http://heidelberg-leader.whereilive.com.au/your-news/story/hershey/ HERSHEY'S FRIENDS PROVES POPULAR WITH PETS! your-newsLocal News14 Jun 09

Residents of Springthorpe and neighbouring areas are now able to enlist the services of a new dog walking and pet sitting service set up by Nicky State, a Springthorpe resident. The idea came when Nicky began walking her own dog Hershey around Springthorpe on her days off and noticed many barking dogs in back gardens and houses. An avid animal lover she has cared for many animals during her life, from dogs and cats to gerbils and fancy rats, and loved the idea of working with animals full time. Says Nicky, an ex Royal Air Force officer: I have a back problem that doesn't take kindly to sitting at a desk all day, and was fed up with the inflexibility of office work. Having a business that involves daily exercise and puts my 20 plus years of administration experience and pet ownership to good use seemed ideal. There is a definite need in the Macleod and Springthorpe area, with many city professionals living here who want the joy of owning pets but are time poor. They require services like mine to step in and provide company and exercise for their pets during the working day. Animals that are bored or lonely can display anti social behaviours such as destruction, incessant barking or escaping, and may feel abandoned and depressed at being left alone all day. A pet sitter or dog walker can break that cycle by providing recreation and a change of scene for the pet whilst the owners are at work. This means that owners can return from work each evening knowing that their pet has had a fun and exciting walk that leaves them tired but happy says Nicky. You have shown love for your pet by recognizing its needs and hopefully anti-social tendencies are reduced; plus it allays any guilt feelings in the owner. It's a win win situation. Nicky's services range from dog walking and puppy visiting, to holiday house and pets at home sitting. Some dogs don't take well to a kennel environment and are better off in familiar surroundings with a known carer who visits twice daily and provides a walk or just cuddles. I wanted to enlist the services of a pet sitter myself but found that, with my many pets, the cost was prohibitive - so when I made my business plan I focused on providing a service that was affordable but of a very high standard. Her business is a non franchise personal service, so your pet will always be visited by the same person. Additionally she is fully insured and police checked, and has taken a pet first aid course. Nicky already has a small base of happy customers and even happier pets, but spaces are still available. I want to keep the business small and personal so as to provide the best possible service to my local area residents. I am keen to support local small businesses and I hope that local residents will feel the same about services offered by Hershey's Friends Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Services. For enquiries please call or text on 0411-591136 or e-mail: hersheysfriends@live.com .

http://www.anzpetsit.com/petnews/index.php/2009/05/new-pet-care-professional-listing-in-macleod/