Profile image
Profile image

Laina W.

Bolingbrook, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
•39 reviews
Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
17PhotosView All

Solutions for anxiety/XL/medical

Pet care experience

Hi! I'm Laina and I specialize in caring for dogs that have separation anxiety, special medical needs, mobility, behavioral, or incontinence issues, disabilities, giant breed dogs (e.g. bloat and torsion prevention), and seniors, as well as puppies and healthy adult dogs. As my animal care business has grown, I have found that there are many families who have dogs with issues that make it difficult to find the right caregiver. I really enjoy working with my clients and guests to find solutions for their specialized needs. My husband Bill and I began to foster dogs for an animal rescue in 2012. We were drawn towards senior dogs and dogs that were medically fragile, and ended up adopting many of our foster dogs. This is how we gathered experience training and caring for dogs with problems like incontinence, chronic conditions or diseases, blindness, deafness, mobility issues, and behavioral issues. One of my most beloved dogs had no lower jaw and required help to eat. Because our "pack" required so much patience and care, there was a period of eight years in which my husband and I could not take a vacation together! Since we started caring for dogs through Rover, we have discovered that we were not unique in our situation. Many families have beloved pets that, for one reason or another, make it very difficult to find someone who can properly care for them and allow the family to have time off to travel, work, or have guests over. Since we began offering care, our little "side gig" has quickly grown to a busy small business. We have had the privilege of caring for all sorts of wonderful dogs and many of our clients have become dear friends! When we host your pet, you can be assured your dog will *not* be left alone in my home at any time. Our guests are supervised outside during yard playtimes, and the frequent potty breaks we provide. You can text, telephone, or video call us at any time to check in and say hi!

Reviews

Mike M.
House Sitting • Dec 10, 2023
Profile image
Profile image
Profile image
Profile image

We were so happy with Laina. She was so nice and did a wonderful job with all our dogs. She was so attentive to them. We loved receiving updates and pictures of our dogs too. Will definitely use Laina again in the future.

Sandra F.
House Sitting • Sep 06, 2023
Profile image
Profile image
Profile image
Profile image
Profile image

Laina was excellent, she took great care of my 5 dogs for a nine day vacation. My oldest dog has difficulty walking. Laina assisted him going outside, drinking and eating. We had frequent video calls, I could tell the dogs were very happy, well cared for and affectionate with Laina. Laina sent me pictures of my dogs every morning.

Andrius L.
Dog Boarding • Aug 20, 2023
Profile image

Laina borded my Rosie for just under two weeks. I was very anxious because Rosie had some last minute special needs, but Laina was more than willing to accommodate. Laina treated Rosie very well and provided daily updates with pictures which helped keep me at ease while being away. Even before the booking, Laina went the extra steps to make sure both Rosie and I would be comfortable with her boarding. This was a fabulous experience and I would definitely recommend Laina

Zilai W.
Dog Boarding • Jul 01, 2023
Profile image

Laina and her husband Bill are a great couple and true dog lovers! Highly recommend for anyone looking for pet day care or boarding. My Meatball GSD just spent 12 days with them and got all their care with full of joy. I got daily update by messages, photos and lots of videos. They even made special arrangement to let my dog gradually get to know their dogs and I am so glad that Meatball became friend with Bodhi. Again, Laina and Bill are very caring and responsible, I will for sure use their service again in the future. Thank you Laina and Bill!

About Laina W.

Communication

13 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

26 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

About me: I am a freelance artist, small business owner, and former high school/ college educator. I have a BA in Art and German, an MA in Education, and an MA in Accounting & Financial Management. My husband and I run a small design business from our home. My passions are serving others through art education and animal care. My hobbies include painting, sculpture, piano, dog obedience training, and Scuba diving. I have completed many training and obedience classes with my own dogs, and even obtained Canine Good Citizen certification with some of them. My husband Bill and I are in our forties and have been happily married for almost two decades. We have worked in public schools and colleges, non profits, and eventually own our own small businesses. We have both had dogs since we were children,and have been rescue volunteers and dog foster parents since 2012. We have a lifetime of experience with pets, and can provide references from our rescue organization.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Laina W. would like to know about your pet

I can provide any feeding and exercise schedule you prefer. Please let me know when to give your pet meals, what they eat, if they need medication, and if they are allowed to have treats. I will stick to their regular plan and schedule, while keeping them clean, exercised, entertained, and happy. If a dog requires a number of medications, I will often create a checklist using Google sheets to keep track of each dose during their stay with me. When I administer each dose, I check it off. This allows my clients to track their dog's medication in real time from wherever they are. During you dog's stay, I will send lots of updates and videos on the first day so you will feel comfortable about their activities. I will continue to send photos and will respond to all your texts and phone calls promptly. You are welcome to video call me at any time or chat with me to get an update. I will provide you with my mobile phone number and will text you with updates and photos as well as posting on the Rover app.

A typical day

During your dog's stay, I like to spend time outdoors on walks and playing in our back yard. We like to play fetch and have agility equipment. Some clients prefer that I walk their dogs several times a day, and others prefer their dogs to play only in my fully fenced yard. I have a large park and school less than a block from my house. I have a six foot wooden fence. Whenever my guests are outside in the back yard to play or relieve themselves, they will be supervised the entire time to ensure their safety, even if it's cold or rainy.

Services

Boarding
in the sitter's home
$50per night
House Sitting
in your home
$120per night

Laina can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Unspayed females accepted, neutered males only

Laina can watch in your home

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

The experience I have gained in caring for dogs has been informal and through fostering and adopting. I have had seven of my own rescue Great Danes, and had to learn to be aware of and watchful for the symptoms of bloat and torsion which is especially common in giant or deep chested breeds such as Mastiffs, Boxers, Weimaraners, and St. Bernards. I am careful with meal and play schedules, and can provide slow feeders and other accommodations. I have cared for both male and female dogs with incontinence issues and can keep them clean and healthy. I have firsthand experience caring for dogs with skin wounds, diabetes, dementia, megaesophagus, tracheal collapse, blindness, deafness, Cushings, Addison's disease, thrombocytopenia, arthritis, Wobblers, autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart and respiratory problems, hip dysplasia, and less serious conditions.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Calendar last updated 3 days ago
Laina can host up to 3 pets per night
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Laina W.

Communication

13 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

26 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

About me: I am a freelance artist, small business owner, and former high school/ college educator. I have a BA in Art and German, an MA in Education, and an MA in Accounting & Financial Management. My husband and I run a small design business from our home. My passions are serving others through art education and animal care. My hobbies include painting, sculpture, piano, dog obedience training, and Scuba diving. I have completed many training and obedience classes with my own dogs, and even obtained Canine Good Citizen certification with some of them. My husband Bill and I are in our forties and have been happily married for almost two decades. We have worked in public schools and colleges, non profits, and eventually own our own small businesses. We have both had dogs since we were children,and have been rescue volunteers and dog foster parents since 2012. We have a lifetime of experience with pets, and can provide references from our rescue organization.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Laina W. would like to know about your pet

I can provide any feeding and exercise schedule you prefer. Please let me know when to give your pet meals, what they eat, if they need medication, and if they are allowed to have treats. I will stick to their regular plan and schedule, while keeping them clean, exercised, entertained, and happy. If a dog requires a number of medications, I will often create a checklist using Google sheets to keep track of each dose during their stay with me. When I administer each dose, I check it off. This allows my clients to track their dog's medication in real time from wherever they are. During you dog's stay, I will send lots of updates and videos on the first day so you will feel comfortable about their activities. I will continue to send photos and will respond to all your texts and phone calls promptly. You are welcome to video call me at any time or chat with me to get an update. I will provide you with my mobile phone number and will text you with updates and photos as well as posting on the Rover app.

A typical day

During your dog's stay, I like to spend time outdoors on walks and playing in our back yard. We like to play fetch and have agility equipment. Some clients prefer that I walk their dogs several times a day, and others prefer their dogs to play only in my fully fenced yard. I have a large park and school less than a block from my house. I have a six foot wooden fence. Whenever my guests are outside in the back yard to play or relieve themselves, they will be supervised the entire time to ensure their safety, even if it's cold or rainy.

Location

Bolingbrook, IL

Laina W.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Rover Logo
All stays booked on Rover receive our Rover guarantee, 24/7 support, and our reservation protection.
Profile image
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Profile image
Verified Enhanced Background Check

Laina W.

Bolingbrook, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
•39 reviews