My father was the true animal lover of the family – dogs were his thing, and we always had a cat. Caring for our family pets always came naturally to me.

Later came Jade. I had her from the time she was just a few days old until she was 16, together through six moves, an eight-year relationship, and plenty of overnight vet stays during my years of corporate travel. Neither of us enjoyed those trips to the vet hotel, they were almost always followed by a call 48 hours later, “she’s not eating!” – her way of letting everyone know how much she detested being there. Though we made it through each stay, they were always hard on her (and me, too). Jade was super mellow and particular, she loved sitting in the middle of everything. In the kitchen while I cooked, not to graze, just to watch, and in the middle of conversations, just to listen. She didn’t care much for Christmas trees, but loved sitting in front of the fireplace during the season with a little Perry Como playing in the background. Chatty at times, she greeted me at the door every evening from work, and chastised me if I arrived later than usual. She wasn’t big on people – she’d hiss at ’em. Not as a threat, just to let them know she wasn’t a fan. Although, I’d like to believe that a great pet sitter could have woo’d her, I’ll never know – she passed in 2010.  She was my family.

Pet sitting started for me as an adventure, short stays during a road trip that unexpectedly grew into something I genuinely enjoy. Cats are special – wildly intelligent, full of surprises and gloriously zen without having to meditate – which honestly, I’m a bit jealous about. From the most affectionate to the stark skittish; the boldly mischievous to the elegantly nonchalant, it’s all love.

Getting to know your cats personality, quirks and preferences is what I enjoy most. Once I understand their needs, I show up 100% to provide exactly that.