I have loved animals as far back as I can remember. I recall my parents asking me for years when I was knee-high to a grasshopper what I wanted for Christmas. The answer was always the same - a puppy. Unfortunately, my dad did not share my love for dogs having been bitten by a large dog at an early age. My parents substituted a series of other lovable little critters - birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, gerbils, etc.
My father finally gave in when I was about 14, and my first prized little puppy was a Dachshund named Raisin. Since then I have had a variety of fur-babies, and we currently own several adopted dogs – among which are two Chihuahuas (we have named our charitable arm, "An Attitude of Hope" after one of them), four Dachshunds, two Old English Mastiffs and a Boxer. All of these dogs, excluding two dachshunds who were a gift from my mom, have been rescued. For the past several years, I have worked toward building my life around those things that I love most - my faith, my family and my fur-babies. My husband of many years and I attend a local Christian church, we have no children other than the furry variety,
In August 2009 I formed An Attitude of Hope, LLC as the holding company for Southern Illinois Professional Pet Sitters and began working part-time as a pet sitter while still employed at a local veterinary hospital. In March 2010 I left my employment at the hospital where I had been employed for the previous 5 years to devote all my time to pet sitting. I am a member in good standing of both Pet Sitters Associates and National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. I am insured and bonded for your protection and peace of mind. In addition, I am an avid reader of many pet journals, books and blogs/message boards as well as having access to a variety of personal and professional contacts and resources for all your pet care concerns.
I commit to love and care for your pet as if it were my own.
- "Auntie Roberta"
I thought you might like to meet some of my kids, past and present!
Southern Illinois Pet Sitter's Code of Ethics
To provide conscientious care for the animals entrusted to me, being constantly attentive to their security, safety, and well-being, and to place their welfare above all other business considerations.
To take every opportunity to learn more about my profession and to improve my services.
To deal honestly and fairly with the public, and to avoid misrepresentation of my services.
To respect the confidence of every customer served.
To place service to my customers and to the pet care services industry above personal gain. To avoid unfair competitive practices, any slander or defamation of my competitors, and actions or business practices which would result in dishonor upon or distrust of my competitors or of the pet care services industry in general. To support my association, its policies and programs, and to participate as fully as possible in its activities. To be respectful of, and to cooperate with the other professions and trades which operate within the pet industry, in every way consistent with my other responsibilities. To obey all applicable Federal, State and local laws governing animal care and business practices. To operate my business in such a manner as to reflect honor upon the pet care services industry within my local community.
To encourage responsible pet ownership, and to promote, especially through the charitable programs, an increased awareness and acceptance of humane and noble animal programs.
