I am a retired RN with a bachelor's degree so I can take directions and have initiative! Currently, we have 9 miniature dachshunds, a giant Sulcata tortoise in excess of 100 pounds, and a koi pond. I've raised dachshunds for the last 30 plus years. When my children were young I was a 4-H leader in miniature pygmy and Nigerian dwarf goats. I have raised llamas, horses, iguanas, parakeets, and lovebirds. In my youth, I raised hamsters, rats, mice, Persian cats, saltwater seahorses and freshwater aquariums, a sweet Maltese poodle mix, & oh yes, a crazy Siamese cat. I've given injections, (even to the tortoise--rather not do that again(!), including subcutaneous rehydration, & even resuscitated a senior dog, (rather not do that again either). Needless to say, my life would not have been the same without animals. After my personal experience of trying to find just the right pet sitter for our menagerie, I decided this is something I would love doing part-time and pad the cookie jar for our senior Dachshunds. I regret I'm not able to go on jogs or fast walks so hyper or super active dogs aren't my forte. On the other hand, I have gavage fed hatchlings and am comfortable and knowledgeable about babies of most species. Give me a call and I'll set your mind at ease in your absence.