Pet Companions Staff

Suzanne Stowe

I have been a pet lover all my life and lived with both cats and dogs while I was growing up. I currently live with four Siamese cats who rule the household. I work for a magazine company that publishes all sorts of pet magazines so I am lucky enough to work on topics that I'm also passionate about. In my spare time, I make cat toys and dog products that I sell through holiday boutiques. I enjoy pet sitting because it gives me the chance to visit other animals and makes it easier for their owners to travel but still be comfortable that their pet is receiving the best care.

Marilyn Bartoli

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!

Kristy Teague-Sharp

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.

As a child I always envisioned myself in an animal related career. So when I decided to make a career change it only made sense to seek out employment in the pet sitting industry. 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.

Nancy Dykema

As long as I can remember animals have been a part of my life. I’ve always owned and loved cats. Many of my cats have grown to be elderly and needed special care. I also have experience caring for a diabetic cat and am comfortable administering medication and shots. In addition I have owned dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, turtles, birds and fish. Many of them lived in my elementary classroom during my teaching years.

My back yard is filled with a variety of wild birds (entertainment for my indoor cats) and occasionally possums, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, bunnies and coyotes. I think animals add a beautiful dimension to our lives that helps us understand compassion, vulnerability, unconditional love and true beauty.

I volunteer for the New Beginnings for Animals and have been a “mom” to many foster cats. Working as a Pet Companion is a responsibility and a true privilege. I know first hand how important it is for pets to be treated with love and care when owners have to be away. It’s a great experience to get acquainted with pets and their people.

Andrea Keith

I love animals! My best friends are my three dogs and my Amazon parrot. I’m a big believer in the human –animal bond. When I spend time with your pet or pets, I encourage their sweet personality to shine. I grew up with dogs, birds, cats, lizards ,horses, guinea pigs, and other creatures. I love them all. Above all else, my true calling comes to play when giving counsel to people grieving the loss of their pet. As a marriage and family theraipist, I assist people that have to say goodbye to their beloved pet. I understand the deep connection between people and their animals; it is a bond unlike any other.

Joan Speckin

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.

Carrie Wardecki

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 petsitting 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.

Cradelle Swon White - Dog Trainer

From my first memories of childhood I have always been enamored with all different types of animals. I have grownup with cats and dogs and have a great affinity with them. Since my high school years I have always been asked by friends and relatives to take care of their animals, because of my deep connection to their animals.

I have trained under a well known southern California Master Dog trainer/animal specialist who has been training animals for over 30 years. After receiving a certificate of completion for dog training I joined OC Pet Companions primarily as a dog trainer and also have worked as a pet companion for over 40 clients. I have recently completed a Pet First Aid Certification course.

Being a dog trainer and pet companion has enabled me to work with all different types of dogs from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane and to understand all different types of dog behaviors.

I get great satisfaction from working with children to adults to help them realize the importance of being the leader of their pack and in turn their pet showing them love and respect.

Recently I completed a CPR/First Aid course to ensure my client's charges are as safe as they are happy with my TLC.

Lynn Dick

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. ………..dogs! I can never pass a friendly four legged creature without petting and playing with them.

My best friend from high school suggested that I look into Pet Sitting 5 years ago but it wasn’t the right time. It was something I always kept in the back of my mind. I worked in the Travel Industry for over 25 years and due to a unexpected change it gave me a chance to pursue this dream.

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.

To sum it all and get me off to a perfect start for my pet library, my niece sent me "Cesar’s Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems" (her favorite book),with a note that said... "Wishing you many tail wags and sloppy kisses in your new job! Love Julia."

How can you beat that...