What is your name
Hanneke Whale
How old are you?
71 years
What do you do in daily life? Work? Study? Hobby?
retired
Did you also have your own dog or dogs? If so what breed/crossbreed and what is his/her name?
Used to walk all the neighborhood dogs as a child, from shepherds to boomers. Have had dogs myself since 1982 and still have 2 dogs now, border collies
What are the nicest character traits of your own dog?
Busy dogs, love to do fun things, especially long walks. Am now doing sheep herding again with Jazz, 15 months old. Great. Will start sports and games course with her in April. Fun right?
What was/were your cutest babysitting dog(s)? and why?
Actually all very nice from labradoodle to the beagle of 10 years, from labrador to border collie. They all like to come here.
Why did you start babysitting dogs through Petbnb?
Saw Petbnb when it had just started and I actually had 1 dog with new knees and an older dog who couldn't do much anymore. Still wanted to keep moving and I just love dogs. From the beginning, which is now more than 2 years ago, I was flooded with requests. I still have guests all year round, which is great.
How do you find out if there is a good match with the dog and the owner during an introduction?
I sometimes do as many as 3 "introductory" walks with those. The first where they always walk or live, the 2e with me and then at my place for coffee. When in doubt another 3ehike.
What is the most memorable/special situation you have experienced so far while babysitting?
A dog, Sam, got very sick with me and we were able to save her life just in time. Turned out to have a tumor on the spleen that had started to bleed. Fortunately she lived for another ½ year. Furthermore, I babysit in France once or twice a year on the farm of a friend. If I happen to have a dog staying with me during that period, she may, with permission of the owner of course, come with me on vacation to France. Yes, that happened too.
Did you also learn new things through babysitting?
Yes, that some owners are much too sweet to the dog and you notice that when they stay here. I am clear to the dog, they have a lot of freedom but listening is my top priority. They still love to come and stay with me!
Favorite dog walking spot & why?
I call my backyard the Goudse Hout, which is a large recreational/nature area. But I also go to the Loetbos, the Weegje or they are allowed, for example with a border collie walk, to the beach or the Drunense Dunes. They are allowed loose everywhere and it is especially early in the morning, wonderful walking.
What tips & tricks would you pass along to other babysitters for good babysitting?
Be flexible in drop-off and pick-up times. I don't care if they come at 7 a.m. in the morning or if one wants to pick up the dog at 11 p.m. at night. I'm not going anywhere, is always my regular answer. People really appreciate this too. When in doubt do not take the dog to stay, trust your own feeling and be to the guests as consistent as to your own dog(s). I also maintain a very good relationship with the owners, whether they come to stay once or more often does not matter, the contact always remains. Furthermore, I try to do something for all my dog owners at the end of the year or as a New Year's gift. A small gift or a walk with coffee or a games afternoon.
What else would you like to add to Petbnb?
Actually nothing except that I would like to meet all of you. Lupo I have known since the beginning, also met a few times. I would love to be able to say hello to the whole team and have a drink together or something. Not just put the problems on you guys. But that might still happen someday.
Got excited after this story? Quickly check out Hanneke's Petbnb ad and see if she still has a spot available for your dog!
https://www.petbnb.nl/hondenoppas/nederland/reeuwijk/second-home-is-een-echt-honden-thuis-307
Curious about more stories from our babysitters? Read Alexa's story here!
http://blog.petbnb.nl/wat-maakt-alexa-zon-goede-hondenopppas-lees-het-hier/
Comments
0 comments
English 
Nederlands