Dog Boarding in Collinsville

Started Rover as a way to ease back into dog ownership after the loss of my beloved dog. Had so much fun with Rover dogs I continued after I adopted my new pup Higgs. He's playful, but knows how to read signals and I will always make sure he gets along with Rover dogs. He has been socialized since 8 weeks and hasn't found a living thing he doesn't want to befriend.

I've had dogs for years and love getting to know their eccentric little habits and quirks. Just like people, no two dogs are the same. I live and work right off Tower Grove Park and my dog Higgs and I can keep even the most active dogs entertained and happy. My yard is fully fenced and ready for frenzied laps and water play.

Hello there,

I am a stay at home mom to a six year old and three year old. I love animals and I have two rescue pups Thor (chocolate lab) & Porsche (German Shepherd and husky) a Great Dane named Ollie & two cats milo and max. I love dogs and couldn't imagine a more perfect job! I worked in a doggy darecare and also worked in a vet office for a while. I will treat your fur babies like my own and give them lots of love and attention. We have a big back yard for them to play, & they are also welcome to make themselves at home as we allow all of our animals on the furniture ! While dropping in I can give them a good brush down, throw a ball or frisbee and even send you picture updates of your pup! I have expierence walking all sized dogs from chihuahuas to Great Danes. I love going for long walks at the park and would love to take your fur baby along with me !

I'm absolutely obsessed with animals. I currently have two very energetic pups that just love when we have doggy guests!

I do have a part time job that takes me away for 4-5 hours during the week. I did however just moved in with my parents while I'm looking for a new place to call home so there will always be a human looking after your pups!

In addition to dog sitting; I do work with Rescues and foster from time to time. I will always let you know if there will be an extra pup during the stay though!

All of the pups will be up to date on shots and of course dog friendly.

I do have three younger siblings, 14, 13, and 9 but are really good with dogs. I have helped shape them into amazing little dog sitters as well!

The kids earn allowances by helping me separate the dogs when feeding, cleaning up any messes inside and outside, as well as going on daily walks with everyone in the family.

I have been a sitter for many neighbor's over the past 13 years. I have stayed in their homes while they were out of town as well as had other dogs brought into my home for a stay with me.

My best friends' dog is diabetic and had to get insulin shots daily, which I have injected myself.

I have dealt with minor cuts and scrapes with my own pup and have two pet first aid kits for my house and one in my car as well so I'm prepared no matter what.

I'm a hypocondriac when it comes to the safety of my dogs & the dogs in our care so the dogs will never be left alone, inside or outside. They will also be separated for meals. I will however let them have free reign of the house at night. Almost all of the time, however, I will find myself completely surrounded by dogs on my bed, but I don't mind:)

Because of our newest addition, Oliver, the bathroom doors are always shut and the entrances to the kitchen are gated so not even a master jumper can hop over. Trash cans are put away for the same reason. Treats are also well hidden because of Oliver:)

I send pictures/updates daily and am always in contact when I'm away from the home as well.

I have a 42" metal kennel and mat but it hardly ever gets used.

Over the past two years we have a combined stash of 4 dog beds, 13 water/food dishes and three food risers. I spoil my babies like crazy so we always have a variety of treats and toys to play with! Especially tennis balls!

The only thing I won't usually give out if the dogs are all together is a bone. My younger dog will get a little protective of bones so we just put them away while we have guests!

Oliver is my younger border collie lab mix. The herding gene is strong in him and he's a very vocal player. He was an abused street dog for his entire life so he's a little weary of humans. He has growled at humans but has never made contact before. We've been working very hard to socialize him more with strangers and he actually is improving a great deal with how he interacts with strangers lately!

Bentley is my older whippet lab mix. He's a jumper so I'd advise you not to wear anything nice or white when we meet! He's an attention seeker and will probably think you're there to throw a tennis ball for him instead of meet me and introduce our dogs. He will play sporadically but for the most part he just wants to play fetch and be chased on occasion.

I have always loved cats and dogs of all sizes. I got my own dog (Cleopatra) a few years ago and I fell in love with her instantly. She is my best friend. We love learning new tricks. She can sit, lay down, roll over, sit pretty, jump through my arms if I put them together in a large circle, as well as she is potty trained. Other than learning new tricks, we go on regular walks and get lots of playtime in. Cleo is 2 years old and is the sweetest and friendliest chihuahua beagle mix. She loves having friends over to play. She is UTD on all shots and is spayed. My roommate also has a very friendly small dog who is UTD on shots and spayed. Also our apartment is very dog friendly and does have a fenced in back yard for the pups to run around in. We would love to have your pups over play dates!

Hello! After teaching in the public schools for 7 years, I am now able to stay home with my two young daughters and our Jack Russell Terrier. We love playing outside, going on walks, and snuggling. Our Jack Russell, Toby, loves playing with other dogs, and would love to make a new friend with your furry family member!

We have a large fenced yard and live in a quiet neighborhood. Our normal walk takes us by Dunlap lake, but if you prefer sidewalks only, we can stay in our subdivision and be on sidewalks the entire time. I am more than happy to adjust our walking length and schedule to meet the needs of your pet.

Between my parents' and my own dogs, I have loved many dogs. Beagles, Chows, Labs, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, and unknown mixes. I have loved each and everyone one of them!!

I hope you will grant me the pleasure of meeting and loving on your dog(s) while you need to be away. My home will be their new home away from home!

I am a pet sitter for two reasons; I LOVE animals, and I hope to supplement our family budget!

Between my parents' and my own dogs, I have loved many dogs. Beagles, Chows, Labs, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, and unknown mixes. I have loved each and everyone one of them!!

I am able to come to your house many times a day. I would happily take your dog on walks, to the park, play at home, administer food and medication as needed.

I hope you will grant me the pleasure of meeting and loving on your dog(s) and/or cat(s) while you need to be away.

Why I love dog sitting

I have always loved dogs! My first dog was a lab mix named Hogan. He was my best friend from the age of 6-12. Throughout my life, I have had other dogs. Including the dogs that were my parents, I have been family with Black Lab, Golden Retriever, Beagles, Cows, Jack Russell Terriers, and numerous mixes. All of the dogs I have personally owned were adopted.

Meet my pets

We have one Jack Russell Terrier. He is not hyper like most are. He is a puppy mill rescue and is a gentle soul. He LOVES playing with other dogs!!

About my yard

I have a fenced back yard. It is flat, and open except for the play set. There is access to the backyard from our walk out basement, or the stairs on our deck.

My experience administering medication

I am comfortable administering medication.

My two dogs adore me and so will yours! I'm very kind, patient, and loving to your furry pal. I’m also very easygoing so communication will be a breeze.

Text Now! :)

I can’t wait to meet your pups!

FULL PHOTO GALLERY !!!

[click top right or tap on top photo]

****flip through my photo album for a glimpse at past clients, my quality of photos ( you’ll want to show off your cutie in the pics I take for you! )

There are photos showing the apartment and the romping yard as well******

CONTENTS

For your easy navigation, this is a little long

Chapter1. About how many pups I board and my daycare limit.

Chapter 2. Some Rover experience that gives you piece of mind

CHAPTER 3. Is your dog too big?

Chapter 4. Meet & greets.

Chapter 5. General care and grounds

Chapter 6. Dog daycare

Chapter 7. All about boarding. Let’s have a sleepover!

Chapter 8. My heart warming pet experiences that should help put you at ease.

Chapter 9. Finishing thoughts, some recap, more about what your money gets you. I’m a steal when you add it all up!

CHAPTER 1

Number of pups allowed. Variables are considered, please ask.

I, now, only book three dogs at a time when boarding unless your a four dog family then I can make an exception. I honestly very rarely have that many and more often than not your pup gets the primo treatment with run of the house while playing with our two pups.

I have a three dog limit on daycare but my ability can vary given the size, breed, temperament, the amount of pups who already stay with me and times of stay. So many variables that you just can’t know unless you ask. I will have you know that most of my clients are repeat business so I’m fully aware of their behavior towards other pups making it easy for me to assess my ability to help you. If you do not require walks at all please tell me, this changes things in a big way.

CHAPTER 2.

My Rover.com experience

I have been on rover for a little over three years now & have proven myself over the years to handle large packs in various high stress situations.

During the first year I actually used to watch every request that came my way while not having a fenced in backyard. I knew I could handle it but as you could imagine this is a possible problem if not very attentive.

I did my job and did it well! I’ve never had a problem get past stage one and have prevailed in times of stress. Your dog is safe because I have acquired the knowledge on how to handle every situation and have many preventive measures in place because I know full well what to worry about most. I no longer stress, I take charge of the pack as pack leader and they follow. Okay, maybe I use treats to butter them up but my rover experience still remains priceless!!!! I’ve already experienced that troublesome dog situation and I have put systems in place for prevention. I’ve been through everything so you don’t have to!

- I’ve had three escape artists that never escaped! I now have baby gates everywhere!

-the cabinet climber/trash diver. New & better trashcan lol.

-the dog that urinates when angry, my bed has suffered. Talk about a horrible situation. Rubber sheets!

- the dog that has never been on a leash. ZoomZoom! Ahhh! I actually can’t walk this dog unfortunately this pup will have backyard playtime only unless I can train it quickly.

-the dog that does not know how to communicate potty time or anything for that matter! This just takes patience.

-the dog that does not know it’s name. Patients

-the biter = bite me with a non aggressive bite, ok, but bite another dog and your kicked out immediately.

-the barker. Maybe crate trained? If not my answer to this is constant dog watch, I can’t have a barking situation in an apartment living arrangement.

-the excited unrinator. No eye contact

So, see, I’m well equipped to handle the situation with calm compassion.

The only thing I can’t do, pee pads. I can do them as a preventative measure but not as their permanent solution. Unless you’re a puppy this is not allowed.

CHAPTER 3.

SKIP THIS CHAPTER I TAKE 40LB DOGS NOW!

I can take small dogs all day!!!! maybe even more than I have listed available! I also take medium sized dogs but my weight limit is more around 30lbs not 40lbs like listed. I do make exceptions!!!!!!!! Feel free to ask. I’ll be more than happy to discuss your dogs fit and set up a meet and greet or a FREE day of daycare to help in finding the proper fit. I will likely need to meet your pup in order to know if it will work out but that’s what meet and greets are all about. ❤️

CHAPTER 4.

About meet and greets.

Sometimes I find that I have to have a meetup in order to give you an honest answer on my ability to handle and care for your pup. You then get to come to my residence to meet our little family and check out the digs. I hope your impressed by our fab doggy motel! We’ll get along just fine, I’m very personable ( years of excellent Customer service) & I will make the process succinct but thorough, pleasant and painless. You may fear an awkward moment due to us being strangers but I keep it going smoothly and I only keep you for a short time unless you want to chat more of course.

I do my very best to keep things convenient for you, so, if it’s hard to meet I have solutions.

I have exchanged all important info over email Before. I give you a list of questions that are most important to me and you can fill them out with the addition of any extra info you would like to include. Don’t be afraid to type a book about your dog, I get it, I love my pups too. If we do it this way I would greatly appreciate a hard copy that I may file away for your repeat business. I’ll also send you a picture of my boyfriend since he helps with the pups as well, & you will receive both of our numbers so you may get ahold of us anytime, no matter what. Just so ya know his name is Dustin M. And he LOVES DOGS! You may also like to know that he frequently reads up on veterinarian text books keeping him well informed for the Saftey of you pup. No joke, he reads boring text books for fun. I could never, I’d fall asleep. He does often share his knowledge with me so together we are informed dog people on care, health, behavior, & training.

Two Responsible ADULTS to take care of your pup makes us a super safe option. I’m here all the time and he’s here half the time. Just think, two for the price of one! SAFTEY IS NUMBER ONE!

CHAPTER 5.

My general care and grounds.

My shared backyard is of good size with a very tall privacy fence not to mention every nook and cranny is filled in due to my request to the landlord. I also have a double door system before the dogs can even enter the backyard ensuring no freak interactions with my neighbors or even the ability to get into the yard without me, it’s important that I’m always by your dogs side fence or not. My neighbors are dog people too so don’t worry, I just want to give you all the piece of mind in knowing your dog’s saftey is very important to me.

I also inform the neighbors of new pups when you book so everyone around me is prepared in our four family apartment. I’ve even placed a sign outback for the neighbors to read saying whether or not we are in the yard. Maybe unnecessary but it can’t hurt to be thorough.

I personally love a good walk lasting thirty minutes to an hour and what better a companion than your wonderful pup! I've noticed that after a long walk my dogs are much better behaved and in need of a nap. A napping dog is a content and happy dog! These walks are also especially helpful in acclimating your pup to its new surroundings and new dog friends. I repeat, this is very necessary, dogs bond over a walk very quickly! I will sprinkle in as much playtime as possible with my homemade toys, treats for spoiling, & going potty, & all the free bones and low calorie filled Kongs needed!

Treat your dog to well thought out care & boundless love.

I Should add that I stay right next to Benton Park & the neighborhood is rich in sidewalks, low traffic, and an all around friendly dog loving neighborhood.

CHAPTER 6.

Dog day care: Monday -Friday, 6:30am -6:30pm

I will occasionally do a weekend but not as a repeating request.

Doggy day care comes with one walk.

That’s the minimum!

I always try my hardest for a 30min. to an hour walk! I then send you time stamped screenshot so you can see your pups hard work. The doggies are also given 3 to 4 backyard play/potty breaks, sometimes we play fetch or I just run around and get them all excited to wear them out so you can relax when y’all get home. After a walk I usually try for a light dog brushing I say lite because I use a humane hair brush and it only takes the light loose hairs off. This is to help both you and I in our home’s hair situation. This is a pretty hairy job! After our breaks I give treats if allowed. I do hope treats are allowed because I use them abundantly to help keep their spirits high while getting acclimated to their new, strange, but friendly surroundings. Your dog must grow to love me in a short amount of time so this is a way to do it.

I also take your pup out as soon as you arrive so now you don’t have to! Extra time in the morning for you! Sorry but If you are a puppy I ask that you still take your pup out before arriving. I can also provide a safe breakfast and lunch for your pup saving you even more time in the morning! Just bring me a ziplock of your kibble and needn’t worry about food bowls, I have plenty. Let me know the time and amount, I’ll take care of execution & Saftey. Even your food crazed pups will stay in line while I’m in charge! No fights! All dogs are partitioned away from one another by gates and doors while I keep an eye on all activity until bowls are cleared.

Doggy daycare is a blast, your pup will be excited by the extra socializing & personal attention not to mention the comfort of a home setting. You'll appreciate the piece of mind in knowing your fur baby is in a safe, active, social environment, with loving hands. ❤️ Your pup will love their new home away from home! One last thing; if your dog has a hard time with another dog I will play referee all day for their comfort and saftey. I’m thanked for this in doggie kisses and wagging tails.

-IMPORTANT-

I would like to mention that sometimes things come up and my heart remains in the right place but I can’t always walk everyday. I can safely say that I always accomplish two walks a week but more often you’ll get 4-5 walks every week!!! I love a good harness ( no-pulls being #1 ) because they are like seatbelts for your dog. There will be no escaping the leash giving way to a terrifying moment. NevAR! So we always wear a harness plus I wrap every leash around my wrist twice and in my palm so the leash is held snuggly. I do have extra harnesses but ask first please and if your pup is bigger and terrible at pulling please consider a “no pull harness”. I only have one good no-pull at the moment..... I should work on that.....

Weather must permit as well this is for the saftey of your pet, my saftey too.

You may like to hear that I have been known to give free baths in times of low walking ability and a lot more indoor play to keep them active.

****Please keep in mind that “professional” daycare’s do NOT provide any walk of the sort absolutely zero walks given. You’re dog is given a hard cement floor and cages that they just hose down when done, I believe they need to do their business in this community cement room as well.... YUCK! Does not sound like fun to me!

They will NOT TRAIN YOUR DOG, I however work on training in leash training and potty training for puppies. I do so much for so little!

I would like my walks to be considered gifts and I hope you appreciate all that I do.

I do hate that I feel the need to say this but I would also like you to consider that I am offering daycare at a very reasonable price,

please do not take my care for granted when I may have a rough week. We all do right? I just don’t take off “work” because of it, this keeps me reliable, no calling off sick here.

I can assure you there’s no way you could find a better option than my daycare. My home will be your pups other home not a cement dungeon like the “professionals”.

So recap; the best treats, walks, lots of love, personal concern for your dogs happiness and wellbeing, texts regarding behavior sent with a photo of your pup having a good time, occasional video of our pups all playing together & a snap of our walks that include a map of our walk, time stamp, and duration, occasional brushing and feeding time is on me. ⭐️PLEASE BE AWARE OF MY PUPPY PRICE.⭐️

I should tell you that I rarely use the report card by Rover.com because it has made way too many mistakes plus my app is way more accurate and much more informative.

CHAPTER 7.

BOARDING:

WAAAY more comfortable and healthier than a kennel & waaay cheaper! What a smart dog owner you are!

Dog Boarding has everything daycare has plus homemade lunches mostly on longer stays, rare but it’s been known to happen, depends on my $ & ability to shop. homemade treats are given out generously, one more 15min walk, and 1-2 more trips to the backyard or as many as they need really. I also have an extra room for that anxiety riddled dog who needs it’s space. If needed I stay with them in the isolated room and give soothing pets until pup begins to trust me and their new place.

I’d like you to know that I make sure your baby gets walked despite having a back yard because exercise is very important to their health & behavior.

My homemade treats are always grain free and low calorie. My treats are like doggie vitamins for their health! If you have any diet request or questions please let me know, I will accommodate.

I also promise to never leave the house for over an hour and I will only leave if I absolutely must. When I do leave we usually use a kennel-cage that’s outfitted with memory foam and blankets, I have two large kennels set up at all times in our bedroom so they are super comfy and ready to go. I then will play soothing white noise over the speakers, usually sounding like a creek trickling after a rain. This helps when we have “barkers “ and pups who have separation anxiety. Truly helps!!!!!

I hope this goes without saying, I will always be by your dogs side when outside even whilst in our Fort Knox backyard. Your dog’s happiness and saftey are of most importance to our family.

For your dog’s comfort my furniture is fair game so the pups have a giant sectional, my bed (coming soon, a daybed ) soft rugs. Foam mats, floor blankets, and dog beds galore to plop down on all over the apartment they have a spot to call their own. Our newest doggie addition would be my pet stairs for little ones to get on the bed and off the bed safely. Little dogs really shouldn’t be jumping that high, it’s terrible on their joints especially as they age. I assure you bed time will be a peaceful time. In the case of multiple dogs everyone has their own comfy spot along side where ever I am located in the home. No dog quarrels here! I say this because the doggies love to follow me wherever I lead. It’s so adorable when I have a dog parade trotting behind me from room to room❤️

I want to bring to attention once more;

all dog diets are welcome. Raw diet? Measured meals? Graze all day? Just let me know! I own plenty of dog dishes and I follow a very safe feeding procedure, everyone gets their own safe space. No fights over food will ever happen!

CHAPTER 8.

A little about my pet experience:

-I’ve BEEN ON ROVER FOR OVER 4 YEARS!

I am now very well versed in doggie care when dealing with a pack! My Rover experience is priceless.

-I have been an owner of a couple special needs kitties in my lifetime that with my love and care came through healthy as could be. I can’t leave a sick animal behind no matter what I'm told and thank goodness I feel this way since I have changed lives for the better, forever.

-My most recent special needs dog was my childhood dog named Gizmo. My apartment didn’t allow dogs but when my parents wanted to give up & put him down, I said, "no!". If he was going to pass any day I wanted his last days to be with me. I brought him to my place despite my landlord at the time (I break rules for love) where he was loved & nursed back to health. I did not think his health would return but with my homemade dog food, patience, and special attention, my old Gizmo lived another 3 & a1/2 years. He was a large-medium dog that almost saw his 17th birthday. At the time my neighborhood watched in amazement and cheered Gizmo on! It was beyond heartwarming to see the drastic change. I couldn’t believe my neighbors were watching, Gizmo had cheerleaders!

I promise, Your best friend couldn't be in better hands. My heart is big enough for every last animal that comes my way. While with me your dog is as good as my own.

Chapter 9.

Finishing thoughts on boarding with important facts.

Feel free to text me any questions or we could do a meet and greet! Can't wait to hear from you❤️

I should add that I only deal in texts no phone conversations, at least not at first, this is for record keeping purposes. With texts both I and Rover can keep record of our communication which has come in handy before.

I may cost a tiny bit more for boarding but it’s worth it!

-EXPERIENCED!

-controlled and lengthy walks

-I will play with your pup while making sure it keeps with your rules of behavior.

-free homemade treats while here & to take home

- free bones while here and to take home. Your dog loves this!!!!! I might love it too!

-free squeaky toys to destroy and one to take home

-free love from both I and my boyfriend who may love dogs a little more than me. Together we are crazy for dogs and I am also the eccentric cat lady, so, you just can’t go wrong with picking me.

-Lots of love to give

-I have a very knowledgeable counterpart to help out.

-never bone dry!

-will always run our competition out of the dog park, we are four paws-up in doggie motel luxury :P

****Please be aware of holiday & puppy pricing

I have been a member of rover for two years now! I have experience with all sizes and breeds of dogs! My dog is like my child and my entire world, and I always enjoy caring for friends dogs as well. I have also worked with horses for many years, so I plan on applying those skill sets here! I have worked on training with my own dog for several years from the time he was a puppy. I have also recently help potty/leash train other dogs and puppies as well! I have a special love for little dogs! I am 27 years old and a stay at home mother to my little girl. I am looking for a fun new job, and I think I would make a great caretaker for anyone's dog!

I'm a huge dog lover who has had family dogs since I was born! I have a fenced yard outside of my apartment and will take wonderful care of your dog with lots of love! I am happy to update you while I'm watching your dogs with pictures if needed! I work Monday to Friday 9-5:30 PM but I am free weekends and weeknights and if you need an overnight sitter during the week I can come home during my lunch to let the dog out! I am willing to meet you and your dog prior to the job. I'm a fun loving hard worker and I promise to take great care of your dog so I hope you allow me to! Thank you so much.

Needed: your dog to accept love, head & neck scratches and massages from me! My husband and I owned a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise and were lucky to be able to take our dogs to work. Our dogs have since passed and now that we are "retired", I would love to have one-on-one dog time with your pup. We have no other pets, so your baby will get 24/7 care and our full attention. We have a $5 up charge for a puppy.

We live just off the interstate and are easy to find. Our large deck is gated and very shaded. Perfect for lounging and enjoying the breeze. Our side yard is open so your dog will be on lead at all times for walks and playtime.

Inside, we have four couches available for your dog(s) to stretch out on and feel at home. Beds are not off limits either! There are sidewalks in our neighborhood, a bike/walking path that is nearby and a park one half mile from our house.

I always loved seeing what my dogs were doing while we were away, so you will get photos/videos if needed. The closest vet is about a mile away and there is an after-hours, emergency animal hospital in Collinsville, 4 miles from our house.

Your dog will be treated like one of our family at our home. Please let me share my love with them! Contact me for a meet-n-greet or any questions.

I'm a stay-at-home mom of two kids, a eight-year-old and a five-year-old. Our home is a ranch-style house with a large fenced yard. Our yard is also equipped with an inground dog fence because our last dog was a fence-climber. We currently have two cats and are looking for the right rescue dog to join our family after we lost our ten-year-old shepherd/chow mix this past winter to a stroke. We have a baby gate that can be put up to separate the living room & kitchen from the bedrooms for dogs who are not accustom to being around cats. I enjoy walking, gardening and playing outside with my kids. My profile is set to only accept 2 dogs at a time but I am willing to keep 3 dogs if they are from the same family. I have a very flexible schedule and reliable transportation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.