About Piper's Pets

About Liza, Neil, and Piper

Liza Koomen (the writer of this page) is a pet sitter 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 energetic big dog, Tiger; our four cats:  Sweetie, Fanny, Eva, and Adam; and a handsome little parrot, Harley Green Bean.  Our home is a happy place and VERY full of life!

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. 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: lymphoma;  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, Triangle Area Professional Pet Sitters (Treasurer); and Eastern NC Better Business Bureau. 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. We will work with you to make sure your pet gets the loving care you want him or her 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?

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.  After Neil and I married, our first cat, Mayberry, nearing the end of a long and happy life, was diagnosed with lymphoma.  Mayberry was about 16 at the time of his diagnosis; he gently lived to 18 1/2.  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.  Yes, I did indeed sleep under the bed with him.  My back will never be the same!  Our experience with Mayberry stimulated in me an interest in comforting and caring for pets with medical issues.

In recent years, I have continued my pet education (I have an unrelated BA in Theater and MA in English) with classes in Reiki (Level 3); canine massage; and with NCSU vet med school and TAPPS outreach classes in topics such as geriatric care, pain management, nutrition, and disaster preparation. (In this case, "disaster" 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!)

Hey, isn't Neil from around here...?

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, additional pet sitter, and dog walker. As his wife for 27 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!"  And when Neil walks a dog, that dog walks here, there, and all over the place.  Nap-time (possibly for both) is guaranteed on your pup's return.