Hi! My name is Daphne, I'm 42 and have had cats and dogs my whole life. I have a weak spot for abandoned animals, so my two small dogs have found their way to me through adoption. My one big cat I rescued from the woods where the feral mom sadly had died. 

I'm high functioning autistic, which is why I don't have a regular job. I feel most comfortable around animals but also get on well with animal loving humans. My dogs enjoy hanging out with other dogs, especially my Podenco named Iggy. My Chihuahua barks first and asks questions later, but once he gets to know new people and dogs he's a sweet boy too. My cat is very laidback and decides for himself whether or not he wants to come meet whoever is visiting. If not, he will be up one of his cat trees I built for him, snoozing or watching what's going on. 

I usually go out with the dogs 5 times a day: two times just so they can pee, two short walks around the block and one longer walk (40-60 minutes). I like taking them to the beach or the forest or I walk near the harbour. They hate rain though, and will only do quick bathroom breaks if the weather is bad. I don't mind rain so if your dog doesn't either, we can go on a longer walk and leave my dogs at home.

I spend about half my time in Germany in a cabin in the woods (where I found my cat) and half my time in the Netherlands. I don't petsit a lot, it's a hobby that needs to fit in with my schedule. Because of this I'm looking for people who need occasional petsitting, nothing on a regular basis as I'm away half the time. Basically I want my pets to make friends and I use the money to buy my pets nice food and treats. 

I'm very experienced in dealing with animals who are fearful / shy / not very social as I've worked with a lot of rescue dogs and also some cats. My background is in psychology (VU university) with a special interest in animal psychology. If you are thinking about adopting a rescue but want some extra assistance in the first week, I'm the right person for that. 

Because I've had cancer, my bones have become brittle, so I don't walk dogs who pull on the leash and are over 10 kgs. I'm very sad about that because I love big dogs, but I can't risk a fall and a break. Dogs who don't pull much can be any size, as long as they don't play too rough. My dogs are small and very small and I don't want little Puk to get smushed. 

I live in an apartment that is up seven steps from street level. There is no garden but it does have a balcony where my dogs like to sunbathe in the summer and where my cat has one of his cat trees. I live in a quiet neighborhood by the docks. I drive a small van. Small dogs can ride on the passenger seat with my dogs, big dogs can go in the back. It's a low jump of about 40 cm, or less through the side door parked next to a curb. 

In my house snacks are animal based, we don't do cookies, only bones or dried lung or rabbit ears or chicken feet. But of course I will feed your pet whatever you provide for me to give them. I have both a water fountain and a big water bowl. Pets are allowed on the furniture. In between walks I watch tv on a folded out sleeper sofa in the living room so there's a lot of room. And if your dog had a bed on the floor of course that's fine too. As someone who's worked with a lot of rescues, I don't fuss if your dog has an accident sometimes. I have hard flooring and thrifted furniture and rugs. I don't take on animals who have fleas or other pests though.

I love to take pictures of pets so if you like I can send pictures and updates through whatsapp so you can see how they're doing.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me. If you'd like we can walk our dogs together first so they can meet before you leave yours with me.