Melinda L.
Santa Fe, NM
Plenty of comfort & entertainment!
Pet care experience
Over the course of the last 30+ years, I have cared for dogs (and cats) in just about every stage and situation. Puppies, extremely energetic breeds (Dalmatians and Heelers), through very old dogs with very specific needs and diets. I have a little mutt, Max, who is very friendly with other dogs. He's pretty sure to provide a grand time for any visitor, his Favorite thing.
Reviews
Melinda has been an awesome dog sitter for Elsie. She is patient and attentive to her, really paying attention to her personality and traits. Elsie has also loved hanging out with Melinda's dog Max!
Melinda was fantastic! We are very pleased with the care she gave to our dog . She messaged, sent videos and kept us updated throughout Mya’s stay. Will definitely use Melinda again!
Wonderful as always. See you in July.
Melinda took excellent care of our terrier and our chiweenie while we spent the day exploring Santa Fe. She knew exactly how to introduce our dogs to her home and to the other dogs she was caring for that day. Her home and backyard were perfect for day care. She sent photos, videos and regular updates during the day. Thank you Melinda for taking such great care of our fur babies!
About Melinda L.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a securely fenced yard and can provide a large crate (if crate-trained), loads of blankets, toys, and treats (with approval). I really think it's important to follow directions. Some dogs (and owners) are just as easy as pie and have very few specific needs, however more owners need someone to pay attention to details that are very important to them or to the health of the animal. I've cared for several animals, including an amputee, that had very specific needs.
Home
Information Melinda L. would like to know about your pet
I think it's pretty important to stress a couple of things. There is a difference at my house between the warm and cold months. When it's warm out, I am able to leave my back door open and the dogs have inside/outside access all day long. They really love that, and it seems to reduce anxiety. In the winter months, they have access to a large dog door, but many dogs aren't familiar with using one, so it's inside time for the most part. The thing that's the most important to stress, however, is that I do NOT take dogs for off-leash walks. If your dog is used to running miles a day off-leash, I am not the sitter for you. Not getting the usual amount of exercise really impacts their happiness and behavior. I can only provide on-leash neighborhood walks (about a mile and a half to two miles long). Also, I will only take other people's dogs to the private fenced dog park at the Santa Fe Shelter. It's all purely a matter of safety.
A typical day
Fetch, tug-o-war, and neighborhood walks are the staple around here. What's really fun, though, is that my dog, Max, is super social and playful. At the same time, he's not "too much," meaning if the other dog(s) are all done playing, he's perfectly happy to let them alone.
Services
Melinda can host
Melinda can watch in your home
Availability
I currently spend a ton of time at home. I've been doing some freelance work and an online course, so it couldn't be more perfect time to hang with some pups!
About Melinda L.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a securely fenced yard and can provide a large crate (if crate-trained), loads of blankets, toys, and treats (with approval). I really think it's important to follow directions. Some dogs (and owners) are just as easy as pie and have very few specific needs, however more owners need someone to pay attention to details that are very important to them or to the health of the animal. I've cared for several animals, including an amputee, that had very specific needs.
Home
Information Melinda L. would like to know about your pet
I think it's pretty important to stress a couple of things. There is a difference at my house between the warm and cold months. When it's warm out, I am able to leave my back door open and the dogs have inside/outside access all day long. They really love that, and it seems to reduce anxiety. In the winter months, they have access to a large dog door, but many dogs aren't familiar with using one, so it's inside time for the most part. The thing that's the most important to stress, however, is that I do NOT take dogs for off-leash walks. If your dog is used to running miles a day off-leash, I am not the sitter for you. Not getting the usual amount of exercise really impacts their happiness and behavior. I can only provide on-leash neighborhood walks (about a mile and a half to two miles long). Also, I will only take other people's dogs to the private fenced dog park at the Santa Fe Shelter. It's all purely a matter of safety.
A typical day
Fetch, tug-o-war, and neighborhood walks are the staple around here. What's really fun, though, is that my dog, Max, is super social and playful. At the same time, he's not "too much," meaning if the other dog(s) are all done playing, he's perfectly happy to let them alone.
Location
Santa Fe, NM
Pets
Melinda L.
Santa Fe, NM