CRITTER SITTERS                                                             

 

OUR STORY

  
          It all began over 12 years ago.  One of my daughters was to be married in Key West.  My two small furry companions needed a place to stay for two days.  I made arrangements with a local kennel.  I asked that the dogs be kept in the same run feeling that they would be most comfortable if they remained together This was their first stay at a kennel since their original adoption both coming from shelters.

Woof a (chocolate poodle) came from Florida. Fifi a black terrier mix was a street dog from Chicago.I wasn't feeling particularly guilty because I visited the kennel which was clean and staff was friendly. I dropped both of them off as late as I could on Friday and returned to pick them up early Monday morning. To my surprise as I approached, both were pressed tightly against the back of the cage looking very fearful. At that moment I was engulfed with guilt. It took three days for them to return to normal. They followed me endlessly for days. I made a a promise to myself that I would never leave them at a kennel again. Later that year the same daughter brought her 2 dogs to stay for a few days. It was surprising to see how well it worked out for us as well as the dogs. The next year I found myself volunteering to care for my friends dogs. I found that my dogs seemed to enjoy the company and I was having fun. Critter Sitters officially began in April of 1994. Since then I found a couple of retired ladies that love animals and are willing to take (guest dogs) into their homes. We do require a pre-qualifying interview prior to actual stay in our homes. Woof passed away in 2001. He was 16.

Later that same year a silver schnoodle named Kayla came to live with us. In July of 2004 I bought a large home with fenced yard which Fifi and Kala loved along with our guests. They could run and play with no barriers. September of 2004 Fifi passed away at the age of 18. She was followed by Kayla just four months later. Kayla had cancer and was only 12.

Grieving for my girls for over a year, I wasn't sure if I would ever find another dog to fill the empty space in my heart. I had been to shelters from time to time with no connection. September 3, 2005 after canceling a trip to Savannah due to Hurricane Katrina I ventured to Lee County Humane Society. I spent some time there with the same sad result. "I am very partial to scruffy looking little terriers," I said. One of the staff remarked that they had just such a little dog in the back.

Out pranced a delightful 11 pound honey colored little terrier mix. She was 10 months old with the most beautiful brown expressive eyes. It was love at first sight. I named her Katrina because she came to me during the time of Katrina. She is gentle and sweet and loves all of the guests that visit. I'm so glad she has come into my life.

Jennifer Semro
 
WHAT WE OFFER

Dogs are our guests

Personal attention

Opportunity to socialize

Large fenced yard

Pick up/Return
$10.00 minimum

 
         REQUIREMENTS


Dogs must be
spayed/neutered

Shots must be current

Must get along with
other dogs

Flea/tick medication
required

Pre-qualifying
       interview at our home     
AVAILABILITY

 
 

            Holidays need to be
        reserved well in advance.
         Deposit required