I started pet sitting several years ago for family and friends. It was so rewarding for me, I decided to devote all my time to creating a livelihood doing what I love.  Originally from the Detroit Area, I started Mr. Scruff's Pet Care in 2003 after I moved to Memphis.  It has been a wonderful decision for me! I am bonded and insured and, of course, a licensed business.  In addition to my years of experience with all types of pets, I am certified in Pet First Aid by PetTech (www.PetTech.net).  References are always available. 

There are two wonderful animal lovers that I am lucky to have working with me.  I have known Savanna Cheffer for a number of years now and she is especially tuned into cats, she has a way with them that puts them at ease and lets them welcome her into their worlds right away.  My partner, Ricci Mundy, helps with all aspects of Mr. Scruff's.  She is patient and fun-loving and always has a good time with our furry charges.  She also helps out with paper work and scheduling.  I really couldn't do it without them, they are invaluable and very capable wonderful folks.

As far as our own animal family, we have 3 dogs and 3 cats.  There is Abby, our big lovable wolfhound mix, Katie, our little lab/pit mix and Buddy our chow chow/retriever mix.  Abby and Katie were residents at the Memphis Humane Society.  Abby had been there so long, they were wondering if she was every going to get adopted.  Katie was taken from a home that had been neglecting her since she was puppy.  She had constant tremors and the vet said to accept that she was never going to get better, but I am happy to say that she is fine now, no tremors at all!!  Buddy was a wanderer in the neighborhood who was very shy.  It took me a few months to get him to trust me enough to come into the house.  Now he loves his pack.  Our three kitties are Maddie, Paddy and Fiona.   Maddie was a little bitty stray.  The one and only time she let me hold her (without squirming and yowling) was when I first saw her in the parking lot.  That was all it took, she was staying.  Patrick or Paddy is originally from St. Louis.  Our friends took him.  He reminded me so much of Mr. Scruff, we couldn't say no.  And last but certainly not least is our newest edition to the family - Fiona.  Savanna met Fiona while she was walking a client's dog.  She was dirty, had scratches all over her nose and was skinny, she was obviously a stray covered with fleas.  Fiona would follow

Savanna while she was walking the dog and meow and turn on the kitty charm.  Soon, Savanna was calling me asking if I could keep her for her for a week until she got things situated at home for a new cat.  Ricci and I fell in love with her so we asked Savanna if we could keep her.  Maddie is a completely black Bombay, Paddy is Black and White and Fiona is our little calico. 

Abby and Katie

I also have volunteered for dog walking at the Memphis Humane Society. It is highly rewarding getting the pound pups out for fresh air and exercise, they really need it! I would recommend it to anyone who loves dogs. You might get a little dirty and a little worn out but it is worth every minute!  And please, if you have any love to give to the kitties, contact them to see how you can help.