Hi there!

First things first: Pet care of all kinds is extremely important to me and although I like to have a lot of fun, I also take it quite seriously. You'll see that I have included a lot of details below and will ask you a lot of questions about your pet when we're communicating. I do this primarily because it creates confidence and trust -- for me, and hopefully for you and them as well. When it comes to animals, I believe it's always worth the effort to invest in that :)

If you share this belief and feel this is the right approach to caring for your pet, you're in the right place!

NOTE: Although not reflected in my profile's household pets, my partner and I do have Kira, our dog- and human-friendly co-parented Egyptian street dog, in the house as a part-time resident. As of 21/1/25, she IS with us until 22/3/25.

She's a great helper on walks and sits, especially for bringing a bit of lively and playful (but also sassy xD) energy to the experience, but know that she is around sometimes :)

ABOUT ME

I have been a passionate dog lover all my life, probably because I come from a passionate dog-loving family. I grew up in the countryside of the rural US and had a childhood filled with 7 beloved dogs before I ever left home (now, my family is up to 10 and the count is still going strong, happily). As a child, I was well involved in their care, and in the training of some, which created the foundation of the confidence and experiences of dog handling that have followed.

Since my youth, I've been an occasional dog sitter for folks in my network and fostered a rehabilitating street dog for a couple of months. I don't have a full-time canine companion of my own (though am a proud co-parent of adorable Kira and have her on a part-time basis), but I've stayed engaged with the dogs in other parts of my life, giving them my love meanwhile.

I'm not an expert, but I have experience, and am confident, with:  

• Giving your dog oral medication (MUST be accompanied by clear, specific instructions in English) 
• Reactivity -- to other dogs, animals, kids, specific genders, etc. (⚠️ HOWEVER, at this time, I am unable to care for dogs who might bite or behave aggressively towards myself, my partner, or other folks we might meet intentionally in or out of the home (which could happen from time to time and would be communicated beforehand if needed)) 
• Basic training techniques, for maintaining your dog's progress and discipline while they're with me (Focus area(s) MUST be specified if you have this need) 
• Finding the right balance between calm and active times 
• Patience, compassion, and giving your dog space to develop a relationship with me in their own time

ABOUT MY HOME

I live in a two-room alt-bau apartment on the border of Wedding-Mitte, together with my dog-loving partner, Sofia. She will be around and may assist in your dog's care, but the primary responsibility will always lie with me.

The apartment is around 60 sq meters, fairly open, and extremely quiet (Seitenflügel overlooking a low-traffic parking lot) -- the main sounds may be a distant ambulance if the windows or balcony doors are open, or a neighbor walking on the stairs, jingling keys, etc., which occurs frequently. (Please consider if the latter might be a problem for your dog and communicate this with me.)

We do have a small balcony with open metal slated railings that is suitable for dogs of most sizes (but if I have any doubts about safety, they would not be allowed there unsupervised or at all). We also have several plants, cords, and small objects within doggie reach at the moment, but care will be taken to make the space more accessible for your pup if needed.

There is a small but spacious grassy park across the street and a trail just along a small canal less than a minute away where I most often go for walks and play. This area functions as the closest unofficial "dog park" and often features multiple friendly and playful dogs off-leash. As I generally find it to be a nice place for dogs I sit, let's discuss if your dog has special needs regarding this.

I can take more social and energetic dogs to Humboldthain about 15 minutes away, which is nice and quiet your dog can't be off leash or too socially stimulated, etc. I may also walk enthusiastic dogs in Schiller or Rehberge Park, which are 30-45+ minutes away on foot through city streets but very green and spacious once inside :)

ABOUT MY PET SERVICES

While I will always try my best to accommodate all of you and your pet's needs, I do have some limitations:  

1. I am allergic to cats (not severely, but uncomfortably), so I'm unable to offer any service related to them. The only exception to this may be if you need a home visit for your dog and you have a cat around that I won't need to tend to beyond changing water and the like. If this is your case, let's discuss :)  
2. ⚠️ I'm unable to sit for or interact with any dog that is a bite risk to myself or my partner. I wish I could, but this is currently beyond my scope. 
3. Likewise, I'm unable to bring into my home, or generally watch, any dogs that aren't house-trained. The only exception to this may be cases of rare elderly incontinence, probably in your home, but again, if this sounds like it could be you, let's discuss :)  
4. Dogs must be picked up and dropped off by you. I currently don't offer pet transport.  
5. While I'm often working from home, my days also include frequent medical appointments and occasional other meetings or errands, which means I could be away for 1-3 hours at a time, depending on the day. I am therefore unable to guarantee constant supervision (exceptions possible if scheduled well in advance), and unable to care for your dog if this is essential.