I live in central Ngaio with my adult daughter. We share our home with a 6 1/2 year old Bichon X, Hugo. Our property is set well back from the road in a cul-de-sac & is fully fenced and gated. It has a small outdoor area-perfect for small breeds. We are lucky to have a range of walking tracks & parks on our doorstep that includes Tarikaka track, Cummings & Nairnville Parks, as well as the dog exercise area near Cardinal McKeefry School.
I began my career as a Marketer, then spent eight years teaching both here and abroad- all good preparation for caring for animals since patience & compassion are essential! Most recently, I worked as an Assistant Groomer at Paws in the City, Kaiwharawhara (reference available on request) I also gained experience handling a variety of animals when I worked part-time at CareVets, Porirua.
My love for animals was born early in life; I grew up with cats, rode horses when I could and have owned a rabbit & a miniature Schnauzer. I have also rescued animals including a stray kitten trapped inside the engine of a car, a tui with a suspected broken leg and a pair of small birds which had become ensnared in tree sap and were being mauled by a cat. I took them to the Bird Sanctuary in West Auckland where we were told they were unlikely to survive. A month later, a call from the centre brought news that the two birds (different species) were not only thriving but had become the best of friends. Made my heart sing!
When living in the UK in my twenties, I volunteered at my local animal rescue centre in Watford, tending to two Vietnamese pot bellied pigs and exercising greyhounds that had been abandoned after a life of racing.
After a busy career in teaching, I am now looking to work a more flexible schedule. I believe my greatest strengths in regards to animal care, are: calmness, gentleness and adaptability. Pet sitting allows me to enjoy both caring for pets and spending time outdoors. What dog doesn't like to be walked? :)
Please note: I can only take dogs 18 mnths +
Full refund if canceled before 12:00 p.m. one day before the booking, 50% refund afterward.
No refund is payable if the booking is canceled on or after the start date.
Note: All times are based on the sitter’s time zone
Catherine is a marvelous sitter and Toby can't wait to greet her and Hugo. She is really helpful and accommodating and I am so lucky I've found her for the odd day care. Toby also stayed with her for four days when I was away this month and he was really well cared for and happy while I was gone. I wholeheartedly recommend her.
We felt very lucky to be able to book Catherine to look after our older dog, Ellie. Catherine was very easy to deal with and Ellie had a wonderful time. We hope Ellie can go back again soon; we are delighted with the arrangement.
Dog walker
Basic dog grooming
Pet feeding & sitting