I've had dogs my entire life. They are my "children". In fact, I could not live without a dog. I now have a black standard poodle, Ariel, and I provide daycare to a golden doodle, Oliver and 3 days a week, a Bichon mix. I work from home except when I have a meeting. If I'm going to be gone longer than 5 hours I find a back-up walker. I live a block away from a small park that is partially enclosed and depending on the weather, I take them there or to another enclosed area near me to play. I'm now expanding my business to include dog walking for people living in apartments. I provide a text or leave a note to tell you how their day went. If I there is a possible health problem, you will know immediately. Finally, I don't just walk dogs, I care for them and talk to them. They get my full attention. I do not check my email or texts while I am walking them, and I accept only calls the require my immediate attention. I do not walk more than 3 dogs at the same time. One of my poodles had diabetes. He needed insulin shots every day. He eventually became blind and I became his "seeing eye person." Every dog I've owned has at some point required medication so I know how to administer pills ( as well as insulin shots) . I have experience caring for older dogs but you should know I live in a townhouse with stairs. Most of my friends are dog owners so we set up play dates when possible.During bad weather, your dog will be outside just long enough to do his/her business. In terms of size I prefer smaller dogs no more than 40 pounds. I do make exceptions from time to time. If your dog pulls a lot on a lead while walking I have one gentle leader I use. I prefer, however, that you provide it. I am a big one for positive enforcement. I do sub at a Friends School from time to time so I will try to get a back up walker. In terms of boarding, I will ask to meet your dog before s/he comes to visit. I find it helps them to feel more at home and less stressed. Your dog, of course,must get along with my dog Ariel and Oliver., and Olive I have a Golden Doodle who stays here 5 days a week during the day and sometimes on weekends so they must get along. Depending on the dog, I will let them on the bed or in my lap if they need comforting from say, thunder or they are generally feeling insecure. I can handle emergencies. In fact, I didn't have a Thanksgiving because the bichon mix, an older dog who was staying with me, apparently strained her back jumping on my bed. So I spent 3 hours at a Vet ER Clinic. About me - I love to laugh and give hugs. Maybe that's why dogs come to me. In the dog park if a puppy gets scared it always comes to where I'm sitting to hide under the bench. That goes for other dogs as well. It becomes a bit difficult however when a larger dog gets scared and ends up in my lap on the bench with me. :)