> I am a professional dog walker by trade (Gone With The Wolves)

> I also offer pet services here on Pawshake :)

> I am 26 years old, with a background in animal care (SPCA volunteer, professional pet sitting & dog walking)

>Lots of life experience with dogs, rats, rabbits, birds (chickens, parrots, pigeons), cats, and farm animals 

>Based in Northland, Wellington

Dog Walking Overview:

My goals: Engagement & Enrichment  

Activities: Solo walks, Pack walks, Playtime, Off-leash, or On-leash walks 

Where: Typically suburbs between Brooklyn and Johnsonville*  

How: Car pick-up and drop-off, or do home visits 

Duration: Generally an hour or more, negotiable (45mins minimum)  

Dogs: All welcome, small to large breeds  

Specialty: senior or diabled dogs,rescues, nervous or reactive dogs, other special needs 

Price range: $37-$65** 

Meet and greet: free

*can discuss other locations 

**actual rate based on location, number of dogs, length of walk

About me:

Kia ora! I'm a complete animal-loving dork, currently flatting with my sweet elderly labrador Ronja, who I got to spend the last eleven years with since she was just 8 weeks old. I spent so much of my teenage years hanging out with her, she was (and is) one of my all time best friends. Then there's our other family dog Mio, a border collie x huntaway, a nervous and reactive SPCA rescue who still lives with my parents. I've now had lots of experience with dogs who - like Mio - can be a bit antisocial towards other dogs. My life is so closely intertwined with pets and animals that it's hard to sum it up. I've always felt a kinship with other animals and understood their wants and needs. Throughout my life I've lived with cats, dogs, rabbits, pet rats, sheep, pigeons, chickens, geese, a dwarf hamster and a cockatoo. 

I've also volunteered at the SPCA, been a professional dog walker with Hound Hikes, and been a professional pet sitter with Creature Comforts. While I learnt a lot from this experience, I also felt there was much to be improved. I believe that animal care requires a much more personal approach that I didn't always see in the industry. It's not about profit or just appeasing the pet owners, what I want to do is get to know your animal friend and cater to their specific needs!! Bonding with animals is what it's all about. And I listen to you, the parent, because you know your pet better than anyone.  

So I've moved on from working for the big bosses, and now run my own small business; I'd love to put my passion and professionalism to good use by spending time with your dear animal friends, in a flexible way that suits us both!! 

TL;DR: Spending time with animals is my (professional) hobby!