5.0

Growing up, I had the joy of loving and caring for an 80-pound, goofy, American Pitt Bull Terrier, named Meryn. Throughout my high school years, he was my constant companion, playing catch at the East River Park on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. We would jog across the Williamsburg Bridge and run up and down the stairwell in my apartment building to burn off energy (we lived on the 11th floor). He was an incredibly curious boy, who made training fun. He was very motivated by treats and praise. Through repetition and treats he learned all the basic commands. I have petsat many times for family members over the years. Pets included are dogs (large and small breeds) cats, hamsters, and a bearded dragon once. My longest dogsitting experience lasted 3 weeks with my aunt’s pug, Coco Rico, while my aunt was on vacation. During this time, Rico had an ear infection and I had to administer his ear drops. Being a pug, I had to ensure his eyes and face folds were clean. I have catsit for my brother’s diabetic cat, Tuna Fish, on several occasions. I administered insulin injections daily. I learned how to measure the proper dosage and how to safely/comfortably give her the injections. She was diagnosed with diabetes in 2020, so it was not easy learning how to give a cat a shot via a Zoom call with the vet! But learning this and helping my brother with the insulin injections, kept Tuna going for 4 more years after diagnosis. This is by far the most medical care experience I have had with pets. Nowadays, I regularly borrow my Gen Z daughter’s dog, Espresso. He’s a Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, and my favorite little guy. My grandpup, if you will. With this past winter being a very cold one in NYC, I ensured to dress Espresso in his sweater, coat, and boots for his walks. I do photo shoots with him while on walks, during play time, and naps. I update her with anecdotes throughout the day, such as mentioning any puppy pals we ran into while out and anything funny or adorable he’s done. She even recently said to me, “You take the most wonderful pictures of him.” That truly warmed my heart because I love capturing him in different places and poses. My pet baby now is an American short hair cat with calico patterned fur, named Basil (aka Ms. Lady Boop Boop). She’s a 16 year old, still feisty gal, who has a favorite fishy toy that dangles from a wand. Being a senior, she has developed arthritis in her old age and now makes use of cushioned stairs to get on the couch/bed. She also needs an eye ointment, the application of which has become part of our daily routine. In the past, when she has been ill, I've also given her medicine in liquid form via syringe as well as getting her to swallow a pill. Additionally, I took care of a feral cat that would visit me now and then. My family has a home in Albany, in upstate New York, and I'm happy to board dogs up there for weekends or extended stays should a pet parent allow it. The feral cat that would visit me was in Albany and would appear randomly in our backyard. I fed and watered him whenever he came by. He was deaf and the sweetest guy, who loved rubs and to hang out on our deck. He had an extra digit on each front paw, so I dubbed him Thumbs. One day, when he visited, I noticed immediately that he had fleas on him. I gave him a bath a kiddy tub in my backyard with flea shampoo. I bought the flea comb and collar and got rid of those pesky bugs. I know he was grateful because he'd been scratching so hard, his fur was missing in some places.