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Melissa J.

Newark, DE

5.0 out of 5 stars
•12 reviews
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It's the dog's house

Pet care experience

I have always had pets. As a toddler my dog and I would explore the woods together. I have had pet birds, fish, hamsters, turtles, spiders, frogs, lizards, rabbits, horses, turkeys, chickens, cats and dogs. I also have experience caring for cows and sheep. I started doing pet care professionally as a teen. I eventually started training dogs as well. I did that until I moved for college. Now, I started providing those services in my home. Having dogs stay with me gives me the opportunity to provide 24/7 care and training. I trained my last dog to be a hearing dog. She always alerted me to the door and phone, so I incorporated those natural likes and abilities into her training. I'm currently preparing my new dog for search and recue training based upon his love of playing hide and seek. All dogs have their own natural abilities and like different things. I have used clicker training in the past. I usually use reward based training. I occasionally seperate dogs, so they might not play together unless they are from the same household. I have rooms set up as individual dog suites. I have lots of cozy blankets and toys for dogs to feel comfortable. Dogs will still roam and play throughout the house. Dogs will get lots of individual attention. Dogs usually make friends and enjoy playing together. There are lots of toys beds and blankets for them to get cozy and have fun. I have a large unfenced yard (will be fully fenced in October. Currently only one side is fenced.) that backs to woods with a creek and a park. Dogs will be leashed outside. I can take more than one dog and for extended stays. Dogs should bring their own food and potty training pads if they use them. I send lots of pictures of your dogs during their stay. I can send videos and have done live chat videos, so you can see and talk to your dog. Dogs will be taken outside regularly. Dogs will go outside in all weather at least 2 times during the day. Dogs also will have ample play time indoors with running, chasing, fetching or jumping. Dogs can play ball or nap. I take dogs running at the park. Each dog will be cared for according to his personality. Dogs get alot of individual attention. I make sure dogs are comfortable throughout the day and i play with them and incorporate them into my day as much as possible. My 2.5 year old son and husband also play with the dogs. They help train, feed and care for dogs too. They also run with dogs and take them to the park or dog park. Dogs may go to the store with us or on errands or on an outing. Dogs may sleep in our bed with us. Dogs may join in for Disney songs and dancing. Dogs may make new friends and bond. I only care for a few dogs at any given time. I can care for dogs weekly and monthly. I can cater to dogs special or individual needs. Drop off pick up is between 6am to 7am or 7pm to 8pm weekdays and anytime weekends. More About Me: I started pet care professionally more than 20 years ago, when i was studying nursing. I was in college and nursing school full time, working at a healthcare facility full time, doing home care and pet care. I received both of my undergraduate degrees in legal studies. I started 2 master's degree programs one in law and one in business. I plan to continue doctorate studies in psychology. My main interest is behavior. My other interests are sociology and anthropology. I also write. I love dog care. It's fun! Even when the work is hard, it's rewarding. I'm glad i decided to focus on dog care again. My days are much better with dogs in my life. More About My Family: My son has benefited from having dogs in his life and it has afforded him an early opportunity to begin working with animals. My son is an animal lover. He especially loves dogs. He's a good trainer and pet care provider. He has a deep concern for dog's feelings and goes out of his way to see them happy. He likes taking care of animals, especially dogs. He's interested in going to school, so he can learn more about taking care of animals. My husband loves dogs. He grew up with dogs and cared for additional dogs. He has a relaxed natural approach and does not use training as much as treats play and petting.

Reviews

Cc c.
Dog Boarding • Dec 07, 2019
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Melissa was so good with Brandon I think he wanted to stay with her She was just wonderful with him I felt very good leaving Brandon with her she is very caring I had a good trip knowing he was taking care of Thank u again melissa

Tram D.
Dog Boarding • Dec 05, 2019
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No one was home when I dropped my pup then I had to take him home, it was kinda messed up but luckily I had someone to drop the dog at their house later. When we picked up the dog, we saw all my dog’s stuff already outside at front door, the bowl was broken. Melissa just gave the dog back without saying anything. I guess I get what I pay for. But thank you for taking care of my dog.

Sandy T.
Dog Boarding • Nov 04, 2019
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I was so happy with our dogs stay with Melissa.

Mia P.
Dog Boarding • Oct 22, 2019
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Extremely kind and amazingly flexible! I recommend for any pet owner who loves their pets. Mellisa really went above and beyond. I know who to contact whenever I will be away from home any period of time.

About Melissa J.

Communication

3 repeat pet parents
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

41 years of experience
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Information Melissa J. would like to know about your pet

I read your dog's bio, but if there is any information not listed just let me know. I do not accept contagious dogs. I will not chance that they get other dogs sick. If your dog has diarrhea and or vomiting, but is not contagious I charge an additional $10 per day and $25 for cleaning supplies. No CBD products. No exceptions. No raw or natural foods, treats, toys etc that have been reported to possibly contain Salmonella or Listeria. Drop off pick up is between 6am to 7am or 7pm to 8pm weekdays and anytime weekends. There are no late weekday morning pick up or drop offs. If you are late for a weekday evening pick up drop off I charge an additional day.

A typical day

Playing indoor with balls and other toys. Ball pit. Running and jogging adjacent to woods and Christina river or walking through community. Playing ball indoors, hide and seek, fetch, and jumping soft obstacle courses. Cozy blankets and pillows for napping.

Services

Dog Walking
in your neighborhood
$25per walk

Melissa can watch in your home

0 to 15 lbs
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Dog Walking Cancellation Policy:

About Melissa J.

Communication

3 repeat pet parents
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

41 years of experience
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Information Melissa J. would like to know about your pet

I read your dog's bio, but if there is any information not listed just let me know. I do not accept contagious dogs. I will not chance that they get other dogs sick. If your dog has diarrhea and or vomiting, but is not contagious I charge an additional $10 per day and $25 for cleaning supplies. No CBD products. No exceptions. No raw or natural foods, treats, toys etc that have been reported to possibly contain Salmonella or Listeria. Drop off pick up is between 6am to 7am or 7pm to 8pm weekdays and anytime weekends. There are no late weekday morning pick up or drop offs. If you are late for a weekday evening pick up drop off I charge an additional day.

A typical day

Playing indoor with balls and other toys. Ball pit. Running and jogging adjacent to woods and Christina river or walking through community. Playing ball indoors, hide and seek, fetch, and jumping soft obstacle courses. Cozy blankets and pillows for napping.

Location

Newark, DE

Melissa J.'s Neighborhood

Pets

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Melissa J.

Newark, DE

5.0 out of 5 stars
•12 reviews