THE TEAM

Charlie Andersen
Managing Director
38 Years old and from Denmark

Area:
Stoke Newington, N16
, and surrounding areas

After many years of toying with my dream of working with animals I finally resigned from my city job in November 2002. Although having had many years experience of caring for my own and friends pets I still felt the need to gain experience in the pet care industry and therefore trained in a grooming shop for 7 months before going ahead and setting up on my own. A lot of hard work and long hours but it is all well worth it and I am very lucky to have an awesome support network of family, friends and colleagues all over the pet industry.

Since the age of 6 I have owned a variety of pet's including - fish, guinea pigs, rabbit, canary birds, cat and dog and have also always been happy to help friends and family with looking after their pets over weekends and holidays, giving me a great appreciation of the responsibility involved with looking after other peoples pets. I was 16 when my beloved dog Amigo entered my life. Throughout Amigo's long life I read a large variety of books on canine behavior and training as well as taking part in training classes and shows. I, as probably many pet owners, would at times have problems when going on holiday as friends and family would not always be able to help and I remember how heartbreaking it was for me (and I believe) Amigo to have to put him in.

It is with this in mind and because I believe the dog walking and pet sitting industry often leaves a lot to be desired in terms of professionalism and safety, I decided to take up the career of being a pet minder. I want to help others feel happy and safe in the knowledge that their beloved pet is looked after with all the love and attention it deserves and my reward; I get to spend all my time with wonderful furry friends it just doesn't’t get any better than that.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eva Pine
21 years old and from Portugal

Area:
North London

I am a university student who has been living in London since September 2006.

Animals have been part of my life and family my whole life. Since an early age I learned how to take care of my own pets and soon I started to do pet-sitting for my family and friends.
I also have some experience looking after injured/ill animals and those who require special attention.

I am a very patient, sensitive and responsible person and thus I believe I have a special talent to deal with cats which are wonderful and peculiar creatures.

Since I moved to London I am not able to have any pets and I truly miss my lovely cats back home. Therefore, doing cat-sitting is not just a job; it is a pleasure and the most rewarding way of spending my spare time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Beech
36 years old from Lancashire

Area:
Shorditch, E2 and surrounding areas
I have always loved animals and having been brought up in the Lancashire countryside they played an important part of my life whilst growing up. I come from a family who have always worked with animals and as a result I learnt how to respect them from a very early age. My first pet was a dog called Roley who I loved dearly and as I child I also kept birds (cockatiels), terrapins, Ferrets, rabbits, Guinnea pigs, snakes, cats, goats…..the list goes on!! My parents made it clear that I was responsible for the welfare of these animals, and made sure I learnt how to care for them every day as well as love them.

Since moving to London 14 years ago I have not been able to have pets due to work commitments. Until last year I worked as a service manager in the social care field which I enjoyed as it allowed me to interact with vulnerable people and help them to reach their life goals. Last year however I was able to give this up to focus on my other career as a freelance illustrator. For the first time in my life I am able to work from home. A huge luxury! This leaves me with time on my hands and I instantly thought about working with animals. Although I have a goldfish who I have had for eight years I love to spend time with larger animals. Working with Charlie and the team gives me an opportunity to do this and I couldn’t be happier!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nicole & Danielle Kahlani
22 years old and from London
- (Identical Twins)

Area:
Islington, N1

We live together in Islington behind Upper Street in a three-bedroom apartment. With its central location we are able to travel around and have a easy access to our clients with London transport as well as walking to the clients house through the peaceful streets of Highbury and other local areas. We have always been based round North London, where we have always been surrounded by a family of pets, from cats, rabbits, guinipigs, hamsters, fish and a beautiful grey African parrot.

As twins we are at the advantage of helping each other out during our jobs, for if one is unable to meet a client the other can. We also offer double the company and entertainment for your much-loved pets. We truly love cat sitting and the one on one experience we gain from each visit. It also helps us gain a wider knowledge of the areas around us.

As well as looking after our own pets we have looked after and cared for other peoples animals, which have sometimes involved certain medication and strict routine. We are confident in saying we are reliable, organised and sufficient, and enjoy keeping active.

Having free time we would truly adore having the opportunity to surround ourselves with as many loving new animals as possible, providing them with the care, respect and attention they deserve.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claudia Burgos
26 years old from Panama

Areas
West London, W2 & W9

I have been in London for 2 years after spending most of my life in Panama.

I grew up having cats at home. Currently, we have 3 Persian cats back home who I miss loads. In London due to limited house space, unfortunately I do not have cats, instead I look after my friend’s cats when they go on holidays or pay extra attention to the cats in the streets.

I couldn’t believe myself when I was accepted at Cat Care London. Just the thought of cat sitting is FANTASTIC. About myself, I can say that I’m very honest, responsible, reliable and absolutely adore cats.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lindsey Clarke
30 years old and from Sussex

Areas
Islington & surrounding area

When I was growing up my family had two cats, and a succession of goldfish, and I would love going to stay with my grandparents, walking their dog and playing with the rabbits, so it was hard to be without pets when I moved to North London for university in 1995.

I was thrilled therefore to find a branch of Cats Protection in the area and in 2002 I began to foster for them. Over an 18 month period I cared for more than 35 cats and kittens in my own home, including mums with litters and the odd feral! The cats were often on medication, or needed special care and attention and I learned an enormous amount about feline behaviour and care through the experience. It was especially rewarding when the cats found their new, permanent homes. Inevitably, I fell head over heels in love with a pair of kittens in my care and adopted Stella & Cardigan in 2003 (see Cardigan in the photo – who doesn’t like being picked up!), but I continue to volunteer at the adoption centre, visiting the cats and giving them attention, grooming, stroking & playing with them and generally helping out around the place.

I found out about A Furry World when I was looking for someone to care for my cats while I went on holiday and it was the sort of service that would really have reassured me as a pet owner. So, when I decided to quit my office job and return to university this autumn, I couldn’t think of a better way to support myself through my studies than by working with A Furry World and getting to meet and care for other people’s animals; offering first class care to the pets, and peace of mind to their families.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Emily Devine
30 Years old and from Glasgow

Area:
Finsbury Park

I have had a cat as a member of the family since I was born and have always enjoyed their company.

I am lucky in that cats seem to be very comfortable around me and all the cats I have met and cared for haven't been afraid to make friends.

I have experience caring for cats in their own homes and thoroughly enjoy their peaceful companionship. My two siamese cats live in Scotland with my parents and I really miss them.

Visiting cats for Cat Care London allows me to get a littloe 'cat fix' whilst living in London.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barbara Esposito
50 years old from London

Area:
Palmers Green, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Muswell Hill and surrounding areas

I have lived in North London for most of my life around the areas of Muswell Hill and Potters Bar, but since the early 90’s I have lived in Palmers Green with my husband and two children who are 12 and 14.

Whilst growing up we always had many pets, mainly cats they have always been a big part of my life.

For five years I was an animal nurse at the RSPCA Hospital in Holloway (made famous by Rolf Harris) and I also worked in a veterinary practice in Devon. I then worked as a police officer for thirteen years.

Since leaving I the police I have often looked after friends cats and had them staying with us when they are on holiday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarah & Casie Harpe
32 & 26 years old

Area:
North London


I have been working as a pet sitter for the last year and have come across many weird and wonderful animals in that time. It has been an enjoyable and fulfilling job and has allowed me to put my years of pet ownership to good use. As a child in the country I always wanted to work with animals and over the years I have worked in a vets, at a pet rabbit farm and for three years I worked for the RSPCA taking calls on their emergency line and volunteering at a shelter. I have dealt with sick and injured Wildlife and domestic pets and worked on many cruelty cases with the Inspectors.

Casie has spent the last year welcoming all sorts of animals into our home and it was only a matter of time before he joined the team. He grew up in the West Indies surrounded by a variety of farm animals and his beloved Husky cross ‘Stanford’. He spent a year working at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and dealt with reptiles, birds, Lemurs, cows, horses and many other exotic animals.

I have grown up with many cats and cannot imagine a home without a cat curled up in a cosy corner. Currently we have two cats, Winston a black and white moggy who is 13 and a rescue from the RSPCA and Bodecia a tiny tabby who came with Winston and is 11 years old. Both have completely different and complementary personalities and this is one of the things I love about cats. Working for CatCare means we get to spend time with a huge variety of cats with very individual personalities and quirks.

We are both looking forward to meeting many more cats in the future.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rebecca Horsewell
29 years from Denmark

Area:
Holborn, Hackney and Islington
Originally from Copenhagen, Denmark, I’ve lived in London for the past 4 years. I have recently gone freelance at work, which enables me to spend more time doing the things I love – like taking care of animals!

I am unable to have a cat in my flat, so I get hugs off the neighbours’ cats on my way home.

One of my best friends has a rescue cat, who I speak to on the phone regularly – embarrassing when I’m on the bus, though I know how difficult it can be to leave an animal at home and promise to take care of your cat as if it were my own.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Murray Keig
39 Years old and from New Zealand

Area:
Stoke Newington, N16

Murray has been with A Furry World from day one helping in all aspects of the set up and running the business.

Murray came to England just over 4 years ago and has alongside of working as a Network Engineer been spending time traveling Europe; he has now settled down in Islington in a garden flat and loves having animals around.

Since his very first days animals have surrounded Murray. When he was born there was Sooty the black cat and Topper the charming corgi, both of which were his best mates until well into his teens. Since then there have been a variable chorus of animals in the house; Benji the rescue corgi and his sisters bull terror Trooper being the most notable.

Alongside these more traditional of pets have been his collections of small critters; his lizards and praying mantis’s kept his mother on her toes whenever she was tending her jungle of house plants... MURRAY!!!

Since coming to England Murray has missed the animal company and he is very happy to have them back in his life.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Asta Laukaityte
24 years old from Lithuania

Area:
Stoke Newington and surrounding areas

I grew up on a farm surrounded by pets as well as farm animals. From when I was a few years old until I turned 18 and moved out from home I had many different types of pets: from fish, canary birds and budges to rabbits, cats and dogs as well as looking after farm animals, such as chickens, cows and pigs. My pets are what I miss most since coming to London, which was almost 6 years ago, as I never got a chance to get a pet here due to my commitments to work and studies. Therefore I love helping out my brother and friends to look after their pets when I get a chance.

I have worked as a dental nurse for 4.5 years before commencing adult nursing studies in September 2007 at King’s College London. I have a caring personality, which I am sure your beloved pets will appreciate. I understand how difficult it is to go away leaving your pet behind, however with me caring for them you can put your mind at ease knowing that your pet will receive all the attention and love it deserves.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Emily Larkin
33 years old and from Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Area:
Hornsey, Harringay and surrounding areas

I was born in England, and then immigrated with my family to Australia where I lived for 20 years. I grew up living with animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and tropical fish.

My husband and I returned to live in London in September 2002. At present we live with our much loved cats and two hamsters, we brought the cats with us all the way from Australia as we consider them to be like our children but the hamsters are a more recent addition to the household.

I am mad about all animals in general, but I especially appreciate the feline personality. I have cared for cats for over 14 years, with my current eldest being thirteen.

I have a business degree, with a double major in accounting and business management, but really appreciate the opportunity to work outside of the business world, and in an area I truly care about – giving love and affection to animals.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Caz Madge & Jim Spencer
24 years & 19 years

Area:
Hackney/Islington and surrounding areas

I have been working as a pet carer for almost 1 year now. Jim and I have always had a keen intrest in animals we have our own hamster, rats and cockatiel who we rescued from a park in the middle of winter, he is now tame and amazing! I grew up with a huge amount of animals, dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, chickens and various small critters. I have always been keen on learning about new breeds and species! Jim grew up with cats and spent a lot of time with friends dogs and horses. He has been envious of my role as a pet carer for the past year and was delighted to be able to join the team as a full time carer.

We love having peoples pets staying with us and looking after all the cats while people are away. We spend our days dog walking come rain or shine because its great fun and we love all the walking! We hope to see you soon and will treat your pet with the care and attention it deserves.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ellen O'Driscoll
26 years old and from North London

Area:
North London, N19

I grew up in Tufnell Park, London with my mother, Grandparents and extended family and we've always had animals in the house! Dogs, birds and cats. Once, all at the same time... which was interesting!!!?
At the moment I live with my wonderful, 14 year old, beautiful, one eyed wonder dog Beau (a cross between a corgi and a beagle), and my gorgeous, charming when wants to be cat, Kitty!

For many years I have been looking after friends and family pets, several cats and for long periods.

I'm trying to be a singer/dancer/actress so I have plenty of time on my hands. I love animals so much; I just don't know why I didn't think of this earlier!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Susan Stowell
54 years old from London

Area:
North & West London, NW6

I have lived in North London most of my life, except when I moved to Cheltenham for a while when I was younger, and had a great job there as a live-in Carer for two beautiful dogs, one a Samoyed and the other an Alsatian .When their mum and dad moved abroad, I came back to London because I missed my Family and the City.

Back in London I became Homecare for the Elderly, and still do some Homecare work.

At the moment my immediate Family consist of my husband Chris a B.T engineer and my Cat Smudge who I’ve had since she was a kitten, she is now twenty years old and a real character, I swear she’s got half a dozen human expressions. She still plays with balls and I often hear them in the early hours being kicked about.

I have always had animals in my life since childhood, Dogs, Cats, Hamsters, Rabbits, Birds, Mice and even a Rat.
I feel so lucky to be able to have a job working with all these little characters and looking forward to looking after them.
If I look after your Pet, you can be sure that I will take as much care with them as if they were my own.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sabina Webber
43 years old

Areas:
Stoke Newington, N16 Stamford Hill and surrounding areas

I came to London as a student many years ago and loved it so much, I stayed! Since then I’ve always lived in North London and have been living in Stoke Newington since 1993.

Cats have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember; the first, an abandoned kitten, setting a pattern for the rest, who have all been rescued from one situation or another! So when my husband and I bought our first home together, I felt it wouldn’t be a real home without a cat and we adopted Cleo from the Cat Protection League (that’s her in the photo – she’s a bit camera-shy!). She now very kindly lets us share our home with her!

Working from home as a part-time, freelance desktop publisher means I have lots of free time and I look forward to making and caring for lots more furry friends.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMPLOYMENT
DREAMING OF WORKING WITH CATS?
Are you passionate about cats and would like to join our team then send through an email on info@catcarelondon.com with information about your self including: Where you live, what you od at the moment and what your experience is with cats.
08703 500 598 - info@catcarelondon.com
London Cat Sitting Copyright © 2004
All rights reserved: the contents of this site are the property of London Cat Sitting. No part of this website may be copied, modified, transmitted, broadcast or reproduced in any form whatsoever without the prior written permission of London Cat Sitting. These contents include, but are not limited to, information, documents, graphics, photos, logos and icons, including their design, selection and arrangement.