I ❤️ animals, especially dogs... all types of dogs. I've had a dog in my life for more than 12 years, Ellie. She is the sweetest and very gentle. Growing up I had a guinea pig, birds and other pooches. At times I'll take care of my friend's cat, but she's in FL now. For the past 7 years I've boarded and dog sat for my friends' pug, Queen B (11 yrs old) as we call her as well as Mr. Apollo (14 yrs old) a poodle mix. Last year, I took care of a one year old great dane named Charlie for 6 weeks while his dad was recovering from back surgery. Charlie has been boarding with me and Ellie about once a quarter since then. He'll also come for random playdates and I'll pick him up to go to the park with us. I take Ellie, and whatever dog is with us, to the park for a walk and playtime twice a day. In the summer, we go early to avoid the heat. If it's real hot we'll head to an early morning beach walk. I enjoy getting the dogs outside into nature and if it's ok, having them socialize with other pooches. Ellie is really good with guests and loves being part of a big pack. I work full-time, mostly from home but do go into the office 2-3 times/week. I can work flex my schedule if need be for a particular pooch. I do early morning and evening walks/playtime at the park or beach with the dogs. They get a chance to do their business multiple times a day if needed. I have a small (really small) porch area that the dogs enjoy. Ellie, Charlie and Apollo all love long drives so we'll do that if they so choose. And every once in a while, the pooches may get treated to a puppicino (pupcup) or jp licks. We are up early and go to bed early. I first ensure that the environment is pooch friendly; put away anything that isn't. If certain rooms are off limits i ensure the doors are closed. I keep the temp fairly cool (i personally don't do well in the heat, neither in summer nor winter). I always have fresh water for the pooches. I allow the pets to roam, if they are allowed. If I'm in someone else's home, I'll follow their protocol. Ellie is adaptable. I believe one important detail that allows me to be able to care for dogs really well, is I set a routine. The pooches know when we go potty, when we walk, when we play, when we eat, when it's free time and when it's time to sleep. Our nightly routine is to dim the lights, play soft meditation music on low (sometimes I sing to them, dogs love that!), and quiet down.