Jo

Hi there ! 

Below is my profile which I hope will be accurate from mid March.

I am adding this extra info for February though.

  🐾February :

I have a leg injury at the moment and so I’m taking on pet work again for February but won’t be able to take on regular dog walking yet I’m afraid.

For 6 weeks from Feb 1st I’ll be accepting work ( if I’m lucky enough to be offered it)

Cat -sitting will be absolutely fine now. 

But if we’re dog sitting, Andy will be doing the dog walking and I’ll be doing just the play, care and cuddles at your home.

Below is my usual profile which I hope will be as normal from mid March, or earlier,

Do hope to hear from you ! :

🐾 Usual Profile 

I’m Jo from Swainswick in Bath looking for 

work with animals in the Bath vicinity if possible. 

I enjoy walking dogs in all weathers and love looking after cats and rabbits ..animals of all kinds…

I’m available -and more than happy -to take on any kind of work with all kinds of creatures although for the time being I’m hoping for most work in Bath or at least at biking distance.

( I have a 7 day a week job walking a lovely spaniel between 8 and 9 am on the other side of Bath so I’m able to take on any work that isn’t around that time and if we’re pet sitting, Andy can always be with your pet while I walk her. But I only occasionally have access to a car so pet sitting too far away isn’t often possible.

I love riding my bike though so it can be absolutely anywhere across the city or immediate surround.

🐾 Experience : 

I had dogs, cats and rabbits throughout my childhood and the same throughout my children’s childhood :

Two cats, two rabbits and 3 sets of kittens when my eldest two children were little,then two more rabbits and a kitten as my youngest grew up, along with our wonderful collie- cross Marley, who died only this year.

We also shared goats, geese and chickens for many years (goats who also had little goats !) 

We home educated our family and they all loved animals so we’ve spent time with a great many creatures over the years. 

There’s been a bit of a gap recently, first whenCovid struck. And then a couple of years more while I was away on Wirral caring for my Mum full time.

But here we are back in Bath again …

And as we now live in a house where there’s just the two of us and we aren’t allowed pets, I’m even more keen than I was before I went away ..

🐾Andy :

My partner Andy enjoys animals too and joins me sometimes, especially if people want a pet sitter.

We’ve both had extensive experience with handling dogs other than our own and we’re very comfortable around all breeds and sizes ( We’ve enjoyed the company of German Shepherds,Pugs,Golden Retrievers ,labradors,Malamutes,Poodles,Jack Russells,Lurchers,Manchester terriers,spaniels ,cockapoos …)

Although we haven’t spent as much time with other people’s cats and rabbits, we know an awful lot about caring for our own and when we do care for others, it’s always a real privilege.

I’m extremely aware that all pets are very different -some much cuddlier and more sociable than others, some more easily scared and timid. And of course everything in between. 

So I always take time tuning in to their characters and preferences and of course will take my cue from you when you tell me what they can’t tolerate and what they love most. 

I take balls and playthings on walks and visits and love having fun with my charges so if your pet has any favourite games or particular needs, I’d really enjoy learning about them; make me a list as long as you like!

If you have cats or rabbits and want them fed while you’re away, I’ll be more than happy to give them plenty of time each day with cuddles and strokes and games.

As far as dog walks go,I’ll always have poo bags with me, and plenty of treats, too if you’re happy with that. 

I’ll let them off with your permission and am very willing to take them to a safe regular spot of your choosing or ( if I’m regularly walking them )to vary walks day by day -river/woods/field etc-

Whatever you and they prefer ..

I’ll bring a towel to dry dogs on wet days and I’m very happy to walk in the rain although I can also amuse and exercise them with games indoors if you prefer them out of the coldest Winter weather.

I feel I have great empathy with animals and have cared for the most wildly energetic to the most timid and anxious and am always very ready to meet a new friend. Hope to hear from you soon !