Craig J.
Hyde Park, IL
Loving Dog Care In Hyde Park
Pet care experience
Basically, I just love dogs! I've grown up with them my whole life, and I can't imagine living without one. I like to think that I am a good personality match for looking after and taking care of them: loving and caring, yet authoritative when necessary. Additionally, my Rottweiler, Hans, loves to make new friends, so it's a win-win. He's actually a great helper with visiting dogs -- he loves to interact and play with them, but he's not the least bit aggressive, even with food and toys. In fact, he tends to defer to the "guest dogs." The first pup that we boarded, Sparky, commandeered my bed and Hans was totally fine with it! Our last guest was a 5-pound Maltese/Poodle puppy, and Hans (who's 125 pounds) actually wrestled with him. I'm the only human in my home, but I'm also home much of the day as I am a freelance consultant. I have a very flexible schedule too, which means that I am great for pups that enjoy having a companion around them during the day. During a stay, I am fully committed to making sure that you and your pup feel completely comfortable and well taken care of. My number one priority is communication, which means that I like to get as much information about your idea of a perfect stay as early as possible. That way, I can start planning our time together and thinking about how to make your pup as happy as can be. I always keep in touch throughout the day via text and picture messages, so you can see just what your pup has been up to and how happy he is. And I’m always a phone call away, if anything comes up. I live in Hyde Park, which is an especially great neighborhood for dogs. Not only does it have the usual doggy-friendly features (trees, fences, fire hydrants, etc.), it also has an amazing variety of parks and dog-friendly people. Washington Park, an enormous expanse of green space, paths, and vegetation, is just two blocks from my house. Jackson Bark, one of the best dog parks in the city, is just a 10-minute drive away, and I take Hans there almost every day (weather permitting, of course). My home is a large duplex, with lots of rooms and and a huge open downstairs area for running and playing. All in all, it's a great place for a dog to spend time in.
Reviews
Could not be more pleased with the work that Craig has done with our dog. Very knowledgeable, and extremely informative. Will be back with our dog again.
Craig was very good with communicating during Othello's stay. He even made a point to reach out to ask what was Othello's favorite treat. He took him to a dog park, which I am sure our pup enjoyed! We would definitely book with him again!
Worst boarding experience. He would not let me inspect premises. Would not let me have my dachshund meet his Rottweiler and did not let me know he was boarding another dog which he saw d was aggressive towards people??? Which is why he would not let me have a meet and greet. Overfed him and did not give me back one of my bowls. He was disheveled in appearance. He did not answer texts or door buzzer. Finally answered phone. I suspect he is living in squalor. Please take him off your sitter recommendations.
Craig has been fantastic with our Daniel
About Craig J.
Communication
Skills
Home
Information Craig J. would like to know about your pet
Some things I like to learn ahead of time: Would you like to schedule a meet-and-greet before the stay? What’s your preferred method of communication? Does your pup have any health issues that need to be tended to? For instance, dietary restrictions, medicine, or behavior triggers? Do you have a vet nearby that you trust? Does your pup like to stick to a given schedule, like regular walks in the morning and evening? What does your pup do well around? What does your pup try to avoid? What’s the best way to spoil your pup?
A typical day
I love to make sure that dogs are happy and healthy by making sure we take advantage of every opportunity offered to us. I don't have a yard, but I have a large duplex with lots of room to play and relax, and I'm a short walk to several parks. I love taking my dog to dog parks and beaches (in the summer, of course) for maximum exercise. Whether I'm walking, sitting, or boarding your dog, I guarantee he/she will have a great time and will be happy and content! I live 2 blocks from Washington Park and a few blocks from another large park. I also often go to Jackson Bark, a large fenced dog park with a ton of agility equipment. If your dog likes the beach, I'm close to a couple of them for off-season running around. And of course, I'm happy to play any of your pup's favorite games.
Services
Craig can host
Craig can watch in your home
About Craig J.
Communication
Skills
Home
Information Craig J. would like to know about your pet
Some things I like to learn ahead of time: Would you like to schedule a meet-and-greet before the stay? What’s your preferred method of communication? Does your pup have any health issues that need to be tended to? For instance, dietary restrictions, medicine, or behavior triggers? Do you have a vet nearby that you trust? Does your pup like to stick to a given schedule, like regular walks in the morning and evening? What does your pup do well around? What does your pup try to avoid? What’s the best way to spoil your pup?
A typical day
I love to make sure that dogs are happy and healthy by making sure we take advantage of every opportunity offered to us. I don't have a yard, but I have a large duplex with lots of room to play and relax, and I'm a short walk to several parks. I love taking my dog to dog parks and beaches (in the summer, of course) for maximum exercise. Whether I'm walking, sitting, or boarding your dog, I guarantee he/she will have a great time and will be happy and content! I live 2 blocks from Washington Park and a few blocks from another large park. I also often go to Jackson Bark, a large fenced dog park with a ton of agility equipment. If your dog likes the beach, I'm close to a couple of them for off-season running around. And of course, I'm happy to play any of your pup's favorite games.
Location
Chicago, IL
Pets
Craig J.
Hyde Park, IL