Charlie J.
Seattle, WA
I'll Love Your Dog Like It's My Very Own
Pet care experience
Dogs are my first love! And my husband's, too! We have a medium-sized friendly herder girl who would love to share her days and her digs with a fun buddy or two! We treat her better than we treat each other (haha!), and we would treat yours the same way! We play games, do exercises, do massage, go on hikes, go to dog parks, and we have a high quality healthy assortment of treats and chews. Every day is an adventure waiting to happen! We can't wait to meet your dog and let the fun begin!
Reviews
Our 1 year-old dog stayed with Charlie and her husband for 23 days while we were on vacation. This was the very first time we have ever boarded our dog anywhere for anytime. For such a young sensitive dog, and given the length of time, I had very clear requirements in my mind of who could be a good fit for us. Charlie and her husband met all those requirements that I thought would make this experience an easy one on our dog, and would give me the peace of mind I needed knowing that our dog was in good hands. I basically was looking for a mature, quite, professional adult, dog loving environment. No busy moms with busy families, no young student/adults, etc. Our little guy is just too sensitive. Charlie offered all of that, plus a very well behaved dog of their own for buddy time. Charlie made sure our dog's needs were met by asking me to bring anything that would make his experience easy on him...his food, toys, snacks, sleeping area...everything was welcomed and accommodated at Charlie's house. I brought a lot of stuff for his "doggy summer camp." In addition, they have a great backyard which our dog really enjoyed a lot. We received a lot of pictures with email updates throughout our vacation. At the end, he did very well. When we picked him up, he was very happy to see us, but not overexcited. I was happily surprised on how calm he was. At home, he was back to his normal self. He didn't experience any behavioral changes after being apart from us for so long! No separation anxiety, no potty issues, no barking, no whining...he was back to his routine right away. So, we felt very lucky to have found Charlie for our very first stay away experience for our little dog. We will keep them in mind for any future boarding needs, no doubt.
At home care worked out great for our gal! She was well cared for with lots of walks and she settled into the new routine easily. Will definitely use again. Charlie was open to our dogs toys, blanket, bedding even though our pet is not crated. She was very accommodating. - a big thanks Charlie!
Charlie was very flexible and patient with Mocha who has a lot of anxiety issues with strangers and other dogs. In a public place, her dog got along fine with Mocha, but once we got to their home, they were both having a lot of guarding issues and had to be kept separate. However, Charlie was very patient and willing to keep them separate, giving Mocha plenty of love and attention and taking them on separate walks. She also seemed very knowledgeable about possible alternative remedies for helping dogs with anxiety. We're very appreciative for her loving on our pup while we were out of town.
Charlie and her husband did a GREAT job taking care of Oso! They exercised him more than I do! They were willing to take on my challenging German Shepherd (reactive, etc) and love him. Between the two of them they were home practically all day to snuggle and play with the dogs in the yard. I know they took the dogs to a few different locations for some adventurous walks. Charlie even called my vet to check up on a small medical question for Oso. Oso came back happy and healthy! Highly recommended!
About Charlie J.
Communication
Safety, trust & environment
Why I love dog sitting We had a lot of animals growing up. My family raised beagles and Brittany spaniels, so I've been around dogs - and training them - all of my life. When I was 8, I announced that I wasn't going to have children when I grew up: I was going to have puppies. Since then, I have dog walked, boarded, and dogsitted for countless dogs… as well as a few cats. I'm also a Naturopathic Physician, so I apply the same principles for maintaining wellness and healthy living to pets, with naturally great results. I love dogs more than people (yes, I said it!), and if Bastyr University had had a Naturopathic Veterinary School, I would've chosen natural animal medical care over people care hands-down. I am experienced using natural therapies with animals, and I have a strong and integrative referral network of veterinary clinicians and practitioners for any acute or chronic needs. As a child, I was bitten a few times, and I'm a better human because of it. I've studied dog training and have experience with it, and have been able to help others with behavioral issues. I have a win-win approach to everything with dogs including feeding routines, elimination routines, bathing routines, exercise and play schedules, socialization needs, you name it. I think one of the reasons why I get excellent results is because I naturally think and act like a pack leader. I am a dog on the inside!
Home
Information Charlie J. would like to know about your pet
Bring anything that's going to make your dog comfortable. No fleas or ticks, please. Medications/ supplements, special food, favorite toys or treats, even a beloved bed, if you like. I want to know if your dog is house trained; what their name is and whether they respond to it; if your dog has any aggression or fear issues; their socialization history; any history of trauma; any biting/ aggression incidents; what games, 'tricks', and play activities they enjoy; what their daily exercise regimen is; what, when, and how often they eat; any bedtime preferences and routines; how your dog does with car travel; any interesting and/ or problematic behaviors; anything you would like help with regarding your dog.
A typical day
Here's where we'll take our walks Oh, the places we'll go! Please see photos. There are many awesome places within walking distance: Echo Lake Park (but never "in" the lake itself due to all the water fowl waste); the InterUrban Trail; a 2-block stretch of green land we call "The Alameda" that is exactly across the street; a 77-acre forested maze of paved and unpaved trails in the Ballinger Commons apartment community that is accessed through the Alameda; Shoreline Park, which has forested trails and ends at a huge hidden fenced maintained field; Cromwell Park, with yet more trees and trails. If your dog does well in the car, we might go to any off-leash dog park (please specify if this is not your preference). Lyon Creek Park is a quick dip in Lake Washington, and Edmonds Marina provides salt-water beach access. Our favorite 'happy place' is Marymoor, and we love to go there often. Let us know where you normally walk your dog, and what you think might work best for them. Your dog's sleeping arrangement I have different bedding options available, depending on the size of your dog. However, I have found that most dogs prefer their own bed, so I actually recommend that you consider bringing your dog's bed (or one of them) with your dog. If there are any details you would like to discuss regarding your dog's sleeping preferences, please let me know. Time I'll spend with your dog As much as I spend with my own, which is always as much as possible - and usually a lot.
Services
Charlie can host
Availability
About this sitter: I'm a Naturopathic physician, writer, musician, teacher and animal lover. I guarantee I will spoil your furry loved one in all the healthiest ways! Every day spent in canine company is my happiest day yet! We're looking forward to meeting you!
About Charlie J.
Communication
Safety, trust & environment
Why I love dog sitting We had a lot of animals growing up. My family raised beagles and Brittany spaniels, so I've been around dogs - and training them - all of my life. When I was 8, I announced that I wasn't going to have children when I grew up: I was going to have puppies. Since then, I have dog walked, boarded, and dogsitted for countless dogs… as well as a few cats. I'm also a Naturopathic Physician, so I apply the same principles for maintaining wellness and healthy living to pets, with naturally great results. I love dogs more than people (yes, I said it!), and if Bastyr University had had a Naturopathic Veterinary School, I would've chosen natural animal medical care over people care hands-down. I am experienced using natural therapies with animals, and I have a strong and integrative referral network of veterinary clinicians and practitioners for any acute or chronic needs. As a child, I was bitten a few times, and I'm a better human because of it. I've studied dog training and have experience with it, and have been able to help others with behavioral issues. I have a win-win approach to everything with dogs including feeding routines, elimination routines, bathing routines, exercise and play schedules, socialization needs, you name it. I think one of the reasons why I get excellent results is because I naturally think and act like a pack leader. I am a dog on the inside!
Home
Information Charlie J. would like to know about your pet
Bring anything that's going to make your dog comfortable. No fleas or ticks, please. Medications/ supplements, special food, favorite toys or treats, even a beloved bed, if you like. I want to know if your dog is house trained; what their name is and whether they respond to it; if your dog has any aggression or fear issues; their socialization history; any history of trauma; any biting/ aggression incidents; what games, 'tricks', and play activities they enjoy; what their daily exercise regimen is; what, when, and how often they eat; any bedtime preferences and routines; how your dog does with car travel; any interesting and/ or problematic behaviors; anything you would like help with regarding your dog.
A typical day
Here's where we'll take our walks Oh, the places we'll go! Please see photos. There are many awesome places within walking distance: Echo Lake Park (but never "in" the lake itself due to all the water fowl waste); the InterUrban Trail; a 2-block stretch of green land we call "The Alameda" that is exactly across the street; a 77-acre forested maze of paved and unpaved trails in the Ballinger Commons apartment community that is accessed through the Alameda; Shoreline Park, which has forested trails and ends at a huge hidden fenced maintained field; Cromwell Park, with yet more trees and trails. If your dog does well in the car, we might go to any off-leash dog park (please specify if this is not your preference). Lyon Creek Park is a quick dip in Lake Washington, and Edmonds Marina provides salt-water beach access. Our favorite 'happy place' is Marymoor, and we love to go there often. Let us know where you normally walk your dog, and what you think might work best for them. Your dog's sleeping arrangement I have different bedding options available, depending on the size of your dog. However, I have found that most dogs prefer their own bed, so I actually recommend that you consider bringing your dog's bed (or one of them) with your dog. If there are any details you would like to discuss regarding your dog's sleeping preferences, please let me know. Time I'll spend with your dog As much as I spend with my own, which is always as much as possible - and usually a lot.
Location
Seattle, WA
Pets
Charlie J.
Seattle, WA