Michelle N.
Central, TX
A runner and a dog lover!
Pet care experience
I never considered caring for other friends dogs as a job. On the contrary I came to realize I looked forward to dog sitting. I started dog sitting when I was living in Austin, TX. A co-worker mentioned she and her fiance were going out of town for a week and didn't know what to do about their two fur babies. Without thinking, I offered to watch Sir Wrigley (a rottweiler blue heeler mix) and Katy dog (a labrador retriever). They gave me a key to their house (which I still have) so I could come and go as I needed during the day and so I was able to spend the night. I made sure they stayed on their schedule and that they were well taken care of. I enjoyed it so much and I would like to try it out in my hometown.
Reviews
Thanks for taking care of our babies again❤️🐶
Thank you for doing a great job with my pups.They were happy, playful and full of energy. I was able to enjoy a mini vacation because I knew they were in good hands. Thanks for agreeing to so many meet and greets before their stay.
Michelle stayed with our 10 month old puppy & cat over a week long period. Details of our puppy’s schedule & needs were shared prior to the booking. Michelle agreed that she could fulfill these requests. In the first 24 hours my puppy was in Michelle’s care, my puppy was in the crate for a total (not consecutive) of 22 hours. This was known from crate camera, previously disclosed. In the first 48 hours, my puppy had been left in the crate for 7 consecutive hours, despite being told 6 hours was the max; except at night. Michelle had my puppy in his crate in the early through the late evening; despite being told that is my puppy’s most active time. Michelle would be gone through late evening/early morning hours (periods between 9pm - 6am); despite being told & agreeing to stay overnight with my puppy (guest room provided). My puppy would be expected to sleep upwards of 8-12hrs through the night, depending on the night; despite being told he is used to getting out after 8hrs. And at times, after only a minimal break before and/or after bed. After the first 48hours, I communicated with Michelle through messaging to address these concerns. She responded, apologized, claimed miscommunication & shared she would stick more closely to his schedule. Unfortunately, she did not. While my puppy was given more out of crate time after this discussion. She spent a lot of morning to afternoon time with him, but in an 8 hour span only 2 yard breaks in beginning & end would be given. He then would be left all evening with 1-1.5hrs of playtime before being put to bed. It was apparent that she was not present overnight. My crate camera would go offline seemingly correlating with her return in the AM; not knowing if she put my puppy back to sleep in the crate after a quick potty outside or not. I messaged Michelle 3 days in a row about the camera before getting a response. She admitted to turning off the camera; stating she thought I gave the “OK”. While I do often allow sitters to turn it off while home, I needed her to keep it on to monitor the excessive crate time in the beginning of the week. It should not have taken 3 days to get a response. On Thanksgiving, Michelle was told she could modify his schedule slightly to ensure she could spend time with family. Michelle spent the morning/afternoon with my puppy; but ultimately left him from 2pm-6:30pm & 7pm til 6:15am. Again, exceeding maximum crate time as 7pm cannot be “bedtime”; nor is a 30min break in between crate time acceptable. Michelle continued her trend on the last day of the booking, where she left my puppy alone all night from 11pm - 7:40am with only a 10 minute break before leaving again. However, once messaged, Michelle did follow instructions for the remainder of the day. Michelle did message rationale for the 10 minute break, however, poor planning does not make it any more acceptable. Michelle did not have the best communication. She would send several pictures each day, but did not provide written updates. Picture updates stopped halfway through the sit as well. Michelle did take my puppy on some walks, as asked. She did provide him his medication & food. Michelle left my house in the condition it was given and cleaned up. She did clean the poop in the yard & litter box. She did respond to an emergency where my puppy was tearing up & eating his bed cover; though I do think this incident occurred from boredom. Additionally, I spent the night I returned at the vet with my puppy due to have a very concerning & obvious red & inflamed ear that turned out to be an ear infection needing medical treatment. Michelle never reported any concern with his ear; despite being with him within an hour of me getting home. I had high expectations of Michelle, given her previous reviews, but ended up very disappointed. I would not use Michelle as a sitter for my puppy again.
Great communication. Our babies were well taken care of. Michelle made everything go so smooth we knew our babies were in good hands as well as our house. 100% recommend
About Michelle N.
Communication
Skills
Home
Information Michelle N. would like to know about your pet
Allergies, and things they Like/Don't Like.
A typical day
I love being outdoors! I am just as happy taking it easy and going to a nearby park for a walk or if I'm looking for a challenge I'll go to McKelligon Canyon for a jog. I also spend my free time playing soccer.
Services
Michelle can host
Michelle can watch in your home
About Michelle N.
Communication
Skills
Home
Information Michelle N. would like to know about your pet
Allergies, and things they Like/Don't Like.
A typical day
I love being outdoors! I am just as happy taking it easy and going to a nearby park for a walk or if I'm looking for a challenge I'll go to McKelligon Canyon for a jog. I also spend my free time playing soccer.
Location
EL PASO, TX
Pets
Michelle N.
Central, TX