Melody

EXPERIENCE:
I absolutely LOVE dogs and animals in general. Growing up, our family had a cat and 20 laying hens. Determined to own more pets, I befriended and cared for a stray cat who I named Pepper (full story in 2nd paragraph)! From the earliest day I can remember, I have begged my parents to get a dog. Finally, my lifelong dream came true when we got our first family dog over two years ago; a black Labradoodle named Archie (it was only fitting that I named our dog after all these years). Just this year, we got another Labradoodle, a chocolate fur baby named Coco. In addition to caring for and walking Archie and Coco, I have also pet-sat for my sister's dog Nala when she was out of town. We would go for walks around the neighbourhood, explore local parks, and play in their fenced-in backyard. Through Rover, I was honoured to walk an energetic 4-year-old German Shepherd named Ace this past winter; a shy 5-year-old German Shepherd Siberian Husky mix named Kobe twice a week over the summer; and overnight cared for an American Bulldog named Harley for two nights. I also walked and cared for a 7-month Pitbull Labrador mix (breed to my and the owner's best guess) named Charlie for a few nights in Vermont, USA. My greatest feat to date was caring for a Labrador named Karli and a Schipperke named Bearcub for 3 nights, in addition to two cats, Simba and Nala (2nd paragraph), 12 goats, 2 donkeys, 2 ducks, 4 rabbits, and a chicken named Pumpkin at a homestead (3rd paragraph) – SO much fun!!

In terms of experience with cats, I have a story for you! Our family cat had a litter of kittens which was so fun for us kids and only deepened my love for animals. As I got older and our family no longer had a cat, I befriended a stray ginger cat and named her Pepper. I would set out a bowl of milk every morning to care for Pepper; Even spending my very own paper route money to buy cat food (I was only 9 at the time)! Pepper the Stray was my pride and joy. She loved cuddles, scratches, and being hand-fed cat nibbles by me. She wasn't so friendly with my siblings and always stayed far away from anyone but me. I have to say, being loved by a cat who hisses at others when they try and pet them made me feel very valued as a 9-year-old. Pepper eventually left the vicinity of our yard and moved into the neighbour's barn where she had a litter of kittens. Ever since then, I have missed having cats around to cuddle, love, and play with! Through Rover, I overnight cared for cats on two separate occasions. I ensured they were always fed, had water, the litter cleaned, and had plenty of playtime and scratches. Two Classicats I cared for 3 nights, Simba and Nala, were a cuddly duo who I thoroughly enjoyed chilling with and working or reading!

Other animal experience: As a kid, our family had 20 laying hens. It was my daily chore to collect eggs, clean the chicken coop, and let the hens in and out of their pen to free range. Through Rover, I overnight cared for numerous animals at a homestead for 4 days. There were 12 goats, 2 donkeys, 4 rabbits, 2 ducks, and a chicken named Pumpkin. My morning and night chores were to feed the animals, let them in and out of their pen, and fill their water multiple times a day. Pumpkin is free-roaming, so it was fun running around to catch her and get her inside the coop at night, haha!


SCHEDULE:
During pet sitting, I ensure necessary care is given to your pet (food, water, and potty breaks) throughout the day. I love going for morning walks so we’ll spend a great deal of time outside getting some exercise in or playing fetch! If we aren't outside, we'll simply be chilling inside together while I do my remote work. A lot of our day will be chill! I will water your house plants and maintain the house's cleanliness while you are away. I often send photos of your pet/s with routine updates so you have peace of mind knowing they are being cared for. I'm always quick to communicate through text!


IMPORTANT:
Please let me know what may trigger your pet or cause them stress. It’s important that I know what situations to avoid in order for everyone to be safe! Especially with walking dogs, I would need to know if they can approach other dogs on the walk or if it’s best to avoid interaction altogether.

If social time with other dogs is a priority or encouraged, I would love to set up playdates with my 1yr old family dog Coco! She is very friendly with other dogs and has never shown aggression toward people or animals (excluding squirrels). Coco was brought up around lots of family, family dogs, and neighbours dogs so she is well socialized. I would love to discuss this further after you book a pet sit and you are interested in playdates for your dog.

Additionally, let me know if there are any specific toys, treats, or games that your pet prefers to ensure optimal playtime and pet visits so they are completely cared for. I want them to be as happy as can be!