Following Paws Pet Services

12/22/2025

This has been weighing heavy on my heart.

I’ve seen multiple posts around town lately about dogs getting loose while in the care of pet sitters and being hit by cars. These stories are devastating. A dog who trusted us. An owner who expected their pet to be safe. A moment that can never be undone.

Please, whether you’re a pet owner or a pet sitter, double and triple check fences every single time a dog goes outside. Not just the gate but, the entire perimeter. Gates get left unlatched. Boards loosen. Weather shifts. Dogs find a way. Even fenced yards are never a guarantee, and dogs should never be left unsupervised outside.

If your yard isn’t fenced, double leashing isn’t optional — it’s necessary. One clip failing or one startled moment can change everything.

Our pets don’t get second chances. They rely on us to protect them, to slow down, to take the extra minute, to do better. Please be careful who you entrust with your pets, and please don’t be afraid to ask what safety procedures and precautions they have in place.

These losses shouldn’t keep happening. 💔

— Following Paws

12/11/2025

Jess is a wonderful person and pet sitter!

✨ Meet your pet sitter ✨

Hi everyone! I’m Jess, owner of Fricke Pet Sitting. As we move into 2026, I wanted to make an intro post again to share a little bit more about myself for those that might be new to this community.

I have been pet sitting for easily 15 years at this point and have experience with all types of animals big and small. My combination of passions for animals and people are the perfect storm for this type of side gig. I work full time but love to help local families care for their pets on the side.

Outside of work, I’m an avid reader, lover of Little Free Libraries, and a cat & dog momma. My hubby and I enjoy hiking, traveling, and generally just spending time relaxing.

I’m grateful for you all and the trust you place in me to care for your animals, and I look forward to continuing to serve you in the new year ✨

Thank you for the support this year. With your help, I have been able to pay off almost all of my student loans (which ultimately was my goal when I decided to dive into this side gig).

11/02/2025

Mycotoxins are highly toxic to all pets!

10/29/2025

Happy National Cat Day❤️🐾🐈‍⬛🐈

10/27/2025

Feeling incredibly grateful to receive the Pantagraph 2025 Best Of Readers’ Choice Favorite In-Home Pet Services award!🐾🩶

Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support Following Paws. This little business I poured my heart into has been such a special part of my life, and your trust with your pets is something I never take for granted.

Even though my schedule looks a little different these days, I truly appreciate each one of you. Your support means so much to me. 🩷🩷

05/30/2025

🎉 It’s almost nomination time! 🎉
The Pantagraph Readers’ Choice Awards will be open for nominations JUNE 3–24, and I’d be so grateful if you’d nominate Following Paws Pet Services for Best In-Home Pet Services!

👉 https://go.pantagraph.com/rc25

Thank you so much for your support!💛
– Amber🐾

05/20/2025

Happy National Rescue Dog Day!!!

04/11/2025

Happy National Pet Day! 🐾🎉

Today, we celebrate the amazing pets who bring so much joy and love into our lives. Whether they’re furry, scaly, or feathered, they each have a special way of making our world brighter. I’m so grateful to care for all the wonderful pets in my life and in your homes. Here’s to all the pets that fill our hearts with love! 💖🐶🐱

Share a pic of your pet(s) in the comments!!

03/17/2025

Love this quote!

03/15/2025

Stay safe and check your gates/fences!

Decatur, Ill. (WAND)-- Storms are making their way to the area, and it is normal to start to feel some anxiety as you prepare for them to roll through, but

03/03/2025

3rd Place!! Thank you to everyone who voted for the Following Paws pig🐽😁

A huge congratulations to The Copy Shop, the winner of the Pigs for Paws: Piggy Bank Pageant! Their pig, “Copy Cat,” took the top spot and will proudly display the coveted Gold Pig Trophy for all to see! 🏆

Stop by The Copy Shop to check out Copy Cat in person and celebrate their victory!

Together, we raised over $3,000 for the animals at HSCI! 🐶🐱 Thank you to all the businesses, voters, and supporters who made this campaign such a success. Your generosity helps provide care, shelter, and love for pets in need. ❤️

03/03/2025

I just love getting to see so many adorable faces every day!