An animal lover all my life, I started working at a veterinary kennel and clinic when I was 18. There, I got comfortable working with the range of sizes and dispositions present in dogs, cats, and a few miscellaneous critters. I gained skills to handle the more rambunctious cats and dogs, and was also in charge of safely administering pills, salves, ear drops, and eye drops.
Since, I have pet sat for cats and dogs as well as a variety of other animals (fish, hermit crabs, hamsters, chickens, a guinea pig, a rabbit, and a bearded dragon). I think mental, emotional, and physical stimulation are all important in animal (and human) health! I like to focus on burning off pets' extra energy (with walks or runs for dogs and long play sessions for cats) which simultaneously helps the animal and me bond and learn to trust one another.
I also have some experience in pet training, from useful (walking politely on the leash, or responding to commands at a distance) to ridiculous but fun (moving right/left/back or spinning in a circle) and would be happy to incorporate any commands you'd like practiced into my time with your animal.
After finding full-time work in Seattle, I adopted my two dogs, Tandy and Henry. Both are shy 18lb scruffy mutts, and working with them has taught me a lot about working with fearful dogs. It took Henry 3 full days to do his first pee when I adopted him because he was so nervous! I say this to emphasize that I know how hard it can be to find a good match for a sitter with anxious dogs.
Currently, I am able to largely work from home, and my spacious house and yard will be a calm, supportive environment that is catered to whatever YOUR shy/anxious/fearful dog needs to have a peaceful and comfortable stay.
Additionally, I adore taking pictures of dogs (Tandy and Henry have their own instagram! Check them out @Tenrytheterriermixes!) and you will get tons of photo updates from me as well as written updates, as I like to check in and get feedback from owners as the dogs get settled in.
