James S.
James S.
Contact for Boarding
from $80 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Your Dog's Private 1-Acre Retreat
Dogs have been part of my life since childhood, and I've spent decades caring for them through virtually every stage of life—from energetic puppies learning their first routines to senior dogs who need a slower pace, extra patience and a little more help getting through their day. Over the years, I've cared for dogs of different sizes, breeds, personalities and energy levels, including my own dogs and those of friends and family. I'm comfortable with puppies and the additional supervision, consistency and frequent potty breaks they require, as well as older dogs who may need shorter walks, more rest, mobility accommodations or simply a quieter environment. I also have experience caring for dogs with medical conditions and special needs, including following an owner's established care instructions and medication schedule. I understand that these dogs may require closer observation and that even small changes in behavior, appetite, mobility or energy can be important. I take that responsibility seriously and will always follow the care routine you provide for your dog. I've spent years working with my own dogs on basic obedience and good manners and have helped friends and family with their dogs as well. I'm comfortable reinforcing established commands and routines such as sit, stay, come, wait, leave it and polite household behavior. While I'm not a professional dog trainer, I'm patient and consistent and enjoy reinforcing the good habits owners are already teaching at home. I'm retired and home much of the time, which allows me to provide something that's difficult to replicate in a traditional boarding environment: time, attention and companionship. I intentionally keep my boarding low-volume so that the dogs staying with me receive individual attention rather than becoming one of many animals in a busy facility. And then there's the setting. The Happy Acre — Private Dog Retreat offers approximately one acre of private outdoor space where dogs can run, play and explore, along with a comfortable home environment where they can relax and be part of the household. My goal is simple: when you're away, I want your dog to receive the same kind of attentive, loving care I'd want someone to provide for my own dogs.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
James is a neighbor of mine. I have met him and his dogs in our yards on numerous occasions. His dogs are well behaved and are very well taken care of. James, and his dogs, have interacted with my dog on many occasions. My dog can be territorial and skittish but James' approach to her is very calm and reassuring. My dog has warmed up to James very quickly. And I trust that my dog has good taste in people's character! I would trust James to take care of my dog.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I'm retired and spend much of my time at home, so caring for dogs fits naturally into my daily routine. Unlike a sitter who may be away at work for eight or ten hours, I'm generally available throughout the day for outdoor play, potty breaks, feeding, companionship and individual attention. My schedule is flexible, allowing me to adapt to each dog's normal routine as much as possible. I also intentionally limit the number of dogs I accept so that every guest receives plenty of my time and attention.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
At The Happy Acre — Private Dog Retreat, my goal is to provide a safe, comfortable home-away-from-home where every dog receives individual attention and is treated as part of the household. My spacious backyard is fully enclosed by a secure 6-to-8-foot privacy fence, giving dogs plenty of room to run, sniff, explore and play safely. A doggie door provides direct access from the house to the backyard, so my furry guests can go outside for a potty break, stretch their legs or simply enjoy some fresh air whenever they choose. I'm home much of the time and stay nearby to supervise and join in the fun—because playing with dogs is genuinely one of the great joys in my life. I intentionally keep my boarding low-volume so I can closely supervise the dogs in my care and give each one plenty of personal attention. I prefer to meet new dogs beforehand whenever possible to make sure they're comfortable with me, my home and my own dogs before their first overnight stay. Every dog is different, so I follow each owner's instructions regarding feeding, medications, sleeping arrangements, exercise and established routines. I also pay close attention to changes in behavior, appetite, energy level and overall well-being throughout their stay. Nothing is more important to me than their safety, comfort and happiness while they're in my care. Whether your dog wants to spend the day running and playing outside, relaxing indoors, following me around the house or cuddling by my side, I want The Happy Acre to feel less like boarding and more like their own private country retreat. You can enjoy your time away knowing your furry family member is safe, loved, well cared for—and having a pretty wonderful vacation of their own.
Pets
A typical day
Every day at The Happy Acre is built around a balance of play, companionship and relaxation. My furry guests can start the morning with breakfast and some fresh air, then head through the doggie door whenever they'd like to sniff, explore, chase a ball or simply enjoy the spacious backyard. Throughout the day, there will be plenty of outdoor playtime, games, affection and one-on-one attention, along with time to relax inside when they're ready for a nap. I enjoy being outside and actively playing with the dogs rather than simply watching them from a distance. Depending on each dog's age, energy level and personality, activities can include fetch, exploring the yard, practicing familiar commands and basic manners, or simply spending time together. Of course, not every dog wants an action-packed vacation. Senior dogs and quieter guests are just as welcome to find a comfortable spot inside, curl up beside me and enjoy some extra affection. I want each dog's day to reflect what they enjoy most—whether that's running around the acre, playing with new friends or being perfectly content as my couch companion.
- 0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsSpayed and neutered dogs onlyNo females in heatTakes only 1 client at a timeJames can host up to 2 pets per night
- Before welcoming a new guest to The Happy Acre, I'd like to learn as much as possible about their personality, normal routine and individual needs. Please tell me about feeding schedules, medications or medical conditions, allergies, sleeping preferences, potty habits, favorite activities, commands they know and anything that may make them anxious or uncomfortable. It's also important for me to understand how your dog interacts with other dogs, including any history of aggression, resource guarding or difficulty sharing food, toys or attention. Since I have dogs of my own, compatibility and everyone's safety are extremely important. I'd also love to know the little things that make your dog happy—their favorite toy or treat, whether they're a champion ball chaser or dedicated couch cuddler, and any special routines that make them feel at home. The more I know about your dog, the more I can make their stay feel like a vacation designed just for them.