Mara S.
West Grand, Grand Rapids, MI
Services
Mara can care for
Availability
Working locally in downtown Grand Rapids allows me to visit pets, including my own, several times a day. Walking and physical activity are habits for me, so taking dogs out and walking them, running them at parks or in yards, is easy to fit into my schedule. I don't work a standard 9-5 so my hours are flexible and I can make visits at my own convenience.
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About Mara S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Dogs: I work to respond to the needs of the pet and the preferences/requests of the owner. Depending on that, care is case-by-case, but several rules I abide by are always: greet the dog calmly and warmly, and take outside first before checking on food and water. This gives the pup a moment to get the wiggles or nervous pees out, and diverts attention to sniffing and other senses so their energy calms slightly. We go back in to make sure food, water, and other elements requested by the owner are attended to. For the walk, I always bring a bag with poop bags, treats, and an extra collar. When we go further, like to trails or a park, I also bring a container and water as well as a towel for mud/wipe-downs, which I always do before we head back into the home, to make sure the dog is clean and won’t track in mud. I always practice basic commands as well, like sit, wait/stay, and come/here when we are at home, to build trust and reinforce the commands before going out. I always make sure to leave the home as it was, and check elements that the owner asked me to (i.e. water, food, mail, lights). I always leave a note on how the visit went and take a photo too so they know the doggo is happy and healthy. Cats: I work to respond to the needs of the pet and the preferences/requests of the owner. Depending on that, care is case-by-case, but several rules I abide by are always: call for the cat and then head straight to checking food and water, talking and calling for the kitty as I go. If they greet me, we pet/play for at least a half an hour. If they don’t greet me, I’ll look for them in the usual spots and speak gently and make sounds of play for them until they come out. I will not leave until I have set eyes on the kitty. I make sure to ask the owner what the favorite toys and types of play are for the cat. I then take care of the litter box. I always make sure to leave the home as it was, and check elements that the owner asked me to (i.e. water, food, mail, lights). I always leave a note on how the visit went and take a photo too so they know their kitty is happy and healthy.
Information Mara S. would like to know about your pet
I’ll need to know if your pet is reactive, is afraid or averse to any type of sound/person/thing, and I’ll want to know what they l love and respond positively to! For dogs especially, I need to know how well they respond to commands and what kinds of outdoor time they prefer (parks, dog parks, walks, yard time, etc).
A typical day
I make sure to leave your pet contented, having played lots and given them exercise and mental stimulation. There’s always plenty of snuggles and one-on-one time. With dogs we always go outside for a walk, play, and potty, and there’s always a few treats too!
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Pets
Tall dog-walker ready to wander.
Pet care experience
I’ve dog-walked and house-sat for friends and families for over ten years. I have experience walking two dogs at a time, taking them to dog parks too, and experience with young puppies still house training and aging dogs with mobility issues. My mom ran a kennel and dog-walking service while I was at home (1st grade-12th grade years of my life), so I am very comfortable with all breeds and temperaments, from German Shepherds, Pitbulls, and Weimaraners to Dachshunds, Terriers and Schnauzers, along with mixed-breeds and rescues. I also have experience with cats, being a cat-mom for the last five years, and I've rescued and rehomed several cats over the last ten years.
Cat care experience
Mara also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
There is no one better suited to adore, protect, cherish, and pay attention to every little detail of your pet than Mara. The way that I have watched her care for my animals and my home time and time again has been nothing short of not just the same care I would give them—but even a step above—out of her unbelievably huge heart and empathic soul. Her timeliness, organization, and diligent follow through makes her the best person available to care for your fur babies. I would trust Mara to care effortlessly for my animals, and home, more than my own friends and family.
Mara is truly an iconic pet parent. She is incredibly gentle, attentive and responsible. Her care for animals is obvious by how much she cares about her cat, Marty, and gives him the best life. But I have also entrusted the care of my kitty, Gretel, to Mara many times. Mara is also wonderful with our friends’ dogs and has a natural ability to make animals (and people) feel comfortable and safe. I would have absolutely no hesitation recommending Mara to anyone looking for a wonderful, caring dog walker. Any pet would be lucky to have her!
Mara is such an animal lover! Ever since I’ve known her she’s had cats and hopes to eventually get a dog. My dog adores her! She always makes time to play with him every time she’s around. When she’s watching him she sends me fun picture of their adventures. I know my pup is always loved and cared for whenever he’s in her care. I highly recommend Mara to take care of your pets!
Mara is a very loving and trustworthy individual who has owned and taken care of many animals throughout her life. She has personally watched my cats and dogs in the past for weekends and even longer for certain circumstances. I would trust Mara to feed, water, and walk the animals, administer medication if needed, and spend genuine time being around them and giving lots of love and affection. Mara is also excellent at communicating if there are any questions or concerns that pop up along the way. I would hire Mara to watch/walk/care for my animals every single time!
About Mara S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Dogs: I work to respond to the needs of the pet and the preferences/requests of the owner. Depending on that, care is case-by-case, but several rules I abide by are always: greet the dog calmly and warmly, and take outside first before checking on food and water. This gives the pup a moment to get the wiggles or nervous pees out, and diverts attention to sniffing and other senses so their energy calms slightly. We go back in to make sure food, water, and other elements requested by the owner are attended to. For the walk, I always bring a bag with poop bags, treats, and an extra collar. When we go further, like to trails or a park, I also bring a container and water as well as a towel for mud/wipe-downs, which I always do before we head back into the home, to make sure the dog is clean and won’t track in mud. I always practice basic commands as well, like sit, wait/stay, and come/here when we are at home, to build trust and reinforce the commands before going out. I always make sure to leave the home as it was, and check elements that the owner asked me to (i.e. water, food, mail, lights). I always leave a note on how the visit went and take a photo too so they know the doggo is happy and healthy. Cats: I work to respond to the needs of the pet and the preferences/requests of the owner. Depending on that, care is case-by-case, but several rules I abide by are always: call for the cat and then head straight to checking food and water, talking and calling for the kitty as I go. If they greet me, we pet/play for at least a half an hour. If they don’t greet me, I’ll look for them in the usual spots and speak gently and make sounds of play for them until they come out. I will not leave until I have set eyes on the kitty. I make sure to ask the owner what the favorite toys and types of play are for the cat. I then take care of the litter box. I always make sure to leave the home as it was, and check elements that the owner asked me to (i.e. water, food, mail, lights). I always leave a note on how the visit went and take a photo too so they know their kitty is happy and healthy.
Information Mara S. would like to know about your pet
I’ll need to know if your pet is reactive, is afraid or averse to any type of sound/person/thing, and I’ll want to know what they l love and respond positively to! For dogs especially, I need to know how well they respond to commands and what kinds of outdoor time they prefer (parks, dog parks, walks, yard time, etc).
A typical day
I make sure to leave your pet contented, having played lots and given them exercise and mental stimulation. There’s always plenty of snuggles and one-on-one time. With dogs we always go outside for a walk, play, and potty, and there’s always a few treats too!
Mara S.
West Grand, Grand Rapids, MI