
Madeline S.

Madeline S.
Contact for Boarding
from $69 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Play all day on a small urban farm
In my family we have always had dogs of all sizes, cats, birds, and reptiles. I have experience caring for the feistiest of chihuahuas and the sweetest of labs. I am experienced in training dogs and have helped many unruly dogs become more calm and confident in their own skin. In pet care, experience with bearded dragons, snakes, fish, frogs, insects, birds, and more in addition to cats and dogs. I am also a professional farmer and have experience in goat, pig, and poultry husbandry. My work as a freelance farmer and educator allows me a lot of flexibility to care for your sweet creature - i am able to design my own schedule so that i can meet most pet care needs, however particular. If your animal if able to visit the farm, they can enjoy beautiful fields of produce and watching the birds from a safe distance. If they are more of a homebody, they can stay cozy in my sunny one bedroom apartment where I'm able to check on them throughout the day. Have a weird pet? Dont be shy! It has always been my dream to work with different kinds of animals. I also offer farm experiences at our urban farm for any creatures who are lovers of the outdoors! Whether your baby is an experienced hiker or just exploring going outside, the farm is the perfect immersive experience. Bountiful fields and flowers surround one fenced-in city lot where your pet can explore smells, sounds, wild birds and birds of the coop. Give your pet the experience of a lifetime right here in Chicago!
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Ever since I have known Madeline (and it has now been nearly fifteen years), she has not only been an animal lover in a broad sense, but she has always been close to animals that were either hers or in her family, and she has always taken care of animals. Whether they were long-haired chihuahuas like Peanut or Moo, labs like Katie or Susie or Woof, or rescued alleycats like Chapati "Chips" Smith-Jeffries or Mr. Fish, Madeline has been responsible, attentive, and loving. Madeline is one of the most intelligent people I know, and she uses this intelligence to help people, animals, and the earth. She is also one of the most intuitive people I know, always tapping into the energy of whatever creatures are in her presence. These two qualities coalesce in a truly extraordinary caretaker and caregiver: if a pet is showing signs of strange behaviour, or has eaten even slightly less food than usual, Madeline notices and she takes action. She educates herself thoroughly about the type of animal and breed that is in her care, she reads about their specific needs, and whenever she takes an animal to the vet, she engages as much as possible so that she can learn and understand what is going on to the best of her ability. If my pet was in need, and I couldn't reach a vet, I would call Madeline. A few years ago, Madeline became the proud parent of a sweet little long-haired Chihuahua - Buffy - and though the pandemic kept us apart, I would constantly seek out, and receive, updates about Buffy's health and well-being. There is nothing in this world that Madeline would not do for Buffy. She anticipates when Buffy will be cold and will need a sweater, she knows exactly when Buffy is feeling shy and when she is in a friendly mood, and she carefully monitors Buffy's diet. Yes, Buffy is Madeline's dog, but the way that she approaches Buffy is the same way that I have seen her approach every single pet under her care. To simply say that Madeline is caring would do her a great injustice; she is caring in the most encompassing way that a person can be. She cares from the outside in, from the inside out - she nurtures and nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Every animal that I have ever seen around Madeline exhibits a heightened joy in her company, and I am absolutely confident that this phenomenon will only grow stronger as Madeline serves as a pet caregiver for Rover.
Madeline is the best caregiver you could have for your pet! She is kind, loving & responsible.Madeline has taken care of my pets (cats, dogs, chickens & reptiles) and they all adore her. She is fantastic at special adventures for my dogs and has even taught them some tricks. The best part is, whether she is coming to your home or having your furry babies at her place, they will jump for joy when they see her! Arf!!
Madeline is nothing short of amazing in her care for and knowledge of animals! I have seen her care for so many animals in the time I have known her, including two rescue cats who she nurtured so beautifully, making them feel safe and learn to trust humans, her rescue chihuahua who she has given an amazing life and who is completely thriving under her care, and the many goats and other animals she has worked closely with in farm contexts, who clearly love her. She prioritises the safety and comfort of animals in all that she does, and you can tell that the animals that she looks after adore her for it. I recommend her so strongly!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
As a freelance farmer, educator, and researcher, I make my own schedule and I am able to flexibly adjust my routine for most pet care needs. I am at the farm 3-4 days per week and home on other days. My days are generally structured around animal care. I start with my morning chores, making the rounds for each pet and farm animal. Through midday I balance my research and freelance work with any of the pets' daytime needs, and in the evening again I do the rounds for closing chores. I genuinely love to structure my day around animal care! It helps me to balance my routine and remember to pause and be joyful.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I live in a large one bedroom apartment with an unfenced yard, and I work with an urban farm that has a fenced-in city lot. If your oet loves the outdoors, we can go to the farm every day! We always have tasty treats available and love to practice tricks. Ill always be attentive to your pets dietary needs if treating or feeding. I have crates available for up to 35lb dog. Your pet will be treated like one of the family!
Pets
A typical day
I love to interact with animals of all kinds and learn about what they love and how they communicate. No matter what kind of pet you care for, I'll spend time each day getting to know them. If they prefer less interaction, that's great too. Each creature has their own special needs. We can go for walks, play games, visit the farm, or just sit around and hang.
