Gwendolyn C.
Lake Villa, IL
Services
Gwendolyn can host
Gwendolyn can care for
Availability
Last Updated: 7/9/2025 ***I live in a neighborhood off of Route 45 and Sterns School*** WALKS AND DROP-INS - Reoccurring bookings: Mon-Wed/Fri-Sun 11:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Thu 1:00-7:00 p.m. - One-time bookings: Can be outside of the above times if needed, but confirm with me first. ***A DISCOUNTED WALK RATE IS AVAILABLE DURING ALL BOARDING, HOUSE SITTING, AND DAYCARE BOOKINGS*** - 30 min walk per day = $10 (usually $20) - 15 min walk per day = $5 HOUSE SITTING: I am available to stay with your pet in your home any night and day of the week almost 24/7. I have a few re-occurring weekly dog walks so I would need to be gone for a few hours midday usually. BOARDING: Your dog can stay overnight at my house any day of the week, provided that they are a small breed, well-behaved, and okay with large dogs.* DAYCARE: Your dog can stay at my house any day of the week provided that they are a small breed, well-behaved, and okay with large dogs.* - Re-occurring bookings: preferred drop off is 9 a.m. or later, pick up anytime is fine - One-time bookings: drop off can be earlier than 9 a.m. if needed, just confirm with me first, pick up anytime is fine --- *My greyhound is 9 y.o., 70 lb. and my great dane is 4 y.o., 140 lb. My great dane LOVES small, well-behaved dogs, but still struggles a bit with medium/large dogs. I am working to resolve this and will be able to accommodate those sizes for boarding/daycare in the future! ^If I house sit for you and you have a medium/large dog that cannot be left alone or does not like other dogs, I can still bring them to my house and crate my dogs in the other room!
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
About Gwendolyn C.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I will always uphold any rules/training style you have for me and your dog no matter what service I am providing. I am receptive to feedback and will always keep you informed about how my time is going with your dog and will always ask questions in order to take the best care of your dog. HOUSE SITTING: I am okay with multidog homes. I will leave your house the way you had it when you leave and I can get your mail/packages/put your trash cans out and back in as well. I can take care of other animals you have as well while you are gone. BOARDING/DAYCARE: Safety and peace of mind is of utmost importance for me. Since I have 2 large dogs already, I can only take one dog at a time. (Caveats: If an emergency, I could take a second dog; if you have two well-behaved small dogs, that might be okay too - just ask me). The greyhound is very chill and is great with any well-behaved dog. The great dane is fine with well-behaved small dogs. I will always take it slow on leash when introducing the dogs to each other and then they will always be supervised when together. Only other pets I have are fish. I have no kids. I keep the house very clean and doors to rooms/bathrooms closed so no way of getting in to things they shouldn't! I have a decently sized fenced backyard. There is a few feet of the fence that is higher off the ground so if I can keep small dogs on leash when they go out. I can also take them out by themself if necessary. I live in a 4 bedroom house with a basement so plenty of room in case the dogs need a break from each other or need to play separately from each other. Additionally, the great dane is extremely well crate trained and has an upstairs and downstairs crate that can be utilized. If I had to leave for some reason while your dog is staying at my house (which I rarely do, all dogs would be separated (by crate or being in a different room). You can bring their crate and/or I have an extra crate as well. All dogs can sleep in the bedroom but not on the bed!
Home
Information Gwendolyn C. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your dogs has any: - triggers (i.e. doesn't like ears touched, likes personal space) - behaviors to watch out for (i.e. likes to jump over/onto fences, has reactivity to dogs when on walks) - allergies - medical conditions/medications Please provide info for: - their meals/supplements/bathroom schedules - name/phone number/address of your preferred Vet Office/ER Vet (just in case!)
A typical day
I know that dogs need mental and physical activity as well as affection! I will always give your dog the right amount of all three every day they are in my care. My 2 big boys usually hang out and nap most of the day and then play for 20 minutes before dinner. But, if your dog has a lot of energy there is plenty of room in my house that I can leave my lazy dogs and go play with your dog! The great thing about my schedule and my bigger house is that I can cater to your dog! Possible Activities Available: - Neighborhood/nearby forest preserve walks - Playtime in my large carpeted basement - Playtime in my fenced backyard - Playtime with enrichment toys - Training upkeep sessions - Supervise me while I do house work - Naps inside on a dog bed/couch or outside on a daybed - Nail trimming/brushing/bath time/brush teeth
Location
Lake Villa, IL
Pets
Gwendolyn C. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Caring. Consistent. Respectful.
Pet care experience
I got my first dog (fox terrier) at 10 and was primarily responsible for his needs until I went to college. He lived to be 11 and I loved those 10 years with him so much. During high school and college until COVID started, I pet sit several dogs and a few cats. Then I adopted a retired racing greyhound when COVID started and adopted a rescue great dane in fall 2023. I would describe myself as consistent, adaptable, respectful, confident, observant, and caring. I am very understanding to the fact that every dog has different needs and that every owner has their own rules/training styles. I am an experienced dog handler. When I adopted the rescue great dane, he was completely untrained with very dangerous and challenging behaviors. I worked with 3 different trainers, took him to a group obedience class, and researched as much as I could to train him to be the good dog I knew he could be. After almost a year of rigorous training, he has been able to become an amazing well behaved dog. I am completely open to taking care of any breed, size, age, and personality. I will not shy away from or turn down taking care of the "difficult" dogs, or puppies, or senior dogs with many medical requirements. All dogs are great and deserve great care while their human is away!
Cat care experience
Gwendolyn also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Gwen was incredibly attentive, kind, and clearly experienced. Communication was excellent from start to finish. I received regular updates, photos, and messages that gave me total peace of mind. My dog was happy, well cared for, and comfortable the entire time. I would absolutely trust her again and highly recommend Gwen to anyone looking for a reliable and caring dog sitter.
We can’t say enough great things about Gwen! She took amazing care of our dog, Chevy, while we were away for our wedding. She went above and beyond to make sure he was happy, well-exercised, and loved while we were gone. It was such a relief knowing he was in such great hands during such an important time for us. We came home to a very content pup and a spotless house — she left everything cleaner than we did! We’re so grateful for her care and will absolutely book her again. Highly recommend Gwen to anyone looking for a trustworthy, dependable, and genuinely kind sitter.
Gwendolyn C. cancelled a booking after the stay began.
We cannot say enough wonderful things about Gwen! We have a Great Dane who isn’t dog-friendly with other dogs, and finding someone who understands her needs was a huge priority for us. Gwen has been absolutely incredible! She’s knowledgeable, patient, and so caring. Having a Great Dane herself, she really understands the breed and all of their unique quirks. Her communication is excellent, she always keeps us updated, and gives us peace of mind whenever we’re away. Luna adores her, and we feel 100% confident knowing she’s in such capable and loving hands. We truly wouldn’t trust anyone else with Luna. Gwen is simply the best! 🩷
About Gwendolyn C.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I will always uphold any rules/training style you have for me and your dog no matter what service I am providing. I am receptive to feedback and will always keep you informed about how my time is going with your dog and will always ask questions in order to take the best care of your dog. HOUSE SITTING: I am okay with multidog homes. I will leave your house the way you had it when you leave and I can get your mail/packages/put your trash cans out and back in as well. I can take care of other animals you have as well while you are gone. BOARDING/DAYCARE: Safety and peace of mind is of utmost importance for me. Since I have 2 large dogs already, I can only take one dog at a time. (Caveats: If an emergency, I could take a second dog; if you have two well-behaved small dogs, that might be okay too - just ask me). The greyhound is very chill and is great with any well-behaved dog. The great dane is fine with well-behaved small dogs. I will always take it slow on leash when introducing the dogs to each other and then they will always be supervised when together. Only other pets I have are fish. I have no kids. I keep the house very clean and doors to rooms/bathrooms closed so no way of getting in to things they shouldn't! I have a decently sized fenced backyard. There is a few feet of the fence that is higher off the ground so if I can keep small dogs on leash when they go out. I can also take them out by themself if necessary. I live in a 4 bedroom house with a basement so plenty of room in case the dogs need a break from each other or need to play separately from each other. Additionally, the great dane is extremely well crate trained and has an upstairs and downstairs crate that can be utilized. If I had to leave for some reason while your dog is staying at my house (which I rarely do, all dogs would be separated (by crate or being in a different room). You can bring their crate and/or I have an extra crate as well. All dogs can sleep in the bedroom but not on the bed!
Home
Information Gwendolyn C. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your dogs has any: - triggers (i.e. doesn't like ears touched, likes personal space) - behaviors to watch out for (i.e. likes to jump over/onto fences, has reactivity to dogs when on walks) - allergies - medical conditions/medications Please provide info for: - their meals/supplements/bathroom schedules - name/phone number/address of your preferred Vet Office/ER Vet (just in case!)
A typical day
I know that dogs need mental and physical activity as well as affection! I will always give your dog the right amount of all three every day they are in my care. My 2 big boys usually hang out and nap most of the day and then play for 20 minutes before dinner. But, if your dog has a lot of energy there is plenty of room in my house that I can leave my lazy dogs and go play with your dog! The great thing about my schedule and my bigger house is that I can cater to your dog! Possible Activities Available: - Neighborhood/nearby forest preserve walks - Playtime in my large carpeted basement - Playtime in my fenced backyard - Playtime with enrichment toys - Training upkeep sessions - Supervise me while I do house work - Naps inside on a dog bed/couch or outside on a daybed - Nail trimming/brushing/bath time/brush teeth
Gwendolyn C.
Lake Villa, IL