A warm hello to you, thank you for viewing my profile. A little about myself, my name is Laurie; I have over 15 years of professional pet care and house sitting experience in the Roaring Fork Valley which is from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, Colorado, USA as well as sitting in other states in the US and internationally.
IN 2019, through Housecarers, I had a wonderful opportunity to house and pet sit for a family who had a beach house in Costa Rica. They lived 2 hours away. I stayed at their beach house to greet guests for their two Air B&B units and keeping an eye on the property and caring for their dog. After 7 months, I moved back to the US to be with my mother who wasn't well. She passed soon after I came home, she was waiting for me.
In 2018, I watched over a house and ranch in Colorado for 5 months while my client's place was for sale. They had already moved down to their new home in Mexico and they were worried about leaving their house and property unoccupied during the winter. Good thing I was there, as during the week of Christmas (OF COURSE!) the hot water pipe broke in the basement floor. Thankfully, I was able to shut off the water and contact the owner. I worked with the contractor and kept the owners updated on the repairs. After all of the repairs and new flooring were installed, I cleaned up and got the house ready to put back on the market.
Years ago, while living in Colorado, I had a full-time house and pet sitting business and I had over 250 clients. This was before people were even looking on the internet for sitters. SO everything was networking and word of mouth! I was doing house calls as well as taking groups of dogs hiking and snowshoeing. To learn more about the animals I was caring for, I completed several Vet Tech classes. As well as trained with a local exotic bird rescue to care for exotic birds. A local vet taught me how to give cats subcutaneous fluid injections so I could care for cats with kidney failure. I have also administered insulin injections for diabetic cats. So I am comfortable administering medications and making sure your animals stay healthy.
The variety of animals that I have cared for has been pretty extensive! Different breeds of dogs and cats, exotic birds, lizards, turtles, snakes, small scaly and furry critters as well as fish. Also, I have had the opportunity to care for an injured lamb named Emma who was abandoned by her mama so my clients were caring for her. She would come into the house at night so I could soak her foot and keep her safe! Can't forget the horses, llamas, rabbits, ferrets, hedgehog, and a big iguana named Fred, there were many more. They all need different care, feeding, and attention. The dogs love to go on walks and hikes and play and of course, treats and a lot of love! Cats usually love to play, cuddle and be brushed. I like to get to know their personalities and some love to talk! Even the shy kitties come around for a little attention when I give them their space.
I have learned a lot throughout the years on what to look for when it comes to normal behavior in an animal and what could be an emergency. In my years of caring for animals, I have taken animals to the vet, taken over administering medications and fluids, bandaging, and even taken out a few stitches! Usually, everything goes as planned, walks, brushing, cuddling, feeding, and making sure everyone has plenty of fresh water and the litter boxes are cleaned every day! I like to keep the animals in their routines to help to reduce their stress while you are away. As well as stay in contact with you daily when possible.
Also, I have taken care of many homes, one of your biggest investments! From trailers to multi-million dollar homes. I take caring for your home very seriously; I am clean and respectful of your privacy. I do not drink or do drugs. I have also owned my own home which, I completely remodeled and then sold so I am pretty handy. In all of my years of caring for people’s pets and homes, I have learned that things happen! I have had pipes break, furnaces go out, bears visiting the apple tree. As well as my friend's older kitty pass away from natural causes. I am happy to water the yard and garden, pick up the mail, and put the trash out! If there is something else needed please let me know!
Combing my love of travel and spending time with animals is a WIN WIN. Originally from Minnesota, and lived in the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado for over 15 years where I had my pet sitting business. I would love to find a long-term safe opportunity in a warm climate of a year or longer. Right now I am living in Port Aransas, Texas. PS. I am not vaccinated and will not. So this will affect my travels. I am open to opportunities for 1 to two weeks in Minneapolis, MN or the Roaring Fo