Meghan D.
Regent, WI
Experienced & Caring Dog Foster Mom
Pet care experience
In addition to the years I've spent taking care of family dogs, I've spent the past five years fostering a variety of rescue dogs of all breeds and sizes. I've helped to foster and adopt out more than 15 rescue dogs at this point, with each one holding a special place in my heart! I have plenty of experience with dogs who are nervous, anxious, or shy. A lot of my foster dogs have come in being very nervous, understandably. I pride myself on creating a comfortable, relaxing environment for dogs to decompress. If they love to play and goof around, great! If they take more time to warm up to me, that's okay too! I usually find that sticking to a schedule, taking long walks around the neighborhood, and creating comfy spaces around the house where a dog can either be alone or snuggle up to me can do wonders for a nervous pup. My sidekick in all of this is my 5lb Brussels Griffon/chihuahua mix, Grizzy. He loves everyone he has ever met in his life - human, canine, or other :). While I do like to keep new dogs separate from Grizzy to start with in order to let them settle in a bit, dogs usually end up loving Grizzy just as much as I do. He's not huge on playing with other dogs, but loves hanging out with them wherever they are, whether that's in a comfy bed or looking out the back door into the neighborhood. If a dog needs space, then Grizzy is good with that too! If your dog needs a playmate to get their energy out, then Grizzy won't be a good fit; if your dog is looking for a snuggle buddy, though, Grizzy would be perfect! I'll make sure your dog is as comfortable in my home as they are in your own home. I'll have time for plenty of walks and playtime, as well as snuggles on the couch. I have most fosters sleep in a crate next to my bed, although if your pets are more comfortable snuggling up with you at night, they're welcome to sleep in my bed as well. I'm currently working from home full time, so I'd love to have your dog join me here at home! If you'd prefer, I'm available to stop by for a walk or a drop-in visit anytime during the day. I've fostered several rescue dogs over the past few years, all with varying levels of training and anxiety. I know how to make sure that a dog doesn't escape out the door or while on leash, when they may need more love, or when they're happier being left alone.
Reviews
Meghan was once again fantastic with Penny. Could not recommend more. Great updates and plenty of pictures to see what Penny is up to
We will continue to use Meghan for dog boarding again and again. She goes above and beyond to make sure our pup is comfortable and taken care of. We trust her wholeheartedly and cannot recommend her enough!
Meghan was outstanding with our pup! I can’t praise her enough! Her warm, nurturing nature had our little guy feeling right at home even after our initial meet and greet. It was the first time we were using a dog sitter, so Meghan made sure to send us plenty of updates and pictures which made us feel at ease. You could not ask for a better dog sitter!
Amazing as always! Penny loves staying here with Grizzy and Meghan does such a great job in looking after Penny and keeping us up to date with everything that is happening. Really can't say thank you enough!
About Meghan D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Since there are no children in my home, it is a very peaceful environment for any dogs who will be staying here. I have no cats, either, if your dog doesn't get along with felines. My own dog tends to mind his own business, and let guest dogs make themselves comfortable. They are welcome on the furniture, and sometimes even decide to cozy up with Grizzy in one of his many dog beds! I do not have a fenced in yard, so I will take any dogs in my care on walks around the neighborhood. There are plenty of other dogs in the neighborhood, but I always avoid on-leash greetings with dogs I'm watching. I'm well-versed in making sure that dogs in my care are comfortable on leash and aren't put in any situations that they dislike, either inside or outside of the home. My home has been dog-proofed very well over the past several years. I am able to pick up toys and Nylabones before your pet comes over, if that may cause any resources guarding issues. I feed my own dog and any dogs in my care completely separately to avoid any issues. I prefer crate-trained dogs, for their safety and for Grizzy's safety as well, if I need to leave the home. If your dog is okay being left out in another room uncrated, then that works well too! I am canine first-aid certified if any emergencies arise. I always keep a stocked dog first aid kit in my home. If your dog takes any medications or needs injections of any kind, I am very comfortable with administering those.
Home
Information Meghan D. would like to know about your pet
I'd love to know your dog's usual daily schedule, any behaviors they're working on or struggling with, where they sleep (if it's a boarding request), how they do with other dogs, and how they do on leash (both in terms of walking and if they see other dogs in the neighborhood).
A typical day
When your dog stays with me for day care or for boarding, they will be the only dog there along with my own dog - no other boarders! Your dog will be the center of my attention from when they arrive to when they leave. While I will have to work during weekdays, I will have time for walks, playtime, and snuggles during the day, and especially after I'm done working. I have a ton of toys around the house that your dog will love, or I can brush up on some training and tricks to tire out their mind :). I love taking long walks around my neighborhood to tire out the pups I'm taking care of! There's plenty to sniff and see, and working on leash manners helps to tire them out as well. At night, I'll provide plenty of snuggles on the couch if your dog likes, or I can set up a cozy spot for them to hang out on their own. During colder months, my dog loves hanging out in the fireplace, if your pup would like to join him! I take all dogs out one last time to potty before bed. Boarders are always kept in my room at night, whether that's in their own bed (crated or not) or snuggled up in bed with me.
Services
Meghan can host
Meghan can watch in your home
Availability
I am currently working from home full-time, so I will be around to devote plenty of time to your pup while they are in my care! While I am working from home, I am able to take your dog out every 2-6 hours as needed. Before and after I am working, I'll have more time to play with and train your pup. Note: even though I am working from home full-time, I still need accurate pick-up and drop-off times. I do not accept drop-off or pick-up times before 6:30am or after 11pm. If you will be outside of your listed pick-up or drop-off window, please let me know ASAP so I can be sure to be home and ready when you arrive!
About Meghan D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Since there are no children in my home, it is a very peaceful environment for any dogs who will be staying here. I have no cats, either, if your dog doesn't get along with felines. My own dog tends to mind his own business, and let guest dogs make themselves comfortable. They are welcome on the furniture, and sometimes even decide to cozy up with Grizzy in one of his many dog beds! I do not have a fenced in yard, so I will take any dogs in my care on walks around the neighborhood. There are plenty of other dogs in the neighborhood, but I always avoid on-leash greetings with dogs I'm watching. I'm well-versed in making sure that dogs in my care are comfortable on leash and aren't put in any situations that they dislike, either inside or outside of the home. My home has been dog-proofed very well over the past several years. I am able to pick up toys and Nylabones before your pet comes over, if that may cause any resources guarding issues. I feed my own dog and any dogs in my care completely separately to avoid any issues. I prefer crate-trained dogs, for their safety and for Grizzy's safety as well, if I need to leave the home. If your dog is okay being left out in another room uncrated, then that works well too! I am canine first-aid certified if any emergencies arise. I always keep a stocked dog first aid kit in my home. If your dog takes any medications or needs injections of any kind, I am very comfortable with administering those.
Home
Information Meghan D. would like to know about your pet
I'd love to know your dog's usual daily schedule, any behaviors they're working on or struggling with, where they sleep (if it's a boarding request), how they do with other dogs, and how they do on leash (both in terms of walking and if they see other dogs in the neighborhood).
A typical day
When your dog stays with me for day care or for boarding, they will be the only dog there along with my own dog - no other boarders! Your dog will be the center of my attention from when they arrive to when they leave. While I will have to work during weekdays, I will have time for walks, playtime, and snuggles during the day, and especially after I'm done working. I have a ton of toys around the house that your dog will love, or I can brush up on some training and tricks to tire out their mind :). I love taking long walks around my neighborhood to tire out the pups I'm taking care of! There's plenty to sniff and see, and working on leash manners helps to tire them out as well. At night, I'll provide plenty of snuggles on the couch if your dog likes, or I can set up a cozy spot for them to hang out on their own. During colder months, my dog loves hanging out in the fireplace, if your pup would like to join him! I take all dogs out one last time to potty before bed. Boarders are always kept in my room at night, whether that's in their own bed (crated or not) or snuggled up in bed with me.
Location
Madison, WI
Pets
Meghan D.
Regent, WI