Linda D.
Apex, NC
35yr prof exp, 3ac fence, full time
Pet care experience
I work at home full-time and have owned dogs all of 62 years. As a professional dog show handler for 36+ years, I’ve had experience with multiple breed top contenders in AKC & International obedience & confirmation. My 3200 SF house is surrounded by 3 beautiful wooded & grassy, fenced acres. Depending on the needs of your dog, I have a variety of care options. This property was set up for show dogs, but now retired, it is for my private clients. If your aged dog needs a warm dog bed to sleep on, a young puppy/dog that needs positive experiences and socialization, or a dog that needs to run, it’s here. The fence is 5’ so, if your dog climbs or leaps over that, then, another facility may be better for your dog. I never allow any dogs to be together unless all temperaments prove solid. She wants the dogs to be as social but only safely. SUNDAYS ARE CLOSED TO CUSTOMER TRAFFIC (dog care is still 100%). Drop off/pick up windows are strictly kept to 8:00AM-10:00AM & 4:00-6:00PM. If Pick up will be later, option are that you can add an extra ROVER overnight stay; or you can have friends or family pick your dog by 6:00 for you. NOTE**NO DROP OFFS OR PICK UPS the day before or day of major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter). I am happy to have the dogs stay during the holidays for boarding. The boarding fee is PER 24 hours. If you drop your dog at 9:00 AM then the paid stay ends at 9:00 AM the pick up day. No problem if you wish to pick up at a later time, just know that after your overnight pick up hour the daycare begins. I will be very happy to answer any questions that you have during the meet n greet. You can also see many of Linda’s dog photos/videos on Instagram at (Linda.Draper.BoardGroom)
Reviews
We were so lucky we found Linda! She always takes such good care of Duke. She is extremely knowledgeable about dogs. I cannot say enough great things about Linda. It is always so wonderful to have peace of mind, knowing that Duke is in great hands when we go on a trip.
Our dog Bailey absolutely loves going to daycare and boarding with Linda. She treats him, like he is her own dog. He literally cries from excitement when we tell him he is going to her house. She goes above and beyond in caring for him and sending us pictures of all the fun he is having when we are out of town. We are so lucky to have found her years ago through a good friend.
Amazing as always! Best place for your pups
My golden Luna had a second stay with Linda. It is a true comfort to know that while there, Luna will be well taken care of and I especially love all the pictures!
About Linda D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Generally feed is two times a day, can be three if needed including your medication is no problem. In and outs are several times a day. Weather plays a big role in how often and duration. New dogs are started one on one with other dogs and worked into larger groupings as temperaments allow. As time progresses and subsequent stays occur then I get to know your dog better each time. Dogs do eat in individual crates and often sleep in a crate at night. Off and on during the day they may stay in large crates as a tool for group rotations. All is done for the safety of all the dogs. I wake about 5:30/6:00am to start feeding and outs. Last out is about 10:00pm. I do ask for your drop off and pick up exact times because I work my personal life (appointments and errands) in and around client needs.
Home
Information Linda D. would like to know about your pet
Any breed of dog up to about 100 lbs. Clients MUST bring me a hard copy of their dog’s up-to-date vaccine/worming schedule for me to keep in my files. Also continue to give me updated records for subsequent boarding. If your dog is not up-to-date on PARVO, DISTEMPER, RABIES, WORMING with yearly negative FECAL, & (yearly NASAL BORDETELLA ) & flea/tick prevention they will NOT BE ALLOWED on the property. About Bordetella (Kennel Cough vaccine) the shot version only covers one strain and takes effect in two weeks; the nasal version covers 4 strains and takes effect in 24 hours. Dogs must not be experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, coughing (unless heart related) or any illness, skin condition that could be passed on to other dogs during their stay. You must bring their food (dry, canned, cooked, refrigerated, treats), supplements and medications to be administered while they stay. (Please be mindful to bring too much food, that will go back with the dog, as opposed to not enough food in case you get delayed). I do not need crates, beds, blankets, leashes, bowls, toys unless necessarily specific for the dog like a “slow-feed bowl”. I LOVE ALL DOGS but with true honesty, dogs with very high anxiety do much better with a sitter that sits only one or two dogs. A relaxed group temperament does best here. This place is set up to take care of several dogs in a high quality manner. I’m able to make more than one compatible group, big dogs, little dogs, old dogs, young babies, etc... Safety first!!!! If your dog shows any aggression towards another dog they will not be allowed back. They would be better with a smaller group setting. I must be responsible about this to all dogs here. Over 30 years of showing I’ve dealt with 95% of dogs intact. I initially was fine with intact pets. Unfortunately my experience now with non-show, in-tact, pets has shown me less sound group temperaments. So, I will not sit intact male dogs. I will sit intact female dogs but NOT in season. So, if you have a female that comes in season make sure you have a plan B sitter.
A typical day
Stay needs: *My client hours for drop off and pick ups are are M-Sat 8:00-10:00AM or 4:00-5:00 PM. Sunday NO client drop or pick ups. Dogs are boarded but, NO drop off/pick up the day of major holidays (New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas). My 2024 vacations are March 10th-March 24th and September 8th-22nd. * A hard copy of vaccines: Parvo, Distemper, Rabies, Bordetella & negative fecal, I encourage Flu and Lepto. * I only need anything your dog ingests (food-dry/canned, meds, treats.) * only bring food that they need & not the entire 40# bag. (If you think your trip may delayed, add extra) We will play with the dogs and they will have plenty of freedom throughout the day. Weather and their enjoyment preferences will determine their activities. But generally they will live in a peaceful home atmosphere. Depending on their house training level they can enjoy the freedom of a 3200 square foot house. Although in the profile I said “never on furniture”, if they are clean and good natured some dogs sneak on the furniture and we cuddle... hahaha I have skills to care for the young through very aged.
Services
Linda can host
Availability
I work full time and a half, 7 days a week caring for your dogs. As I never have time off per se, my only free time is after 5:00PM, Sundays and a couple holiday days.
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About Linda D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Generally feed is two times a day, can be three if needed including your medication is no problem. In and outs are several times a day. Weather plays a big role in how often and duration. New dogs are started one on one with other dogs and worked into larger groupings as temperaments allow. As time progresses and subsequent stays occur then I get to know your dog better each time. Dogs do eat in individual crates and often sleep in a crate at night. Off and on during the day they may stay in large crates as a tool for group rotations. All is done for the safety of all the dogs. I wake about 5:30/6:00am to start feeding and outs. Last out is about 10:00pm. I do ask for your drop off and pick up exact times because I work my personal life (appointments and errands) in and around client needs.
Home
Information Linda D. would like to know about your pet
Any breed of dog up to about 100 lbs. Clients MUST bring me a hard copy of their dog’s up-to-date vaccine/worming schedule for me to keep in my files. Also continue to give me updated records for subsequent boarding. If your dog is not up-to-date on PARVO, DISTEMPER, RABIES, WORMING with yearly negative FECAL, & (yearly NASAL BORDETELLA ) & flea/tick prevention they will NOT BE ALLOWED on the property. About Bordetella (Kennel Cough vaccine) the shot version only covers one strain and takes effect in two weeks; the nasal version covers 4 strains and takes effect in 24 hours. Dogs must not be experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, coughing (unless heart related) or any illness, skin condition that could be passed on to other dogs during their stay. You must bring their food (dry, canned, cooked, refrigerated, treats), supplements and medications to be administered while they stay. (Please be mindful to bring too much food, that will go back with the dog, as opposed to not enough food in case you get delayed). I do not need crates, beds, blankets, leashes, bowls, toys unless necessarily specific for the dog like a “slow-feed bowl”. I LOVE ALL DOGS but with true honesty, dogs with very high anxiety do much better with a sitter that sits only one or two dogs. A relaxed group temperament does best here. This place is set up to take care of several dogs in a high quality manner. I’m able to make more than one compatible group, big dogs, little dogs, old dogs, young babies, etc... Safety first!!!! If your dog shows any aggression towards another dog they will not be allowed back. They would be better with a smaller group setting. I must be responsible about this to all dogs here. Over 30 years of showing I’ve dealt with 95% of dogs intact. I initially was fine with intact pets. Unfortunately my experience now with non-show, in-tact, pets has shown me less sound group temperaments. So, I will not sit intact male dogs. I will sit intact female dogs but NOT in season. So, if you have a female that comes in season make sure you have a plan B sitter.
A typical day
Stay needs: *My client hours for drop off and pick ups are are M-Sat 8:00-10:00AM or 4:00-5:00 PM. Sunday NO client drop or pick ups. Dogs are boarded but, NO drop off/pick up the day of major holidays (New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas). My 2024 vacations are March 10th-March 24th and September 8th-22nd. * A hard copy of vaccines: Parvo, Distemper, Rabies, Bordetella & negative fecal, I encourage Flu and Lepto. * I only need anything your dog ingests (food-dry/canned, meds, treats.) * only bring food that they need & not the entire 40# bag. (If you think your trip may delayed, add extra) We will play with the dogs and they will have plenty of freedom throughout the day. Weather and their enjoyment preferences will determine their activities. But generally they will live in a peaceful home atmosphere. Depending on their house training level they can enjoy the freedom of a 3200 square foot house. Although in the profile I said “never on furniture”, if they are clean and good natured some dogs sneak on the furniture and we cuddle... hahaha I have skills to care for the young through very aged.
Location
Apex, NC
Pets
Linda D.
Apex, NC