I was raised on a small family farm, loving on furry critters (and even those with fins) of all kinds since I could walk. As the only kid at home, animals became my best friends and caring for them is instinctual for me. On the canine side of the fur, I grew up around Bassett hounds, Rottweilers, and poodles while living at home - all of them living out their best life well into their senior years. However, I also have experience caring for numerous breed types, with and without special needs, prescription diets, and administering medications as needed. There have been several occasions when I meet with a potential client and they have said that their pup doesn't warm up to new people easily and they are uneasy about leaving them with anyone. Instead of forcing myself on an anxious doggy, I simply sit down on their level and allow them to discover me at their pace, building trust and rapport. Before our visit has concluded, I have managed to gain a new canine friend. Most dogs are not mean by nature, they are anxious and scared of new people, environments, and situations. My goal is to be their ally, alieving their anxiety, and providing a safe, fun, comfortable, and loving environment for them. Many friends, neighbors, and clients (met through word-of-mouth referrals) have relied on me consistently for many years to provide top-notch, quality care, in my home or theirs, while they are away. I make it my top priority to ensure any furry friend that is entrusted in my care is treated as a member of my family and that you, as their human, feel confident, reassured, and satisfied that your furry friend(s) are in great hands. I provide daily updates with photos and videos and welcome you to contact me as often as you need to check in, careful to respond promptly. For those who chose in-home (my home) boarding, I have access to my family's farm, offering another fun place to explore, play, and run (with supervision). Additionally, I live less than 500' from the rail-trail inside Ottawa's city limits and have a large (though unfenced) yard. I do not kennel or crate dogs at any time unless an owner prefers it or a behavioral issue arises (but only as a last resort), preferring instead to give your best friend(s) free reign of the bouse, including curling up on the furniture. However, if you prefer crating, you are asked to provide a kennel, bedding, 2-3 toys, and a familiar textile (shirt, blanket, pillow, T-shirt, etc) with your scent on it - this helps with separation anxiety. All in-home boarding clients will need to provide food, dish, medications/supplements (if needed) along with written instructions for their typical daily schedule (feeding times/portions, medication times/dosages, outside routine, and veterinarian/health information), and a harness (preferable) and leash. What sets me apart from other sitters is this: when an owner/family books boarding for their dog(s), that time is exclusive to that owner/family only. I will not board pets from different families at the same time, ensuring everyone's safety (and sanity). When you book with me, you can rest assured that your pet(s) are receiving one-on-one attention and care. Because I am a full-time online student, my schedule provides the flexibility needed to cater to specific care needs - either in my home or in yours (drop-in visits). Prior to booking, please make sure that you are aware of my cancellation policies. ***Also, please note, that unless specifically asked not to by the owner, photos and the name of your pet may be used in promotional activities - sharing to Facebook/Instagram. Private details such as the owners' names, address, location, etc will be strictly held in confidence.*** Howdy! My name is Sheila! While I live inside the city limits of Ottawa and I do NOT have a fenced in backyard, my family has a small farm in Franklin County, KS (20 acres) that can be used to take doggies out for a run. I LOVE animals and have a huge heart for critters of all sizes. I have cared for dogs, cats, farm animals (cattle, pigs, horses, donkeys, chickens/fowl, etc) since I was a little kid. Very rarely could I be found without some kind of critter tucked under my arm (pet chicken named, Elvis!), and carrying on conversations , playing tag, veterinary, etc with my lucky friend of the moment. :) I absolutely adore dogs and cats, and believe them to be members of my family. My last doggie, a female basset hound, Sammie, found her divine purpose in making sure the couch didn't float away! She crossed the rainbow bridge several months ago after living to age 12, but she will remain in my heart forever. I also have 3 kitties, who I adore: Oliver, Remi, and Finneus. It has been often said that cats have you and you don't have cats. That's so true! I am a SERVANT to 3 cats. :D You will love the personal attention that your furbaby will receive. I treat each animal as if they were my own - even sleeping next to them on a couch or bed. Wherever I am, they are also allowed. I have a keen sense of animal well being, having had dogs and cats my entire life. I have extensive experience caring for animals with special needs (diabetes, paralysis, cancer, senior animals, special dietary/medicinal needs, sick/injured/rehabilitating, etc). As well, I have several friends that are very connected to veterinary sources that offer help and advice when needed. Being a full time student at home all day, I have a wide open schedule to devote to caring for your animals. In this way, we are helping each other out - you are providing me company (giving me my doggie "fix") and the ability to share my love for animals, and you are receiving top-notch care, in a homey atmosphere. I'm available anytime! FARM SITTING: Also, farm sitting is available! This includes pet care inside and outside, along with tending to farm animals (feeding, watering, mucking, etc). Rate for farm sitting is $85/day (up to 20 noses; $10 for each additional animal) + 50¢/per mile each way, with option for sitter to stay at owner's home during the booked time. If sitter stays at owner's home, owner is responsible for food and beverage for sitter, or a daily per diem for for expenses, whichever owner prefers. If an animal requires special medical attention (injections, bottle feeding, exercise, etc., an extra fee of $15/day applies. Having lived in a farm over half my life, I have experience with cattle, horses, donkeys, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, turkeys and some goats/sheep. I understand and have experience mending fences when needed, feeding with a tractor, an mechanically minded and able to do repairs when needed. I have worked with cattle continually while living on the farm - sorting, loading, doctoring and birthing, as well as bottle feeding. The biggest farm job I've ever tended to was a custom feeding operation with about 150 cows that were fed twice per day - a mix of grains, sileage, and hay (delivered with the tractor), 1 horse, 2 pigs (bring fattened for consumption), 40 chickens, 30 feeder calves, 2 bottle calves, 2 Holstein nurse cows and 1 dog... All on a section of land. Chores were done twice per day.