Trusty Pet Sitter

12/11/2024

Watching these two for a week.

They’ve become regulars in my life since we met back in March ‘23.

It is sad to see the decline of the Labrador and see the grey hairs appearing on the pug.

All part and parcel of being a pet sitter though and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Check out the featured / pinned post on my page for my current availability.

01/11/2024

Latest availability for the rest of '24 and first half of '25

My prices will be increasing from the 1st January 2025. Any bookings for next year will be at the current prices so if you're planning a holiday or business trip next year, book your dates now to secure the current pricing.

My reviews can be found on my page and also on my website linked to below.

Lifetime owner and experience with dogs and other pets including cats, various reptiles, birds, rodents and pretty much everything that is/was legal to own!

Fully insured with vet fee cover and 3rd party liability.
Get in touch if you have any questions at all 😊

19/10/2024

Kidney failure? What kidney failure!?
Who needs kidneys anyway!?

19/10/2024

As some of you, and certainly my existing and past clients know, I am undertaking a long-term photography project to document as much of the world in images and video as I can.

Pet sitting allows me an opportunity to quench my desire to be around animals, and to explore a new area of the UK.

As I mostly tend to sit dogs, I don't get much time to explore during the sit itself, so I will typically either arrive in the area a few days before, or stay on after on a nearby campsite and then use that opportunity to explore the area before moving on to my next sit / area.

If you're into travel or indeed photography, and my travels can provide value or you'd simply like to support my efforts in bringing this content to the world, I'd love to have you along on the journey.

My monthly subscriptions start at £5pm or there is an option to support me with a one off 'coffee'.

For pet owners out there that support me as a monthly subscriber, not only will you benefit from the items listed below, but you will also receive a discount in line with your monthly support for any pet sits you book me for.

For example,

Support me with £5pm and receive a 5% discount.
Support me with £10pm and received a 10% discount
Support me with £20pm and receive a 20% discount

Please note, discounts become valid after 6 months of continuous support.

For as long as I can remember, I have had a dream to be part of Sir David Attenborough's photography crew and travel the world meeting fascinating people and photographing the places we visit. Fo

18/10/2024

Preparing myself and the van for a 188 mile journey up to Lancashire this morning to go and look after these two nutters for the next 10 days.

If any of my connections are in the Colne area and would be up for meeting for a coffee and a chinwag, do make yourself known.

If you are in the area and are looking for a commercial or personal brand photographer to work with over the next couple of weeks then again please do drop me a message to discuss your requirements.

Have a lovely Friday everyone

Check out my website for all the services I provide

https://eltoncilliers.com

10/10/2024

Today was that day no pet owner wants to have. Being told that your pet is essentially in palliative care.

Shaka had blood tests on Monday and this morning he and I went to discuss the results with the vet.

He has kidney failure which the vet says is not reversible. It is now a case of keeping him comfortable and monitoring him.

She (the vet) said at this stage we didn’t have to have the talk about him being crossed over but that it was likely to be the case in the next few months.

She wants to see him again in a month.

In the meantime I will be giving him various supplements to slow things down where possible and make him comfortable in addition to the pain and anti-inflammatory meds he’s been on for many years.

As a pet owner you always hope that nature will take its course and your pet will pass in his/her sleep as comfortably as possible. Having to play ‘God’ is not something any loving pet owner ever wants to do.

At least I get a chance to prepare myself and spend some time with him in his last months.

At almost 15 years I’d like to think he’s lead a happy life and knows how much he’s been loved by all those who have met him.

05/10/2024

Evening cuddles with this little one.

Two more sleeps and her humans will be back.

Can’t believe how quickly these two weeks have flown by!

01/10/2024

“If I have his boot he can’t go anywhere! And the more cuddles I get!”

Check out my page for my latest availability.

24/09/2024

Cuddles with these two after a day that bought me my first hands on experience with Canine Epitiloid Cramping Syndrome.

Common in border terriers this is the first time she has had an episode whilst in my care.

Having been well informed by the owners what to do should she have an episode I remained calm and followed the steps advised. Rubbed honey on her gums. Gave some drops. And plenty of massaging and rubbing.

She had these cramps, which at some points resulted in shaking which could be mistaken for seizures for around 30 minutes whilst I sat with her reassuring and rubbing her until it passed.

I’ve had dogs of my own in the past with various issues including epilepsy. But when it’s someone’s else’s pet in your care it’s just that little bit more scary.

23/08/2024

Shaka has decided that staying in bed is the best option whilst waiting for the storm to pass.

https://www.trustypetsitter.com

20/08/2024

Booked into a campsite just outside Durham to go and do some exploring between sits 😊

12/08/2024

Lovely review for my last sit 🥰

04/08/2024

Kisses from the pooch who a few days ago wanted to rip me a new one 🥰

02/08/2024

Following on from yesterdays post of the Vizsla that came close to biting.

Today we achieved the final two challenges.

Gaining entry to the house this morning was straight forward. Not even a single bark, just a tail wagging greet 😃

And the big one was achieved this afternoon when I managed to gain entry into the living room. This is the space he is especially protective of. I waited for him to leave the living room and I then went in.

When he came back and saw me sitting on the sofa he was rather excited coming in for some stroking.

So I think that’s us good to go for the remainder of the sit 😊

01/08/2024

Warning: long, but hopefully interesting post.

When I arrived at this characters home 2 days ago he came inches away from biting me after rushing me not once but twice.

I was warned by the owner that he takes a while to warm up to strangers.

For this reason I suggested I arrive a few days ahead of their departure to spend time with them and the dog so that he could get used to my presence and see that his owners were happy with me being around.

He has severe resource guarding issues and it was when I tried to enter the living room, where he lays on the sofa all day, that he rushed at me, teeth showing, aggressive growling.

I simply placed my arm in front of me and prepared to be bitten. I didn’t react at all. No fear. No backing off. I just stood and observed, fully prepared to defend myself if it came to it.

He came within an inch of my arm, mouth open. But he had the mindset to not go through with actually biting. Stopped, looked at me (I looked away) growled for a few seconds, turned around and jumped back on the sofa.

I took a step forward to see if he would react the same way, and he did. I had the same reaction of putting my arm horizontally across my pelvis area.

This time again he stopped an inch away from my arm not making contact.

This time he looked a little more confused, perhaps due to my lack of emotion or intimidation.

I’ve had far bigger dogs in my lifetime, I’m comfortable that I’d be able to subdue him should the need arise.

I left the living room test as didn't want to push him too much on our first day together.

I joined him and his parent on two walks prior to their departure this morning. On the second I was in control. I had to put his figure of 8 lead on, which took quite a bit of determination and reassurance from his parental unit. But I got there. I led him along the road on lead and then let him off when we got to the fields. When needed he would stop and allow me to put his lead on. Result.

This morning his parents left and I’m on my own with them. I have set up my laptop in the dining area to do my other work and he stayed in the living room. I called him several times to say hi. Even tempting him with treats. He wasn’t having it.

So I left him to it.

At dinner time he came out sharpish at the sound of the food bowls.

This evening he allowed me to put his lead on him and we went for a very pleasant walk where he ran free but he always ensured I was in sight. Which was reassuring for both of us.

Tomorrow is going to be another test as I will be entering the house (I sleep in my motorhome overnight with my elderly pooch) for the first time when the parents are not here.

Assuming that is successful the next step would be to try and gain access to the living room and see if he’s willing to tolerate me now that his parents aren’t present.

This evening whilst sitting in the garden I invited the little terrier onto my lap. The next thing I knew he was up there (excuse my hair in the last image as I was in movement trying to avoid being nutted) clambering onto my lap on a single outdoor/camping chair. It wasn’t very elegant but he is very jealous of the terrier getting attention. So she may be my way in 🤔

I’ll update you tomorrow.

31/07/2024

Lovely review for my recent sit for these two monsters and the 3 cats.

My second sit for this lovely family and their pets.

My availability for the remainder of the year (I have availability as I was going to be working through the summer until the end of September but due to a change of plans I've opened my diary to pet sits)

8th August - 18th September
8th October - 15th November
5th December '24 - 12th Feb '25

Get in touch if you're looking for a reliable, professional genuine animal lover to take care of your pet/s in your absence.

https://www.trustypetsitter.com