I grew up around animals. My father was the true animal lover of the family – dogs were his thing, and we always had a cat. I naturally gravitated toward our pets, hanging with them just came naturally to me.

Then came Jade. I had her from the time she was just a few days old until she was 16. She was with me 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. 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 vet stay, they were always hard on her (and me, too). 

Super mellow and particular, Jade loved sitting in the middle of everything – an observer. In the kitchen while I cooked, not to graze, just to watch. In the middle of conversations, just to listen. She didn’t care for Christmas trees, but she loved sitting in front of the fireplace during the season. Chatty at times, she greeted me at the door every evening when I came home from work, and chastised me if I arrived later than usual. She wasn’t big on visitors – she’d hiss at them. Not as a threat, just to let them know she wasn’t a fan. She was my family. She passed in 2010.

Pet sitting started for me as an adventure for short stays during a road trip that unexpectedly grew into something I genuinely enjoyed.  Cats are special – wildly intelligent, belly-laugh hilarious and gloriously zen. Truthfully, I’m a little jealous. From the most affectionate to the stark skittish; the boldly mischievous to the elegantly nonchalant, it’s all love.

Getting to know your cat’s personality, quirks and preferences it was I love most. Once I understand your cat’s needs, I show up 100% to provide exactly that.