Michael B.
Michael B.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $14 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Trustworthy dog lover
I have loved dogs since before my parents finally fulfilled my Christmas wish for a puppy when I was five. Since then, dogs have been a constant in my life and a crucial source of joy and fulfillment. Over the last decade I embraced the adult side of dog love by regularly dog sitting for friends and family and eventually adopting a dog of my own. Dogs have always been one of the best parts of my life and I look forward to meeting yours! I don't have a formal dog training certification, but I think my dog Rafiki would gladly give me one. I adopted Rafiki 6 years ago and he is wonderful. His special talents include spinning his tail like a helicopter and being the first dog that 'non-dog-lovers' actually enjoy. He was not always such a dream though. When he was a puppy he had all sorts of terrible habits that I won't get into (RIP tv remotes, shoes, untoppled drinks). I decided that I needed some help with this adorable rambunctious puppy and signed him up for day camp training with a trainer in Durham. Every day when I picked him up, the trainer would spend 30 minutes to an hour teaching me how to work with Rafiki. He taught me a million things and really opened my eyes on how interact with dogs, how to read their body language, and how to best communicate with them. Though I’m no expert, I’d be happy to reinforce any training or problem-solving you’re working on with your pup. I am also happy to just spend some quality time together making sure their time away from you is fun, safe and enriching. I would love the chance to take your pup on some walks and adventures while giving you the peace of mind of knowing they are in good hands!
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
My dog is able to come in and out as he pleases. We have a fenced in yard (front and back) with plenty of room to play.
Ratings and reviews
Michael was quick to help when we were in a bind to get help for our pup. Took care of our old girl without any trouble. Would definitely rebook!
Thank you Michael for taking such good care of my pups when we needed a lIttle extra to get through the long week after out baby came early. You were quick to respond and availability and communicated and sent updates which we enjoyed.
Michael is a very dedicated dog dad who has a wide range of experience caring for dogs of varying personalities and traits. He has cared for my 55 lb scruffy mutt on several occasions and Brumley is always thrilled to see him. Michael's calm demeanor seems to put dogs at ease and must be contagious given his own dog's dignified and unflappable comportment. He genuinely loves spending time with canine companions, especially outside, and learning how best to communicate to foster a relationship built on cooperation and mutual respect. I never worry when my dog is in Michael's care since I know he's definitely having a good time and that Michael is more than capable of meeting any problems that may arise with a reasoned and well thought out response. Highly recommend trusting Michael with your best friend!
Michael is a fantastic pet sitter! My dog knows him by name and gets excited every time we say we’re going to see him. I would trust Michael to take care of my dog anytime.
Michael has helped me with dog walking an dogsitting many times and I can't recommend him highly enough! My pup is always thrilled to see him when he arrives and seems happily tuckered out when I get home. He is a very professional, reliable, and attentive dog walker who has also improved my dog's leash walking and overall behavior with other people and dogs. He is also a friendly, communicative, and kind person!
Michael is patient, respectful, and trustworthy with pups and people alike. I'm not just saying that because he's my husband. He has done an amazing job raising our 6 year old pup Rafiki and continues to take time and energy to play with, train, and love our dog. I had never had a pet growing up and never understood how much a dog can add to a family. Michael is a wonderful example of good dog parent for me to learn from with our Rafiki. Whether it is some training in the back yard, a dog walk at the Eno or in our neighborhood, or some couch cuddles on a rainy day, he always seems to know what our dog needs. It's not just our dog though, we have a vast dog family in Durham and Michael is always the dog whisperer of the group. If you are curious where Michael is at a gathering, check where the dogs are and he'll be close by. Michael is a wonderful choice to care for your pet and will give them the same care and attention he does to our pup.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I have a flexible schedule that allows plenty of time for pet care. I like to stay active and enjoy hikes and walks with our furry friends.