Update Jan 2026 I feel like I should delete the outdated information listed below the asterisks, but for now I can't bring myself to delete it, so I'll just add the updated information here. I've dog sat for Rover for years but decided to take a break when my senior pit bull was diagnosed with cancer. I was determined to give her the best, of the remaining time she had with us. I didn't want to add any additional stress by bringing new dogs into our home. I continued to watch dogs for clients outside of Rover whom she already knew and loved. Sadly, we said goodbye to Libby in May and I'm finally getting around to being active again on Rover. We currently have one dog Ellie Mae whom we inherited when my father in-law passed away. We've had her now for 4 years and she's almost 5 years old. She was not properly socialized with dogs as a puppy and therefore gets along with other dogs, but requires a slower introduction. She does best with dogs of a similar size (40lbs) who like to run and play, chase and tumble. I'm probably overly cautious when it comes to dog introductions with my main concern being every dogs safety. My pit bull was so chill that I never had to worry how she would do with new dogs and I'm not as confident with Ms. Ellie Mae. I have my house set up where it is easy to keep dogs separated. For the initial visit I will keep any guest separated from Ellie Mae and if it is a client that is interested in additional bookings I will work with the owners to make sure that Ellie Mae and their dog are a good fit to play. If you are looking for repeat bookings, and Ellie Mae and your dog get along, I can almost guarantee your dog will go home a tired dog. We have a large fenced in yard with no neighboring dogs. It's a great yard to play chase, fetch or just sniff and explore. If your dog does not get along with other dogs we are able to accommodate them. It is preferred that your dog be crate trained, but not required. I work part time day shift and my husband works 2nd shift, so out of 7 days, 2 of those days it could be possible that your pet would be left for 4/5hrs. The other days I'm home most of the day with leaving to run errands here and there or attend appointments. I will occasionally do house sitting or drop in visits, but those are on a case by case scenario. I feel very strongly that your pet is a guest in our home and that they are treated as I would want someone to treat our own pets. ************************************************************************************************ I have grown up with dogs all my life and for the past 7 years I have volunteered at Save the Animal Foundation (STAF) in Cincinnati, OH. STAF is a 100% volunteer run, no kill animal shelter in Cincinnati, Ohio. There my responsibilities have included walking dogs, playing with them, supervising their play, cleaning, mentoring and taking the dogs off site on outings. Volunteering at a shelter has allowed me to have experiences with a variety of dogs; different sizes, energy levels, temperaments, breeds and behaviors. It was there where I first fell in love with the breed and more specifically a sweet girl named Sophia Loren. Sophia happens to be a beautiful, intelligent, high energy, loving pit bull. I soon became Sophia's mentor and she and I went to training every week for a year. We worked on manners, basic obedience and a few tricks. In between training classes we went on outings to different parks working on what we had learned in training and basic social skills. After being at the shelter for a year Sophia hit the jack pot when a young man expressed interest and it was clear to all the volunteers that this was a match made in heaven. Sophia has went on to become a city girl, now living in Boston having experienced hikes in many of the national parks, living the good life that all dogs deserve to live. After my experience with Sophia, I knew which breed I would choose when I was able to move to that phase in my life and have my very own four legged friend. Three years ago, I was finally able to move to the next phase and found a wonderful pit bull whom I named Libby through the great organization that rescues and fosters bully breeds named Adore-a-bull. Libby has become my best friend and I now truly understand the saying "dog is man's best friend." Being completely honest Libby is a bit on the spoiled side and I absolutely hate having to leave her if I go out of town. I understand the stress that this can cause the owner trying to make the right decision on where to go and what to do. I have pet sat both in my home (Libby loves having guests) as well as in the owners home and am willing to do what works best for you. I have included in the photos pictures of Libby in addition to other dogs whom I have sat for.