This article is one in a series of interviews with expats in Stavanger. Its purpose is to share with everyone what your fellow expats are doing and also to help advertise the businesses/services/events that these expats are involved in. If you would like to or know of a business/enterprise to be interviewed, feel free to contact us!
Interview with Cynthia Myrnes, owner of Stavanger Petsitter – a petsitting, dogwalking and pet transport service specially created for the expats of this city.
Where are you from?
I’m from Singapore, a tiny island country in Southeast Asia, most famous for being clean and green, and for being a food and shopping paradise.
How long have you lived in Stavanger?
I have been living in Stavanger since Feb 2008. I arrived in winter and really disliked the rain and cold but I have now come to enjoy it! (maybe not really enjoying it, more like living with it)
What do you like best about Stavanger?
The laidback lifestyle, nature and lack of crowds here are what I really appreciate. In addition, I like that it is so easy to meet people here.
You speak Norwegian fairly well, was it hard to pick up the language?
Well, I personally like to learn languages so picking up Norwegian was hard yet fun for me. Also, speaking the language was a necessity for me to find a job. Luckily for me, the teachers I had in both Johanes and Folkeuniversitetet were great and motivating. Learning the language also allowed me to socialise better with Norwegians and to understand their great sense of humour!
What would you tell someone who is about to move to Stavanger?
Come here with an open mind and do not expect to find everything that you can find back home (Or expect to pay triple the price of items from home!). Embrace change and make the most of new situations.
What do you do?
I am a petsitter, i.e. I look after dogs, cats, rabbits, etc when their owners go away. I also offer dogwalking and pet transport services.
Why should a petowner use a petsitter?
I feel that pets are happiest and most comfortable when they are in their own home. A familiar environment, diet and exercise routine are all essential to a pet’s well-being. Using a petsitter service means one does not have to transport their pet to and from a kennel. In addition, exposure to illnesses and parasites of other animals is greatly minimized.
If one uses a pet sitter, family, friends and neighbors no longer have to be imposed on. Entrusting the safety of one’s home and the health of one’s pets to a paid professional ensures that they will be well taken care of and gives one peace of mind during the time away.
I also include other services such as:
Taking in mail and newspapers
Taking in/out bins for collection
Watering plants
Providing the home with a lived-in look.
Alternatively, I can care for a maximum of 2 dogs in my home. He/she will be treated like my own with lots of exercise, attention and playtime. I can also organise playdates with other dogs whom I know are healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations. In addition, I can practise obedience training with the dog.
One more thing, my clients receive regular updates from me so they know how their pets are doing.
Do you enjoy your work?
Yes, absolutely! I love animals and providing this service allows me to spend time with and care for many different dogs and cats. Each and every one of them have different personalities and traits and it is always fun to discover what they are while I care for them.
How can you be contacted?
Website: www.stavangerpetsitter.webs.com
Email here (Emails will be replied within 24 hours)
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About Fonda LaShay
Fonda is an American who has been living in Stavanger since July of 2008 with her Norwegian samboer. She enjoys tea, visiting with friends, music, taking photos and traveling. She loves the rain, but really dislikes when her feet get wet - this is always challenging since it rains so often in Stavanger. Follow Fonda LaShay on Google+ Fonda is a design blogger - blogging about design, architecture, photography, and music. Check out her blog!
