I’ve grown up surrounded by animals my whole life, including dogs, cats and horses, so caring for them has always been a natural part of my life. I’m also responsible for my own dog at home, which has given me a strong understanding of the daily commitment pets need — from exercise and routine to patience, attention and lots of love.

Over the years I’ve regularly cared for pets for family and friends, and while travelling in Australia I worked as a house and dog sitter looking after multiple homes. I often cared for two or three dogs at a time, and sometimes a mix of dogs and cats. During this time I also used Pawshake, where I helped owners with dog walking and home visits to feed their pets, give them attention and make sure they were comfortable while their owners were away.

Some of the pets I’ve cared for have needed extra attention and responsibility. For example, while house sitting for one family I looked after an older dog who required daily medication by injection. I carefully followed the owner’s instructions and routine to make sure their dog stayed comfortable and healthy while they were away. In another home I cared for a brand new puppy, which meant lots of patience, supervision and helping them settle into a routine with feeding, toilet breaks and gentle play.

Experiences like these have made me confident handling pets of different ages, personalities and needs. Whether it’s an energetic dog who loves long walks, a young puppy who needs patience and structure, or an older pet who simply wants calm company, I adapt to what suits them best.

Being around animals is something I genuinely love. I enjoy taking dogs out for walks, playing with them, or simply sitting with them so they feel safe and relaxed. My goal is always to treat every pet as if they were my own and make sure they feel happy, cared for and comfortable while you’re away.