Hello! I ask that you please read the following information. I promise it will give you a lot of insight into me and what I can or cannot do. I would like to give you as much information as possible so you can learn more about my boarding or boarding in general and then decide what is best for you. I have been a dog owner since age 9 and cannot imagine life without them. I became a rescue volunteer in 2003 and always end up with foster failure. I assisted in many fundraisers, transports, and evaluations. I have had four dogs of my own with two fosters at the same time. It was great! I now have two neutered boys, a 4-year-old and a 7.5-year-old. Trophy is a 55 lb. pure sharpei and Razzi is a 62% sharpei mix at 45 lbs. For seven years I have owned a patio home with a smaller back yard close to 1960 and Kuykendahl. The yard can be divided into different play areas. I also have a doggie door. The inside of my home is circular with an atrium in the middle, which can also be used for sunbathing, napping, or whatever they choose. I have experience with caring for sick, post-op, and birthing dogs, together with other health issues during my years of owning, rescuing, and fostering dogs. Giving medications, baths, brushings are no problem. I became a dog groomer in 1992 but chose to become a legal secretary instead. Now I'm ready to spend time with some body-wagging babies. There are two excellent vets within 3 minutes of my home, one being an emergency clinic where I have had part-time employment. I do work 9-5 Thursday through Saturday and sometimes Sunday. Please consider the working hours when interviewing any potential sitter. Is it okay for your pet to be alone that long? I don’t know if my working will be a factor and understand if it is. I can tell you the rest of the time spent will be quality time. Bedding is changed and washed. My yard is sprayed frequently for insects, including mosquitos and fleas. A constable lives next door to me, providing additional safety. When it comes to your pets, what you say goes. Period. Any place you take your pet will require all shot records be up to date and given to the sitter. This can be done with a paper copy, an emailed copy either from you or the vet, or a picture from your phone. Be sure you do a meet and greet with any and all sitters that interest you. You can make a better decision when you meet them. That way you can also have a backup. Whoever you choose, be sure to ask for a coupon code. It allows you to take $20 off when you book your very first stay. I have a patio home with a small yard. Will your pet become bored and be destructive? (I just had a pit destroy a memory foam mattress). Any howling or barking if left alone? Does he or she crate? Is the energy high, moderate, or laid back? Because of this, I cannot take high energy or noisy dogs. I also cannot take any kind of pit-bull terrier because of their strength and energy level. When I try to walk them I look like I am waterskiing. I have an extra bedroom where my guests stay when I am gone. They have a double glass outside door they can look out. I have a futon with a trundle, or their bed can be on the floor, depending on what the owner wants. Or I can crate. Again, it’s what the owner wants. My dogs do not get on the furniture but some guests do. My house is calm. I try to be sure they get worn out so they do settle and rest before I go to work. My dogs are sharpei and they don’t require a lot of exercise. They play maybe four times a day for 15 minutes each time and that’s all they need. Their “exercise” is mental more than physical – that’s the way they are. (My younger dog can play chess now). Which is why I want to be sure the owners know exactly what I have to offer as it’s my point to be sure everyone is happier than expected. So, my dogs aren’t particularly interested in playing after a short time period. Be as detailed as possible so your pet can have the same routine. When is he/she let out? How many walks or treats a day? Any personality quirks? Goes potty how long after eating? Lie on the cold tile or snuggle under blankets? Giving walks and playtime is no problem. How active is he/she and how often? Do you sleep together? I don’t allow my dogs to meet my guests right away. You can meet them, though. The reason – I take no chances. Your pet will be stressed because he/she doesn’t know what’s going on and his/her best friend is leaving. My dogs say “someone is in my territory”. They bounce off each other. I let them meet slowly. Please also consider that and what your and your pet’s needs are when stressed. The first night is the hardest and I prefer early drop-offs (if possible of course) to give all of us enough time to settle. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for considering me! Merrie