Laina W.
Laina W.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Solutions for anxiety/XXL/medical/b
Hello! I'm Pet CPR and First Aid certified. 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!
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Laina and her husband were great with Laszlo. They were extremely conscientious about my significant pet parent worries. I will admit I can be over the top. Lol! 😂 But Laina took it all in stride. Laszlo cried when Laina and her husband walked away from our vehicle. He also loves our vet and cries when she leaves the room. He only cries for people he really likes. I was very happy about everything.
Laina was such a blessing! We had a recent medical diagnosis for one of our pups and needed to find a sitter that was knowledgeable and experienced in medication/injections/special needs and that could handle both of our pups while we were out of the county, and we could not have found a better sitter in Laina and her husband, Bill. They gave consistent updates and photos, provided so much comfort to us, and allowed us to trust they were in good hands and enjoy our trip. The dogs loved their stay, the backyard, the home, and Laina! Would recommend 1 million percent! THANK YOU!!
Laina is a very knowledgeable and caring person who took great care of my dog while he was with her for a week sending pictures every day.
I was super anxious about boarding my dog for a night because she’s never been boarded before but I was so relieved when I found Laina. I genuinely was so thrilled and relaxed for my dog to be able to stay with her and her husband. They are such kind people and do such a great job communicating. They truly make sure that your dog is looked after and will feel as comfortable as possible. I would 100% book again with them.
Wonderful care! Happy pups! Thank you! Will book again!
Laina and Bill took wonderful care of our boy!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
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.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
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.
Pets
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.
- 0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsUnspayed females accepted, neutered males onlyLaina can host up to 4 pets per night
- 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.