Kari Pawppins

04/24/2026

I apologize for not updating and posting here in so long! Life has been crazy busy, lol. But I am still pet/house-sitting, and I'm looking forward to posting about some of my recent visits asap!

07/07/2025

Last week, I got to hang out with these guys! We got through several thunderstorms and a few fireworks. I love their personalities, they crack me up!

I'm booked up til October, so let's get your Fall Break and Holiday plans sorted! My available dates are:
October 17-30
November 1-20
December 1-19

New to Kari Pawppins? Check out my reviews and message me to set up a free Meet & Greet!

07/04/2025

When you think you can treat yourself to some Doritos for the holiday, but their humans tell you that you're not allowed to share.....
Get ready for a noisy night, everyone. I'm here with these guys in Maryville, giving all the lap and distractions. My daughter will make sure our pup has benadryl (vet suggested), his thunder vest, some TV noise, her lap, and a special new chew stick that we bought just for this evening.
What do you do to help your critters get through the big booms?

06/30/2025

This week, I'm enjoying Kylo, Bruce, Tasha, and Tobi! These guys have TONS of personality, and our favorite part of the day is on the back porch after the rain!

July 4 celebrations are already starting. Remember to keep your pets indoors, because even the most perfectly yard trained pups can panic when the skies make the big booms. Some dogs are comforted with thunder vests, some dogs take benadryl, some dogs get meds from their veterinary doctors. Remember to remain as calm as you can, don't react with your pets- that just encourages them to feel anxious. Act normal, like nothing is going on. Be available for lap time or belly rubs, or create a safe and calming environment if you are going to be away. We play classical music and offer treats that take time to enjoy like pig ears or bully sticks.

What are your best ways of helping your pets through thunder storms or holidays with fireworks?

I still have availability in September, October, November, and December! Have you enjoyed a Meet & Greet with me yet? Fall Break and holiday bookings are soon to start, be sure to secure your dates now!

06/23/2025

It's going to be a hot one, folks! Above the 90s and high humidity can be health issues to your pets, hour children, your elders, and any loved ones with health issues. Be sure to dress comfortably, stay hydrated, and try to find cooler, gentler activities!

Remember that temperatures over 85° can be difficult to dangerous for outside critters. Be sure that there is plenty of shade, multiple fresh water sources, a fan, or even indoor accommodations available. This is especially important for older dogs and flat-faced breeds! Taking dogs for walks on the concrete or asphalt surfaces can burn their toe pads, so skip the walk or find a grassy area. Freeze apple sauce or pumpkin puree in ice cube trays to make cool, healthy treats!

I have booked some more dates, but I still have:
July 13-18
September 16-25
October 15-23
November 1-30
December 1-19

Making plans for Fall Break or the holidays? Message me to talk about scheduling a free Meet & Greet and discuss your travel dates!

Schnebby and Bear love indoor catch games on hot afternoons! They're only still for a second, but as soon as I told that toy, it's gonna be on like Donkey Kong!

06/13/2025

Happy Friday, everyone! I'm looking forward to sitting with a new friend this weekend!

I love what I do 💜💜💜

06/07/2025

Happy wet Saturday, everyone!

I am without cell service at this time. If anyone needs to reach me, please use messenger or another app that works on wifi. I'm sorry for any inconvenience!

Oh yah, Mr. Wizowski says hi!
(Mr. Wizowski is in the care of a licensed wildlife rehabber.)

06/02/2025

Merry Monday, everyone!

May was the rainiest month ever, wasn't it? I don't know if my garden is going to ever grow with so little sunshine! Mayhap June will warm up a bit🤞🏻

I have booked some more dates, but I still have:
July 7-18
August 1-12
September 16-25
October 14-23
November 1-30
December 1-19

If we haven't met yet, take a moment to check my reviews and pinned posts to learn more about my experiences, my references, and my policies, then message me to schedule a free Meet & Greet! I sit in Knox, Blount, and Sevier Counties. I also travel toward Chattanooga now and then. Wherever you are, I'll do my best to meet you there!

I always enjoy sharing some of my favorite critters with you, how about you share youre with me? Drop a picture and tell me a little about your little one 👇🏻💜

05/31/2025

Happy Caturday, my Dears! I hope everyone is having the day they want 💜
I will be out of reach until late Sunday, so if you message me and I'm not as fast to reply as I usually am, that's why!

Today's featured baby is the very handsome Nikko, who I'm stopping in to check on while his human is away. Nikko is incredibly friendly and chill. He loves hugs and tolerates dogs. I'd love to put my feet up and read a good book with Nikko purring in my lap 🥰

05/28/2025

I have 5 Meet & Greets scheduled over the next week! I love meeting new clients and their critters!

Boarding base rates can be cheaper if you only have 1 or 2 pets. But that does not mean it's the best option. Not all pets do well in kennels and not all kennels do well (it's hard work and many facilities are underpaid and understaffed and mistakes get made when there are multiple people keeping up with multiple animals). Additional pets and additional needs (like medications, special diets, actual 1:1 time with a human for pets & scritches, outside time for play) rack up additional fees.
Finding someone you can trust in your home to give the absolute best care for your critters can be difficult, I hear horror stories all the time. Be sure to meet your potential sitter, preferably in your home. Ask a lot of questions, and not just pet related ones. Ask about recent experience and how long they have been sitting. Get names and phone numbers for references (and actually do call them). Watch how they interact with your critters and how your critters react to them. And go with your gut!

If you're looking for someone with a lot of experience, tons of love, and several great references, message me! I sit in Knox, Blount, and Sevier Counties, and I could consider travel. I do stop-ins and overnights.

I still have dates available going into December, but with 5 Meet & Greets coming up, a lot of those dates are sure to get booked, so message me to secure your dates now!
June 11-24
July 7-18
August 1-12
September 16-25
October 14-30
November 1-30
December 1-18

Today's featured critters are chickens. Just all different breeds, hens and roos. Having a small backyard flock is one of the most wonderful, fulfilling experiences I've ever had. I learned so much, including how to give antibiotic shots, incubation and hatching, and how to care for a hen who is egg bound. I look forward to the day that I can have a small flock again 🥰

05/28/2025

If you have thr heart to help, it is absolutely CRUCIAL that you know and follow the rules. It's that time of year, there are lost and injured babies everywhere! Have the number for a local wildlife rehabber on hand (and talk to them, ask questions, make sure you know what you're doing before you do it), have proper gloves and a crate with a blanket or towel with you. And understand that just because you see the baby does not mean that you can or should try to catch the baby. If you can't do it correctly, please just don't.

Guys. Sigh. Sometimes I have no words. RVS species (rabies vector species) (c***s, Fox, skunk, bats) need to go IMMEDIATELY to someone licensed. IMMEDIATELY. I got a call from someone yesterday that had a baby for days, slept with it, fed it, let the dogs play with it… then decided help was needed when it started having seizures. When I got the video I was sick to my stomach. There’s EVERY indication this baby has rabies. Now an entire family has to get post-exposure vaccinations. It’s important to understand that if you handle an RVS bare handed, get scratched etc, depending on local laws and ordinances, a Rehabber will likely be FORCED to relinquish the animal for testing. It’s not up for discussion, right or wrong, the laws dictate our requirements. PLEASE don’t handle RVS animals without FULL protection.😡😡😡