A former supervisor in the banking industry, Yoder traded in her business suit for a T-shirt and jeans to pursue a career in animal care nine years ago.

"I slowly found myself drifting away from the corporate world and into the hearts of our four-legged friends," said Yoder, 56, the founder of Guardian Angel Pet Care Inc. "My passion for animals motivated me to offer pet-sitting services."

When "pets just can't stay in a kennel," Lower Shore residents rely on Yoder to provide high quality care for animals inside their home. "Your pet's well-being and happiness will be better achieved when they are in familiar surroundings," said the Powellville resident, who earned her certification through Pet Sitters International.

For Yoder, business picks up tremendously during the holiday season. A "nurturing nana" for a variety of pets, Yoder said the job can become overwhelming when traveling from home to home to care for "dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses or reptiles." But Yoder said that she doesn't have to handle it alone. Her neighbor Pam Bunting operates Bunting's Tranquility Kennels right next door.

"We book up very quickly this time of year," said Bunting, 51, who teamed up with Yoder after she started the business in 2007. Bunting often makes recommendations for clients to contact Yoder when "there's no more room at the inn." She also sends her clients Yoder's way when pets show signs of stress in the kennel.

"I'm very selective with the pets I board," said Bunting, who explained that symptoms of separation anxiety for dogs, include nonstop barking. "I need the dog to be able to settle down for the sanity of the (other pets)."

Like Yoder, who often stays overnight with nervous animals, Bunting will sleep on a cot inside the kennel. She says that it's the "best solution" to keep the pets calm. In the community, both women have volunteered with the Worcester County Humane Society. Bunting and Yoder say they have trouble turning away cats without a home.

"If anyone ever needs a cat, don't buy one, just call me," said Yoder, who currently owns six felines.
But lucky for the Powellville neighbors, they never have to worry about finding someone to care for their pets -- Yoder has nine and Bunting has seven -- when they go on vacation. "Sue watches mine, and I watch hers," Bunting said.