Auntie Lolly's Petsitting

10/17/2021

As some of you know, I went into semi-retirement in March of 2020 when the pandemic kept all of us at home. During that time, I discovered that our retirement investments and income were more than adequate for our needs and decided that I would like to lean into retirement more fully.

When things began to reopen, I cut my business down to perhaps a half-dozen core clients whose needs are straightforward and who live within a mile or so of my home. That has allowed me to concentrate more on the things that bring me the most joy, especially my interest in creating and performing music.

However, I'm finding that even that small, core group of clientele is providing a challenge to me as I attempt to juggle the increasing demands of my musical career with the growing needs of my clients.

And so, it is with some sadness that I announce my full retirement. I have enjoyed working with my clients and their pets, and I will miss seeing them. My musical career requires ever larger blocks of my time, often at night, and I need to place my full focus in retirement on the things that are making me most happy.

Many thanks to all who have used my services over the past years. This has been a very successful and fulfilling business and it has been hard to let go. I will miss you all.

Sincerely,

Laura Sterner (AKA Auntie Lolly)

07/19/2021

05/19/2019

It's probably time to put this up again. Been a while. I have been pretty busy lately!

A retired researcher finds another calling.

01/19/2019

Do you have a new puppy? You need to know about my puppy playdates! I will come to your house while you are at work and give your new puppy some much-needed attention and socialization. Playdates can be 20 or 30 minutes (30 minute visits are $25.00) and are mostly play and attention, but include potty time, too!. I have 2 slots available between 10:30am and 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Contact me to set up a meet and greet!

01/16/2019

Part of a great petsitter's wardrobe.

12/28/2018

Did you know that cats are my specialty? Though I take on all sorts of furry clients, I grew up in a house full of cats, so I know their "language" well, and I really enjoy caring for your feline friends. Need your kitties fed and your litter tended to? Let me know. I'm open again for new clients in Arden Park and the surrounding area.

12/06/2018

95864 Special Offer!
Daily midday visits, 10% off for new signups!

10/03/2018

Cats

https://www.gocomics.com/the-bent-pinky

10/01/2018

This is great advice. Some dogs will let you know right away that they are friendly, but sometimes at the meet and greet it's better for me to ignore your dog until your dog signals that they are ready for more attention. And even then, it may well be a treat tossed to them before I'll attempt to touch. Dogs and cats have body language and a good petsitter knows how to read it.

"The magical hand."

Sometimes well meaning people reach out with their hand to "make friends" with a dog. The idea is that if the dog can sniff their hand, the dog will eventually like that person.

This is also a great way to get bitten by some dogs. A reaching hand can be perceived as a threat and some dogs have learned that biting makes that hand go away very quickly!

A better option is to allow the dog to *come to you* if they are interested in sniffing, and simply ignore them until they give you indications that they are seeking an affiliative interaction.
Of course, if you are not sure about the dog's body language, OR there is a history of biting, OR you don't need to handle the dog at all, it is best to keep on walking by!

09/24/2018

I'm now using an organizational platform called Pet Sitter Plus for scheduling and invoicing! If you'd like to connect with me through the online portal, please register an account here:

New clients can contact me via text message to discuss your needs and if we agree that we're a good fit, we can schedule a meet and greet. Current clients can register and begin requesting services immediately.

I'm limiting my overnight stays to a certain number of days per month, so you might notice that this option is not included in my service item menu. If you need overnight services please contact me through this page or by text to discuss.

09/23/2018

Might as well put this up here again! I love cats, I love every kind of cat!

A retired researcher finds another calling.

09/23/2018

I am back from my vacation and ready to take your calls and requests. I'm also very pleased to let you all know that I've started using an organizational program that will allow clients to request services and make payments online. This is going to be so much more efficient. Contact me at 916-710-1475 for details. Please leave me a voicemail or send me a text!

08/26/2018

Last summer, as my dog Bruno basked in the sun, I sat beside him and wrote this ode to the world's best wiener. I don't know if you've ever loved a dog but I...

08/14/2018

More changes are coming! I'm excited to be starting a trial of organizational software that is designed for pet-sitters. Up to now I have been relying on texts, messages, emails and a personal calendaring system. The new system will allow my clients to go online to request services and will automatically keep track of all of the scheduling and invoicing, too! This is going to make everyone's lives so much easier. Thank you to all of my incredible clients for continuing to place your trust in me as my business grows. Your trust allows me to do the things I need to do to provide you with the best possible service, every single day.

08/07/2018

07/24/2018

I could not be more honored and thrilled to have the endorsement of so many wonderful clients like Ed. A happy customer is like gold, and I'm blessed with riches.

A retired researcher finds another calling.

07/24/2018

May I introduce you to Osborn the Magnificent? Osborn is something of a local celebrity in Sacramento, having been featured in Ed Goldman's column in the Sacramento Business Journal. Having cared for Osborn on several occasions, I can attest that he is every bit as magnificent as he is advertised to be. He's a sweet and friendly cat who loves company and enjoys attention. I so enjoy our little visits and I think he does, too.