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 rescue puppy, Tiger; our four
cats:  Sweetie, Fanny, Darby, and Eva; and a handsome little parrot, Harley Green Bean.

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;  diabetes; heart
and kidney problems; allergies; arthritis; cancer; 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 (Board of Directors); 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.  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 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?

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 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.   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, small animal
nutrition, 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 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!"


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 or additional pet fees.

Regular visits last 30-45 minutes and are $20 each.

Doggie Nature Breaks-- to get a quick breath of fresh air and "shake the dew off the lily"-- are
available Monday - Friday between 11am and 3pm.  These visits last 15 minutes and are $15.
,
Overnight visits in your home for pets who are ill, anxious, or lonesome $80.

We also offer:
Animal Reiki therapy, complimentary relaxation massage, and special diet preparation.

Pocket pets may board in our home, if you like, for $10/day.

A holiday fee of $10/day applies to the following holidays:
New Year's Eve and Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving,
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

We accept checks and cash.

Please contact us by calling  (919)233-1085
or e-mailing piperspets@yahoo.com
We look forward to hearing from you!
Bonded
Insured
Licensed
BBB Accredited
Red Cross Certified
Pet-love Guaranteed
Piper's Pets
West Raleigh and Cary
 Special-Needs Pet Sitting
Leisurely Dog Walks, Luxurious Cat Naps
& Quick Nature Breaks