Michelle U.
Richmond, VA
Small Person, Big Excitment for Pup
Pet care experience
I've taken care of dogs since I was 8 years old with being one of the primary caretakers of my family dog. Once I was able to drive, I was in charge of his vet visits and loved learning more about pet health and the bond between a dog and their owner. Now I have my own dog, Lucha, and I've been able to train her to the best of my ability. I love doing long walks with dogs where we discover new neighborhoods and I believe a tired dog is a happy dog. I like facilitating different forms of play from tugging, finding treats hidden around the home, and some good ole fashion fetch
Reviews
Michelle was phenomenal! She's enthusiastic about her work, funny, and most importantly, a true pet lover who doted on our dog. I was never worried about Shadow because she went above and beyond with text, photo and video updates of her numerous walks and adventures with Shadow. We would absolutely use her again!
Michelle/Andie is an incredibly loving, dedicated, responsible, and thorough pet owner. They are reliable and pay close attention to detail with their own pet. Their passion for animals and people alike are instantly recognizable and they make sure that everyone (including furry friends) are cared for and happy. Michelle/Andie would be a perfect caregiver and a solution to any headaches related to pet care worries.
About Michelle U.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am happy to do drop-in visits where I will enforce any and all training the owner wants me to. If they're allowed to cuddle on the couch/bed, wonderful! If you prefer them on the floor or on their bed resting then I'll get down on their level and play that way. I know plenty of local parks and love exploring new areas. I tend not to take dogs to dog parks due to the unpredictability of other dogs but am happy to run around with them in your own fenced yard or on a longer leash to get that energy out. After the walk, I will provide water and then food if need be. When it's time to leave I will either crate the dog or take them out before I leave them in your space (whichever you prefer)
Information Michelle U. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog gets along with other dogs, whether boarding them or not, and how they walk best on leash. Also let me know if you have any training you're trying to enforce or skills you want to teach them and I'll use part of my day to do. I also understand that some dogs are balls of energy versus others that just enjoy to be with their human, so let me know how best to give them love!
A typical day
On a typical day, I like to take your dog out for about a 40 minute walk around my neighborhood where they are encouraged to smell everything and anything. My own dog is a scavenger so I'm very aware of any food on the ground of anything that may cause some reactivity. Next, it's breakfast time. I like to do a normal bowl feed or a game of 'find it' where I hide the food in different areas of my apartment to stimulate their brains a bit more. After then, we keep play time with encouraging chewing on their toys and some obedience training. By then, the dog is normally pretty tired and I let them rest on their preferred spot while I do my daily chores. Once they get up, it's time for the second walk of they day and more play time. I repeat a similar routine of walk, play, and rest. Until it's night and it's time for their second feeding. After I do one more walk before saying goodbye for the night.
Services
Michelle can watch in your home
Availability
I'm currently in school full-time as a nursing student so I would be in classes all day Tuesdays and Thursdays (from 6am to 5pm) but I would be happy to watch, play, and hang out with any furry friends all other days of the week!
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About Michelle U.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am happy to do drop-in visits where I will enforce any and all training the owner wants me to. If they're allowed to cuddle on the couch/bed, wonderful! If you prefer them on the floor or on their bed resting then I'll get down on their level and play that way. I know plenty of local parks and love exploring new areas. I tend not to take dogs to dog parks due to the unpredictability of other dogs but am happy to run around with them in your own fenced yard or on a longer leash to get that energy out. After the walk, I will provide water and then food if need be. When it's time to leave I will either crate the dog or take them out before I leave them in your space (whichever you prefer)
Information Michelle U. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog gets along with other dogs, whether boarding them or not, and how they walk best on leash. Also let me know if you have any training you're trying to enforce or skills you want to teach them and I'll use part of my day to do. I also understand that some dogs are balls of energy versus others that just enjoy to be with their human, so let me know how best to give them love!
A typical day
On a typical day, I like to take your dog out for about a 40 minute walk around my neighborhood where they are encouraged to smell everything and anything. My own dog is a scavenger so I'm very aware of any food on the ground of anything that may cause some reactivity. Next, it's breakfast time. I like to do a normal bowl feed or a game of 'find it' where I hide the food in different areas of my apartment to stimulate their brains a bit more. After then, we keep play time with encouraging chewing on their toys and some obedience training. By then, the dog is normally pretty tired and I let them rest on their preferred spot while I do my daily chores. Once they get up, it's time for the second walk of they day and more play time. I repeat a similar routine of walk, play, and rest. Until it's night and it's time for their second feeding. After I do one more walk before saying goodbye for the night.
Location
Richmond, VA
Pets
Michelle U.
Richmond, VA