Nicole S. Pet Care Provider in Bloomington, IN 47403

I love working with pets because I know firsthand how deeply they enrich our lives—offering unconditional love, loyalty, and joy even in the most challenging moments. Caring for my dog Ralphie for 14 years, especially through his many health conditions, showed me the depth of trust animals place in us and how rewarding it is to be there for them when they need us most. Helping pets feel safe, comforted, and cared for is not just work—it’s a meaningful part of my life.

I cared for my dog Ralphie from puppyhood through his senior years, managing a range of complex health issues including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), kidney disease, blindness and deafness, liver cancer, severe allergies, chronic pancreatitis, and eventually liver cancer. This meant learning how to monitor symptoms, administer medication (oral, topical, subcutaneous injection), prepare a specialized diet, assist with mobility, manage daily routines around medical needs, and provide comfort during hospice care. That hands-on, day-to-day experience over more than a decade has given me a deep understanding of animal behavior, needs, and emotional care, especially for elderly or medically fragile pets.

Through my experience with Ralphie, I developed a wide range of skills including medication administration (oral and injectable), mobility support, preparing vet-prescribed and hypoallergenic meals, symptom monitoring, and emergency vet decision-making. I also became highly attuned to recognizing subtle changes in behavior that could indicate discomfort or illness. While I don't have formal veterinary training, I bring practical, compassionate, real-world knowledge from years of complex caregiving—something that often exceeds what basic pet sitting requires. I also understand the importance of clear communication with pet owners and maintaining a calm, safe environment for animals with special needs.