Hello! My name is Abbey and I'm a 26-year-old full-time college senior working toward my B.S. in Social Science and Criminal Justice. Previously, I worked for a local chain pet store but decided to part ways in Spring of 2008.

Some of my personal interests include painting (acrylic & watercolour) and sketching, reading (mostly nonfiction), aquaria, learning to cook, and personal web design.

I currently reside in the Des Moines-West area with my kittens (Bob and Kritten), the rats (Grizzle and Keefer), "Bob's" mouse (Noby), and three relatively small, planted, freshwater aquariums.

On February 2, 2008, I successfully completed Petco's Pet First Aid Online Course, which includes instructions on what to do in a variety of situations (administering CPCR, poisoning, chemical and electrical burns, lacerations, sprains and strains, hypothermia, etc.).

My employment at a local pet store as an Animal Care Associate from July 2007 to March 2008 allowed for exposure to an assortment of animals and provided periodic testing and training in the handling and proper care of companion animals. Specifically, I worked in the aquatics department caring for freshwater and marine fish and invertebrates.

DSM Pets is also a registered member of NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) and is insured through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC (will bring documents of proof to our meet-n-greet).

To further ascertain my legitimacy, my background check can be accessed through SitterCity.com (username: dsmpets).

In short, because I love animals! I have kept various animals throughout my life, including dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, freshwater fish and invertebrates, rabbits, wild birds (through the Wildlife Rescue Team), mice, and pet rats.

As a child, dog-walking became a hobby that I've remained interested in to this day. Both the dogs and I benefit from the exercise and fresh air, and the company can't be beat!

There is more to the story here.

Here are a few photos of my own pets:

Bob and Grizzle

My adorable Grizzle	Bob the Cat

Noby the Mouse	Kritten the Newly-Adopted Female Kitten

Jimmie Bo (as a baby)	Keefer the Rat

School of Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish	Dalmation Molly in my Brackish Tank

The 10g Fish Tank
(All live plants)

The 28g Fish Tank
(Au Natural)

And that's it. No more pets. We've run out of room over here. lol