Hi there! I love animals and I'm a lifelong pet owner - you name it, I've likely lived with one! My 17+ year old dog Vaana died in 2016 and my 13+ year old dog Tank died in January 2017. I missed having animals around, so in April 2017 I adopted Ramón: a reactive rescue dog who sadly passed away from cancer in April 2020. Ramón was formerly a chained dog who escaped and was found as a stray with his heavy chain in Mexico, he was in a shelter there for a while and and then brought to Toronto by a local rescue group before I met him. He learned how to trust, play, and love, he lived in a home for the very first time, and he become a lovely companion during his 3 years with me. I offer boarding and day care in my home, sitting in your home (overnight sitting and day-care), drop-in visits for all animals, walks, consulting, best care practices and specific and easy-to follow instructions, plus I can help you set up your space for your new pet (any animal). I'm a confident housesitter as well; understanding what needs to be done while your away and happily self-starting to make sure everything is as it should be in your absence. I have a lot of experience with dogs who are/have: reactive, anxious, medical needs, administering medication properly and on schedule, puppies, seniors, differently-abled, and many different preferences and personalities! Each animal is so unique and I take the time to learn about your pet and let them become comfortable with me at their pace. Each family's needs are different and I'm able to adapt to your preferences so your pet has continuity and the most enjoyable Staycation possible! I love taking photos and will send you email updates with lots of photos. LIFE AS A DOG!? I'm great with dogs because I try to understand what they're experiencing, and being the creative-type, I find the best way to connect with each dog based on their individual personality and needs. I build our bond by having fun and being fair and consistent. I tell them what I DO like with tons of praise (verbal and physical) so they will repeat that behaviour, and what I DON'T like (sharp "NO" with hand clap) paired with an immediate redirect to reduce the unwanted behaviours, then praise on the successful redirect. Doing this immediately and consistently is how I've trained all of my dogs - it's very effective. They feel confident, safe, and their self-esteem stays intact. I'm constantly studying and learning about dogs. Once I know a dog better, I'm even able to stop unwanted behaviours *before* they happen - simply by interrupting a thought and correcting/redirecting, just by reading their unique body language and understanding their specific triggers. (For example, stopping the thought to run after a squirrel is much more effective than trying to stop the dog once he/she's already running after it!) I spend time with dogs and study all the time - this has helped so much in understanding how dogs think, what they need, and what makes an ideal caregiver. We have a lot of fun, and dogs feel safe and relaxed because they quickly understand their role and my simple rules. I'm fair, quick-thinking, competent, and loving, fun and caring. LIFE AS A CAT!? ...As a child I had 4 cats since they were kittens. My mother became allergic so my Aunt took two cats and we found loving homes with neighbours and friends for the other two. Over the years I've looked after many cats when their owners couldn't be there. I love all animals and I'm happy to take the lead from your cat about how much attention and affection they prefer, and of course this may change over time as they get to know me better - then it's usually a purr-fest/snuggle-fest, but no belly-rubs of course! I understand commercial and home-based cat diets, and can consult on all aspects of cat care. I love to watch cats enjoy catnip. Did you know that 1 in 4 cats don't like catnip, and the other 3 go absolutely berserk for it? It's a lot of fun :) I can pet your cat while they sunbathe in their favourite spot, brush out their coats, play laser-pointer, and dangle their favourite "prey" on a stick with a string for stimulation and interaction. We can spend time outside too! DOG TRAINING: I'm able to work with you and your dog to curb unwanted behaviours and reduce reactivity (ex: whining, barking, pacing, pulling, excessive licking, aggressive reactions to other animals, specific fears, etc.) For overnights and day care, we'll be spending lots of time together, so why not make the most of it by trying to create more balance? I will share with you what worked (and what didn't) so that there can be the option for continuity. I also offer consulting and training! These sessions include you and your dog. CAT TRAINING: ....Yeah right! More like "human-training"...LOL BACKGROUND: Tank (my dog that died in 2017) was given to me 4.5 years ago by a couple who could no longer care for him. Tank and I were able to work together to improve his manners and leash skills, as well as working on fears (rain, squeaky toys, etc.) and successfully overcoming his extreme separation anxiety. We came a long way! He was such an amazing dog and we were so in-tune. My dog Vaana lived to be 17 and she was such a lovely dog and I learned so much about love, life, and dogs from her. Ramón was my most challenging dog, and we were able to work on so many things that improved the quality of his life and relationships. We worked together to help him become his best self. It so was rewarding to work with him and love him! I've hosted many dogs for friends and family over the years, and every time the owners return they notice how calm and happy their dogs are, and how silky their fur is (I often add fish oils and coconut oils to their food - but wouldn't do this for Clients dogs without checking first!). I can bathe your dog, and trim (most!) nails as well. I lead a simple and happy life, one easily adapted to the needs of most dogs. I have a flexible schedule and would be happy to work around your dog's needs as much as possible. I have a large dog stroller so dogs with mobility issues can enjoy/join longer outings when staying at my home. MY HOME & AREA: I'm in a large, airy, sunny, one-bedroom apartment, with a balcony. My space is cozy and functional. Animals are allowed on the sofa and bed. I live right next to an (un-fenced) off-leash dog park, on the Humber River Trail, just 2.5 kms north of Lake Ontario. It's such a beautiful nature walk along the Humber River trail, with lots of singing birds and greenery. It leads pretty far north, and south to the Lake. I have high standards for pet care, and will provide a very high level of care for your fur baby. Your pet is worth it! I'm worth it! I'd be happy to speak with you and/or set up a "Meet-n-Greet" to see if we're a match for your pet's care. Thanks :)