Hello there! My name is Hawco, a bilingual (ENG/FRA) ecologist in his thirties here in Montreal who has always been fascinated with the connections between our natural world and its denizens. As someone who grew up in a remote forested area surrounded by wildlife and with multiple animal companions at home, I have had ample experience living alongside, respecting, playing with, and caring for different kinds of animals. While I am unable to have an animal companion at this juncture in my life, I am constantly drawn to critters and enjoy those opportunities where I get to make a new furry or feathered acquaintance, learn more about them, and perhaps have a little adventure together. The safety and well-being of animals has also been a core tenet of mine since I was young, so I like to see their lives flourish with enrichment and sensible freedom.

Presently, I have a flexible schedule and am often outdoors exploring my neighbourhood, so it would be a natural match for me to spend time with some new animal friends while easing the caretaking burdens of my neighbours. I live within 12 minutes of a renovated dog park; I am familiar with numerous animal-friendly parks, pedestrian pathways, and trails across the city; and I am a good size to handle large animals. 

With regard to services, I am open to providing most that are offered through this platform, yet I am still in the process of determining if and for how long I could care for animals in my home. Please inquire if you have any questions or requests, but consider me available for services such as dog walking one or multiple dogs for 30 mins. (or more if arranged), home care and play sessions within a ~1 km range of my address or along the STM system when fees are covered, and overnight care when you want your cherished buddies to be kept engaged and happy until your return. I can adjust walk intensity for puppies and senior dogs, closely monitor puppies if asked to socialize them at dog parks, and can provide updates through this platform, text messaging, or calls as needed. When house sitting, I follow a flexible schedule for feeding, playtime, and walks where there is structure but room for spontaneity and the potential to avoid bad spells of weather, and I generally keep myself apprised of the animals' current activity without making them anxious about relaxing in their own homes.

Some of my direct experience with animal companions and sitting include: 

•dogs of various sizes and life stages, including raising puppies from birth to adulthood. Specific breed experiences include German Shepherd, Shih Tzu mixes, Miniature Cocker Spaniel, Jack Russell Terrier, Siberian Huskies, Newfoundland Dog (pictured in Gallery), Royal Poodle, Peekapoo, Great Dane (pictured in Gallery), and Labrador.
•cats of different breeds but mostly younger cats from kittens to about eight years old (two cats I helped raise from kittens are featured in the Gallery). I have also cat-sat for older cats, such as a black Persian (pictured in Gallery), and will adjust my care for their needs.

•familiarity with training, grooming, bathing, and administering non-invasive medications to both cats and dogs such as oral medication, drops, and topical creams, as well as some emergency procedures.

•partially caged birds like Cockatiels and Latino Lovebirds.

•house sitting services for friends and neighbours in the past where I watched over the premises, kept the space tidy, loaded firewood, retrieved mail, and watered houseplants and gardens, at times for months.