Ruth

Hi, my name is Ruth, I am 26 years old, from the west of Ireland and I work in research. I recently moved to Melbourne and am looking to kickstart my career in animal care here. 

A little about me... 

While I have always been a total animal lover, it wasn't until I went travelling South East Asia on my way here, that solidified in my mind that I prefer working with animals over humans (despite having a master's degree in psychology). I believe that this eureka moment, coupled with missing my baby boy, Gerry, a 4-year-old lab back in Ireland, makes a career with Pawshake the perfect fit for me! I would love more than anything the opportunity to spend time with your furry friends as I know separation can cause stress for both pets and parents alike, so it is my goal to alleviate that worry as much as possible. I have grown up around animals in rural Ireland and I would love more than anything to have the opportunity to further my career in caring for animals. 

Experience and passion...

I have plenty of experience dog sitting on a one-to-one basis, typically within their own familiar surroundings, or where-ever they feel most comfortable while their humans are away. I balanced minding pets while WFH back in Ireland for friends, family members and neighbours. While this is my first time to put myself out there on a pet minding platform, I am a competent and trustworthy pet sitter who gets profound joy from spending time with animals. I'm fuelled by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners, ensuring they feel secure, loved, and cared for in their absence. Knowing that I can alleviate the stress of pet owners and provide companionship and comfort to their beloved pets motivates me every day.

What I can offer...

I am available for dog minding services in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings, ensuring that your furry friend receives the best care and attention throughout the day. I currently have a pretty flexible schedule as I only arrived in Melbourne at the start of June 2024, so can facilitate daytime and overnight pet sitting, as well as walking and positive reinforcement training if required. While I am not a professional pet trainer, I recognise the importance of reinforcing positive behaviours to keep everyone safe and well. I also have experience in dog training since 2020 when I welcomed my family dog (Gerry) into my home as a puppy so am well accustomed to the puppy/teenager phase and dealing with certain unwanted behaviours. 

The important stuff...

Anything that will keep your pooch feeling as comfortable and happy as possible when in my care is what matters to me. I promise to take all instructions on board for a seamless transition of care from owner to pet sitter. I am happy to mould into the pet's daily routine, administer medications, daily grooming (especially after walks if your pet needs a cool down/dry off depending on the weather) and engage their brains and bodies with appropriate exercise as instructed.

My current set up...

I live in the leafy suburb of South Yarra, but am happy to travel as needed for pickups and journeys to the best dog-friendly parks and beaches in Melbourne. I am lucky enough to live on the edge of the idyllic Royal Botanic Gardens as well as being just up the road from the Fawkner off leash dog park and St. Kilda dog beach for a real stretch of legs (for both myself and your pets!). As I live in an apartment, it would be my preference to look after your pets from their own home. For dog walking, I can cater the walks to suit their activity levels and age, but would typically do an hour long walk in the mornings and another 45-minute walk in the evenings for adult dogs, including lots of opportunity for sniffing and stretching as well as some off-leash play with other dogs depending on their recall and of course only if given the go ahead by their pet parents. 

House sitting...

I also have experience house sitting if required while looking after your pets, and would be happy to engage in light household chores and maintenance such as gardening, watering plants, vacuuming/dusting while pet parents are away. During house sitting, I can stay overnight in your home to provide round-the-clock care for your pets. I take home security seriously and implement measures such as locking doors and windows, maintaining a presence in the house, and adhering to any specific security protocols you may have. 

Communication...

The photos on my profile are pictures of just some of the very happy doggos I have had in my care, young, old, big and small as well as some of the ones that I met on my recent travels. I promise to communicate effectively with pet owners while their pet is in my care and take plenty of photo updates.

Just to note...

Animals with up-to-date vaccinations are preferred, as the health and wellbeing of your pet is of utmost importance to me.