I love being actively engaged and outdoors with dogs of all kinds all year long! I am a homeowner in the Deering Highlands neighborhood in Portland and I rent out my home on Airbnb frequently, so its not the best time for me to own my own dog. I've had to get my fur time in by dog-sitting instead of having a proper pup of my own! I have my own consulting practice working with youth development organizations, which provides a flexible remote work schedule enabling me to sit for many a dog in the last several years for weeks at a time. While I'm at home with your beloved fur baby, I will take care of both your dog(s) and your home as if they were mine, and I understand the vulnerability of leaving both of these prized possessions in the hands of someone you don't know well! When I am with your pet, it is important to me to get myself and them out and about in the beautiful spots we have to take advantage of in and around Portland. If your pet is able to, I will commit to off-leash experiences as often as possible, either at a park, beach, trail, or woods in your area. Among my favorite spots are Willard, Kettle Cove, Quarry Run, Baxter, Mackworth, Wolf's Neck, Back cove of course, and I'm also happy to stick to your pup's routine local route if that is better for him/her! I am confident with young, social pups as well as aging seniors who need a bit more "me time". I have dispensed meds to dogs, taken them on long hikes, and even helped them resolve neighborhood scuffles. :-) I'm super comfortable relating with other dogs/dog owners when out and about, and careful and alert when we approach kids and petless passers-by. I am up for dog-sitting stints as brief as 3 days or as long as a few weeks.