4.8

Safety, trust, and thoughtful management matter a lot in my home and in the way I care for dogs. I have a fenced backyard, my own dogs, and a setup built around keeping dogs safe, comfortable, and well managed. My family also have our own dogs, including Belgian Malinois and a Border Collie. Because every dog is different, I do not automatically allow dogs to mix or play together, especially when I am meeting a dog for the first time. Unless dogs come in together as part of the same family, they are typically kept separate from other client dogs and from my personal dogs for safety reasons. My goal is to avoid unnecessary risk and give each dog a calm, well-managed stay. If an owner strongly wants their dog to have playtime with another dog, that would only happen carefully, with a dog I know well, that I believe is an appropriate match, and with close supervision at all times. Safety comes first. I would rather be cautious than make a preventable mistake and have to tell an owner their dog was injured. Dogs are also fed separately in a secure, peaceful environment so they can eat and rest without pressure, competition, or stress. I keep numbers limited and generally do not take more than five dogs at a time, and there are times when there are no visiting dogs at all besides my own. Depending on the timing, some dogs may have a very quiet stay with plenty of space and individual attention. Dogs are allowed on furniture in my home, but I respect the owner’s rules. If your dog is not allowed on furniture at home and you want that maintained during their stay, I will honor that. I believe consistency matters. For drop-in visits, care is provided in the client’s home and can include feeding, fresh water, medication, potty breaks, playtime, cleanup of any messes made during the visit, bringing in mail, and watering plants. Waste pickup from that day’s visit is included, and extra yard cleanup can be added for an additional fee if needed. Structured walks may also be available. Because of my training background, walks and drop-ins can offer more than basic supervision when appropriate, with added structure and useful handling built into the visit.

A typical day is built around the individual dog in front of me. Some dogs need a calm, easygoing day. Some need more structure, movement, and mental stimulation. My goal is to make sure dogs in my care are not just being watched, but are having a stay that feels safe, engaging, and well managed. Depending on the dog, that may include outdoor time, structured walks, play, exploring new smells, mental engagement, routine, and being part of daily life with me. I enjoy giving dogs healthy physical and mental outlets in ways that make sense for them. If I am out and it is a good fit for that dog, they may come along and be part of the day rather than just sitting and waiting for time to pass. I do not allow random group play. Unless dogs come in together as part of the same family or I know it is a safe and appropriate match, dogs are kept separate from other dogs for play. I would rather be thoughtful and cautious than create a preventable problem.