Debbie G.
Inwood, NY
It’s All About the Pets!
Pet care experience
I’m a lifelong dog owner, writer, and real estate agent. I work from home part of the time, so I have a flexible schedule. I’ll give compassionate, patient, and dedicated care to your dog — along with an abundance of fun! I have always had pets, since my childhood in a sprawling Victorian home in Philadelphia. We raised Boxers and had usually about 8 dogs on hand, not to mention 12 cats. I adore being around animals of all stripes and also have my own little guy, Poco — I find he provides great company for doggy guests while also benefitting from their presence. He has even been known to teach one puppy how to use a wee wee pad… so here we are, ready and waiting for clients whenever they need us! We raised boxers when I was a kid; our last one passed away when I was 17. We always had dogs in the house — schnauzers after the boxer period — and I was always expected to take responsibility. I actually watched my childhood dog, a girl boxer named Rikka, being born! That is not something everyone gets to see. I have also volunteered at the ASPCA here and have fostered a handful of dogs prior to their finding forever homes. In addition to my background in journalism and the arts, I also do some work in animal rescue and alleviating food waste. I have done some pet training — I lived in Italy years ago and assisted a master trainer of Neapolitan Mastiffs outside Florence — and I am pretty good still at getting dogs to do the basics. I know it sounds silly, but what makes me happiest is a happy dog. I believe they all can smile! Prior to my real estate career, I was an art/design journalist and wrote for publications like The Times and the New York Observer. I love looking at art and great design, whether interior or objects and housewares. Please note: I know you adore your pet but my one exclusion in my home is non-neutered male dogs. Poco, my baby, gets along with everybody but non-neutered males have shown aggression towards him in the past and I want every dog here to have fun with my dog and keep an all around safe environment to do so!!! Thanks. Pls contact me with questions.
Reviews
Debbie was amazing! You can instantly feel how much she loves dogs, and what good care your pup is under. She gave frequent updates, along with photos and videos. This was the first time my 10-month old pup, Scout, was away from mom and dad for longer than a few hours, but I always felt comfortable knowing Scout was with her. Definitely will use her again!
Debbie is the greatest when it comes to dog sitting. She sends me pictures and updates about how my Napoleon is doing. Also she has gone to bat for me and helped me out with last minute requests. I can’t recommend Debbie more highly. My dog, Napoleon, loves staying with Debbie. But beware your pet may not want to go home after the TLC they get from a visit with Debbie and Poco!
Debbie was fantastic from the very moment I contacted her for Mya’s boarding. She was responsive, accomodating and comforting; all equally important to soothe the anxiety of being a first time boarding client. I’d highly recommend Debbie to anyone looking for a safe and loving home for their fur babies’ boarding needs. Mya will certainly be back! Thank you Debbie & Poco for providing Mya with a home away from home. <3
We have left our Chihuahua/terrier mix Muffin with Debbie on multiple occasions, and she has been wonderful every single time. Debbie (and Poco!) always make Muffin feel welcome and loved when she arrives. And Muffin is always excited when she realizes where she is going. During the stay, we receive regular updates letting us know how our pup is doing. You can tell how much Debbie cares about your furry friend. We live in the area, and when we run into each other out in the world, Debbie always checks in to see how Muffin is doing. We can't recommend Debbie highly enough!
About Debbie G.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Very dog friendly building and home where pets can make themselves at home - bed and furniture and toys provided in abundance for them here.
Home
Information Debbie G. would like to know about your pet
In our meet and greet, I may be more focused on your pet than I am on you — most people like that! I’ll want to know all about your dog’s likes and dislikes, favorite activities, and any special instructions. I’ll be available for conversation and questions throughout the stay. I have a roommate, Glen, who has had lifelong experience with pets growing up in the Midwest. He may not directly care for guests, but he always has his eye on them if for some reason I am out for a couple of hours. He's very sweet — an attorney who works from home, and understands animals.
A typical day
Dogs who stay here get a lot of attention. We have a lovely, tree-filled neighborhood for walks and two parks nearby, one in Inwood that has a great dog run (with owner permission) — otherwise it also has wonderful woodland trails. I don't have a backyard but my living room becomes the doggy playroom when there are guests here. I have three toy bins in my apartment and dogs are welcome to dig in them (and do) to find a toy they like. I have both rawhide and rawhide substitute toys and will give the dog one a day as a treat — again, if the owner allows. Poco is playful (but not too much so) and he is good at adjusting to the energy of other dogs, whether it's way up or very laid back. He does like to play tug of war with one of his toys— we call it the Santa toy because it is, actually, a kind of floppy santa that lends itself well to tugging! So there is playtime, meal time (I feed dogs in separate parts of the apartment to avoid guarding and "discussions" between the animals about whose food is whose), and lounge time. I love sitting on our couch or the floor or my bed with dogs all around me! Nothing in the world makes me feel better.
Services
Debbie can host
Debbie can watch in your home
Availability
I sell real estate but am usually doing paperwork from Home. I have a very dog-friendly and knowledgeable roommate and all guests adore him completely!
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About Debbie G.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Very dog friendly building and home where pets can make themselves at home - bed and furniture and toys provided in abundance for them here.
Home
Information Debbie G. would like to know about your pet
In our meet and greet, I may be more focused on your pet than I am on you — most people like that! I’ll want to know all about your dog’s likes and dislikes, favorite activities, and any special instructions. I’ll be available for conversation and questions throughout the stay. I have a roommate, Glen, who has had lifelong experience with pets growing up in the Midwest. He may not directly care for guests, but he always has his eye on them if for some reason I am out for a couple of hours. He's very sweet — an attorney who works from home, and understands animals.
A typical day
Dogs who stay here get a lot of attention. We have a lovely, tree-filled neighborhood for walks and two parks nearby, one in Inwood that has a great dog run (with owner permission) — otherwise it also has wonderful woodland trails. I don't have a backyard but my living room becomes the doggy playroom when there are guests here. I have three toy bins in my apartment and dogs are welcome to dig in them (and do) to find a toy they like. I have both rawhide and rawhide substitute toys and will give the dog one a day as a treat — again, if the owner allows. Poco is playful (but not too much so) and he is good at adjusting to the energy of other dogs, whether it's way up or very laid back. He does like to play tug of war with one of his toys— we call it the Santa toy because it is, actually, a kind of floppy santa that lends itself well to tugging! So there is playtime, meal time (I feed dogs in separate parts of the apartment to avoid guarding and "discussions" between the animals about whose food is whose), and lounge time. I love sitting on our couch or the floor or my bed with dogs all around me! Nothing in the world makes me feel better.
Location
Bronx between Inwood and Riverdale, NY
Pets
Debbie G.
Inwood, NY