Gretchen S.

“ First off, to clarify one thing: I have only recently begun to be paid for my pet care, but I have had a lifetime full of experience. I am 29 and have never lived without a fur kid around (usually multiple ones).

I have lived with (and been solely responsible for) the following animals: rabbits, cats, fish, hamsters, gerbils, Anoles, and dogs. I am comfortable with all breeds and sizes of dogs. I am not comfortable...

First off, to clarify one thing: I have only recently begun to be paid for my pet care, but I have had a lifetime full of experience. I am 29 and have never lived without a fur kid around (usually multiple ones).

I have lived with (and been solely responsible for) the following animals: rabbits, cats, fish, hamsters, gerbils, Anoles, and dogs. I am comfortable with all breeds and sizes of dogs. I am not comfortable with most reptiles. I can feed birds, but do not know a lot about their overall care. I have also fed farm animals and would love to do so again if you have them.

A bit of randomness: I have had my current best friend, Duke, for 5 years now & it has been this blessing that has merged me into the world of canines. As all dogs have the natural need to venture outdoors for one reason or another. I feel it is important to assure someone that I understand the importance of responsibility in ensuring a dog's safety. I treat every animal as if it were my own, and I would go to extreme lengths to protect them. (I have taught my own dog to stop at curbs before crossing when we are walking together, as an added measure of safety).

When I have an interest, I put my all into it and try to learn as much as I can. Finding Duke, I realized I had an innate skill with dogs. I have had a few years working in special education classrooms and learned principles of behavior-modification through these means. The principles are simple in nature, and easy to apply to many scenarios, particularly regarding dogs. I believe it is this interaction that many strangers see in my relationship with Duke that causes them to tell me I should work with animals. I am not a dog trainer. I simply mean to state that I am someone who can maintain control of a situation with dogs because I am well versed in doing so (i. e., if you have a "puller", that will not bother me, and if your dog needs to avoid certain situations to promote his best behavior I certainly understand).

Please contact me with any questions about what you need. If I am not the right fit I will not hesitate to let you know. "Pride cometh before the fall," and I feel there is not room for that when you want to give quality care to family and friends.

The mileage I am willing and able to travel depends entirely upon the job and the rate that is offered. Every job is different and I base the rate on individual factors each time.

I look forward to meeting you and your best friends!

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