A bit about my background as a caregiver ~
Having grown up in NH, I was brought up in a family who had raised pets and animals of many types (cats, dogs, gerbils, rabbits, fish…even pigs, chickens, cows, birds of all types, including peacocks!). I had developed a love and respect for animals from day one. When very young, I had aspired to be a veterinarian. My pet sitting experience started with my first babysitting experience, at the age of twelve about thirty years ago. Non-professionally, I began to care for the pets of my neighbors (and the neighborhood skunk, raccoon family, worms in puddles after a rain storm…). I have always had a respect and concern for the well being of all animals. Today, animal welfare along with matters relating to the wellness of children are the two strongest issues that pull at my heart. After attending my first years of college in the early 90’s, I moved to MA to become a professional childcare worker. Along with this, I found a job that allowed me to rejoin the healthcare industry as I had worked in this capacity when I was in high school. Several years later around 1999, I began my professional work as a live-in cat nanny and house sitter over the winter months. This was the beginning of several years of live-in care. I performed live-in care for three families, got married and then later continued with house visits for folks who needed pet care while they were away for shorter periods of time. Today, we have our own pet family to dote over as well – our sweet boys, Baby, Fluffer, Nutter and Sassy (guinea pigs), our tropical fish (gouramis), Tweedily-Dee and Tweedily-Dum, who we have had now for fourteen years and our curious and outspoken buttonquail, Paco. We moved into our first home several years ago and our little gang has so enjoyed their newfound fresh air and country living with loads of space to run around and play indoors and out, and with their own fresh supply of organic vegetation from their 12x14 foot ‘guinea garden’ (as we call it). It’s been so much fun to watch them enjoy themselves and really make this home their own. Caring for your pet family ~ You can count on your kids getting lots of love and attention! I love little ones (and big ones)!! Initially, I like to stop by to meet you and your pet family so that we all have a chance to get to know one another a little. It is very important to me that your pets feel comfortable with me as their caregiver and this is an important time for us to get acquainted, while you are home with them. I have a gentle disposition during introductions so pets who have not met me before are generally interested in getting to know me. I prefer the “pet-initiated” approach, allowing them to approach me if they are at all shy in the beginning. Your pet’s comfort and contentment is my first priority. During each visit, your pet family will receive all the one-on-one time that they wish. We’ll have play time, walks, petting and grooming, cuddle time, chat time – whatever your kids enjoy the most and are comfortable with. They will have fresh water given and food prepared and served at designated intervals. We’ll have potty time, droppings cleaned up or litter box checked and scooped. If you have smaller pets, bedding will be changed/scooped. For your pet with special needs, I will prepare and administer medications and special foods. I’ve cared for pets from birth to very elderly and handicapped and will cater to your pet’s unique needs. Having been trained in Pet CPR/First Aid as well as having much hands-on experience, I focus on preventative care and safety measures to ensure their safety as well as keep an eye out for even small changes in demeanor, appetite, output or appearance. I will closely monitor conditions of pet habitats (temps, humidity levels, pH/nitrite/ammonia levels…) and attend to these for maintenance of stable conditions. In addition to caring for your pets, I will perform other tasks that you request be completed during the visits, such as mail/paper collection, watering of plants and garden, phone message retrieval and trash and recyclables removal. Other tasks outside of the home may be performed at your request as well and may be discussed during our meeting. Regarding the security of your home, I will check entrances and windows to be sure that they are alarmed and/or locked when I have completed each visit. I will alternate shades, lights, television and carry out other tasks as you request in order to keep your home protected. The safety of your home and that of your pets who will be in your home are critical to me. As an insured and conscientious professional, I will take the necessary precautions to keep your home secure. You can feel comfortable that your pets will receive the love and quality attention that they need while you are away when I visit them, as I give my own children. Your pets’ happiness and welfare is my primary concern, in every way. I will keep a journal page during my visits for your return noting my times of visits and other highlights of your pets’ days. I am responsible, thorough and most of all love caring for pets. I look forward to meeting you and your pets soon! |