I’ve been dog-sitting professionally providing doggy-daycare and dog-boarding for six years (DogBuddy, before Rover took it over). I’ve always been an animal-lover. After having cats as a little one in London, I then grew up from the age of seven in the Shropshire countryside with dogs, chickens, rabbits, Guinea pigs, fish, etc., next to a vet surgery and down the road from a chicken farm. Dog-sitting provided fantastic socialisation for my own dog as a pup, and, a form of exercise for us both. My Freddie is very excited when he first meets someone at our house - that’s the Springer side of him - but the rest of the time he’s more Labrador horizontal and the most chilled character you’ll ever meet. He sleeps a lot! Out on walks/runs his main interest is getting the miles in. Freddie has helped lots of dogs to be less anxious and improve their recall. Freddie and his friends have access to our fenced-in garden all day, unless it’s especially wet or cold (and then it’s regularly opened or opened when cues are given). Dogs coming here would get plenty of play with Freddie if they’re playful, plenty of cuddles with me if they’re cuddly, or they can just chill and have some time not being fussed but being around someone if that’s more their personality, or, a combination if they’re the kind of dog that likes some attention but also likes their alone time. I tend to play some relaxing jazz/classical music or radio news shows in the background, have plenty of non-precious blankets around, and, grooming brushes for doggie who like a little groom. If they need a wash after a particularly muddy forest hike, I’ve got natural dog shampoo. My downstairs in separated by a door. There’s nothing particularly precious or chewable kept downstairs, my child’s toys are kept upstairs or in high up toy baskets, so, puppies are welcome! (Be aware the number Rover gives is not my mobile number - I get messages from the app and text notifications, I can’t receive calls on here).