Golden Retrievers have had my heart since I was a little girl. I grew up with a family Golden Retriever, Ajka, and then had my own beautiful Golden, Maya, for 13 wonderful years. 

Maya sadly passed away in February this year, and I miss her every day. Looking after other Goldens now gives me a chance to spend time with the breed I have loved for most of my life, and to give another Golden the same love, attention and companionship I gave my own. 

I specialise in caring for Golden Retrievers in their own home, either during the day or overnight, so they can stay comfortable in their familiar surroundings and keep their normal routine while you're away. I am happy to look after older dogs and dogs with additional needs, including administering medication according to your instructions. 

❤️ Why Goldens?

You live with a Golden, so you know they're not just dogs - they're family. I love their affectionate nature, their goofy personalities, their enthusiasm for life and, of course, their cuddles! 

I'm also very familiar with all the wonderfully Golden things they do — following you everywhere, carrying toys around, wanting to be involved in everything, food obsession, muddy paws, shedding, stealing socks, counter surfing, swimming, retrieving absolutely everything and giving you that look that makes it impossible to say no. 😂 

But I also understand that every Golden is different. Some want to play all day, some want to be glued to your side, and some are happiest curled up nearby having a good sleep. My aim is to get to know your Golden as an individual and follow the routine that makes them happiest. 

Because I work from home on my laptop, I'm able to be flexible with daytime bookings and can spend substantial time with your dog during the day. 

I offer:

🏠 Daytime sitting in your home - $70 per day. Perfect for Goldens who would rather have company than spend the day alone.
Ideal for: Workdays, appointments and long days away, Goldens who don't enjoy being left alone, older Goldens who prefer a quieter day, Goldens who need medication or additional attention, owners who want their dog cared for in their familiar environment.
🌙 Overnight house sitting - $80 per night. Your Golden stays home. We stay with them. My husband joins me for overnight bookings, so your Golden has two caring adults around. We are happy to look after older dogs and dogs with additional needs, including administering medication according to your instructions. For longer stays over 3 nights - $65 per night.

🐕 15+ years of hands-on dog experience

I've had more than 15 years of hands-on experience with dogs, including my own Golden Retriever, as well as caring for many different breeds over the past couple of years. 

Recently, I've looked after Golden Macy on several occasions and also cared for Golden Steve, who has epilepsy. These experiences have reinforced something I already knew from living with Maya: good dog sitting isn't about treating every dog the same — it's about understanding the individual dog in front of you. 

🥰 What can your Golden expect?

• Love, company, routine and plenty of attention — without turning their world upside down. 
• I'll take the time to learn your Goldie's routine, personality, likes and dislikes, feeding schedule, exercise needs, medication, boundaries and all those little quirks that make them them.  
• And quiet time is important too. Goldens may have a reputation for being enthusiastic whirlwinds, but they need their beauty sleep!

💊 Medication and additional care as instructed
🚶 Walks as part of their normal routine
🎾 Play and enrichment

If your dog wants to play, we'll play. If they want a cuddle, they'll get a cuddle. If they want to follow me from room to room, that's perfectly fine. And if they want to curl up and sleep, I'll happily let them. 

🌿 Basic home care while you're away

When I'm caring for your dog, I'm also caring for your home. I'll treat your home with the same care and respect I'd want someone to show mine. I'm happy to bring in the mail, put bins out, water plants, keep things tidy and make sure everything is secure while you're away. 

📸 Photo and video updates

I'll also keep you updated in whatever way makes you comfortable. Some owners love regular photos and videos; others prefer just an occasional “all good!” message. 

We'll agree on what works for you before you leave. 

📍I'm happy to travel across West Auckland, Central Auckland and the North Shore for suitable bookings. 

I’m fairly new to Pawshake, but not new to pet sitting — I can provide multiple 5-star reviews⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from another pet-sitting platform on request. 

Good to know before booking:

• General availability - any day of the week as I work from home.  
• I have my own reliable transport for visits and walks.  
• I offer a video call and, where possible, an in-person meet-and-greet before any booking, so you can ask me anything and see for yourself how I’ll be with your pets and home.  

If you're looking for someone who doesn't just like Golden Retrievers but has spent years living with one, understanding one and loving one, I'd love to meet you and your Golden. 🐾💛