I've raised two Malamutes and a golden retriever in my life. I've cared for countless neighbor's animals (and house sat) whether they have a puppy, an old dog, a basset hound, or a mastiff. I'm 6'2" so your dog's size makes no difference to me. I've raised and taken care of birds, hedgehogs, fish, hermit crabs, snakes, and gerbils. I've trained all my dogs, so I'm comfortable taking younger dogs to obedience school as well if they have a session while you're gone! I've found this is a great way to bond initially with new puppies. I'm an avid tennis player so I'm more than happy to bring your special pet an old tennis ball or two! I've recently been caring for my neighbor's blind dog (leading her to food, administering eye drops) so I'm quite familiar with the challenges facing our elderly pets.