You have questions? We have answers!

July 13, 2023: Episode 108

1. What experience, skills & qualifications do you have?

B. Keith's animal related work experience is extensive.

* 21 years as a Pet Sitter & Dog Walker

* 13 years as a Dog Trainer

* 12 years as the General Manager of 2 Grooming Salons

* 12 years as a Cat & Dog Groomer

* 7 years as Owner / Operator of 2 successful pet service businesses

* 4 years as a Veterinary Assistant

* 1 year working at The Humane Society

* Worked with a baboon

* Worked with a wolf from the movie White Fang

* Experienced caring for ferrets, farm animals, reptiles & more

* Experienced training & caring for deaf, blind, reactive, aggressive, fearful, anxious, elderly & young dogs

* Experienced in helping mama dogs & puppies during the birthing process

* Lifelong cat & dog parent

My animal experience isn't as thorough, as my work history includes medicine, banking, accounting, management & customer service.

* 19 years of learning about dog training (hands on, videos & literature) while married to a dog trainer

* 12 years as a Pet Sitter & Dog Walker

* 4 years as a Dog Trainer Assistant with Keith's training sessions

* 2 years as Owner / Operator of Sits & Wiggles, LLC

* 1 year volunteering with The Humane Society

* Experienced caring for blind, reactive, fearful, anxious, elderly & young dogs

* Experienced caring for farm animals & common household pets

* Lifelong cat & dog parent

2. Are your rates competitive?

Among local, professional pet care providers, our rates are not the highest nor the lowest.

3. How are your rates value packed?

A. You can choose to have Keith as your dog walker or pet sitter. He is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with 13 years of experience. Keith provides some training while sitting or walking, without additional fees. Although I'm not a trainer, I've assisted Keith over the years and have learned more than the average layman.

B. In addition, we offer free additional Bonus Time when our schedules permit.

C. Sits & Wiggles is the ONLY local pet care to service to offer personalized music videos. Clients choose the music "fur" their initial video. These videos are provided free of charge.

D. There are other aspects that we don't advertise, as a way of thanking our incredible clients.

4. How do you contribute to your community?

At Sits & Wiggles, we go out of our way to provide free services to the Central Oregon community. Here are some of the ways:

A. We have a network of local providers to refer to, without fee to either party.

B. We provide free guidance to clients about how to interview care providers. We will join you in person if you'd like.

C. When requested, Sits & Wiggles handlers join other sitters & walkers on their Meet & Greets for safety reasons.

D. We always have & always will assist other entrepreneurs with guidance.

E. Keith is on the Homeowner Advisory Council for Habitat for Humanity of Oregon.

F. Prior to building our business, Keith & I both volunteered with local nonprofit organizations. I haven't volunteered recently as our time & energy has been dedicated to our family & to our growing clientele. During our volunteer time, we created & ran a Girl Scout troop that was not age specific. Our community didn't offer a troop where sisters could be together, so we remedied that dilemma. For 2 years, our troop assisted 14 members ranging from kindergarten to middle school level.

We've volunteered with:

* Habitat for Humanity * Caring for Troops * Bend LaPine School District

* The Salvation Army * March of Dimes * The Red Cross

* Neighbor Impact Head Start * The Humane Society * The American Cancer Society

* Girl Scouts of Oregon & Southwest Washington

G. We assist community members who have lost their pets or are rehoming their pets.

H. Keith & I donate to local nonprofit organizations with worthwhile missions.

I. Two of our three pups are adult rescues. Sophia, our sweet & sassy mini schnauzer, adopted us when she was 6. She's now aging gracefully at 13. Nali, our quirky & lovable husky, adopted us when she was 3. From her energy, you would never know that Nali is now 11. Kiba, our unique & silly German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix, came to live with us as a puppy. She was intended to be a service dog. Kiba is the only puppy our family has ever had, as we've always adopted adult rescues. Although Kiba wasn't able to act as a service dog, she has been an amazing family member for over 2 years.

J. I opened a Facebook group & welcomed community members to seek or advertise their services. Bend Oregon Pet Services isn't a platform for us to highlight our company, but a safe place for pet pros & pet parents to connect. 5. How do you stay up to date with the ever changing information?

A. Sits & Wiggles is proud to say that we are always learning. We attend virtual courses with updated pet business related content so that we are able to provide the best service we can.

B. We never want to become stagnant or comfortable with our knowledge, skills or expertise. As such, we learn from other trainers, from veterinarians, and from professional pet care education groups.

C. Keith & I are open to change & new ideas.

6. Will you drink or smoke in my home?

Keith & I don't drink, smoke or utilize recreational drugs. We will not throw a party in your home, play loud music or otherwise offend your neighbors. Any staff members we hire will adhere to these high standards.

7. Do you use shock, choke or prong collars?

Sits & Wiggles handlers WILL NOT USE FEAR, FORCE OR PAIN in our interactions with animals or humans. We WILL NOT USE SHOCK, CHOKE OR PRONG COLLARS. Should you have further queries, you're welcome to contact us at 541-4CANINE, wigglyk9@outlook.com or sits-wiggles.com

Thank you,

Nakala Matthews