Hi I'm Abbie,

I’m currently a university student studying Fine Art at Norwich University of the Arts, and I intend to become an art teacher when I graduate this year.

Alongside my studies, I also play D1-level basketball in Cambridge, as it is the closest high-level basketball team available to me. Balancing university with playing and coaching high-level basketball can be quite stressful, so I think having a furry friend to spend some time with would be a really lovely addition to my week.

I grew up with a beautiful little Lhasa Apso called Buddy, who I still have with me sometimes when I’m able to bring him up to Norwich. I miss him terribly when we’re apart, and he is now 13 years old, so I’m very conscious that I may not have him around forever. Being able to spend time with and care for another furry friend would therefore mean a lot to me and would bring some extra happiness into my life.

I currently live with two people the house. One of them is my boyfriend who is in full time work as a physiotherapist, and my other house mate is will who is studying to be a doctor and UEA, they both also have lots experience with dogs Will having grown up with 11 of them is very experienced and Angus (my boyfriend) has a family dog a Rhodesian Ridgeback. So there is plenty of experience in the house and all dog lovers.

I have experience caring for my own dog, Buddy, who is now older, so I’ve learnt that every dog has their own personality, routine and needs. Buddy is a very relaxed and lazy dog, which has taught me that not every dog needs long walks and constant activity — some are much happier with a slower pace, company and plenty of rest. I’m happy to adapt my care to suit each individual dog and follow their usual routine as closely as possible. During daytime care, I wouldn’t leave a dog alone for long periods; if I needed to pop out, it would only be for a short trip such as going to the shops. Home visits can last as long as needed depending on the dog and what they require. For overnight stays, I’m very security-conscious and would make sure all doors are securely locked before bed, while also making sure the dog is settled, comfortable and happy before I go to sleep. I’m really looking forward to meeting new dogs, getting to know their personalities and giving them lots of care and attention while their owners are away.

In terms of availability:

Monday: This would be ideal for me as I have no university commitments during the day. I do coach basketball in the evening, but that doesn’t start until 6:30pm, so I would be very flexible during the day.

Tuesday: I’m also very flexible during the day. I need to travel to Cambridge at around 4:30pm, but otherwise my daytime availability is good.

Wednesday: My university timetable varies each week, so this can be a little harder to guarantee in advance. However, when I am free, I would have good daytime availability. I also coach basketball at 6:30pm.

Thursday: I usually have a lecture at 11am, but after that I’m generally free until around 6:30pm, when I need to leave to travel to Cambridge.

Friday: Friday mornings can sometimes be busy with university, but my afternoons are generally much clearer, and I don’t have any commitments in the evening.

Weekends: These can be more difficult as I often have basketball commitments. If I’m not coaching a team somewhere, I’m usually playing myself, so my weekend availability would depend on my basketball schedule.

Happy to talk about flexibility with anyone on how long I sit your dog for very open to conversation.

Overall, I’m hoping to find a furry friend that I can spend some regular time with during the week, particularly during the daytime. I’d love the opportunity to give them some company, attention and plenty of cuddles, while also having a little break from the stresses of university and basketball.

Fun fact I also currently own a tortoise named Schmidt and he is a very easy pet to look after.