Friendly humans seek canine and feline friends. Must like long/fun walks, playing catch/frisbee, treats, running around in grass and sniffing things, tummy rubs, playing catch the mouse, sitting on laps, snoozing.
Hi, we're Cheryl and Jake. We are both *cough*around 30*cough*.
Cheryl works 4 days a week for a charity in the womens' sector (so is DBS checked), and Jake is self-employed as a DJ and a Web designer.
We both have very flexible working schedules and if one of us isn't available, the other will be. We currently have a bearded dragon, 2 leopard geckos, and two snakes; a royal and a cornsnake.
We have previously had (between us), 2 dogs, 2 cats, a horse, 5 chickens (two of which we hatched), 14 quail (all of which we hatched), 3 bearded dragons, 2 snakes, and a couple of leopard geckos (and a partridge in a pear tree -- kidding on this last) and have looked after/walked/house sat with numerous friends, family and neighbours dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters.
We both adore animals (dogs, cats and reptiles especially). Due to our current accommodation, we are unfortunately unable to give a dog or cat a forever home.
Having both had dogs and/or cats for many years before, we know that it can sometimes be tough to walk your dog every day, or find someone you trust to look after your pet(s) while you're away.
So, while we are unable to have a dog of our own at the moment, we find ourselves sadly lacking a furry companion and thought we would offer our services, skills, and bouncy enthusiasm to make other pet owners lives easier in some way. We both drive, have transport and are willing to travel to a certain degree. We will happily travel further for house sitting but longer distances for walks or visits may not be feasible for us (please do enquire though!). Likewise, we can offer discounts if you are closer or require house sitting without a dog walk.
We have both had puppies and very energetic dogs before so are used to long walks and a lot of playing and attention. Likewise, if you have an older or more sedate animal, we can provide entertainment, petting or just company of having a friendly human around that will give them understanding and their own space. Most of our previous animals have all been rescues so we're used to quirky characters and those that need a bit of extra understanding.
We know animals feel happiest when they are in their own homes, especially when their family is away, and would be very happy to look after your home and your pet as if they were our own. You know your pet better than we do, and we are happy to accommodate individual needs.
Cheryl and Jake took great care of our two cats, including giving the elderly one his daily pill and giving him the fuss he requires afterwards as compensation. Cheryl even gave us regular phone updates so we wouldn't worry, which was lovely. When we came home our boys were happy and calm. However, I'm a bit worried that they keep pushing holiday brochures towards us and opening Pawshake? I think they might want us to book Cheryl and Jake again....
Cheryl did a great job looking after our mastiffs. She was very understanding of our needs and communicated way beyond our expectations, with updates before during and after the visit! This really made me feel secure leaving our dogs in her care.
She was clearly very capable and comfortable dealing with two large breed dogs, and they were very happy on our return! Definitely recommend!!
We both have experience in dog training (own and close friends' dogs) and day to day grooming obviously. Jake has also previously worked at a stable, spending a lot of time training horses out of bad habits and dangerous behaviours.