Hello to you & your pet! My name is Lauren and I have been working with animals for 15 years. During college, I worked for years at a dog daycare and am very experienced with handling all breeds, personality types, and situations that may arise for your pet! I have a Bachelors of Science in Zoology with a focus in animal behavior and husbandry. That basically means, I will be able to tell if your dog is comfortable, happy, and do my best to meet those needs fully! I also am apt at coming up with ways to enrich your pets stay/day with fun puzzle games, activities, playtimes, etc. and ways to keep their minds and bodies engaged while in my care! I worked as a Veterinary Assistant at a hospital for nearly 7 years in animal care and medicine. I understand and am trained to care for any special needs your pet may have including giving oral or subcutaneous medications. If some sort of sickness would occur under my care, I am prepared to handle the situation calmly and professionally and promise to fully and honestly communicate with you about your pet and make a care plan together. I am Fear Free Animal Handling Certified to Level 3/3. This means I can understand your pets subtle communications and make sure that they are feeling as happy and safe as possible while in my care. And I know how to adjust to get them there. I love to see animals happy and was always eager to learn more ways to achieve that! Some other fun animal facts to get to know me…I have worked in and with many types of animals in all sorts of situations. I have worked as a rehabilitater, volunteered at animal sanctuaries & shelters, and worked at a zoo. I think I have loved every animal I have ever met. I’ve been an animal lover since I was a kid and each day I think that grows. I have over 15 years of pet sitting experience, which I will apply to make the best experience for your pet! I have cared for pets going through chemo, kidney disease, with special dietary needs and or restrictions, diabetes, etc. And of course tons of healthy pet friends, too! Now, I work from home full time and really missed my daily dose of lots of animal friends! I am so excited to have yours share the fun and space with myself and my pup Chopstick. He loves other dogs and can’t wait to meet your pup too! Any other questions?? Please reach out! I want both you and your pet to feel happy & at ease with me! I work fully remotely, so I’m here all day! I can take your pup out as often as they need and we will go for three walks minimum daily, two short around the block walks, and one long walk. (This excludes quick trips out to potty) If your pet is staying with us on a weekend, with your permission, they will accompany us on nature adventures (Prospect Park, the beach, salt marsh, dog parks). We will discuss your comfortability with the different scenarios before your first stay! Meals are traditionally fed twice a day for Chopstick, but if your pet needs something different, let me know! Treats are a multiple a day thing here! If that doesn’t work for your pet’s diet, bring some of their kibble along! It’s a great way for them to get a low calorie reward :) I will care for your pet with the same love and respect I care for my own. You will receive picture and video updates each time your pet stays or plays with us! It is vital that your dog and Chopstick are friends. A first introduction is required before accepted for a full day or daycare or boarding. We have a fenced in patio with room for the dogs to play outdoors under supervision whenever weather allows. Other wise we will have in home playtime and cozy zones set up throughout the house for your pet to enjoy. Does your pet need their crate or bed to come along? Bring it! A favorite toy they can’t leave without? Throw it in the bag! We want this to be a second home for them, when their best home/friend needs to take care of other business. My partner Karl will also be here to help take care of your pet and give them lots of love and attention. If your pet is nervous about men, please include that in your inquiry so we can make sure Karl is around to meet and give treats to your pet with you there! We do live in a multi level apartment and walk up. Climbing stairs is required to get to our home. If your pet has joint or motility issues, please include that in your inquiry. I am able to safely carry pets 40lbs or under up our stairs in special conditions, if need be/your pet will allow it. We are so excited to meet you & your pet! Let the fun & playtimes begin!!