Our Staff
Debra Farrington - Owner
Debra began her pet sitting business in 2007 while working for a local veterinarian. Within just a few months the business got so busy that Debra decided to put her energies into it fulltime. She enjoys caring for cats and dogs, and finds working with the elderly and infirm animals especially rewarding. In the past she volunteered with PAWS of Central PA, and hopes to do so again. Debra is the author of All God's Creatures: The Blessing of Animal Companions, and is certified by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. She was also a finalist for Central PA Parents magazine's Pet Care Hero award in 2010, and was named the Business of the Year for 2011 by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. She lives with her husband, Marley, seven cats and two dogs, four of whom have special needs. Debra actively seeks to continue her education by networking with local pet professionals, by reading and writing book reviews and feature articles for Pet Professional, a journal for pet sitters, as well as attending conferences to further her pet care skills. She is currently the Chairperson for the NAPPS Certification Committee.
Marley Amstutz - Pet Sitter
Marley has lived around animals most of his life, and after working as a catographer behind a desk for 25 years, he is enjoying hanging out with animals each day. Because he has a large stride he is our big dog walker extraordinaire; big and small dogs alike enjoy Marley's walks! As a catographic editor Marley did lots of writing, and our clients never fail to comment on Marley's notes left after caring for each pet. His keen observations and quick wit, as well as his real enjoyment of being with the animals, show through in the notes he leaves each visit. Marley, along with his wife, Debra, care for a variety of special needs animals.
Barbara Dullen - Pet Sitter
Barbara started as one of our clients, but her skills with cats were so extraordinary that we invited her to join our team, and, happily, she accepted. Barbara is our "cat whisperer," and we have yet to meet a cat she can't charm or medicate. She lives with seven cats of her own, all rescues, and several of whom are special needs kitties. Barbara has a deep love for all animals and has been working with dogs and other critters as well as the kitties. She volunteers her time at Wildwood Park in Harrisburg, and with Bunny People, and would be happy to care for some more bunnies!
Heather Juhala - Dog walker/Pet sitter
Heather is one of our Monday/Wednesday/Friday dog walkers, and also a pet sitter for clients in the hill area behind the Medical Center. Previously she worked for a local vet, and also for Kindness Ranch, an animal sanctuary in Wyoming that took in animals who had lived in labs all their lives. Heather lived with up to 13 dogs at a time, helping them learn to live in a home for the first time, so they could be adopted by loving families. She has two dogs and two cats of her own.
Rae Ann Schell - Pet sitter
Anyone who thinks of her Rotweillers and St. Bernards as her "little girls" has our attention! Rae Ann has lived with animals all of her life, including her Rotties and St. Bernards, as well as a cat. She loves being outdoors and walking dogs, even in the heat, and has helped many of her friends by pet sitting their animals. Rae Ann will be using her years of dog experience to help our dog clients in the greater Palmyra area, as well as along parts of Rt. 39.
Susan Johansen - Petsitter
Susan lives with eight cats and a dog, and that alone makes her very qualified as a pet sitter. She has lived with animals all of her life, and enjoys caring for them. She also worked for a children's day care center for 15 years, which means she has the patience of a saint. "Giving people peace of mind while they are away gives me great satisfaction," she says. Susan will be caring for our clients on and around Rt. 39.
Lynn Wise - Pet sitter/Dog walker
Lynn came to us on the recommendation of current clients who are impressed with her ability to walk and care for dogs. Lynn's own dog, a Golden Retriever, is beautifully trained, and walks off-leash without ever leaving Lynn's side! (We'd like her to train our dogs, too!) Lynn will be doing a lot of dog walking and pet sitting in the hills behind the hospital and on Middletown Road.