I’ve been welcoming other people’s dogs into my home for more than 20 years. It started because I knew firsthand how hard it was to leave my own dog when I traveled. I wanted there to be another option for people like me—people who couldn’t imagine leaving their dog in a kennel but also weren’t comfortable having someone stay in their home. What began as something I offered to friends became something I genuinely love doing. There’s something very special about watching a dog arrive in an unfamiliar place, helping them settle in and trust me, and eventually seeing them stretched out on the couch or curled up beside me as though they’ve always lived here. I still miss them when they go home. I board dogs from only one family at a time because I want their stay to feel less like boarding and more like their own vacation. While they’re here, they live with me as part of my household. I work from home and structure my days around them, so they have plenty of companionship and frequent access to my fully fenced yard. I’ve cared for dogs of all sizes, from very small dogs to dogs over 100 lbs, as well as puppies and seniors. They’re welcome on my furniture and, if they sleep with their people at home, they’re welcome to sleep with me. I don’t routinely crate dogs, but I’ll maintain a dog’s crate routine if that’s what they’re accustomed to at home. I require a Meet & Greet before accepting a new dog because I want your dog to be comfortable with me, my home and my dog—and I want you to feel completely comfortable leaving them with me. After more than 20 years, the reason I do this hasn’t changed. I want you to be able to enjoy your time away knowing your dog is enjoying theirs, too—living in a home, getting affection and companionship, and being cared for by someone who understands just how much they mean to you.