Dogs have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It all started with our beloved dachshund, Tola, who was with us for 14 wonderful years. She was an amazing little dog — well-trained, loyal, and always ready to protect us despite her tiny size. When I moved out, my parents had two German Shepherds, but sadly, due to health issues, they couldn’t stay with us for very long. Later, my fiancé and I took in a three-month-old puppy as a foster — but it didn’t take long before we decided to adopt her ourselves. After her vaccinations, microchipping, and some training, we had a happy, energetic four-legged bundle of joy at home and at the dog park. These days, Plume — that’s her name — lives in the countryside, where she can run freely, enjoy fresh meat, and happily chase other dogs around. From time to time, I also look after the dogs of friends and family when they can’t balance their responsibilities with caring for their pets. My friend’s dog (Lola) absolutely loves the mountains and long walks. My brother’s dog (Pinia) is a well-trained pedigree dog who prefers peace and quiet. I also have experience with cats — and Klara even lets me rub her belly, which, as any cat lover knows, is a huge compliment 😄 To help build a bond with your pet, I’m happy to use treats if you’d like — of course, only with your permission. During our walks, your pet’s safety and the safety of the surroundings always come first. Sniffing and taking care of their needs are essential parts of every walk, and I always clean up properly. I truly enjoy giving dogs the time they need to sniff, explore, and just be dogs, while keeping the walk structured, interactive, and fun. I can use a retractable leash if needed, and I’m always happy to discuss harnesses or any other equipment with you. Now that I run my own business here in the Netherlands, I have quite a flexible schedule. My work is irregular but always planned well in advance, which gives me plenty of free time. Unfortunately, my landlord doesn’t allow dogs, so staying connected with them means a lot to me. Plus, daily walks are a great balance to spending hours behind a computer. That’s why I decided to join Pawshake — to make good use of my free time and do something that truly makes me happy: spending time with dogs and caring for them like they’re my own 😄