My Background

Military Veteran / Vet Tech

Hi Everyone! Welcome to my website.  Some of you may have found me on google, or were referred to me by fellow petsitters.  Some of you I know personally and professionally from working at the Nebraska Humane Society. Some of you have heard of me and my services through friends.  Thank you for visiting my page!  I love my life as a professional petsitter and dog walker.  Here's some background on me:

I was born in 1974 just outside of Detroit, Michigan but my parents quickly moved me and my sister to a more rural community here in Nebraska to experience farm life. I was raised on a cattle farm with lots of little baby calves to care for and bottle feed. We also raised chickens and ducks for eggs and 4-H projects. And unfortunately food - yes I had to deal with that stark reality at an early age.

When I was young the animals on the farm were my best friends. I had my dog Lady, my cat Socks, life was wonderful. I loved taking photos of them and the farm animals. I loved going to the cattle auction with my dad and sketching the cows in the ring. I loved riding my horse, Fritz.

After grade and high school I attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln on an Instrumental Music Scholarship - my plans were to teach band and inspire others in my love of music. I had a lot of fun in college....and didn't attend many classes...so! I joined the Navy! good plan. :) Actually it was! I attended boot camp in Orlando, Florida. Though it was no vacation - it taught me a strong work ethic and the confidence I was lacking in my earlier years. After that I was sent to Aviation Electrician School in Millington, TN - learned electrical maintenance on planes and given lots of responsibility. Also got to see Graceland and experience all the fun Memphis has to offer. After that I was sent to my duty station in Willow Grove, PA - just 10 miles from Philadelphia. I worked on DC-9 aircraft and met the most wonderful and influential people in my life working the night shift at my squadron at VR-52. We traveled to Spain, Sicily, Japan, Australia...so many places! But the whole time I was in the Navy I wondered "when will I have a life?"

I have learned what "a life" is. It's when you have someone depending on you. That's my life with animals. And the people who love and care for them.

After the Navy I came back home to the farm and worked at a factory for a few months (boring), then moved to Omaha and worked as a house painter for a while (Harwood Services - great company by the way!) and a few years later started attending Veterinary Technician School at Omaha College of Health Careers. This was the best decision of my life! I am so glad I attended and graduated and passed the licensing board exam for Veterinary Technician School - though the vocation does not pay well in most cases, the knowledge learned is priceless! As the guardian of one dog and four cats - knowing how to examine them and knowing the signs of sickness are so beneficial to me. I can help you so much - please call if you have any questions!

Right before I graduated from Vet Tech school I was hired at The Nebraska Humane Society. I started out part time and once graduated I began full time in the Surgery Department assisting the Vets with surgeries, lab work, exams, etc. I spent the next 4 years immersed in the animal shelter system. It is the most rewarding at times, and the most depressing at times.

At 4 years I left to try and heal my soul. Worked several more years at a warehouse working the night shift. No soul healing there. But the pay was good. Was able to buy a house here in Omaha. And this is where I plan to stay. :)

After that was accomplished I had to go where where my heart was. So I came back to the place I love. The Nebraska Humane Society. I worked a year cleaning dog kennels and working with the dogs. Then I was promoted to an Assessment Technician and worked with all animals entering the shelter. I vaccinated, examined, and entered data into the computer system for all animals that entered the shelter. At times it was wonderful. And at times it was heart breaking.... Now I feel fully prepared to offer my services to pet parents. I have seen the good, the bad, I've seen it all. I know what to look for and I know how to Help You. Please Let Me Help You. I know being a pet guardian is challenging at times - but we all know how rewarding it is when you see a wagging tail at the end of a long work day, or feel the gentle purr when we need some reassurance. We as Pet Parents know how wonderful it is. Let me help you. I'm always available! :)