**COVID update: After a year of hunkering down, we're excited to start meeting new friends! Jason and I have received our first round of vaccines and anticipate having completed boosters and the 14-day waiting period by the end of May. Until then, I won't be inviting any owners inside our home, but we're happy to meet you somewhere outside, masked for those who are able, and socially distanced. Beginning June 1, assuming there are no untimely waits for our second shots, I'm happy to do in-home meetings though still request masking/social distancing until further notice. We'll also continue to meet folks and pups outside, should you prefer. Thanks so much for helping to keep everybody safe, comfortable, and happy!** As a kid, I always wanted to bring my dog along on family trips to our beach house, but Dad always said no. Now that I'm older (and paying for my own trips), I try to bring my dogs along as often as I can, but I know it isn't always practical, cost-effective, or even safe. So having a reliable, trusted, and FUN pet sitter is a must. I hope to be that person for you, and thanks so much for your consideration! About our life:My philosophy is that a tired puppy is not only a good puppy but a happy and satisfied puppy. So it's a rare (and usually, extraordinarily hot) day that my dogs aren't out and about with me on some kind of adventure, be it morning walks, nightly runs, exploring a new hiking trail, going to the beach, visiting the dog park, or even shopping or dining out. Even if it's so miserable outside we have to move the playtime indoors, nobody falls asleep at night out of boredom. If your pup is more of the hang-out-and-snuggle type, we can accommodate that, too! About my pups: Henry is a six year-old Alaskan Malamute and Kessler is a nine year-old miniature longhaired dachshund, so it goes without saying that we can accommodate pups of all shapes and sizes. Henry loves to play with anyone and anything. Kessler was born blind and she'll usually stick to the sidelines, but she gets along with everyone. They've lived all over, traveled all over, and as a result, they're very mellow and pretty much just roll with the punches. As a bonus, on weekdays we're regularly joined by a big, goofy, wonderful Bernese Mountain Dog for daycare. About our home: We live in the Glencarlyn neighborhood of Arlington in a small cul-de-sac with lots of dogs and dog-friendly neighbors. There's no backyard, just a fenced in patio area, but there's plenty of room to play inside. Our furniture is all dog-friendly (couches, chairs, and the king-sized bed), our floors are dog-friendly (hardwood, tile, and carpeted stairs), my car is dog-friendly (weather permitting, of course), and all of the stuff dogs can get into trouble with (trash cans, laundry hampers, houseplants, things on countertops both high and low, interesting-looking electrical cords, etc.) are absent, behind closed doors, or otherwise dog-proofed. My only house-based concern would be a larger dog that can't easily get up and down the stairs. Since my little one doesn't do stairs, I'm used to carrying her up and down as I move around the house, but my practical limit is probably about 50 lbs or so. About me: After several years as a nonprofit development professional, I recently made the decision to go back to school full-time and become a veterinarian! (I was a political science major, so there's a lot of catching up to do before grad school.) I grew up in the Kansas City area, but I've lived on both coasts and frequented the Gulf Coast, though I've never lived there. Dogs have always been an important part of my life, and I'm almost never without them - Kessler is even a frequent flier. I've worked in vet clinics and also for a professional boarding facility in addition to caring for my own pets and for those of friends and family, so I have a very well-rounded knowledge of what's required to keep a dog safe, healthy, and happy, and to give you peace of mind. I have two cameras and several social media accounts, all full of doggie photos, so you'll never want for an update, that's for sure. And regardless of what percentage that right sidebar reports, all guests receive multiple photos per visit. (Some people prefer them texted directly, that's all.) FYI: Repeat clients or repeat and new clients may overlap, pending consent from all of the owners involved. For everyone's safety and comfort, I will NEVER have more than one new pup in my home at a time. New clients should be aware that their pup may meet a couple of our regulars during their stay (but not necessarily during the meet-and-greet). Spayed females are preferred, but neutered males (if they're over 8mos of age) are a must! Any temperament is fine, but all guests must be reasonably cool with both very big AND very little dogs, not to mention males AND females (human and canine). Because I already have two plus a regular daycare guest, at least a modicum of leash manners is very much preferred. Advance, in-person meet-and-greets are required for all new guests. We'll do our best to accommodate last-minute requests, but for your pup's safety and ours, drop-off cannot be the first time we meet you. Sorry! Repeat guests are welcome to send requests anytime. My schedule changes from semester to semester (and I'm happy to provide more details to potential clients), but in general, between Jason and myself, the dogs will never be solo for more than a couple of hours. Last, but definitely not least, I don't require vaccination records for your pup to stay with us - I take your word for it - but please make sure everything is up to date for their safety and ours before your stay, especially rabies vaccines (since that's what the city cares about) and flea/tick treatments, since even the neighborhood trails go through some pretty heavily wooded areas. Thanks so much!