Grace V.
Grace V.
Contact Grace V.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Experienced Dog Trainer & Owner
I have been working with, owning, and training dogs of all shapes and sizes for over 15 years. I’ve trained many dogs over the last 10 years and helped owners overcome a variety of issues they’ve encountered along the journey of ownership. Ever since I was little, I have loved animals, especially dogs! I believe that every dog is an individual, with their own personalities, likes, dislikes, and needs. I understand the importance of caring for each dog differently, and giving them what they need to feel loved. As a trainer, my philosophy is love and positive reinforcement only. I do not believe in dominance, aggression, or negative reinforcement in any way. I will work with your dog, even while sitting or walking, to help them grow and unlearn bad habits and learn new ones! Every dog deserves love and attention no matter what, and your dog will always feel special while in my care.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Grace was wonderful! She provided regular updates throughout my pet's stay and took great care of my dog.
Grace has taken care of both my special needs dogs Nellie and Trip more times than I can count. They are large rescues with disabilities and need a lot of extra care. Grace has always gone above and beyond to make sure my pups are happy and comfortable. She isn't in this for the money, she truly loves dogs and loves being around them. She has a deep connection with them that is evident in their behavior when she is around. They literally jump up and down the second they see her and hear her voice! Grace has an amazing level of patience with my difficult dogs. They went from crazy and untamed to sweet, well-behaved boys. She did in a few hours what I couldn't do in 2 years! If you're looking for a trainer or sitter or someone to spend time with your dogs, know that Grace will give them constant attention and love. Again, she truly enjoys and loves being around dogs. Dogs are her purpose in life. She is the only person I will always trust 100% with my special needs dogs. I know they are in good hands and never have to worry about them when I'm away.
Grace is someone you definitely want watching your animals. Why do I say this? She is one of the most loving and empathetic individuals you will meet when it comes to caring for animals. She will keep you informed as to how your animal is doing while you are away with videos and/or pictures to reassure you of their wellbeing. While your animal is with Grace, you can rest assured that they are in a safe, happy environment. I would trust Grace, one hundred percent.
Grace has done extensive work caring with dogs at a doggy daycare and she has personally cared for my dog and done an amazing job. She is communicative, reliable, and trustworthy. Your furry friend will love her.
Grace has always had a natural connection with pets and is patient, gentle, and attentive to their individual needs. She is dependable when it comes to feeding, walking, administering routine care, and making sure animals feel safe and loved. Grace genuinely enjoys spending time with them, and they seem to respond well to her calm and caring nature. I would confidently trust her to care for my own pets. I recommend her to anyone looking for someone who will treat their animals with kindness, respect, and genuine affection.
Grace loves animals and has cared for many dogs. She does a great job taking care of dogs and pets a very conscientious and dependable.
Calendar and availability
Schedule
My schedule is currently open, so I’ll be spending 100% of my time with your pups! As of right now, my home is open for boarding to any dog that needs to be cared for overnight or during the day. I am also available to stay at your home and babysit overnight, and am happy to watch more than one dog at a time if necessary. If you have a dog and cat at home that need sitting, that is fine as well. I am okay with having multiple dogs in my home as long as they are well-socialized and can handle being around other dogs. All bookings will be discussed in advance with the owners to determine each individual dog’s needs prior to arrival. Each pups temperament will be assessed and careful attention will be paid to the safety and well-being of every dog that stays in my home. I am open to drop-ins and walks at an owner’s home as my schedule permits, however, I do not currently own a car so the visits would have to be local. As noted in my bio, I have been a dog trainer and owner for over 15 years, and have experience with all types of dog breeds and temperaments. I understand how to communicate and handle dogs with poor temperaments and nasty habits. I do not believe in any type of negative reinforcement (i.e. yelling, hitting, shaming, isolating, dominating, crating as punishment, using choke or shock collars, and scaring a dog in any way to achieve training goals). If your pup is dog-aggressive (meaning he or she cannot be around other dogs at all), please let me know right away so I can make sure not to book any other dogs at the same time. If your dog is a puppy, let me know in advance as well, so I can make sure to book him or her alone or with dogs that are tolerant to puppy-behavior.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I just moved into my apartment in Hartford on West Boulevard, which is completely gated with all entrances requiring a specific code to enter the premises. There is a dog-walking area with waste bags and some grass for the dogs to use when going outside. The complex is surrounded by suburban neighborhoods with ample sidewalks and places to take a dog on long walks if necessary. I am new to the area so I’m hoping to eventually find a good location to play fetch with the dogs or allow them to run around off leash. Potty breaks can be taken whenever necessary as the exit to my apartment is right down the hall and out the door. My apartment is a newly renovated, 1-bedroom apartment and is kept extremely clean at all times. I have no problem cleaning up after a dog if he or she makes a mess or has an accident, but please let me know if this will be a problem in advance and we will discuss how to handle it. If the accidents are often, I may request a small fee for regular or repeated cleanups, as they can cost money if real damage is done. Destructive chewers should come with something reliable to chew on and keep them busy. If your dog has separation anxiety, please let me know before booking so I can make the necessary accommodations. If your dog has any specific quirks or habits that are need to know, please be sure to inform me prior to booking so I can take care of your baby’s needs. Please bring anything that your dog would usually need on a daily basis, including toys, leashes, harnesses, waste bags, blankets, treats, and even a bed or crate if necessary. Your dog will be taken care of as if it were my own, I understand that your dog is like your child and is therefore a member of your family. As a dog-mom, I know how scary it can be to leave your baby with a stranger. I promise to make your pup feel at home and welcome at all times, and will do everything I can to make your baby comfortable and feel loved throughout their visit. You will see photos of me and my dog Cloud in my profile who is now 6 but is with his dad in Hamden at this time. I rescued him from Georgia after his pregnant mother was abandoned on the side of the road, and raised him since he was 6 months old.