Sonja H.
Park East, FL
Tried and trusted- gentle hands
Pet care experience
Always find a way to have animals in my life. I grew up with large to medium size dogs and never was afraid of them. I intuitively knew to be the Alpha dog, commanding attention but playing tugrope and walking and hiking with them. I also grew up with kittycats, usually always having one in my home whether it was indoor or outdoor, and often while we had a dog also. I love both cats and dogs and they respond well to my calm energy, whether a shy cat, an elderly dog, or robust dog breed like a Jack Russell terrier. My first trip to France came because I was requested to keep two Jack Russell terriers that needed fresh meat grilled for their daily meals. As a family we have traveled many places to provide in home pet care, and have done so for years after we sold our home. In the last five years, I have kept more pets of others, than I have had personally. We have connected with many animals as we traveled as house/petsitters. Before that we had a large indoor dog, two indoor cats that as family pets, and did special diets, lots of training to be able to take the dog into nursingcare facilities, and groomed and clipped claws at home. I am a nurturer and enjoy being attentive to others. I am attentive to behavior as a guide to how a pet is doing, and believe play is a good way to engage and help a pet be relaxed. I feel calm movements and calm voice are key to a calm animal, and that staying in touch with the owner is important for their peace of mind while away.
Reviews
I recommend to you, as a pet sitter, Sonja, or Sunny, we all call her. She and her family have cared for our two cats, both feral rescues, in our home in Savannah, GA. Sunny, (and her husband and daughter), have taken care of our homestead for us. We have trusted them to care for our flock of chickens and guineas, our gardens, our vehicles, and our home. Our cats bonded with them, although they are feral rescues, and one in particular is so cautious that he often does not come out from under the furniture when there are strangers in the house. Both cats would settle on their laps when ever they sat, and hung out on the upstairs beds waiting for the family to join in the night's rest. The family's peaceful presence was calming and reassuring for our cats, stressed by the sudden disappearance of my husband and I, gone for a long holiday.
Sonja “Sunny” is truly a cat whisperer! She and her family were so loving and took such great care of Dave the Cat for two years in a row and for months at a time. Sunny figured creative ways to get Davey some extra exercise to drop some weight and Davey adored Sunny’s husband so much that she would cuddle with his t-shirt. Sunny’s daughter was always kind and would give Dave lots of chin tickles and ear rubs. The family speaks softly and abides by Dave’s veterinary directives with kindness and “catness”. If you are lucky enough to schedule cat-sitting-loving with Sonja and Family, you will find that you have made the best decision for the care of your pet/family member you have ever made. Sunny is my A1 choice to look after Dave the Cat!
About Sonja H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We move carefully and in calm energy, taking in detail and body language of your pet as we establish trust. We honor the schedule you have set for your pet, and your requests. If there is a question, we will communicate with owner, and not hesitate if there is a concern. We would love to have the opportunity to care for your pet while you are away, giving you peace of mind while you are at work or holiday. We are non-smokers, and give full attention to your pet, not listening to devices or talking on phone while walking them.
Information Sonja H. would like to know about your pet
Need to know any particulars that make a transition smoother, like does the dog prefer under the chin or behind the ear rubs, do they jump, do they piddle when excited, are they trained on a leash? We adore terriers and mutts, but have kept all kinds except Pitbull breeds.
A typical day
We will listen to what you want for your pet, and make it available to them- affection, playtime with us on the floor or outside, and companionship.
Services
Sonja can watch in your home
Availability
We are flexible in our availability to care for your pet. We would host your fur baby, as we are renting a place currently that doesn't allow pets. We would come and stay in your home, or come by as requested and give time and attention to your pet/s. We have been entrusted by many pets and petowners, and have given them peace of mind while they are apart. We care to stay in touch with owners while they are gone, whether for months or a few days away. The pets usually bond to us and feel right at home when we have cared for them in their home.
About Sonja H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We move carefully and in calm energy, taking in detail and body language of your pet as we establish trust. We honor the schedule you have set for your pet, and your requests. If there is a question, we will communicate with owner, and not hesitate if there is a concern. We would love to have the opportunity to care for your pet while you are away, giving you peace of mind while you are at work or holiday. We are non-smokers, and give full attention to your pet, not listening to devices or talking on phone while walking them.
Information Sonja H. would like to know about your pet
Need to know any particulars that make a transition smoother, like does the dog prefer under the chin or behind the ear rubs, do they jump, do they piddle when excited, are they trained on a leash? We adore terriers and mutts, but have kept all kinds except Pitbull breeds.
A typical day
We will listen to what you want for your pet, and make it available to them- affection, playtime with us on the floor or outside, and companionship.
Location
Sarasota, FL
Sonja H.
Park East, FL