Tree Hugger

You guys thought I was going to talk about Earth Day, didn't you? Nope. About two weeks ago (back when I had a job), during the middle of the day, while I was at the office, I got the following e-mail from Jon, with the subject line "Muffy's Adventure":

"About 1pm this afternoon, I went outside to get the mail. I hadn't seen Muffin in awhile and when I walked up the driveway, she didn't immediately come running. As I got by the mailbox, I started to hear her "worried/vomit" meow. I figured out that it was coming from the lot to our west (towards the cul de sac). I looked around for a bit and encountered this.... [You should click on the picture and look at the large version so you can see Muffy's expression!]


...Muffy stuck about 12 feet up in a tree. She was clinging to the trunk with her front paws, and had her butt resting on some small branches coming out of the trunk. I have no idea how long she'd been up there, other than that I'd let her outside about an hour before. At first, I thought that maybe she had chased something up, but when I got to the tree, I saw Oreo sitting at the bottom, so he may have chased her up there. Or, he might just have heard her meowing and come over to investigate. I had slippers on and there was no easy way to get up there, so I went back to the house to get shoes and our fold-out ladder (and the camera). The ladder was just tall enough to reach her without having to extend any of the legs. I pried her out fairly quickly, within 10 minutes of when I first saw her.

Once down, she followed me back towards the house and I've kept her inside since (she looked pretty interested in resting/napping when I got back). She's acted pretty normal since then and shows no signs of cuts, scrapes, or hurt limbs." (Oreo is the neighborhood bully cat, by the way.)

Muffin has since fully recovered from the incident. (Actually, she was fully recovered by the time I got home from work that day, except that when Jon and I walked over to the tree so he could show me where she was, Muffin followed us until the bushes and then stopped and meow'ed at us from a little ways away as if to say, "I'm not going back over there and you shouldn't either! It's dangerous!!") But because of this incident, Jon gave her the nickname "Tree Hugger" (and he also made this picture the background of our computer, so I see it and laugh all the time!) Heeeee.... Cats are hilarious (and so is Jon).

To prove to you that she is fine and you are free to laugh at her (or not judge me for laughing at her!), here is Her Cuteness today, surveying her Kingdom (yard):

and just being cute:

Testimonials (References Available Upon Request)

References and their contact information are available upon request.

1. Mary Beth, owner of 4 cats

“You are an angel sent from above and my pets [love] you! Leaving them in your care is the only thing I’ll ever do. Your services are outstanding!”

In response to “What did you like best?”: “You loved on my sick cat while I was away!”

2. Dea, owner of 5 cats (3 of which are formerly feral)

“As former feral kittens, my cats are very shy with other people. Thank you for spending so much time making them feel comfortable! I arrived home to find them completely relaxed and happy. My two older cats were happy too! They look awesome!”

3. Kerri, owner of 2 dogs

“Thank you so much! They loved you!”

In response to “What did you like best?”: “The blog and seeing how happy they were! The notes on return were great too!”

4. Dana, owner of 2 cats

“Phenomenal service! Best sitter we have ever had!”

5. Lauren, owner of 1 dog

“Thanks for the detailed notes from each of your visits”

In response to “What did you like best?”: “Length of time spent with pet and care updates via text and pictures”

6. Martha, owner of 3 cats

In response to “What did you like best?”: “your creativity; your love of pets; problem-solving abilities”

7. Margaret, owner of 2 dogs

“Thank you so much for taking such good care of my girls. They are always happy and relaxed when I get home from my trips.”

In response to “What did you like best?”: “I love the visit log notes and the updates on your blog.”

8. Michele and Andrew, owners of 2 (formerly 3 :()cats

In response to “What did you like best?”: “blog pictures and e-mail updates”

9. Kurt, owner of 2 cats

“Thanks so much. It was so nice to be on vacation and see pictures of our happy pets on your web site.”

10. Kelly and Christian, owners of 2 cats

In response to “What did you like best?”: “The notes left after each visit, blog”

11. Jill and Carol, owner of a dog, a cat, a dove and guinea fowl

“We felt so at ease on vacation knowing that Melissa was in charge of our beloved pets!!”

In response to “What did you like best?”: “Professionalism and genuine interest in pets”

12. Pat, owner of 6 cats

In response to “What did you like best?”: “Your dedication”

13. Heather, owner of 2 cats

In response to “What did you like best?”: “Your rapport with my kitties”

14. Laura and Rusty, owners of 2 cats

"Your service gave us one less thing to worry about when traveling (and we have a lot to worry about with 3 young kids!) This was by far the most comfortable I have been leaving pets (and our house too!) and that includes when my brother was our petsitter before moving to Cville. Thank you so much! And [the cats] were happy too!"

In response to “What did you like best?”: “amount of time spent on visits, blog, visit notes were so thorough”

15. Katie, owner of 1 cat

“I was so overwhelmingly happy with your service! From the constant email updates to the pics and stories online, it really put my mind at ease to know [my kitty] was well-loved! [My kitty] seemed well-loved when I got home, and not starved for attention at all! Your daily reports on her got her personality down perfectly – seems like she was her usual crazy self! Thank you again for taking such good care of her – I was really able to relax knowing she was in good hands. Thanks also for keeping the bathroom where her litter and food are so tidy! So nice to come home to a clean room. J”

16. Deane, owner of 5 cats

In response to “What did you like best?”: “ability to socialize with pets and photos on blog”

17. Brian, owner of 1 dog and 2 cats

In response to “What did you like best?”: “You cared for the happiness of our pet, not just basic needs”

18. Gail and Tim, owner of 1 dog

“[Our dog] never had it so good! House looked great – many thanks!”

In response to “What did you like best?”: “Everything – very professional – spelled out exactly what you would do.”

19. Cathy, owner of 3 dogs and 1 cat

“I really appreciate the time you spend with my pets whether it's walking or cuddling. I feel comfortable that they are getting quality care. I appreciate you following through with the "extras" (e.g. [helping to unclog sink, per directions] … and plant watering) and any special written instructions so diligently. I'm absolutely confident that my pets are receiving their medications properly which is important since they are all seniors with medical problems. I enjoy seeing them online while I'm away and appreciate the detailed notes when I get home. … I admire your commitment to learning to provide even better care.”

20. Patty and Mark Henderson, owners of 3 dogs

In response to “What did you like best?”: “Your notes – care for our dogs – kisses! picky”

21. Melissa, owner of 2 dogs and 3 cats

“It was clear from the pictures that our dogs and cats had a blast with you! We know they were well cared-for and in capable hands. Thanks for giving our animals a vacation too!”

In response to “What did you like best?”: “Personal attention to animals … more than just feeding/watering”

22. Melissa, owner of 4 cats and a guinea pig

In response to “What did you like best?”: “animals love you, excellent communication, very dependable… We love reading the blog and laughing at pictures!”

23. Suzanne, owner of 2 dogs and 4 fancy rats

In response to “What did you like best?”: “Notes about animals; texts; willingness to also bring in mail, water plants”

24. Nessa, former :( owner of cockatiel

“Melissa was my roommate in law school for 2 years and I've known her for about 9 years now. She used to take care of my bird when I went out of town (she was a very tame, and often sick, bird that required a lot of attention and was like my child). I've also seen Melissa care for her own cats and her sister's dog. Her own cats have had health issues, so I know she is very familiar with giving cats medication. She is someone I trust 100% with any animal and I recommend her to you without hesitation. You absolutely will not find someone other than you who will care for your cats with more affection and attention. She is an animal lover to her core and I know she will take great care of your cats. Having lived with her, I also know her to be very trustworthy and I have no doubt that when you return your home will be exactly as you left it.”

I hope you will give me the opportunity to care for your pets and see for yourself how dedicated I am to their happiness! If I can answer any questions or if you would like additional information, please contact me!

Buggledoo Pet Sitting, LLC
Melissa Woodruff, 434-409-6548, buggledoopetsitting@gmail.com

Services and Rates (effective August 10, 2010)

Services and Rates*
(Effective August 10, 2010***)

Initial Visit/Key Pick-Up
· I visit your home so we can meet and I can learn about your pet’s normal routine.
· If you choose to hire me, you complete an information form, sign a service agreement and provide a key or other access to your home (such as a garage code, location of hidden key, etc.).
No charge

Cat Visit
· Food and fresh water
· Clean litter box, any accidents and food/water area
· Play/cuddle, pet, brush, talk to and LOVE the kitties
· Treats, if permitted
· Medication administration, as needed
· Any/all bonus services! (see below)
· At least 45 minutes, but may be longer
$20 per visit(for any number of cats, unless otherwise agreed);
Additional brief visit(s) (10-15 minutes) may be provided (subject to approval based on location and time of day desired) on same day as standard cat visit for an additional $12 each

Dog Visit
· Food and fresh water
· Clean any accidents and food/water area
· Walk or other active play for at least 25 minutes
· Play/cuddle, pet, brush, talk to and LOVE your doggies
· Treats, if permitted
· Medication administration, as needed
· Any/all bonus services! (see below)
· At least 45 minutes total, but may be longer
$22 for 1 dog;
$25 for 2 or more dogs;
Additional brief midday visit(s) (10-15 minutes) may be provided (subject to approval based on location and time of day desired) on same day as standard dog visit for an additional $12 each (intended as a quick “potty break” visit)

Midday Dog Walk (Or Other Midday Visit) [These visits are being provided only on a very limited basis at this time. Please ask.]
· 25-30 minute walk or other active play (or a “potty break” visit plus loving for the remainder of the time if doggie does not need a walk or if a “potty break” visit is requested on a day without a standard visit or overnight visit)
· Fresh water
· Clean accidents (not a full house check)
· About 35 minutes total, but may be longer
$18 per visit

Overnight Stay [These visits are being provided only on a very limited basis at this time. Please ask.]
· Companionship from at least 9PM until at least 7AM (but, depending on my schedule, I will try to arrive earlier and stay later than this)
· At least ONE 25-30 minute walk or other active play (in the evening or morning) and additional short potty breaks or outside time, as needed
· Dinner and breakfast, fresh water
· Clean litter boxes, accidents and food/water areas
· Play/cuddle, pet, brush, talk to and LOVE your pets
· Any/all bonus services! (see below)
$70 per night;
Brief midday visit(s) (10-15 minutes) may be provided (subject to approval based on location and time desired) on the day before or day after an overnight visit for an additional $12 each (intended as a quick “potty break” visit).

Additional Pets (of a different type)
· When more than one type of pet (e.g. dog and cat, cat and guinea pig, dog and iguana, etc.)
$5 each additional TYPE of pet
(per visit or overnight stay)
(No extra charge for simple fish feeding or filling outdoor bird feeders)

Other Small Animal Visit
· For other small animals (such as hamsters, guinea pigs, iguanas, birds, snakes)
· Cleaning, feeding, watering, playing and other care needed
Priced on an individual basis, but typically $20 per visit. May be more or less depending on the needs of the pet and the time and effort necessary to fulfill those needs.

Bonus Services!
· Bring in mail, packages and newspapers
· Water indoor or outdoor plants
· Fill outside bird feeders
· Move trash cans for pick-up
· Alter lights and blinds
· Other tasks, as discussed – please ask!
· Pictures or videos of your pet added to website, if you consent and time-permitting!** [Not being provided at this time :(]
· E-mail or text updates as requested
· Peace of mind!
No charge

Key Return
· I would like to retain your key on file in my office so that I will have it available for future (or emergency) visits.
· If you prefer that I return the key to you, I will gladly do so at no charge. However, if I have to pick up your key again in order to provide visits at a later date, there will be a charge of at least $10 (depending on location) for my time to do so.
No charge, but see above regarding subsequent key pick-up

Holiday Fee
Additional $15 for any visits on specified days
(Applies on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Easter, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve)

* Rates assume that client’s home is within typical service area of Crozet, Ivy, Batesville, White Hall, other areas of Western Albemarle, and parts of Charlottesville easily accessible from Western Albemarle. I will consider servicing other areas, but may charge an additional fee to do so (usually $3-$8 per visit, depending on additional distance).

** I will attempt to make updates each day, at the end of the day (or earlier, if possible). However, when I am particularly busy, I may not be able to provide this additional service at all. [Unfortunately, this service is not currently being provided.]

***Note that rates were increased effective July 15, 2010. However, effective August 10, 2010, the rate for the short visits is decreasing slightly because I feel that I increased it too much in July!

I hope you will give me the opportunity to provide love and care to your pets! If I can answer any questions or if you would like additional information, please contact me!

Buggledoo Pet Sitting, LLC
Melissa Woodruff, 434-409-6548, buggledoopetsitting@gmail.com

About Me, My Family and My Experience with Animals

I am married to my wonderful husband, Jon (picture of us to follow), who I met while playing softball during law school, and we have three spoiled rotten kitties, named Muffin, Lily and Little Man.

Muffin is a gorgeous long-haired ginger-colored girl who has hyper-trophic cardiomyopathy and has taught me how to give pills to cats by allowing me to give her between 3 and 6 pills every day for the past 3.5 years. Lily is my sweet little baby, who is now the largest of the crew. She is charcoal-colored with one little white spot on her chest. She has a problem with eating strings and anything else left lying around and she has the cutest little squeak I've ever heard. Little Man is our little grey tabby guy that showed up at our house in Falls Church in the snow. We put a collar on him that said "Am I Your Kitty?" and when no one claimed him, we let him join our family. (I, actually, had steel resolve not to bring in anyone new, but Jon said "but he's always staring at me pitifully through the door!" Our neighbors said that they tried to adopt him, but he was determined to join our family instead. You'll see pictures of our babies all over the blog and can click on the Label "My Kitties" (or just click here) to see all posts related to them.

I am an extreme animal lover and became vegetarian about 9 years ago because of my love for animals. I grew up with dogs and cats (my first soulmate was a sweet mutt named Wendy, who I renamed Booger Bear - eventually I'll post a picture!) Stinky, our first kitty and my second soulmate (sorry Jon!), sadly passed away in October of 2009 after a long battle with recurrent ear infections and a relatively short battle with fluid on her lungs, kidney disease and diabetes. Stinky (a.k.a. The Queen Bee) had instituted a No Dog Rule in our household, but the other 3 kitties seem to adapt a little better whenever our nephew, Jakie, comes over to stay. So I'm now entertaining the idea of getting a doggy. But my schedule is so crazy with pet-sitting that I probably will mull this over a little while longer and in the meantime, will just get my doggy fix from my clients' babies!

As a child, my family also had hamsters and hermit crabs, and I have previously cared for an iguana, a cockatiel, a guinea pig, guinea fowl and a dove. I'm fascinated by all animals (even reptiles!) and am willing and eager to learn how to care for any animal needing care.

I was born and grew up in the great metropolis of South Boston, VA and graduated from Halifax County High School in 1996. I'm a graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia (2000) with concentrations in Accounting and Finance, and the University of Virginia School of Law (2003). My husband and I both worked at large law firms in DC for about 3.5-4 years after law school before we moved back here to Charlottesville.

(Note: I backdated this post so that it wouldn't appear at the top above all of the pet pictures! That's why it is dated before Stinky's death.)