5.0

AVAILABILITY, PLEASE READ - Due to commute time time constraints, I am only taking new clients on the west side, Montgomery Park/Slabtown to Goose Hollow/PSU. No same day new clients. *I am completely booked 8/24-25, 8/31-9/1.* Daily booking breakdown - Overnights Wed- Sunday morning only. 30-60 minute bookings I am usually available Sunday 9am-1pm, Monday 9am-11:30 and 1pm, Tuesday 9am-11:30 and 1pm, Wednesday 9-10:30 am and 3:30pm through evening, Thursday 9am-11:30 and 1:30 through evening, Friday 9am through evening; Saturday 9 to 10:30am and 2:30pm through evening. Weekly commitment availability starts at 11 instead of 9 though. I work a 3pm - 12am restaurant job Sunday - Tuesday, in addition to doing pet care. I will do my best to respond to messages and requests sent while I am at the restaurant but sometimes we are slammed and I can't. IMPORTANT - I have a fairly strict harness or gentle lead only policy if your dog is leash reactive or has to regularly be restrained from garbage or pulling to go a different direction than I am going. Being able to redirect or reward good behavior with treats is ideal. Some dogs are just like that and I don't judge, not like humans don't essentially do the same thing. I do not cave to pulling, best practice as far as reinforcing training. I have had too many experiences where that put me in a position where it is either caving or risking serious injury and I'm over it. Some dogs are totally fine on collars, but if your dog is on a collar leash setup I will consider it on a trial basis in case they pull more with me than you. I will not walk dogs with flat faces without a breed appropriate harness though, no exceptions. I care more about the well-being of your pets than I am afraid of not having enough bookings. I have another job, an Etsy shop, and plenty of regular clients, currently only looking for one weekly and/or random one-off bookings. Я говогю по-русский, мой второй язык (I speak Russian, my second language). When I was 5 I tamed a feral cat, and my friends often say that their pets like me more than them. I have a huge mostly tropical plant collection, and feel very comfortable with all sorts of plant care. I take my dog walker role as a person helping improve the quality of life of dogs living in small spaces, and do my best to wear out my high energy dogs. I also consider cleaning up after the dogs and avoiding peeing in nice landscaping as an ethical duty, do my best to reduce chances of public health risks. My current favorite walk places are the river walk accessible on Front & 17th, the park area around Chapman school, and Washington park. I carry Narcan, which is effective on dogs without harming their sense of smell. I take a lot of care to avoid the foils and other garbage left on the street, but those of you with garbage fiends know how opportunistic they can be. I've lived in Portland for 24 years and know nice walking spots in many neighborhoods. I'm 10 years sober, no worries of parties etc during house sitting. I like to bring a book or a project and let the animals get as much snuggle time as possible. In addition to cat and dog experience, I currently own a leopard gecko, have owned rabbits and chickens on multiple occasions, have milked goats, and have a tiny bit of horse riding experience. I am happy to help take care of pets of all kinds.