Michelle C. T.
Avila Beach, CA
"Empty Nester" after 19 years
Pet care experience
I've taken care of all kinds of pets for about the past 45 years - dogs, birds, fish, snakes, gerbils, chinchillas, hamsters, mice, and rabbits, to name a few. For the past 19 years we've had a Pug dog 6-pack known as the "SLOpugs." Our last one recently passed away, and I have 6 Pug-shaped holes in my heart. I'm not ready to get another dog, but I can't imagine a life without dogs, so I decided I would give dog-sitting a try.
Reviews
Michelle has been a dog lover all her life! She is a responsible, compassionate dog owner. I would trust her with my own dogs. I know she would treat any dog like her own.
About Michelle C. T.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We live in a coastal oak woodland. Dogs will be mostly indoors and must be able to climb stairs on their own (unless they're small and 20 lbs. or less). We have a really nice, fully fenced dog run that is about 4 ft. high. This won't work if your dog is able to jump or climb over this fence. I bring the dogs outside to stretch their legs, eat meals, and relieve themselves. Indoors they can sleep on a dog bed or in a crate if you prefer. If you choose dog walking services we have many trails in and near our neighborhood as well as nearby Avila Beach.
Home
Information Michelle C. T. would like to know about your pet
I would like to care for well socialized and well-behaved dogs that are potty trained and crate trained.
A typical day
When I care for a dog I will care for it like s/he was my own, i.e. like a family member. I mostly work out of my home, so they will hang out with me while I am processing photos, doing house chores, running errands, or if it's the evening enjoying "TV time." If I need to go out I will bring them with me if dogs are allowed and appropriate, or I will leave them at home with a family member (we all cared for all of our dogs for nearly two decades), or I will secure them in a crate or exercise pen indoors (for short periods). I like to talk with and play with the dogs on a regular basis throughout the day. In between meals I will take them outside for a treat to our fully fenced dog run that runs the length of our house and wraps around to the back of our house. Time and situation permitting I will take dogs on walks in the neighborhood or in the larger community. As for dog bathing & grooming services for your convenience I will do a basic wash, blow dry, and brushing (no nail trimming or gland expressing).
Services
Michelle C. can host
Michelle C. can watch in your home
Availability
I'm a professional freelance photographer and also a frequent traveler. I, for the most part, control my own schedule, but I can work clients in with advanced noticed. I'm most likely a best fit for people who plan their schedules in advance for work or vacations. My cancellation policy is strict, because as a freelancer, I block out time for my scheduled clients to whom I'm committed and will likely forego other jobs whether they are pet related or my freelance photography clients.
About Michelle C. T.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We live in a coastal oak woodland. Dogs will be mostly indoors and must be able to climb stairs on their own (unless they're small and 20 lbs. or less). We have a really nice, fully fenced dog run that is about 4 ft. high. This won't work if your dog is able to jump or climb over this fence. I bring the dogs outside to stretch their legs, eat meals, and relieve themselves. Indoors they can sleep on a dog bed or in a crate if you prefer. If you choose dog walking services we have many trails in and near our neighborhood as well as nearby Avila Beach.
Home
Information Michelle C. T. would like to know about your pet
I would like to care for well socialized and well-behaved dogs that are potty trained and crate trained.
A typical day
When I care for a dog I will care for it like s/he was my own, i.e. like a family member. I mostly work out of my home, so they will hang out with me while I am processing photos, doing house chores, running errands, or if it's the evening enjoying "TV time." If I need to go out I will bring them with me if dogs are allowed and appropriate, or I will leave them at home with a family member (we all cared for all of our dogs for nearly two decades), or I will secure them in a crate or exercise pen indoors (for short periods). I like to talk with and play with the dogs on a regular basis throughout the day. In between meals I will take them outside for a treat to our fully fenced dog run that runs the length of our house and wraps around to the back of our house. Time and situation permitting I will take dogs on walks in the neighborhood or in the larger community. As for dog bathing & grooming services for your convenience I will do a basic wash, blow dry, and brushing (no nail trimming or gland expressing).
Location
Avila Beach, CA
Michelle C. T.
Avila Beach, CA