Melissa D.
Melissa D.
Contact for Boarding
from $50 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Your Baby’s Home Away From Home 🏡
🐶 I know how it feels to be super excited for a trip with just one thing dampening that excitement—worry about your baby’s safety and well-being while you’re gone. It is my pleasure and privilege to care for your dog(s) like they are my own so you can travel with peace of mind. 🐶 I’ve been a dog lover and animal caretaker my entire life. As a child, I grew up with dogs, cats, fish, lizards, ducks, and even rats, learning to carefully care for each species and individual animal based on their needs. As an adult, I have adopted 2 dogs of my own, including a senior pup with demanding health needs, and a rescue pup found abandoned roadside in Puerto Rico. 🐶 I have also fostered many dogs of various breeds, temperaments, and sizes through a local rescue in my area. I understand that each animal is an individual with unique needs, likes, and dislikes, and take the time to get to know each dog I care for. 🐶 I have experience caring for puppies, senior dogs, dogs with trauma, dogs with medical needs, high-energy dogs, reactive dogs, and fearful dogs. 🐶 Caring for dogs isn’t just a “side job” for me—it’s something that brings joy and meaning to my life. I am passionate about animal welfare and well-being and believe every day should be the best day of a dog’s life!
Qualifications
Calendar and availability
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | 31 |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | 31 |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
Schedule
• I work from home and have total flexibility in terms of when I complete that work, so your dog’s needs can always come first! My day revolves around your baby 🥰 • Your dog can be outside as often as they wish (and you allow), whether it’s sniffing in the yard, playing fetch or tug of war, or going on walks • Your dog will be able to go in/out of the house for potty breaks, playtime, or rest any time they like • I always supervise dogs in the backyard at all times, on top of having a full fence, so you never need to worry about your dog eating something unsafe, or pulling a “Houdini” if they have escape artist tendencies 😂
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
🐕 I have a large, fully-fenced yard filled with toys, interesting smells, and plenty of squirrel and bird watching! 🐕 If your dog enjoys walks or trips to the park, I live on a beautiful and safe low-traffic block and have several dog-friendly parks nearby that we can visit during your pup’s stay, with your permission. 🐕 My dog, Pearl, a 2-year-old mixed breed medium-sized girl, will be overjoyed to keep your pup company, share her many toys, and play play play! She is also happy (and trained) to give your dog space if that is the pup’s preference - I have enough space in my home that dogs can relax separately from one another if they prefer that. 🐕 No need to bring your dog’s bed, we have plenty! The couch is all theirs too! I can also gate off rooms and/or crate your dog at any time if that is what you or your dog needs or prefers. 🐕 A safe environment for your dog is maintained here at all times and is of the utmost importance‼️: —dogs are never left unsupervised —my home is free of choking hazards —play with toys & with other dogs is always carefully monitored —I do not keep any items in the home that are dangerous for a dog to ingest (xylitol, poisonous plants, etc.)
Pets
A typical day
I love to stay attuned to dogs’ behaviors and signals to figure out exactly what they need to have a perfect day! I can provide a wide range of mental and physical stimulation for your pup, from puzzle games and snuffle mats to fetch, chew toys, and tug of war. I also pay careful attention to when pups need rest or space, and have a wide variety of comfy beds and snuggle spots throughout my home. Enriching healthy treats (such as frozen fruits and veggies) are also always available with your permission! Amenities available throughout your dog’s stay (with your permission): 🐾 Access to fully-fenced yard 🏡 🐾 Bird, squirrel, and rabbit watching 🐿️ 🐾 Mental enrichment games 🧩 🐾 Snuffle mats 🐽 🐾 Lick mats 👅 🐾 Frozen fruit & veggie treats 🥕 🐾 Pup cups 🍦 🐾 Neighborhood walks (“sniffaris”) 🌱 🐾 Trips to the park 🏖️ 🐾 Chew toys, balls, squeaky toys, stuffies, flirt poles, & every other kind of toy imaginable! 🦴 🐾 Playtime with my fun-loving, gentle pup 🐺 🐾 Fetch, tug of war, and other interactive games with humans! 🎾 🐾 Dog beds of all shapes, sizes, and textures 💤 🐾 A large sunroom with floor-to-ceiling windows for backyard critter watching no matter the weather! 🐇 🐾 All the cuddles, pets, and belly rubs your baby would like 🥰