5.0

I recently graduated with my MBA and, while I figure out what comes next professionally, I’m currently home full time. That means I’m able to spend plenty of time with my dogs and any dogs staying with me rather than being gone at work all day. I’ve always had dogs in my life, starting when I was a child, and I truly cannot imagine my life without them. Everyone knows that person who walks into a room and says hello to the dogs before the people. That’s me. I’m absolutely that person. I currently have four dogs of my own, so dogs are a pretty big part of everyday life in our house. I have a Pomeranian, a Husky mix, and two Chocolate Labs. My dogs love other dogs, and having dogs ranging from a little Pom to large, energetic dogs has given me plenty of experience with different sizes, personalities, energy levels, and needs. My Pom is 17 now and has definitely earned the right to take life at his own pace. These days, that often means being carried around by me rather than walking everywhere himself. He also has his own smaller fenced area within our large fenced yard so he can enjoy being outside without having to deal with the bouncing energy of the bigger dogs. If a visiting dog needs a little more peace and quiet outside, they are welcome to share his area too. Not every dog wants to be in the middle of the action all the time, and that’s perfectly fine here. For the dogs who DO want to be in the middle of the action, there is plenty of room in our large fenced yard to run, play, explore, or just hang out. And if your dog needs daily walks, I’m your girl! Mine insist on them, so walking is already part of my everyday routine. My Pom makes it about half a mile, my Husky gets around 2.5 miles, and my two Chocolate Labs need at least 3 miles. I walk all four separately, so everyone gets individual time and a walk that actually fits their needs. Adding another walk or two for a visiting dog is no problem, whether they need a long walk to burn off some energy or a short leisurely one to sniff everything along the way. Your dog will fit right in. Inside, there are dog beds and blankets throughout the house, although our dogs are also welcome to sleep with us. Basically, they sleep wherever they decide they are most comfortable. I want a dog staying with us to feel comfortable too, so I’m happy to follow what they are accustomed to at home as much as possible. I also take mealtimes seriously. Our Husky and Pomeranian eat separately, while our two Labs are comfortable eating together. Visiting dogs are typically fed separately from our dogs so everyone can relax and enjoy their meal without competition or unnecessary stress. Depending on the dog, that may be as simple as eating across the room or having a baby gate between them. I adjust based on the individual dogs involved because their comfort and safety matter more than having one rule that every dog has to follow. Some people might say my dogs are spoiled rotten. I prefer to say they are extremely well loved, and that is exactly how I treat the dogs who stay with me. I’m comfortable caring for dogs with all kinds of personalities and needs, from seniors who prefer a quieter pace to younger dogs with energy to spare. I’m also comfortable administering medications and caring for dogs who may need a little extra attention. Whether your dog is staying for daycare or boarding, I know how important it is to feel confident about the person caring for them. When a dog stays with me, they aren’t treated like a guest I’m watching. They’re treated like part of the family until their family comes back to get them.