Auntie "M"s Frequently Asked Questions

Q.When did you start petsitting?
A. I have always loved animals. Ever since I was old enough to take care of my neighbors' pets as a child I have been caring for pets on one level or another. I opened up Auntie M in May of 1998, thus began an odyssey I have enjoyed ever since.

Q.Why did you open up Auntie M?
A. After fifteen years working in retail management and another seventeen working in the corporate world I decided I needed to do something else. My goal was to find something I could do for the rest of my life. Since I had been doing petsitting for friends and family for years it just seemed like a purrfect fit.

Q.Why do you love caring for other people's pets?
A. To me it really is the best of both worlds. I get to meet lots of furry children, play, feed, take care of, and yes even pick up after them, and I even get paid to do it. I consider them part of my family while they are in my care. There is no way I could have all the critters at my house that I would love to have. I would have to work 24/7 just to pay for their medical, food, and all the other little thing that they all would need to be happy, well adjusted, and to thrive.

Q.What was the turning point in your life that made animals so special for you?
A. Ever since I can remember pets (animals) have always been special to me.

Q.Who influenced you most in your love of animals and why?
A. It's just always been a part of me ever since I can remember. My family nick names for me as a child were Minnie Mouse and Dr. Doolittle, and as I got older my nieces and nephews called me Auntie M, Minnie Mouse and Dr. Doolittle were too long for them. One of the turning points for me was a family that did a lot of backpacking (over 1000 miles on my hiking boots) and camping in the Sierras. They taught me a lot about nature and to respect all the living critters, we are the caretakers of this planet.

Q.Where do you care for animals?
A. The reason I go to where the pets are is pretty simple. Most cats prefer to stay in there own homes so therefore I have car will travel. I find most dogs don't care as long as they are getting attention, food, play time and TLC and of course a long walks other dogs to play with just make it that much better.