Hi, I'm Dane (he/him), and I can't wait to meet your pets! I am a lifelong animal-lover, outdoor adventurer, Licensed Massage Therapist, and future professional dog trainer. I emotionally connect with animals very quickly, and understand what they are telling me. I derive great joy from working with dogs to foster a sense of safety, calm, and confidence, teach new commands, skills, and help strengthen your communication with them. I am currently working through the educational and training requirements to sit for the CPDT-KA exam, to earn the title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer. EXPERIENCE: I have direct care experience with dogs of all sizes for 20 years, and 25 years experience directly caring for cats/kittens of all ages. I have hands-on experience caring for bearded dragons, turtles, amphibians, tank fish, birds, rabbits, chickens, and goats. I especially love working with goats! My volunteer experience includes 100 hours as a Cat Kennel Tech & Dog Walker at The N.O.A.H. Center in Stanwood, WA and 20+ hours (current position) at Joint Animal Services in Olympia, WA as a Dog Adoption Room Volunteer. ABOUT ME: I'm a queer trans guy in my mid-30's, and I grew up in the great PNW. If you would feel more comfortable having a queer/trans person stay with your home and pets, then I might be a great fit for you! I'm also a Licensed Massage Therapist for humans, and this background informs my work with animals. I know your fur babies are your family, and I will treat them like my own! I've never met a dog I didn't love, and never met a mammal I didn't want to snuggle with! 😊 MY SERVICES: When I care for your pets, they receive my undivided attention and tons of affection. I know how important it is to leave your fur babies in confident, caring hands - so that you can rest easy while you're away. Whether dog walking or pet drop-in care, my goal is to maintain your family's normal care/play routine, so that their world remains consistent while you're away from home. I love to send pictures of us having fun together! I'm quite skilled at capturing cute animal photos, and I enjoy giving pet parents that extra smile and reassurance while they're away. When I stay in your home, your animals will enjoy plenty of affection and regular grooming. I have experience with puppies/dogs from 12 weeks old to adulthood, dogs up to 160 pounds, elderly pets, terminal illness, mobility issues, special diets, oral/topical medications, incontinence/diapers, comfort measures after injury/surgery, mourning the loss of a pet, multi-dog/cat families, grooming/bathing, co-walking, and providing enrichment/playtime. I will maintain consistency with your verbal commands and leash training. Or if your dog is not leash trained yet, we will work on training their leash skills on our walks. I am also a Licensed Massage Therapist for humans. This means I am familiar with the anatomy of your animals, I understand their body language, and my snuggles are more like mini massages. I give basic, gentle, soothing animal massage intended to enrich the mental/emotional state, quality of life, and physical comfort of your animal. I can also teach you how to massage your own animals in ways that feel good and nurturing for them, as an add-on service. This can be beneficial for grounding, reducing pain and distress, promoting skin & coat health, and bonding with your best bud. Many dogs are misunderstood as being unfriendly or aggressive, when really they're just anxious/triggered/stressed. I love working with dogs to build basic trust and confidence using positive reinforcement training techniques. This approach can provide a breakthrough for reactive behaviors, and help you communicate more effectively with your dog! THE MEET & GREET: I require a Meet & Greet for all new dog clients, before booking the first service. I start by connecting with your pet - reading their body language, signaling my safe body language, and letting them decide how they want to approach me. I am sensitive to verbal and non-verbal cues, and will use the verbal commands your animal knows. Often a yummy treat or a butt-rub will seal the deal on us becoming instant friends, but some dogs need more patience and time to build that trust - they need to feel safe and secure. This is why I love Meet & Greets! This gives me the opportunity to model your handling and communication approach, and gives them the opportunity to become comfortable with me in a setting that feels safe and familiar. Many animals find it stressful to meet new people for the first time without their owner present - so the Meet & Greet really sets us up for success. 💕