Hi! I am a South African woman living in Maastricht completing my Bachelors in European Law. I am 21 years old and have grown up my whole life surrounded by animals. South Africans especially love animals because we have game reserves (safaris) all over our country, with wild animals. This is a massive part of our culture and because of this I love all animals dearly.

I have 2 dogs in South Africa, both Jack Russels, who I love and take very good care of. One is a girl (Molly) who is a bit more sensitive and honestly behaves like a cat. And the other is Jack (strictly my dog) who I have such a special bond with. Sadly, I don't get to see them so much anymore because I live here in Maastricht. However, every time I phone my parents I get to spend some time with my dogs over face time. We also had two other Jack Russels, who sadly passed away from old age, but they were a big part of my childhood.

I am fully capable and experienced in taking care of animals, because my parents made sure I took care of my dogs all through my life. Furthermore, I have done various dog-sitting jobs for people in my neighbourhood since I was 15 years old. I have never once had an issue nor complaint, and I have taken care of dogs of various sizes and breeds. I understand the extreme importance of taking a dog on many walks in the day, making sure they are eating as required and have water on hand at all times. I also know it's very important to give animals love and cuddles, but honestly I do it more for myself. Any opportunity that I have to cuddle and pet an animal, trust me, I will take it.

I have taken care of both dogs and cats in the apartment I currently live in (pictures are on my profile) and have found that both animals really like the space. The apartment is relatively small, but has proven to be more than enough space for cats and dogs to run around and play. There is a long terrace outside, which the animals really enjoy and also gives them an easier option of places to "do their business". The terrace is enclosed with high walls, so there is no chance of the animal getting lost (but either way I am very vigilant when taking care so there is no chance of escaping).

A friend of mine in Maastricht has a cat, Mahmoud, who I love dearly and take care of for days at a time whenever he needs my help. I have a very special bond with him because my dad is allergic to cats and therefore I have never had a cat of my own. I honestly consider Mahmoud to be my cat because of how much I have taken care and bonded with him. I always thought I was a "dog person" but have come to realise I love cats just as much. I am very open to cat-sitting as well which I can also do for long periods of time if necessary.

My friends in Maastricht also miss their pets a lot. This is why we jump at any opportunity to take care of other people's animals, and if one person is dog/cat-sitting we all want to help out. We spend a lot of time in parks (such as Tapijn) sitting in the sun and chatting, which makes it easy and fun to care for an animal, and of course the dog who has time to run around and play.

Similar to Mahmoud, another friend of mine owns a young, but big dog (cross-breed ridgeback), which she got from the shelter in Maastricht (Moose). She frequently asks us to take care of him for the whole day while she is at work. He is very active and excitable and requires a lot of effort. This has never been a difficult job because of my love for animals. I have loved taking care of Moose because I have never owned a big dog and therefore it was very special to bond with a breed so different than I am used to.

I am a third-year student and therefore do not have many classes which will allow me to spend maximum time with the given animal. I live alone, in a two bedroom apartment in the centre of Maastricht. All my friends live very close to me, and I am friendly with all my neighbours. My apartment is a decent size and can accommodate cats, and a small/medium sized dog easily. I also have a spacious closed-off backyard that dogs can run around in.

I am comfortable and capable of taking care of a dog/cat for just a day, or many days and nights. The duration of days I can take care of an animal depends on my schedule at that time, but I am very flexible. I can take the dog on as many walks as the owner requests, and am very capable to clean the animal, feed, give water and any other specific requirements, to make sure all the animals' needs are met.

Please respond if you are interested in my services!