Jennifer Haralson
A Pause for Paws, Inc.
Columbus, NB
Years as a Professional Pet Sitter: 8
PSI Member Since 2003
Likes: Pets, kids, my husband, time with family, books on CD, reality TV, travel
Dislikes: Onions! Lots of veggies, non-stop barking, movies, and bad comedy
Favorite Color: Navy blue
Favorite Food: Chocolate
Favorite Movie: Much Ado About Nothing
Favorite Song: I Hope You Dance
"Tricks of the Trade:” Make the client feel like the only client you have. Take time, whatever is necessary, to get to know every pet in your care - even the cats under the bed. Use prayer as necessary and daily.
Favorite Dog Name: Dee-O-gee
Favorite Cat Name: Noname (I have a client with a stray named No Name, we call it no-nahmee)
Favorite “Alternative” Pets: Ferret - so much energy and fun
Favorite “Downtime” Activity: Computer puzzle games
Best Pet-Sitting Experience: I took care of an orange tabby cat named Gilligan.One visit, I had a headache, so I lay down on the couch on my back and put my hat over my eyes. Gilligan lay on my chest and purred. He loved it! He would rub on my neck and “knead” the pillow behind my ears. It was like he was giving me a hug. He did this non-stop for over half an hour. We were both in heaven. After that I made sure that at every visit we would have some ‘cuddle’ time for him to lie on my chest and give me a hug.
What accomplishment are you most proud of: Getting my M.Ed.
What kind of car would you drive if money were not an object? Mercedes SUV
What is your “Dream Vacation?” Europe with lots of time to spend on the beach and visit museums and cathedrals
What does your PSI Membership mean to you? That I am a part of a professional group of people, who love to do what I do. I can get and give support by way of advice or attendance to networking events, in person or on-line. It means I have standards that many others don’t and a way of showing that through membership.
Finish this sentence: “If I hadn't become a pet sitter, I never would have… realized that every pet I see has a different personality and quirks. It amazes me every time I meet another dog that it doesn’t act or behave the same as any other dog I know.
Favorite quote:
“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
— Anatole France
