4.8

As a professional dog trainer with years of hands-on experience, I am passionate about helping dogs thrive while providing them with a safe, structured, and loving environment. My background in professional training allows me to understand canine behavior, body language, and individual needs, so whether your pet is staying for boarding, daycare, or simply needs someone to care for them, they will be treated with patience, kindness, and respect. My goal is for every pet to feel comfortable, secure, and loved while you’re away. I have extensive experience with dogs of all ages, breeds, temperaments, and needs, including senior dogs, rescue dogs, aggressive or reactive dogs, puppies, large and small breeds, highly energetic dogs, laid-back dogs, and dogs with special needs. I also have experience caring for cats, horses, and small animals. Animals have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I am dedicated to providing your pets with a comfortable, safe place to stay. I understand that being away from home can be stressful for many dogs, so I take my time with every pet and allow them to adjust at their own pace. Patience, consistency, and compassion are at the heart of everything I do. I’ve had dogs in my household since the day I was born, and every one of them has been unique. I’ve owned breeds ranging from tiny lap dogs to giant breeds, energetic working dogs to couch potatoes, dogs that adored swimming to dogs that refused to get their paws wet, and dogs that struggled with dog or human reactivity. Several years ago, I began grooming, training, and boarding dogs. I started with my own dogs, joined 4-H, and continued expanding my knowledge and experience from there. One of my first training successes was helping a friend’s dog overcome behavioral challenges and become the companion her family had hoped for. Since then, I’ve groomed, trained, and cared for many pets, and friends, family, and clients continue to trust me with their beloved companions. This is my full-time career, so caring for animals is my daily routine. There is always someone home, meaning boarded dogs are never left alone. If I need to step away briefly to run errands, my retired father is home to ensure every dog continues receiving attention and care. My goal is always to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible to reduce stress while you’re away. I follow feeding schedules, medication schedules, exercise routines, and any other instructions you provide so your pet feels as comfortable as possible. Our home features a secure 6-foot privacy fence surrounding the backyard with locked gates for safety. Dogs have access to a large yard for supervised playtime and potty breaks, along with plenty of enrichment including a shaded dog run, a kiddie pool during warm weather, and a dog house for shade and comfort. Dogs are supervised while outside—they are never left outdoors for extended periods. Our own dogs are friendly, playful, and enjoy meeting new canine friends. My cats are rarely around visiting dogs, but when they are, they are extremely confident and respectful. One of them was raised alongside my dogs from just six weeks old, and even dogs that typically dislike cats often do very well with him because of his calm, confident personality. Summer Safety Keeping dogs safe during Colorado’s hot summers is extremely important to me. * Dogs can get sunburned, especially short-haired breeds. Please provide shaded areas or consider a sun-protective shirt for extended outdoor time. * If your dog becomes overheated, the quickest way to help cool them is by applying cool water to their paws and belly. * Outdoor activities are safest during the early morning or evening hours. * If walking during hot weather is necessary, I strongly prefer walking on grass whenever possible or using protective booties to prevent burned paw pads. Hot pavement not only burns paws but also increases body temperature, which can quickly lead to overheating. * I also never recommend transporting dogs in the bed of a pickup truck during hot weather, as the metal surface can become dangerously hot. For dog walking services during the summer, I kindly ask owners to provide protective gear such as booties or paw protection, a portable water bowl, and—while not required—a cooling vest or cooling shirt if your dog benefits from one. If you live in an apartment and temperatures are especially high, another great option is scheduling a drop-in visit where I can take your dog on a shorter potty walk before spending the remainder of the visit playing indoors in the air conditioning. Some of these precautions may seem excessive, but I believe our pets depend on us to keep them safe and comfortable. Dogs are my greatest passion, and I truly love what I do. Being trusted to care for someone’s family member is something I never take for granted. My mission is to give every dog a safe, happy, structured, and loving place to stay so you can have peace of mind while you’re away.