This Mom Earns Enough from Pet Sitting to Stay Home with her Son (and Puppies!)
Melanie L. is a writer, marketing professional, and dog enthusiast in the Phoenix area. When her son was born, she wanted to stay home with him—and she’s been able to, thanks to pet sitting on Rover.com.
Melanie’s own family includes Rye (a Bichon Frise-Poodle mix) and JoJo (a Miniature Poodle), who serve as welcoming committee and built-in playmates for visiting pups. In fact, one of Melanie’s favorite parts of being a Rover sitter is the companionship it provides her own furry babies. “My dogs are never bored,” she explains. “The friendships my two dogs have developed with my new and repeat Rover dogs, many of whom visit us several times a month, are truly beautiful.”
It’s All in the Family
Though she’d started boarding dogs at her home several years ago, it took a while to turn it into a full-time pursuit. Melanie says it all starts with great service. She’s dedicated to each of her canine guests, saying, “they’re a part of our family.”
She adds, “I want every one of my Rover guests to feel like they are coming to their home-away-from-home when they visit us. And I want my pet parents to know that their dogs are as loved and well cared for as they would be at home with them.”
One of their best friends is Brady, a rescue dog who had been very neglected before being adopted by his mom Kelly. Brady suffered from severe separation anxiety and didn’t do well when Kelly left him home alone. But when he started staying with Melanie and her dogs, Brady’s separation anxiety quickly improved. At Melanie’s house, he never cried or destroyed anything; he was too busy exploring the yard and hanging out with his pals Rye and JoJo!
In fact, Brady’s experience boarding with Melanie and her fur babies helped his mom realize what he needed to overcome his anxiety: a canine sibling of his own. Kelly recently adopted Buddy, a one-eyed rescue pup who keeps Brady company at home and fits in well with the whole gang when they board at Melanie’s house.
Kelly says, “I always feel so comfortable leaving the pups with her when I leave…I’m pretty sure they like being at her house more than mine!”
How Dog Love Became a Business
Melanie puts her heart into her business, and it pays off. She loves her clients as much as they love her.
“My Rover dog parents are some of the most loving and caring people I know,” she says. “They love animals, and many of them have rescued dogs from shelters and pretty rough lives.” Melanie understands the rewards and challenges of adopting a rescue pet and is dedicated to providing the best possible care, treating visiting dogs like her own while their owners are away.
Melanie’s dedication to dogs infuses her work and life. As she explains, “the love of a dog is truly unconditional. They are your best friend, always excited to see you, and ready to cuddle up with you anytime you want. I’m crazy about my two pups, and I can’t imagine life without them as part of my family.”
