ABOUT ME
About Me
Hi there! My name is Gabi, short for Gabrielle, and I'm so excited to welcome you to my petsitting family! I have been a lover of animals for as long as I can remember, and it brings me all the joy in the world to spend time with them every day.
Before starting my petsitting business, I was a massage therapist for eight years where I found my passion for empathy and helping others. When the pandemic hit, I decided to explore a new path that allowed me to spend time with animals all day long. I carried that empathy into caring for animals and and that's when I realized that petsitting was my true passion and my forever career.
I"ve just moved to the area, to this cozy townhome in North Raleigh, tucked away off of Falls of Neuse. It's a nice, well-lit, open neighborhood and there are tons of trails around. My roommate works from home and has a rescue doggy of his own named Girly. She's as sweet as can be and loves other doggies. He also has a 14-year-old daughter who loves dogs. It's definitely a dog-loving household! He also works from home so there's usually someone here even if I have to run a quick errand.
One of my favorite things about petsitting is getting to know each animal's unique personality and behavior. I have a passion for learning about the different behaviors and preferences of each breed, and I am always eager to expand my knowledge.
I have a particular soft spot for elderly and special-needs dogs. I believe that every pet deserves to live their life to the fullest, and I am always willing to go above and beyond to make sure that your furry friend is happy and comfortable.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I can't wait to meet your furry family members and provide them with the love, care, fetchies and snuggles they need while you're away!
FAQ
Q/ How do you handle difficult pets?
A: Well, in my business, I like to think of myself as a bit of a dog whisperer. However, when it comes to handling larger dogs, I do have a weight limit of 80 lbs. Don't get me wrong, I love big dogs, but I don't want to end up being dragged down the street like a cartoon character. So, before booking, I always make sure to meet with any dogs over 80 lbs to ensure I can handle them safely. I mean, I'm not trying to "fake it until I make it" when it comes to dog safety - that's a bit ruff.
In the extremely rare event that a dog's behavior presents a major safety concern or becomes very destructive, I like to collect a phone number from clients beforehand for a backup sitter to come pick up pupster.
Q/ Can you guarantee my pet's safety?
A: I can guarantee that I'll do everything in my power to keep your pet safe, but unfortunately, I can't control everything. I can, however, promise that no incident will go unnoticed or unresolved as I supervise them and I'm insured. I'll treat your pet with the same care and attention that I've given to my own pets. In 3 years, *knock on wood* I've never had any incidents between the dogs and I keep them separated when I'm not able to supervise them.
Q/ What if my pet gets sick or injured while under your care?
A: Don't worry, I have a first-aid kit on hand and I'm trained to handle minor injuries and illnesses. If it's something more serious, I'll contact you right away and take your pet to the vet.
Q/ How do I pay for your services?
A: I accept payment in the form of belly rubs, treats, and scratches behind the ears. Just kidding - I accept cash or Venmo. @PawsitiveRaleigh
As a friendly reminder, I kindly request that payment for the initial week of my services be made upfront to serve as a security deposit as well for the booking. This helps me to update my calendar promptly and ensures that your baby(s) receives the best possible care.
I understand the importance of flexibility and that plans can change unexpectedly. However, I do have a cancellation policy in place to protect my schedule and ensure that I am able to accommodate other clients. In the event that you need to cancel your booking, please notify me at least one week in advance to avoid a 30% fee. If cancellation occurs within 72 hours of the booking, a 50% fee will be charged. During holidays, a 75% fee will be charged for cancellations within a full week.
Gratuity for meet & greets is not required but much appreciated!
Please feel free to make payment at your convenience between now and one week prior to the booking. Thank you for your understanding, and please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns! 😊🐶🐱
These are the commonly observed holiday dates on which you will find a 10-20% higher rate depending on the demand of the holiday:
Martin Luther King Day - Jan 13 - 16
Presidents' Day - Feb 17 - 20
Memorial Day - May 26 - 29
4th of July - June 30 - July 4
Labor Day - Sep 1 - 4
Halloween - Oct 27 - Nov 1
Thanksgiving - Nov 23 - 26
Christmas & New Year's Day - Dec 22 - Jan 1
Q/ What does a typical day look like for you and the dogs?
A: What does a typical day look like for me, you ask? Well, let me tell you, it's a dog-gone busy schedule! I rise and shine with the sun to tend to my furry friends, serving up breakfast and taking them out for their morning business. Then it's off to my morning drop-ins, where I play doctor and personal assistant to all the pets in my care. Don't worry, I'm a pro at pill-popping and litter-box-cleaning!
Afternoons are when the real fun begins. We hit the park, go for walks, and even tag along on short errands. I mean, who wouldn't want a cute pup riding shotgun? And if I do say so myself, my furry clients are the best co-pilots out there.
Evenings are all about winding down and snuggling up. I make my second set of drop-ins to ensure everyone is well-fed and medicated, and then it's off to bed we go. Yep, you heard me right - all my furry friends sleep in my bed with me. It's like one big slumber party every night!
So there you have it, folks. I'm a one-woman show, catering to the needs and whims of all my furry friends. And let me just say, it's the about the most awarding job around.
Q/ What sets your services apart from others?
A: I offer a unique blend of professionalism and silliness. I'm serious about taking great care of your pets, but I'm not afraid to have a little fun while I'm at it! This is not only my job but my forever career, so I can provide 24/7 service and love to your pet. But there's more!
And while I do have my own crates, the dogs in my home are free range unless their owner specifies otherwise. The dogs in my home even get to sleep in my bed, and ride with me to run my errands around town. Not only do I have a private dog park of my own, I take doggies on excursions to the park and public dog park. I've even brought them to events in town with me with their owners' permission.
While the apps charge extra hidden fees, I don't even expect a tip. My insurance also has more coverage and trust me, when something goes wrong, you need a sitter with integrity you can count on to jump to action, communicate with you, and make sure everything is being done (beyond only LOST signs) to make it right. Anything the apps can do, rest assured I'm determined to do it better.