Professional Pet Sitter, Dog Trainer and Owner

Your Animals First Pet Sitting  and Dog Training in Springfield, Illinois.

I have always been pretty obsessed with animals 😊

Growing up in apartments in Chicago, we had a dog and a cat and  I got to have small pets of my own – turtles, hamsters, fish, and parakeets. But that didn’t stop me from bringing home strays, as well as insects, and injured birds.  I was fascinated  in learning all about each type of animal I came in contact with.

Experience working in Animal Shelters

In my late teens and early 20’s I worked in  animal shelters in Chicago and the Seattle area. I loved being around all the animals and people who were passionate about animal welfare.  I learned  about handling all kinds of animals in various mental and physical states. I left shelter work  because although it was rewarding, I was emotionally drained after several years. But I’m forever grateful for I  learned a lot about so many things, and much of that shaped who I have become over the years.

From Draft Horses to Competition Dog Training

A few years later, I got involved in owning a horse drawn carriage service, and that taught me about animals having purpose, and how they seemed fulfilled and happy working if all their needs were being met. I learned  about how horses  learn and react ,and it was very  interesting. My favorite part of that business was caring for the horses. Being around Draft Horses for 10 years  was an awesome experience that not too many people get to have. Bitten by the bug of training and behavior, I got introduced to  competition dog training with my first purebred dog, an Airedale during those years.

How I became a Professional Pet Sitter

In 2002 I moved from Seattle to Bremerton WA, which is a much smaller City. When I needed pet care, I found that there was none in my area, and that is how my Pet Sitting career got started.  I found my niche!