I have been, always will be a dog lover! I've owned several breeds over the years in all sizes and temperaments...from an oversized cuddly 90-lb American Bulldog to a boss-lady 15-lb dachshund. Right now, we just have our 2nd dachshund who has yet to meet a stranger in dog or human form, and one indoor/outdoor cat who will cuddle up right next to the dogs! I have 2 younger kids who have been around our dogs and dog parks their entire lives and we have "trained" them how to behave around dogs. Our last 3 pups we have each gotten at 8-10 weeks old so we are knowledgeable about the time, effort, and training puppies need from the beginning. I have also cared for my former boss' elderly dog several times at our home for weeks at a time who has round-the-clock medication and potty needs...she no longer boards him at a kennel! We have kept family and friends' pups when they're on trips or having work done on homes. I work for a local elementary school during the week so on the weekends there is plenty of time for playing, walking, feeding, bathing, cuddling, treat-giving, minor training, etc. It's actually a family affair for the responsibility of pet care! For boarding at our home I have a very quiet, low traffic neighborhood great for walking and daily exercise, and a big comfy sectional couch to stretch out on afterwards. I have a partially fenced backyard as a whole but part of it is penned and connected to a doggie door out the back so pups can come and go as they'd like in that contained area. I can accommodate almost any feeding schedule and/or medication needs. I do have one staircase but with gates at both ends for safety. Guest pups do get full access to our home (except the garage for safety reasons) but it's a smaller home so they won't really be able to go unsupervised! I have 3 crate sizes for pups who, like my dachshund, are more comfortable burrowing in one for bedtime, but it's not uncommon for them to end up on the couch or bed for the night. Your dog will be welcomed and treated like a family member just as the others who visit. Since I keep more than one doggie guest at a time, in addition to my own pup, in close quarters every dog needs to be up-to-date on all vaccines, and on flea & tick preventative since our home backs up to woods. Except for emergencies and extenuating circumstances (i.e. owners coming from out-of-town) I do require every new booking to have a meet & greet so your pup can get acquainted with both of my young kids and my own pup to avoid potential issues during a stay. I've found it also helps put the owners at ease to get to meet me beforehand and get a feel for the environment! It doesn't take long, maybe 15-20 minutes, and my curious friendly cat might even make an appearance!