Melinda P.
Woodstock, OR
Does your dog need a second home?
Pet care experience
I have had a variety of dogs and currently own a second chance rescue from the streets of LA. . He is my first small dog and loves to play with dogs,any size! I have owned 2 German shepherds, 3 Brittany spaniels, 1 Springer spaniels, 1 Terrier, and 4 cats! I have also fostered for Deaf Dogs of Oregon . It was a great learning experience to train and care for a deaf Catahoula Leopard, their disabilities exist only if you allow them to . They are incredibly smart and quick learners. I think deaf dogs will always be in my future! They helped me teach them ! I live in Portland, where there are a lot of dog friendly places, and spots that dogs love. I have also lived in a Forest Service lookout tower where my Brittany Spaniels taught me how to survive in the wild. They looked out for my safety more than I ever could for them! Bears, elk, thunder storms and hail, lightning strikes to the roof!!! I often sat on an insulated chair with my dog on my lap! I was raised with 4 cats, and my mom took in stray dogs until she found them a perfect home. Growing up caring for lost and injured animals allows one to think outside of themselves and honor the needs of the animals. They depend entirely on us for safety, survival and love. I am also involved in dog rescue , either through communications on the web, donations, time or fostering. My top favorites are KELLERS CAUSE in Baltimore, Md., Vondubinhaus rescue and training for German shepherds in Portland, Deaf dogs of Oregon; rescue foster, training and adoption in Tigard, Team Master Splinters of MMM. in Three rivers, CA, Marleys Mutts in Techacapi Ca., and Beaus Heart in Hayti, Missouri; where I first learned how to get an innocent dog off death row. It is an honor and a privilege to work with the leaders of these amazing animal groups who rescue homeless or unfairly treated dogs daily ! Providing info about Puppy mills and illegal breeding practices , the ongoing breeding of Double Merles, are a number one priority in my spare time! Fostering is another job I love.i have fostered for Deaf Dogs of Oregon and loved it. The use of hand signals with a senior or hearing and vision impaired dog really is a close bonding technique and way to train them for their safety.it also allows me to know what they want or need.
Reviews
Melissa was an awesome sitter - highly communicative before and during our three day board. She made time for a meet and greet which made our dog comfortable going there for the first time! She sent many pictures and detailed updates. Can’t wait to have June stay with her again.
We did not get to meet Melinda, but her son Jackson took care of our dog at their home for a weekend while we were away, and I think our pup had a fine time. I do wish that Melinda's profile made it more clear that it is both her and her son as part of the profile, because that caused quite a bit of confusion for my husband and I getting messages from both of them with conflicting statements! In the end it worked out and I think our pup had a perfectly fine time. And their pup Toby is a SWEETHEART.
Melinda and Toby always welcome Pitchou into their home with much enthusiasm. We are grateful we have such a great sitters/playmates!
Melinda was very enthusiastic, accommodating, and detail oriented during drop-ins for my cat on short notice. I’d highly recommend Melinda if you’re looking for a conscientious pet sitter. 5 stars!
About Melinda P.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I do all agility, training, basic commands, sign language, etc for the needs of every dog . It depends on what the owner requests. I have a dog pool, agility hoops, balls, etc . Or I have a quiet pet room for dogs who like quiet and calm .
Home
Information Melinda P. would like to know about your pet
I love all dogs, and have 30 years caring experience of several breeds. Labradoodles,, German Sheps, Brittanies, English springer spaniels, beagles, Labs, Golden’s , Catahoula leopards, Several types of terriers including Westies, Cairns, Maltese , terriers and hearing and vision impaired dogs , puppies or seniors! I recently did home hospice care for a 17 yr old Lab for one year. I have a lot of experience with Seniors and have owned several also until 12 to 18 yrs of age. AT OUR MEET AND GREET, I will offer a customized list of questions and ideas to make your pups stay the BEST!! Example M and G questions: What does your dog like / dislike? Does he like a kennel for a safe place to sleep? Does he have medical issues/ allergies? Food restrictions? Does he have behavioral problems? Is he under care of a trainer/ puppy class? Can we follow through with his issues to make his stay and life consistent? Does he prefer to have a dog to play with, esp during long boardings? Can his vet email me a medical record, including but not limited to Kennel cough , flea prevention, updated vaccines, parvo , etc?? What would he LOVE TO DO?? Go for a car ride to Hoyt arboretum ? Romp at dog park 1 block away? Play with an in-house Westie terrier? Sleep in a dog bed ? Have basic training sessions for mental stimulation? Or simply go on 3 walks a day and play in gated yard with me and another dog??he will have a wagon of toys to choose from for all ages and breeds. Animal enrichment and mental stimulation is needed for hyper dogs. Ball toss, retrieve, simple puzzles diy, swim pool , cones for agility and hoops are all accessible if your dog listens well and is eager to learn .
A typical day
Swim pool , deck and covered patio, walk to Reed college, Woodstock dog park with permission , drive and hike around Washington Park with lunch and water and snacks. Photos of field trips included.depending on the breed , age, medical issues of your dog, I plan the walks differently fir each pup . I’ve had a 17 yr old Lab who pointed the leash to the pet store, one block away, so she loved to smell the treats and greet the owners!. It was also a good place to stop on hot/ cold days to have a drink and rest for 10 minutes. Then we’d continue to Reed College and back home for her nap. ? I’ve had A 1 yr Labradoodle who had to have the full walk and time to chase squirrels at Woodstock dog park . Home for lunch , and then back out!
Services
Melinda can host
Melinda can watch in your home
Availability
It is my job , I’m here 24/7 most days , 365 days a year for day care/ boarding / walks and drop in visits.
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About Melinda P.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I do all agility, training, basic commands, sign language, etc for the needs of every dog . It depends on what the owner requests. I have a dog pool, agility hoops, balls, etc . Or I have a quiet pet room for dogs who like quiet and calm .
Home
Information Melinda P. would like to know about your pet
I love all dogs, and have 30 years caring experience of several breeds. Labradoodles,, German Sheps, Brittanies, English springer spaniels, beagles, Labs, Golden’s , Catahoula leopards, Several types of terriers including Westies, Cairns, Maltese , terriers and hearing and vision impaired dogs , puppies or seniors! I recently did home hospice care for a 17 yr old Lab for one year. I have a lot of experience with Seniors and have owned several also until 12 to 18 yrs of age. AT OUR MEET AND GREET, I will offer a customized list of questions and ideas to make your pups stay the BEST!! Example M and G questions: What does your dog like / dislike? Does he like a kennel for a safe place to sleep? Does he have medical issues/ allergies? Food restrictions? Does he have behavioral problems? Is he under care of a trainer/ puppy class? Can we follow through with his issues to make his stay and life consistent? Does he prefer to have a dog to play with, esp during long boardings? Can his vet email me a medical record, including but not limited to Kennel cough , flea prevention, updated vaccines, parvo , etc?? What would he LOVE TO DO?? Go for a car ride to Hoyt arboretum ? Romp at dog park 1 block away? Play with an in-house Westie terrier? Sleep in a dog bed ? Have basic training sessions for mental stimulation? Or simply go on 3 walks a day and play in gated yard with me and another dog??he will have a wagon of toys to choose from for all ages and breeds. Animal enrichment and mental stimulation is needed for hyper dogs. Ball toss, retrieve, simple puzzles diy, swim pool , cones for agility and hoops are all accessible if your dog listens well and is eager to learn .
A typical day
Swim pool , deck and covered patio, walk to Reed college, Woodstock dog park with permission , drive and hike around Washington Park with lunch and water and snacks. Photos of field trips included.depending on the breed , age, medical issues of your dog, I plan the walks differently fir each pup . I’ve had a 17 yr old Lab who pointed the leash to the pet store, one block away, so she loved to smell the treats and greet the owners!. It was also a good place to stop on hot/ cold days to have a drink and rest for 10 minutes. Then we’d continue to Reed College and back home for her nap. ? I’ve had A 1 yr Labradoodle who had to have the full walk and time to chase squirrels at Woodstock dog park . Home for lunch , and then back out!
Location
Portland, OR
Pets
Melinda P.
Woodstock, OR