Nancy W.
Hiawatha, IA
All Pets Welcome!
Pet care experience
I have taken care of family pets since before the age of 10, and been responsible for my own pets since the age of 10. We currently have 3 dogs of our own, a German Shepard Dog, a Newfoundland, and a Siberian Husky. Due to our husky, I have experience with dogs who are escape artists. I'm extra careful about making sure there aren't opportunities for escape to occur, even in the strangest of ways! Thanks to her, too, I also have the set up and experience to do bike rides safely with dogs used to jogging/running/urban mushing with their owner on a bike for extra exercise, if the proper attire for the dog is available. I have cared for senior dogs on special diets, transitioned dogs from one food to another, and I am confident in giving pills and injections if needed! One of our dogs has joint issues and surgeries due to these as well, so I am well versed in using the Help 'Em Up Harness and ensuring dogs don't cause further issues if they are still healing/have physical limitations. We have informally fostered 2 dogs (for a friend and a friend of a friend) for 2 or more months at a time, and worked on basic commands, crate and potty training, chewing cessation, and positive reinforcement. I have experience working with abused dogs through these experiences, and I'm willing to invest extra time in each individual pet. I also recognize that different people have different rules for their pet and home, and I'm willing to support these rules. I am willing to assist with brushing as needed too, since I know with some breeds this is an everyday or every other day kind of chore (here's looking at our Newfoundland and Husky!). I am also experienced with nail trims, if your dog is at least somewhat cooperative. I have experience with many other animals as well that may need looking after, including cats, rodents, ferrets, fish, reptiles, and birds. We currently have a bearded dragon and 3 ferrets, and I have also had pet mice, fish, a newt, and leopard geckos. If you have an exotic pet in addition to your dog(s) that needs looking after I'm definitely your gal!
Reviews
Nancy is great with dogs. She has three of her own that are all big and all a handful. She has watched my dog for me when I needed her in a pinch. She has also fostered two dogs in the last year when their owners needed time to find new living arrangements.
About Nancy W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We do not to boarding in our home due to the stress this places on our own dogs and the unknown of whether dogs will be able to co-exist or not (with our own or if caring for more than one person's dog(s)).
Information Nancy W. would like to know about your pet
Any special rules to be aware of, how the dog does with commands, what type of reinforcement is used, if a crate is used, how the dog lets you know he/she needs to go outside, dog's general routine for the day. What does the dog enjoy doing, how has he/she reacted to having someone house sit in the past (if known). Anything else you would like me to know to ensure your dog has the best experience possible!
A typical day
Dogs would enjoy walks, playing tug and fetch (if that's their thing...), stuffed Kongs or other treats and enrichment the owner may have available/normally give, using basic commands, grooming services as needed (bathing for an additional fee), the dog park if part of your general routine.
Services
Nancy can watch in your home
Availability
I currently work full time, with some odd hours due to providing mental health counseling in a school setting (when in session) and in an office. I am mainly available in the mornings, evenings, and weekends, however if a day time drop in is necessary, my husband works third shift and would be willing to assist!
About Nancy W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We do not to boarding in our home due to the stress this places on our own dogs and the unknown of whether dogs will be able to co-exist or not (with our own or if caring for more than one person's dog(s)).
Information Nancy W. would like to know about your pet
Any special rules to be aware of, how the dog does with commands, what type of reinforcement is used, if a crate is used, how the dog lets you know he/she needs to go outside, dog's general routine for the day. What does the dog enjoy doing, how has he/she reacted to having someone house sit in the past (if known). Anything else you would like me to know to ensure your dog has the best experience possible!
A typical day
Dogs would enjoy walks, playing tug and fetch (if that's their thing...), stuffed Kongs or other treats and enrichment the owner may have available/normally give, using basic commands, grooming services as needed (bathing for an additional fee), the dog park if part of your general routine.
Location
Hiawatha, IA
Pets
Nancy W.
Hiawatha, IA