Fetching Dog Care

A tiny side project with BIG 🖤 provided by Nita Apple

🤍 As of November 2024, my pet sitting/dog walking services are on pause.

🤍 See FAQs for the full pupdate.

🤍 It's been a joy watching your pets, Long Beach.

🤍 As of November 2024, my pet sitting/dog walking services are on pause. 🤍 See FAQs for the full pupdate. 🤍 It's been a joy watching your pets, Long Beach.

Charming Care for Your Dog (or Cat)

Hi, I’m Nita. I live in Long Beach, CA. I've been a Guide Dog Puppy Raiser and a Labrador Rescue Volunteer. For 14+ years my best friend - a sweet and silly Chocolate Labrador - was right by my side. (I lost my girl in late 2021. I'm not ready to adopt another pet but I’d love to share some snuggles with yours.)

My deep love of animals has always made me the person that people have sought out to care for their pets. I have many years of experience taking care of dogs, cats, fish, birds, tortoises, and even an opossum. (Long story, feel free to ask. 😉 ) I haven’t yet watched a pig, but caring for one is definitely on my bucket list.

I'm experienced in administering medicine. Growing up we had a dog with diabetes and glaucoma. Later, as an adult, I taught my neighbor how to give their dog his insulin shots twice a day and took over the task of his medical care for the first month while they got more comfortable doing it.
I'm an avid walker, I love to go for walks with both cats and dogs. (I'm not a fan of walking opossums.)
Safety, loving care, and individualized attention are my top priorities. When we're together your pet will have my complete attention. Does your pet have special needs? Not a problem, let's discuss it.
I work from home and my schedule is flexible so I'm available during the day to walk/play or care for your pet.
As a general rule, when hosting, I only watch one pet at a time. The only exception is if everyone is well-socialized, already knows each other, and I have permission from both pet parents.
When in your home, the more pets the merrier. I’m comfortable watching more than one pet at a time.

I do have a couple of M-F dog walking clients so if your pet isn't keen to go with me, that's the only time they'd be alone. If your pet needs round-the-clock care and companionship - let me know and we can work something out.

My home is small, clean, and very pet-safe. We have LOTS of big fluffy dog beds throughout and lots of great sleepy spots in the sun. We have a fully fenced-in backyard and pets are allowed on the furniture in the bed.

I share the house with one other adult person (there are no kids here). My housemate has a retired guide dog - a super sweet and gentle Standard Poodle - who is very socialized and has helped her person raise 7 different guide dogs. And at even given time we may have a puppy in training to be a service dog/guide dog. (Like the white(ish) poodle pictured above - that’s Lido with featured guest Charlie!)

We ask that your dog be very well-socialized and play nicely with others. Otherwise, I am available to stay at your home.

I love learning about your pet and its specific needs and preferences. The more I know the more I can tailor the schedule and our time together to match the care they'd otherwise receive from you.

Is your dog more of a couch potato than a walker? No problem, I love having a snuggle buddy while I read.
Are they an early-to-bed, early-to-rise kind of creature? Just let me know and we'll make it happen.
Mid-day snacks their thing? I'm happy to accommodate any feeding schedule.

For new clients, let’s schedule a free meet and greet so you and your pet can get to know me - it’ll help both of you to feel more comfortable.

For returning clients and regulars I can often accommodate last-minute schedule changes - just reach out and ask.

FAQs

The short answer is that it was time.
I’ve loved watching and walking every single pet that has appeared on my schedule. Seriously, there hasn’t been a bad one (or owner) in the bunch; I’ve been so lucky and it’s not been an easy decision.😔
But 2024 saw the passing of several beloved regulars 💔🌈 and I have a couple of injuries (non-dog related) of my own that I need to tend to. 🩼😫
Additionally, 2025 holds the possibility of new travel opportunities with my day job and a few other exciting adventures I am ready to embrace. 😊💜
Thank you so much for entrusting me with the care of your beloved pets over the years, they have healed my heart and made me laugh so much. ❤️❤️❤️
Not at this time.
I realize that Rover charges you more, and gives me less. But those extra fees cover us both with Insurance and 24/7 live support should an emergency arise.
Rover really goes the extra distance to ensure everyone’s safety, so I don’t have plans to move off their platform any time soon.
I DO!! I love the energy and silly anticates of puppies.
I’ve personally raised two puppies: one of my own, and one as a guide dog (not to mention all the puppies in training that come through our home, thanks to my housemate) so I’m hip to their puppy ways. 😉 Fear the quiet!
Is your pup not yet potty trained, still does not have their shots, are you crate training, still has their sharp baby teeth 🦈, or are they still working on basic commands - I’ve been through it all, and I’m happy to re-enforce any training that you are working on.
Also, as a Labrador Rescue Volunteer, I worked as a home inspector, so I’m really experienced at spotting potential safety issues BEFORE they become a problem.
Oh, the sweet sugar faces of a senior dog. 🖤 Puppies are fun, but my heart belongs to the seniors. I love them, and my quiet gentle nature makes us extra compatible.
I can absolutely assist your senior pet with walking. It feels like such an honor to help them in their final years.
Let’s go over how best to accommodate your senior’s needs during our meet and greet.
I have a lot of experience with administering pills, giving insulin shots, ear drops, wound care, eye drops, SUB Q fluids (subcutaneous fluids), special diets, and timed diets just to name a few.
If your pet requires something different, let’s discuss it at the meet and greet. I’m happy to come back to your home to practice whatever care is needed while you are there to help put you and your pet at ease.

Charley's Human

“My dog, Charley, had a wonderful time with Nita during her boarding stay.
Nita was very attentive to Charley's needs, caring, and spent time daily playing with her. (Charley is a Lab with much energy). Nita provided daily photos and written reports of Charley during the stay. Charley returned to us calm and content!
Nita is kind, caring, and attentive and understands the needs of dogs. I highly recommend Nita for boarding needs and whatever other services she offers.”
Susan S. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Kali's Human

“This was our first time that we left Kali and we couldn’t be more than happy with Nita. Kali had a great time, she had tons of fun.
Nita is very kind and she sent us the updates. Also, she added pictures. Kali slept with her. 🤍 Apparently, Kali loved Nita’s home. Definitely, for the next time, I’ll book again. We are very grateful.”
Ilse L. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Penny's Human

"Nita went out of her way to make sure our dog Penny felt comfortable. She even let Penny sleep in bed with her - along with our dirty clothes to give Penny the feeling as if we were there! 😀
It probably goes without saying that Nita really treated Penny like she was her own dog. She sent us lots of photos and videos while we were away to help make us comfortable as well. We’ll be using Nita again for sure."
Amy R. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Bard + Juji's Human

"Nita is wonderful! I'm so glad to have found her. She's super caring, patient and knowledgeable. She sent me photo and video updates letting me know how things were going with Bard, which I really appreciate since he can be a handful sometimes.
Bard even received a personalized thank you treat from her which is super cute, and I know he'll appreciate 😀 I can't recommend her enough!"
Liz L. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Ellie's Human

“Our family absolutely won the doggy care jackpot when we found Nita! She is amazing in so many ways. She treats our sweet Ellie as if she were her own dog… always giving her the attention and affection that she needs as well as updating us on any concerns and dealing with some of the complications that come along with caring for an older dog.
She is also highly trustworthy, communicative, flexible and responsible.
She is kind, thoughtful, and incredibly easy to work with. She is an absolute gem.”
Sara W. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Dakota's Human

“I would highly recommend Nita as a dog walker/sitter. She is flexible and reliable and has a wealth of knowledge about dogs.
Our dog was comfortable with Nita right away.”
Dani J. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Enzo + Bruno's Human

“Nita took excellent care of our two dogs and home while we were on vacation. She provided regular updates with photos and was very attentive to our boys.
One of my dogs was a bit challenging at times, but Nita handled his antics like a pro. We are so appreciative of her care of our dogs and would definitely have her stay with them again.”
Kurin P. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Koa + Maya's Human

"Nita was amazing watching our 2 boxers in our home over the Xmas vacation.
Our boxer has some special medication needs and required an IV infusion which she handled great! We were very comfortable from the first time we met her and will def request her services when needed again.
She gave us daily pictures and updates and followed all of the girl's picky eating, and medication needs. She was great! Highly recommend."
Heather H. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Henry's Human

"Nita was an excellent caretaker for our dog with special needs. She really took the time to get to know his quirks to uncover his sweet personality.
She administered his meds, including an insulin shot twice a day, and sent great updates with photos.
We were able to enjoy our trip knowing that our baby was in great hands. Thank you, Nita!"
Geneve V. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Theo's Human

“Nita was very good with my dog Theo. He was pretty anxious when I left. Nita took the time to calm him down and make him feel comfortable.
He loved playing with Lido on the weekend so that was a big bonus.”
Alison A. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Rico's Human

"Nita was fantastic! She's very caring and is a real "dog person." You can tell she truly enjoys being around your pet and spoiling them. Her home is beautiful, clean, and very dog friendly. We loved her daily photos and updates, reassuring us that Rico was receiving the best of care. We highly recommend Nita. We look forward to using her services in the future -- almost as much as Rico looks forward to his next doggy vacation!"
Gerald B. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Cooper's Human

"I could not be happier to have found Nita. She was so good with our big old boy.
She was attentive, kind and warm. See you in a few weeks Nita!"
Mary P. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Willow's Human

"Nita is just the best! She takes amazing care of our pup, keeps us updated and we feel so confident with our doodle in her care!
I cannot recommend her enough!"
Katyn E. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Wilbur, Spec + Bitsy's Human

"Nita was awesome! She spoiled my pups just like they were her own and sent lots of pictures updates.
We appreciate her so much when we were away knowing our dogs were comfortable, safe, and loved."
Jenny G. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Dexter + Storm's Human

"Nita was excellent with the dogs and a very courteous guest in our home. Would definitely book Nita again!"
Ben K. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Dusty + Winnie's Human

“Nita was absolutely wonderful! Not only did she take wonderful care of our adult dog but also cared for our little guinea pig. She updated us frequently and was so caring, making our trip that much more enjoyable. Thank you Nita!”
Sandy N. 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴