Note: As mentioned earlier, it is important that all dogs staying at the house have protection against fleas and ticks. Let me know about the specific needs of your pet including if they need more exercise, more bathroom breaks, are on medication as we as if they are reactive to other dogs, people or children. I have experience administering oral medication, eye drops and other topical medications. I have quite a lot of experience with raising rescue dogs who have been traumatized and I am quite fit making me able to control large dogs who are reactive. With the hundreds of hours I have spent at dog parks, I am also quite experienced with ending altercations between dogs when things start to get out of hand. Because I have two large dogs, who used to be a bit reactive, when I walk any of the dogs I care for, I am automatically hyper alert to my surroundings and especially specific or potential situations that may trigger the dog(s) I am walking. While it is impossible to remove all risk, I am very good at avoiding and preventing situations that might turn into an incident. Part of that is because I have a rule not to be gazing at my phone when dog walking. I feel it is important to not be distracted so as to see other dogs, people or other potential hazards in advance. Even if you are walking a very friendly dog, one must be alert to other dogs who are less friendly and not under the control of their owner. I am fine with taking pets in for weeks at a time. I do recommend that pet owners, during the lead up to their time away, bring their dogs to the house for an initial free Meet & Greet. If your dog is prone to separation anxiety, I recommend at minimum, a day or two of daycare with me and even an overnight or two, if their separation anxiety is extreme. I find many pets are completely comfortable if they have time to be familiar with their temporary home. As I have said, I will always do my best to make your pet feel comfortable, safe and at home when visiting my house.

The very first thing I do when I get up, while my coffee is brewing, is do a cleaning and doing a hot water rinse of all the dog bowls. There are several water bowls scattered around the house. Fresh water goes into in each of the dog bowls throughout the day. An early morning mini walk begins, for those who need to pee, at around 6am. Without fail, so far, all of my guests go back to bed as I drink my coffee and open my computer. An hour or two later, when they rise, we go for the first long poop walk. Usually the walk is 30 to 60 min depending on the weather and the activity level of the dogs staying with me. Because I work from home, I am home all day so your dog will spend minimal time, if any, alone time in the house. Walks or play breaks happen every 2–3 hours, sometimes adding up to 4-6 walks in a day. We visit the Queen Elizabeth Park off-leash area (or walk trails for my on-leash only guests) 1–3 times daily depending on weather and the energy levels of my guests. On rainy days, my large living space is perfect for indoor fetch—even for 100lb guests! My fenced yard is always available for tug-o-war, fetch or play time and rough housing with other dogs. I prioritize a calm "unwind" period in the evening, including a final short walk or, if weather is uncooperative, a backyard bathroom break. You will always receive a detailed "pupdate" regarding their activity, mood, and any health observations I’ve noted.