Donna S.
Green Lake, WA
Experienced, Caring Temp 'Dog Mom'
Pet care experience
Adopting a rescue pup (Boxer/Rhodesian Ridgeback/Pit mix) in 2002 changed my life. Unlike the English Springer Spaniel I had growing up, Bouncer had boundless energy and an over-whelming drive to be Top Dog in *every* environment. Training -- first with experts and then on my own, day after day after day(!) -- exercising, socializing, managing his tummy, skin, joint, etc. issues with special foods and supplements, and -- in his last years -- addressing his 'senior' needs taught me tons. Friends often called me 'the Best Dog Mom' for that care, love and attention, and many asked me (or referred me) to dog- (and cat-) sit, too (in their houses and mine). With his passing in April 2018, I'm turning all of that expertise to dogs (or cats) like yours (hopefully!), who thrive with a caring, calm, firm thoughtful and attentive manner. (Plus, I bring even more expertise gained as a volunteer trainer/respite caregiver with Summit Assistance Dogs*; see below for more info.) I've worked with and around dogs of every size and temperament (and a few friendly cats). (I’m fully vaxed for Covid-19.) PLEASE NOTE: -- To work around some Rover calendar issues, I have set my capacity to 1 pet; I am open to boarding or house-sitting for 2. -- I live in a duplex; if your dog(s) whine excessively/loudly or bark when left alone, we may not be a great match. I'm an affectionate petter (if they like that kinda thing), good exerciser, playful pal, and consistent 'trainer'. I don't spoil dogs 'rotten'; I do my best to help them feel calm, engaged and well-cared-for during those times their humans need to be elsewhere. Questions? Feel free to ask! * Summit Assistance Dogs is a fantastic non-profit organization that trains dogs for people with disabilities, leveraging positive reinforcement to maximize each dog's potential to serve clients well and broaden their worlds. When I'm caring and training for these service dogs, they have my undivided attention (just as yours will when I'm with them) so my calendar will be booked accordingly.
Reviews
As always, Donna was absolutely incredible with our pup. Amazingly attentive, super intuitive, and highly communicative. She’s incredible, and we are at the point of starting to book our vacations around her availability because we HAVE to have her as our dog sitter. She treats our pups as her own, and does such an awesome job taking after them. We can’t thank her enough for the peace of mind she provides us while we go on vacation. Thank you (again) Donna!
Donna is incredible! She is so attentive and wonderful with our pup, does an amazing job communicating and putting us at ease while we are gone, and we get so many pictures (which we absolutely love). She’s the best, and we will be immediately re-booking her for our next vacation. Thanks, Donna! You rock!
Donna is always so great with Mac! She is very communicative and listens to all requests. Even though Mac is an anxious pup, I always know he’s in good hands at Donna’s. Thank you!
Donna was an amazing dog sitter! Thoughtful, communicative, caring, and responsive. I appreciated the meet and greet to get to know Wiley before she sat for him and her careful assessment of how he was doing throughout. And he SO loved being so close to all the smells at Green Lake!
About Donna S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I live in a townhouse with a nice little back patio for ‘sunning’ and a small attached yard for potty breaks. I do my best to treat each pet based on their human’s guidance: on/off furniture, commands, cuddling, food/treats, leashed walks, etc.
Home
Information Donna S. would like to know about your pet
Things I'd like to know about dogs: What's your pet's routine? Does your dog sleep through the night? What are the commands your dog knows? Is there anything you want me to reinforce with your dog? Do you crate or allow free roaming when you're gone? What is your departure routine? Does your dog bark or whine when you're away? How long do you leave them alone, when necessary? What's your dog's energy level? Food issues or allergies? Behavior issues with people or dogs (or anything else)? Does your dog have separation anxiety episodes? Eat socks or small objects? Do you ever let your dog off-leash and, if so, under what conditions? (I will follow your preferences strictly.) Cats: Schedule for feeding and playtime Favorite activities Things your cat simply does not like
A typical day
I live a half-block from Green Lake, which offers a host of options for walks, squirrel-chasing and smells. (I don't run, but I do power-walk.) I also go to Woodland Park and Magnolia Park pretty regularly and add Magnuson in the mix as well. I'm happy to take your dog along for outings, errands, or wherever I go where they're allowed, too. For dogs with a bit more 'chill,' when the weather's nice, there's also sitting on the back patio, enjoying some sun or shade. We can hang on the couch and take walks.
Services
Donna can host
Donna can watch in your home
Availability
My schedule is a bit variable, as I work at various locations: sometimes from home and am at the University of Washington Wed-Fri. I have less flexibility on UW days, but can sometimes arrange to work from home part of the day (versus being gone 8+ hours). This is highly dependent on various work priorities AND your pet's needs, so let's connect and chat about details. (I won't book with you if I don't think it can work out well for your pet.) I try to follow your schedule and routines with pets.
About Donna S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I live in a townhouse with a nice little back patio for ‘sunning’ and a small attached yard for potty breaks. I do my best to treat each pet based on their human’s guidance: on/off furniture, commands, cuddling, food/treats, leashed walks, etc.
Home
Information Donna S. would like to know about your pet
Things I'd like to know about dogs: What's your pet's routine? Does your dog sleep through the night? What are the commands your dog knows? Is there anything you want me to reinforce with your dog? Do you crate or allow free roaming when you're gone? What is your departure routine? Does your dog bark or whine when you're away? How long do you leave them alone, when necessary? What's your dog's energy level? Food issues or allergies? Behavior issues with people or dogs (or anything else)? Does your dog have separation anxiety episodes? Eat socks or small objects? Do you ever let your dog off-leash and, if so, under what conditions? (I will follow your preferences strictly.) Cats: Schedule for feeding and playtime Favorite activities Things your cat simply does not like
A typical day
I live a half-block from Green Lake, which offers a host of options for walks, squirrel-chasing and smells. (I don't run, but I do power-walk.) I also go to Woodland Park and Magnolia Park pretty regularly and add Magnuson in the mix as well. I'm happy to take your dog along for outings, errands, or wherever I go where they're allowed, too. For dogs with a bit more 'chill,' when the weather's nice, there's also sitting on the back patio, enjoying some sun or shade. We can hang on the couch and take walks.
Location
Seattle, WA
Donna S.
Green Lake, WA