Melanie

Hi I love animals, walking, nature and the countryside. I've had my own dogs in the past but not for a while now as I've wanted the freedom to travel and have adventures wherever and whenever I want. After losing my daughter 2 years ago I chose to do pet sitting to get me through some very difficult times. Having animals to care for and cuddle up to is very therapeutic. No need for words, just love and affection. Therefore I would love to have more contact with animals and to be able to travel around and enjoy different locations. Before moving to Scotland 8 years ago I lived and worked in Bristol. My background is in Social Work and Social Care work. One of my favourite jobs was supporting a learning disabled adult to volunteer at an animal sanctuary and a city farm. Unfortunately I had a bad experience 4 years ago when I cared for 2 golden retrievers and a cat for 3 months in exchange for cheaper rent. The dogs were very badly behaved when out and about for walks and wanted to go after anything and everything, barking and pulling terribly on the lead. This resulted in me sustaining a repetitive strain injury to my shoulder and irreparable damage to some fingers. There were many other issues and the owner never prewarned me about any of it. Sadly it means I have to be careful about the type of dogs/ animals I'm able to walk. Anything that pulls on the lead I wouldn't be able to manage I'm afraid. However I'm a seasoned hill walker and love walks in the countryside (and mountains of course) so going for long walks, if needed, is not a problem. I'm a very responsible and respectful person and careful of people's homes and possessions. I like a clean and tidy but homely environment and I will definitely shower love and affection on your beloved pets and will take great care of them; I look forward to having these new adventures :-)
NB. I'm often looking for pet sits in Bristol to see family, friends and volunteer at Rockaway Park Community Garden. Other places I particularly like to visit are anywhere where there are mountains being a hillwalker. I may be willing to do other sits (time permitting) outside of my preferred areas if travel or petrol costs can be covered. As the pet sitting is free I would ask, if people can afford it, would they please make a donation to Rockaway Park Community Garden project giving my name as a reference. Happy to share more information about this if interested. Thank you