UPDATE (as of May 6, 2015): I accept dogs from one client at a time, and only from repeat customers or referrals. These changes are due to high demand, and to provide the best possible care and experience for you and your doggies. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU: No other dogs will be in my care while your dog(s) stays with me. WHY? This specialized service provides you with a more worry-free experience. WHO DOES THIS HELP? Many! The most common concerns for dog parents leaving their dogs with sitters are solved: • “My dog may not get along with other dogs.” (You won’t have that worry anymore.) • “My little dog may get hurt by the bigger dogs.” (No longer a concern.) • “My dog needs one-on-one attention.” (That’s exactly what he/she will receive.) • “My dog has anxieties and prefers a calmer setting.” (Then your dog will feel right at home.) WHO THIS DOESN'T HELP? Dog parents who want their dogs to be in a socialized setting with other dogs. WHAT ABOUT RATES? I used to have 5 dogs from various families stay with me per day. But with this change I will only take on the number of dogs within your family. Because of this specialized service, I hope you understand that an adjustment of my rates is necessary. I’ve taken into consideration your needs, as well as my own, and I hope you find my rates for this specialized service remains affordable. THE ADVANTAGE: These changes will provide a smoother stay and experience for you and your dogs. Having you away, no matter how short or long, is taxing on your dogs. Having to learn the temperaments of other dogs, or be blocked off from one another for safety adds another level of stress. Why make it harder on your dog? Make it easier. A dog staying with me will receive all of my love and attention, with the freedom to be himself. A stay with me then truly becomes a second home. ..................................................................... ABOUT ME I’m Lisa, and at the age of 5 I announced to my family, “When I grow up I’m having puppies not babies.” And that’s exactly what happened. I never had kids, but I’ve always had dogs in my life. My passion and love for animals has always been a part of who I am. My husband, Brian, and I are both home full-time. He is a retired electrician, and is just as much of a dog lover as I am. I work from home as a Virtual Assistant, which allows me to be home with dogs all the time. It’s been difficult the past few years because we haven’t had dogs in our lives. When our dogs passed it took us time to recover. I started thinking about what I really want, and that is to make as many dogs as I can a part of my family. This is an opportunity to fulfill my dream. Wish I could do it for free, but since I can’t, my hope is to make dog sitting my primary source of income My goal is for dog owners to feel confident to do their thing (go on vacation, go to work, run errands, have a weekend getaway, doctors’ appointments, etc.) and know they have a safe and happy environment with extraordinary care for their dogs…a home away from home. THINGS TO NOTE: - We are environmentally conscious and use homemade and/or green cleaning products and beauty products. We use only filtered water. - I also offer daycare rates if you need to be gone only part of the day. MY BELIEF: Dogs are to be treated with the same love and respect as you would a family member. It's about encouraging, nurturing and having fun. Some people think I'm nuts to adapt my schedule to meet a dog's needs. To me, it just makes sense. I’m excited to meet you and have your doggy as my next house guest! Why I love dog sitting I grew up with dogs. Whether it’s the family dog, friends’ dogs, or strays, I have a natural instinct for understanding animals. When family and friends need someone to watch their doggies, my husband and I are the go to people. It is known that we spend quality time and care…basically structuring our day around the dogs’ needs. My relationship with animals is something I cherish. My view is a dog is not just an animal. A dog is a member of the family. I treat each one with respect, never pushing, letting a relationship build naturally. I go off of instinct. If special attention is needed, he gets it. If she needs to be challenged, I come up with games to keep her mind active. About my yard Our backyard is a dog haven! Whether it’s rubbing their tummies on the artificial grass, hunting and sniffing through the plants on the small slope, or chasing squirrels up the 36 cypress trees, dogs absolutely cannot get enough of our backyard! Our yard is fenced in, and we have outdoor furniture and gazebos providing shade and an opportunity for doggies to catch their breath before we continue play time. I have 2 doggie doors, but never use them. They are locked for safety. Dogs will always be monitored every second they are outside. We also provide a triple barrier of protection for dogs who like to run out the front door: 1) permanent built-in doggy gates to block off the front entry, 2) the front door, and 3) a locking gate in the front yard. My experience administering medication Yes, just provide the medications and the schedule. However, I am not comfortable administering injections.