5.0

So if you're reading this, hopefully my headline made sense to you, if not, it's a reference to the baha men's classic song "Who let the dogs out?" :) I've been around dogs my entire life. I have never had a time actually where a dog didn't live with me! I am especially familiar with high energy dogs (aussies, blue heelers, border collies) so your dog will think it's Christmas when I'm sitting because we'll be having all the fun. I'm good at taking care of multiple dogs at one time as well. I have experience with senior dogs; before my sweet boy Max passed away, he had hip dysplasia and we sewed him a special holder on his back so we could help him up stairs and he could move without pain. I also have experience with very shy, skiddish/timid dogs. Our family dog was a blue heeler, Bruiser (he passed away December ‘24) got separation anxiety and had strange fears (walking on hard wood and tile made him nervous!) and I was very good at calming him and making sure he's comfortable! I can send you updates and pictures of your fur baby while you're away so it makes the separation easier! I don't want to brag but I get the best pet pictures. Partly because I'm constantly taking them. I mean beauty MUST be captured right?? I'm very safety-oriented when walking dogs and when other dogs approach. I recently had an experience where an unleashed dog ran up to my client's dog while I was giving him a walk and the unleashed dog became very aggressive and tried to attack the dog I had. I put myself between them and had no problem ensuring the one I was caring for didn't come into any harm (shouting "No!" at the top of my lungs and keeping a very tight and short grip on my dog's leash was essential) and just continuing to knee the aggressive dog away while shielding the one in my care. Eventually the stray dog's owner ran up and apologized. You have to be prepared for those moments (god forbid anything bad every happens) but I am confident in my ability to protect your dog. I'm also very good at distracting dogs when they get nervous around others; I recently was dog sitting for a dog who had had trauma growing up and she was terrified of other dogs when we were out on walks; she became a totally different dog and very very aggressive, so I knew I had to distract her and immediately avoid the dog in sight; we'd cross the street and I'd use the treats in my pocket as the perfect distraction and way for her to calm down. I have a part time job right now so my availability is extremely open. I'm also self employed as a professional jazz saxophone player (my dogs are fascinated every time I practice; I have videos of one howling along with me playing it's hilarious) and those hours are very flexible. I live in a house with a beautiful, big, fenced-in backyard. I have one dog, Blue, and she is the sweetest and gets along with everyone (humans and animals). I'm a flexible person in general so I'm sure we can make whatever you need work! Thanks for taking the time to read my profile.