Laura

Hi, I'm Laura! I am a young writer who loves animals and has some extra free time on my hands. I would love to help you and your beloved pets live your best life every day. Less stress for you, more fresh air and fun for your little ones, and more playtime for me!

Je parle aussi un peu français (et j'en comprends beaucoup) puisque mon mari est français.

{ What your pet's experience will be with me... }

Your pet’s well-being and happiness is my number one priority. I love to play with animals, brush them, and take them outdoors for fresh air, exercise, and socialization. If possible, I like to take them to a pleasant green space so they can enjoy nature. If they get a little dirty during their outdoor playtime, I will make sure they are clean before I pet them goodbye. If you like to see how your pet is doing during the day, I would love to send you a photo or message update each visit. Of course, I also make sure they are well-fed & hydrated and that their litter box or pee pad is clean and ready for use. If you like, I can also open windows while I am at your home to replenish the fresh air (and make sure they are closed again before I leave), collect mail, water houseplants, and pick up pet food & supplies. I give them their medicine if needed and have studied how to give animal-massages to soothe aches and pains in old or sick pets. If your little one has high-anxiety during thunderstorms, I can visit to calm them and make them feel safe with blanket nests, games, light background noise, and gentle hugs. If your pet is temperature-sensitive, I can also visit to cool or heat the room during significant changes in outdoor temperature.

About Overnight Stays:

+ Hours flexible to when you need me (meaning it's a 24 hours/stay, I can arrive earlier and leave later than a typical overnight stay if you need.)

+ Full care of your pet (feeding, playtime, outdoor time, cleaning, medication, etc.)

+ Basic household upkeep (collecting mail, watering houseplants, tidying up after your pet, pet supply errands)

+ Before I leave, I will make sure your little one has everything he needs until you come home!

{ Why I love animals… }

The animals we bring into our lives might be some of the purest, most unconditionally loving relationships we ever have. Pets are genuine in the extreme and spend their days making us laugh, making us play, comforting us when we’re down, and watching over us just like we watch over them. It’s no surprise that our pets become our family members (often the favorite family member). We love them, we want to give them the best life possible, but we also have other things in our lives that need our attention. For when life calls you away, I will be there for your little buddy to make sure she gets everything she needs just as I would my own pet. I’m patient, devoted, caring, and knowledgeable. More than that, I love seeing them happy. You won’t have to worry about the level of care and attention your furry friend will get.

{ How I started pet-sitting… }

I grew up with a houseful of pets... and when I went outside there was another yard full ready to pounce. Each pet had its own personality, its own strengths, and its own weaknesses. There was a furry soap opera in my house 24/7. It was a lot to handle, but I loved it. Over the past ten years I’ve moved a lot - New York, England, France, Munich, Maine, and now Toronto. Because of this, I haven’t been able to adopt a pet as I would have liked. Eventually, I began helping other people out with their pets which brought so much joy back into my life. Someday I’ll have my own puppy (or three), but until then I’m happy to help other people give their little buddies the best possible quality of life every day.

{ Why you can trust me to take care of your pet’s needs… }

I’ve been pet sitting since I was fifteen. Since then, I’ve run the gamut of situations in which animals find themselves. It has taught me how to understand their expressions and handle pretty much every situation they’ve thrown my way. I’ve dealt with dog fights, catfights, high-anxiety animals, sick animals, shy animals, stubborn animals, animals with dietary issues…everything. Except for the most serious medical emergencies (thankfully), I’ve seen it all. I know how to perform CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver on dogs and cats, though I do not hold certification. I am also familiar with breathing issues related to brachycephalic breeds and will do everything I can to avoid situations that trigger breathing difficulties. If they do begin to wheeze, I know a few tricks to help them breathe more freely again. Some breeds, such as dachshunds and beagles, are especially prone to spinal issues such as IVDD. I have some extra knowledge on the best ways to carry and handle these types of dogs in order to avoid the development of spinal problems. Overall, I will pay attention to your pet to make sure her needs are being met. If she’s sick or scared, I will know, and I will do everything in my power to fix that. And if she’s happy, I will be too! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me through Pawshake. I'll be happy to help in any way I can.