About Liza, Neil, and Piper

Liza Koomen (the writer of this page) is a pet sitter in the West Raleigh/Cary area, specializing
in caring for special-needs pets.  Neil, my husband, handles our pet sitting business needs and
the daily dog walks.  Piper is our little schnoodle--half miniature poodle and half miniature
schnauzer.  We live together along with our teenage daughter Kira; our four cats:  Sweetie,
Fanny, Darby, and Eva; a handsome little parrot, Harley Green Bean; and Kira's hamster,
Bailey.

Neil and I have been  pet owners all our lives, are experienced in caring for pets in special-needs
situations, and empathize with the comfort they feel in staying in their own homes when their
families are away.  We both take great joy in animals and have room in our hearts to care for all
kinds of pets, each in our own way, with Liza as the primary pet sitter.  Together we promise to
give your pet the loving, gentle, consistent, and trustworthy care he or she needs.


What can we do for your pets?

Some of the pet health situations we currently deal with include: blindness; deafness, diabetes;
heart and kidney problems; allergies; arthritis; and difficulties that arise with advanced old age.   
We are Red Cross certified for animal first aid, insured, bonded, licensed, and hold
membership in the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Pet Sitters International,
and Triangle Area Professional Pet Sitters.  Caring for pets is a labor of love.

If your pet has a medical issue and needs special care, we will carefully follow your instructions
while you are away.  We are experienced in giving pills, insulin, subcutaneous fluids, and many
other medications.  In addition, I also prepare tempting home-made diets for pets according to
your specifications.  We will work with you to make sure your pet gets the loving care you want it
to have.

But what if your pet isn't sick--just likes extra attention?  GREAT!!!!  Then your pet and
sitter will play and have fun and cuddle and just enjoy each other!  That's the joy in spending
time with pets!


What is Liza's background?

Piper's Pets' primary pet sitter, I grew up in rural Henderson County, NC.  My family had lots
of animals over the years, including dogs, cats, horses, ponies, raccoons, turtles, fish, garden
snakes, and the occasional foundling baby bird.  Pets were a huge part of our lives.  Though I
didn't start out to be a pet sitter (I have a BA in Speech/Theater and an MA in English), I
have always been a care-giver by nature and have found my truest, most joyful calling in caring
for animals.   I have attained Reiki level 2 in order to help provide pets with healing, comforting
energy during times of illness or anxiety.  Recently, I have also studied canine massage  in order
help pets with calming and relaxation.

In my adulthood I cared for my late parents as well as for their pets and my own.  My oldest cat,
Mayberry, was diagnosed with lymphoma several years ago.  During his long illness I learned a
great deal about giving him fluids and chemo, and stimulating his fickle appetite.  I learned that if
you really love your pet, you do what it takes to keep him comfortable and secure, even if it's
difficult.  That's just part of love.  Yes, I did indeed sleep under the bed with him.  My back will
never be the same!

In recent years, I have continued my pet education with classes in Reiki, canine massage, and
with NCSU vet med school outreach classes in pet pain management and pet disaster care.
( In this case, "disaster care" refers to when hurricanes, etc., strike, not when your new puppy
strikes the roll of toilet paper in your bathroom--although I've handled that one, too!)  In
addition, I am constantly studying and testing diets for cats and dogs.  Our own pets clearly
enjoy being "guinea pigs" when Mom starts cooking.


Hey, is Neil....?

Neil grew up in Raleigh.  He graduated from Broughton High School and earned a BA in
English from NCSU .  For many years, Neil was employed as a technical writer/editor in RTP
but,  finally  (to my great happiness), he succumbed to Piper's Pets' need for a business
manager, pet sitting assistant, and big-dog walker.   As his wife for 25 years, I can tell you that
he is a gentle, loving caregiver as well as a diligent business guy.  Plus, canines think he is super
fun:  Mr. K. always respects a dog's "diggity!"  He also brings them chicken treats.


Services, rates, and contact information

Because we concentrate on special needs pets, rates may vary depending on the individual
situation.  However, we typically do not charge medication, holiday, or additional pet fees.
Home visits and dog walks last 30-45 minutes and are $20 each.  
We also offer:
Overnight visits in your home for pets who are ill or anxious,
Animal Reiki therapy, relaxation massage,
and special diet preparation.

We accept checks and cash.
In these difficult economic times, if your pet is in serious need of medication, we will also
consider barter.  (Fresh garden produce works great!)

Please contact us by calling  (919)233-1085
or e-mailing piperspets@yahoo.com
We look forward to hearing from you!




Text is copyright to Liza Koomen, 2009
Bonded
Insured
Licensed
Red Cross Certified
Pet-love Guaranteed
Piper's Pets
of West Raleigh and Cary
Pet Sitting, Dog Walks, and
Special Needs Care