Me: For me not having a pet is lonely, but I have always loved animals and I felt there were many out there in need of care at home where they know the rules, know they are safe, and just don’t like to be locked in crates or kennels or left in a strange place when their humans have to go out of town without them.
Me: I have been providing the service to family and friends for many years. Only in the last year have I taken on, dare I say clients, when in all honesty, I am the one getting the biggest reward. It’s not about the money, it’s about spending time with theses amazing animals. God’s creatures are so much fun to watch and interact with, they do not have drama...
Barbara: Who are you?
Me: Just a fun loving human that thinks animals are incredible. They put up with so much from us and give only love back.
Barbara: How long does it take an animal to get to know you?
Me: Trust has to be earned. It’s different with each animal. Dogs are easy, they are lead by their noses, so I usually carry treats or stick my hands in their food. Cats, well they are lead by their own desires. I usually let them do what they want and just ask no to get scratched, or puked on. Horses well their nobility is just tremendous and they are picky, but respecting them and carrying apples or carrots in you pocket doesn’t hurt.
Barbara: What sort of services do you provide?
Me: I have two (2) types of services. One is a STAYcation, the second is VISIcation. The STAYcation is where I temporary reside in the home of the animal taking on the role of their human. This suits most people well. There is the trust issue there between us humans in knowing that I am not going to destroy their property. The latter, is a multiple visit per day determined by the animal’s human. It in itself is explanatory. Show up, feed, exercise, doctor if necessary and return.
Barbara: Which service is your favorite?
Me: STAYcation, because I get more time with the animals.
Barbara: How far in advance do people need to seek your service?
Me: The moment you even think about being away from your furkid? I know somethings are not planned like surgery, or work trips. When you are planning a vacation of your own and the furkids is not invited, include me on the scheduling. Most of the year it’s not that important, but there are high volume travel periods that may require some juggling.
Barbara: Do you have references?
Me: Yes, do you speak dog, cat or horse? Just kidding, the humans all recommend me.
Barbara: Do you have any interesting stories you want to share?
Me: Every animal in my care has their own personalities. But I always love and hate to hear that one of my new friends has missed me. One of my latest client, a mixed breed dog, although not distraught was so inclined to make a mess of the bed I slept in by burrowing in looking for me the night I left. One other little dog, ran from room to room looking for me for a day after I left. I love that they like me so much, and I hate that they are stressed by my leaving. But they soon forget that I don’t live there. When we meet again, it’s all tail wags and smiles.
Barbara: Is there anything you get from the experience?
Me: Oh my yes, I get the love from precious animals that we humans don’t give to each other. I don’t do it for the money. It’s not but grocery money anyway. By the way, I spend some of it on treats for the animals... But the love is why I do it.
Barbara: Thank you so much for sharing your time for this interview.
Me: It has been my pleasure. I really cannot express in words how important these animals are to me. Probably more than any human relationship I have. I do not only spoil them but I treat them with respect, and try to teach them to be better companions. Although I don’t know how they can be, they already do their jobs very well.