4.9

I love (most) animals, but dogs in particular embody the essence of unconditional love for me. Their presence always grounds me, and they always put a smile on my face. Since officially becoming a petsitter on Rover in April 2023, I have had the pleasure of caring for different breeds varying in size, age and temperaments. Whether training, feeding, grooming, or general day-to-day care, my priority is to ensure that each pet is comfortable, happy and safe, and that pet owners feel confident and at ease. I currently live with my mum, Jenny, who has helped with care over the past two years. As we both have a flexible working schedule, we can more easily rearrange our schedules to cater to your pup(s) as needed.  ——— I grew up with my parents’ St Bernard, Bubbles, who started my lifelong love for dogs. As a toddler, she was the dream companion - she played with me delicately, let me sleep between her legs while she lay on her side, and would even let me hop on her back. When she left, I felt the emptiness she left behind. And since mum said I had to wait till I was older to get another dog, I would befriend the dogs I bumped into on my way home from school to fill the void. When I was home, I would often watch movies, shows, and videos with dogs in them, read my dog encyclopaedia, and even drag Mum out to pet stores whenever I could. Eventually, I convinced Mum to let me have another dog, and that’s how we got my poodle Woody! I was so excited to have my wish become a reality! I learned to train him, which included handling, potty training, socialising, basic commands, and fun tricks like playing dead, brushing his paw over his face, and fist bump. We also did some obedience training (e.g. manners around doors/dinner time, boundaries in the house with furniture and rooms). Later, Mum attended a basic grooming course and learnt how to perform simple grooming maintenance for him. Woody quickly became my best friend and a core member of the family. Having cared for him through his late years, Mum and I are very familiar with the extra needs that come with caring for a senior pup, including administering oral medication, picky eating, and changes in behaviour and preferences. Once he started to have mobility limitations, we got him a ramp so he could still reach his favourite spots on the bed and couch. We also explored various foods and feeding methods to encourage his appetite. Being able to spend this time caring for him before he passed is a privilege I will cherish forever.  I first started dog sitting for friends and family, and was later asked to help train their puppies. Working in pet care has deepened my understanding of different personalities and needs further. The opportunity to work and play with the different breeds I used to see in my encyclopaedia is a dream! I love forming new connections and understanding each animal I care for, as the challenge of figuring out what works for each pup is part of what makes this job so fulfilling. My goal is to provide a loving and comfortable environment where dogs feel happy and well-cared for. To achieve this, I believe in a collaborative approach with owners, allowing us to understand their wants for their pets, as well as their pets' unique needs and personalities.