The Humans

Sharon

Sharon's Pet Care is mostly me, Sharon Wasko. I started this business in 2003 because there is nothing I'd rather do than take care of the dogs and cats and other animals of the world. Humans have their charms, but when it comes down to it, I'd much rather hang out with dogs.

I've now taken a few of my most responsible, pet-loving friends as Independent Contractors as well, so if you hire me you'll get to meet one of them as well. See bios below.

My bio: I'm from the Jersey Shore. I grew up near the beach in Belmar, NJ, to be exact. I went to Catholic grammar and high school. Then I majored in fine arts at Trenton State College. Then I moved to Philly. While here I've helped organize Ladyfest Philly, done some other feminist activism, made some art, and made some puppet shows,and walked about a zillion dogs.
I live in an apartment with three awesome roommates, my two big cats, Io and Esme, and a foster kitten named Honey. I also spend a lot of time with my partner Mike and his "kids", Maxx and Mr. Pants.

My Co-workers

The life of a petsitter is a busy one. The schedule can be hectic, and it's hard to take a vacation without a little help from your friends. The business is just starting to expand a bit, so I've taken a few people on as Independent Contractors. FYI, when they are working for me, they are covered by my business insurance and bonding.

Greg

Greg rocks. He's worked with dogs for a while now and knows a LOT about animals. He’s also just one of the most enthusiastic people I’ve ever met, and thus a great petsitter! I’m really excited to add him to the roster. You'll know he's been by your house when you get notes filled with hearts and exclamation points and cute stories about your pet!

Erik

Erik Ruin is an old friend of mine. A committed activist and genius artist (see justseeds.org), he's also great with dogs and cats. His quiet, curmudgeonly demeanor is in total contrast with his goofy, playful attitude with the pups and kitties of West Philly. Who would have guessed?

Mike

Mike E. started out as client of Sharon's Pet Care and is now one of our best sitters! He's actually a social worker but is getting his Masters in Social Work and is working for us occasionally till then. He's great with all kinds of dogs, cats, and other animals, and he and his dog Maxx can be seen in Clark Park, at the Chester Ave dog bowl, and all around West Philly, often with his lovely girlfriend, Sharon (a.k.a. me).

Sonrisa

Sonrisa always thought she was just a dog person until she fostered a kitten I rescued last fall. Now she likes all animals, and my plan is complete. Sonrisa originally comes from New York City, and between her job at RELoad Baggage, artwork, and other elaborate schemes, she's pretty busy, but she's always willing to hang out with my puppy and kitty friends for me when I need her.

Penelope

Penelope Waite is a former roommate of mine and has been working for me for about 6 months now. She recently adopted a dog of her own, Indy, from PAWS. As a plus, her sister is a vet at Penn! Penelope is applying to law school in the spring and until then is interning at the ACLU and walking dogs for me!

Jason

Jason has his own pet sitting business in the neighborhood, so we've been sharing jobs for years. Having lived in West Philly for over 4 years now, he also works at the Rotunda, my favorite local arts venue (see links). He has years of experience with animals under his nonleather, vegan belt. He's from Texas originally, and there worked as a zookeeper in a rescue/sanctuary zoo with monkeys, big cats, bears, "farm" animals, and more. He also volunteered with an animal advocacy group and did rescue and fostering for dog and cat rescue organizations. In short, he rocks.