Michelle

Hello, I'm Michelle and I'd love to look after your older dogs and higher need dogs. All dogs are very welcome of course but if your baby is older or has higher needs (anxiety, heart meds, other meds, needs hand feeding, needs toileting during the night etc) that is no problem at all. They would be in fine company with my own dogs.

I currently have three older dogs myself (11, 11 and 12) and have taken on several older rehomes (who have become permanent residents!) over the years. It all began when we took on Doogie (who is in my profile pic with me) when he was nearing 13, fully deaf, had been kicked and abused, and couldn't find a home due to his age and medical conditions. He had three homes previously and my husband and I really want him to be safe and well cared for in his twighlight years so he came to live with us. It was such a joy to watch him blossom and to his beautiful personality shine through once he knew he was safe.

We've taken on several higher need and older dogs since then and now take care of older dogs where we can. Several of my dogs have been reliant on heart medication at specific times so I'm well versed in giving these and giving them on time (any meds), and I also have a diabetic cat who is on insulin injections twice a day at specific times, so I'm also comfortable injecting your dog if that is required.

Our property is fully fenced (front and back) as well as another gate to the property. We also have a back deck that has a padlocked gate and which the dogs have access to 24/7, so they can choose whether to be inside or sunning themselves on the back deck. 

It is just my husband and myself in our home, and our dogs sleep with us. Two of them sleep on the bed and one sleeps in a basket on the floor (his choice!). If your dogs are used to sleeping on the bed or furniture that is fine by us. They can also sleep in baskets or their crate if you prefer. I don't use crates myself for my dogs but do have them here if need be. 

* Currently I'm only available weekends (Friday afternoon to Sunday evening), long weekends, public holidays and Christmas/New Year period (mid December until mid January). This is only because I work full time during the week, and if I'm going to be looking after someone else's precious fur baby, I want to ensure I'm able to be at home with them :)

If you need your dog to stay longer, and are happy for me to have them while I'm at work during the day, this can also be arranged - please just let me know when enquiring. My beautiful neighbour currently comes once a day during the week (Monday to Friday) to see my own dogs while I'm at work, to let them out for a toilet break (though they do have access to a padlocked area outside during the day anyway) and to give them lots of pats, cuddles, a treat or two and some company. I don't trust many people with my dogs but she is absolutely amazing with them. She is very protective of them and just adores them and loves them like her own (she can't have her own dog as they're not fully fenced and she is older). She's been coming once a day every day during the working week for the last 4 or so years and loves her 'job'. She will look after your baby whilst visiting my own and give them loads and loads of attention also!

With regards to home visits:

These are currently available Friday evening (late afternoon/early evening) to Sunday evening. If you need home visits during the week, please contact me to discuss the required timing of these visits to see if it can be worked. I am happy to do early morning if needbe.

I will be available to do home visits locally every day during the Christmas/New Year period, from 20 December to 15 January. I am able to do one or two clients after 15 January, so if you need it after this date please contact me to discuss.

If your baby needs medicating at a specific time, please contact me to discuss. I am happy to give both oral medication and injected medication (insulin etc) and am very aware how on time these must be given. I have a 15 year old diabetic cat on insulin twice daily so I totally get it. I will try to fit in with your current timing as much as I can.

Your baby will get lots of love, cuddles and conversation during my visits :)