Meet Our Companions

 

 

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OC Pet Companions Staff

ruthannkrisaRuth Ann Krisa, Owner of OC Pet Companions
Phone: (949) 554-5496
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One thing I have learned in life, I always take time for animals. I have rescued 83 strays running loose on the streets to date and found all but three of them their owners. I believe in giving back to our community and work with the Pet Rescue Center and The Ark of San Juan rescues.

I think we all need animals to have a complete and fulfilling life. I have had pets in and out of my whole life and they all have had an impact on the quality of my life.

As an owner of several "Special Need" pets it was always tough to find someone to stay with my pets while I was on vacation. So what better way to spend my time than to start a Pet Companion business! I decided it was time to give back to other pets the love and companionship they all crave when their family is gone. Every pet I encounter leaves a little paw print on my heart and I will carry that with me the rest of my life and I hope the pets I care for feel the same.

 

margenaimanMarge Naiman, Client Coordinator
Phone: (949) 584-6544
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I have always loved animals and had pet’s all my life. When I was growing up, I would bring home stray cats and dogs and tell my mom they followed me. I raised two Siamese cats that lived to be 21 and 25 years old.

I’ve also had cats that were diabetic, and elderly cats with special needs. I know how to administer medication and give shots. Before I started to work for OC Pet Companions I had my own pet sitting business and took care of the neighborhood dogs, cats, turtles and fish.

Last year my husband and I adopted a 10-year-old cat named Huxley from the shelter. Huxley was not adoptable and ready for euthanization since he was a senior cat with health problems. We took care of his health problems and he has given our lives such happiness and fulfillment.

Pet sitting is a rewarding experience that I cherish and look forward to each and every day. Animals provide us with unconditional love. Whenever I walk into a client’s home and there pets start wagging their tail and licking my face because they are happy to see me, it makes my day. Animals are truly our best friends.

 

Pet Companions Staff

SStowe_Siamese_ThumbSuzanne Stowe
Phone: (949) 241-7045
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Through my work at Cat Fancy and Dog Fancy and my role as a pet sitter with OC Pet Companions, my life revolves around pets.  I have been a professional pet sitter for over ten years and love caring for pets and providing great service to our clients.  I have been trained to provide sub-cutaneous fluids and diabetes injections so can offer that extra level of care that some clients need. I currently share my own home with four cats, including two rescues.

 

marilynbartoliMarilyn Bartoli
Phone: (949) 429-9207
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I grew up with animals so it should be no surprise that I am a pet sitter. My real joy is meeting a new pet and spending time getting to know them. I consider animals as little people with fur. They each have their own personalities and likes and learning about each and every one makes my time with them go by too fast! Animals bring happiness into our lives and love us unconditionally and I feel honored to get the chance to meet so many pets on a regular basis.

If I am your pet sitter, you can be assured lots of love and attention will be the order of the day! It’s the only way I know how to do it!

 

kristyteague-sharpKristy Teague
Phone: (949) 215-1562
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For as long as I can remember I’ve been a pet parent, often times possessing a multitude of different animals at one time. Growing up in rural Missouri I was the tomboy who brought home the neighborhood strays or caught tadpoles to watch them change into frogs.

I currently have 2 beautiful kitties. Cali kitty is my California Calico stray that showed up one day and never left. Meisha is my much awaited Mainecoon who has made me laugh non-stop since I brought her home.

My husband and I like to travel. I would cringe every time I’d take my beloved kitties to the boarding facility to be locked in a cage. I realized that I couldn’t be alone in my distress at leaving my pets in an environment not their own.

I enjoy having many animals in my life to love and care for. OC Pet Companions has provided me with the opportunity to fulfill my life long dream of working in the pet industry.

 

Erica Bennett
Phone:  (646) 678-0657 Staff - Erica Bennett Photo - 5-23-13
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I've always loved animals and grew up with pets.  My mother would tell me I had a fondness for any of our pets (or anyone else's) long before I could talk.  Many years later my love for all animals is just as strong and very much a part of who I am.  My husband and I have two kitties, Buford and Marvin, whom we love dearly and spoil rotten.  That mindset certainly flows to any other pet in my care.  Becoming a pet sitter seemed like a natural progression to me, especially after using OC Pet Companions to look after our boys.  I'd been contemplating pet sitting and after experiencing the company as a client, I inquired how I could be part of the team.  Their thoroughness is unmatched and being able to see that as a pet parent, I really appreciate that.

 

John Murdock
Phone:  (949) 547-1260 
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Since I was a very young boy, I have always been drawn to animals and animals have been drawn to me.  I truly believe that animals can sense when a person has a loving heart and soul.  I have a very unique kinship and understanding of dogs and cats and have been told on many occasions that people can't believe how much animals really love me.  I absolutely love animals and will provide the utmost safe and loving pet sitting services available.  Animals are a huge part of my life and I will do everything in my power to make sure they have a safe, clean, comfortable and fun pet sitting experience.  It is my personal mission to provide safe, responsible and loving care for your pets just as if they were my own. Plan your next trip with the peace of mind that your beloved dog or cat is going to be safe and well cared for.  I know the feeling - my kitty is my baby and I wouldn't want anything less than a responsible and loving pet sitter for her.  I look forward to meeting pet guardians and their pets and would love to have the privilege of caring for your furry friends.

 

joanspeckinJoan Speckin
Phone: (949) 429-3292
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Pets (dogs in particular) have been a part of my life for many, many years and without them there would be an enormous void. Somehow, all dogs that I meet seem to know this instinctively. While working in a veterinary office some years ago, I realized I had to make pets a part of my life forever. Having the opportunity to have the unconditional love and affection of pets belonging to others is really a daily joy for me. It is insightful and rewarding beyond belief.

 

carriewardeckiCarrie Wardecki
Phone: (949) 331-5595
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I grew up having animals in my family my whole life. We always had a couple of dogs, a cat and possibly a stray that I would find along the way. When I got married and had children of my own we got a dog as soon as my kids were old enough to understand how to love, treat and care for animals.

I really enjoy pet sitting because I love animals and feel it is very important that they receive the love, care and attention they need when their owners are away. Animals give us unconditional love and they are truly are best friends.

 

lynndickLynn Dick
Phone: (949) 433-1016
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Growing up to oldest of six we always had dogs, birds and sometimes chickens around. It wasn’t until college that cats came into my life and have never left. Right now I have a parrot, 2 cats and 7 finches………and what would I do without them. Working with OC Pet Companions now brings me closer to the only creatures that truly give ‘unconditional love’ no matter who you are, what you do, how old you are etc. …… I can never pass a friendly four legged creature without petting and playing with them.

A relatively 'new kid on the block' I’m so excited to have joined Ruth Ann and the very caring professional staff at OC Pet Companions. We can exchange stories, information, get advice, and know there are qualified persons to help us whenever needed. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy walking, sitting, pampering and loving all the pets that I take care of and look forward to all that will enrich my life in the future.

 

Jane_Doseff__Winston_ThumbJane L. Doseff
Phone: (949) 637-1832
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Hello…My name is Jane Doseff and I’ve been with O.C. Pet Companions since October, 2011.  I’ve been caring for a variety of animals throughout my lifetime – rabbits, ducks, chickens, turtles, chipmunks, rats and mice, snakes, lizards and of course, dogs and cats.  Every one of them has been loved and appreciated!

I serve as an administrative coordinator with Saving Shelter Pets of California/Compassion for Canines…a rescue/shelter network based here in Southern California working with petfinder.com, and I currently share my heart and home with two very sweet best friends:   Winston, my 5-year old rescued Papillon and the current token male in our household; and little Mikaleigh, a now 2-year old “Taco Terrier” rescued as a stray when she was only 4 months old.  In our home, love is straight forward.  There is no gray about it...it's all black and white.

My love for animals is never complete…there are so many little lives to appreciate, to save and to be grateful for.  Working with O.C. Pet Companions allows me the opportunity to extend my family by helping you with your own loved ones as needed – and I thank you for that.

 

Carol_RomanCarol Roman
Phone: (949) 499-3914
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I have been a dog and cat lover ever since I was a child.  Currently, I own two rescue dogs, a shih-poo and a lhasa-apso mix.  Dogs are truly my passion, and it brings me great joy to love and care for them.  I have also cared for friends’ dogs, mainly retrievers and labs.  I’ve also owned several cats: one Siamese and a Blue Persian.  When I’m not pet sitting, I work as a music teacher at a private school teaching grades 5-8.

 

ivy_meltonIvy Melton
Phone:  (949) 616-0880
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My name is Ivy Melton and my pets and I live in Mission Viejo CA.  I have owned dogs and cats and horses most of my life.  Our dogs are our children and we love them so much.  I would love to have the opportunity to spoil and love your little and (BIG) ones also.

I believe that pets are happier and less stressed when they stay in their home, and keep as close as possible to their normal routines. In the past I’ve had my pets in the care of a pet sitter when I was away. And I know that it made me feel better knowing that they had their own toys, food, bedding, and comforting reminders of me while I was gone.

 

nancy_lightnerNancy Lightner
Phone: (949) 581-3117
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Nancy is a true Californian, and has never lived outside the state.

My love of animals began at a very young age and I have raised dogs, cats, litters of kittens, frogs, turtles, bunnies, hamsters and guinea pigs. I recently retired from teaching elementary school for 30 years. I am a painter, gardener and now ready to share my love of animals with "YOUR" precious pets.

 

mary_oviedoMary Oviedo
Phone: (949) 305-5814
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I've loved working with animals ever since I can remember.  When I was 9 years old, I volunteered at a local pet store and by the time I was 11  I had talked my parents into buying our own pet store !  I worked there until I was in college where I studied  Animal Health Technology,  took the State Board Exam,  and became a certified Animal Health Technician.  I became the Head Technician at Canyon Animal Hospital in Laguna Beach and worked there for 12 years  until "retiring" to become a stay at home Mom. Now that my daughters are older, I find pet sitting to be a perfect way to combine my two passions : animals and family. Today my husband , daughters and I share our home with Buddy and Riley our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Charlie the Chihuahua , a parrotlet named Rudy and several tropical fish. I believe all animals should be treated with patience, love and respect.  I understand that your pet is an important  and precious member of your family and  I look forward to getting to know your special and unique pet.

 

Penny Sylvester
Phone: (949) 231-9278Penny_Sylvester_New_Staff_Photo_-_10-29-12
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After a long career at Mission Hopital, I now have the privelege to pursue taking care of pets.  Having to leave your pet for work, vacation or other reasons, can be a stressful time. I am looking forward to help you find peace of mind while you are away. I understand how important it is for your pet to feel safe and happy. I have always found joy having pets in my life and I hope to meet your family member soon.

 

Donna Coff
Phone: (949) 444-6203Donna_Coff_New_Staff_Photo_-_10-29-12
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I absolutely LOVE animals, so working with them is the perfect job for me!  They give such unconditional love that you just can't help loving them back.  I've always had a dog of my own, but have been unable to own more than one at a time, so finally now I have branched out, and have many dogs to help and love.  Dogs are so cuddly and cute, and fun to be with.  They make great exercise partners and companions.  I've always had a special bond with animals and they sense that, so having a pet sitting job is a great match for me and the pet, whether it be a dog or a cat.

I was born in Long Beach, Ca.  and am a first generation Southern Californian.  I have lived with a variety of animals for most of my life.  I know how pets become a part of a family and when I can help care for those family members, it makes it worthwhile for everyone concerned. I love to travel both within the US and abroad, and recently retired from UCI after 30 years of service.