in the clients home. I make sure the animal feels safe with me and am incredibly patient. I understand that I am in their home and they might need some time to warmup, and I’m happy to give them that time! I always like to give that extra few minutes of a walk or snuggle time if your pet needs it.
Home
Information Meryl E. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog has any special needs or specific “quirks” (ex. one of my dogs is scared of brooms so we put him outside when we sweep). I’m well versed in giving medication to dogs and have had to provide injections for my dogs as well. If your dog has any reactivity please let me know! It is definitely not a deterrent, but we want all people/animals to feel safe in our home or in your home. List any allergies your dog has and if they have a specific diet/cannot have treats. We love to do peanut butter kongs and cook an egg on our lick mat for our dog and are happy to share with yours if allowed!
A typical day
With dogs I have previously watched (as well as my own) I provide long walks that can range anywhere between 10 minutes for my senior babies and an hour for the high energy ones. I also love doing mentally stimulating exercises with dogs such as lick mats, kongs, and teaching them basic commands. We love taking our dog to the park, breweries, and the beach. We love to have our clients pups come with us, but are more than happy to stay close to home if that’s what is requested. I have safely been able to walk up to 3 dogs and can handle up to 6 if my husband is with me. I can also do solo walks if needed.
Location
Wilmington, NC
Pets
Meryl E.
Wilmington, NC