Michael D.
Michael D.
Contact for Boarding
from $39 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
K9 Adventure Camp & Phydeaux Spaw
My journey with dogs began over 50 years ago, growing up in a home where the 'pack' was part of the family. From a young age, I was the designated caregiver for our relatives' pets, learning early on how to read canine body language and provide the unique care each dog requires. Throughout my life, I have been the 'go-to' person for friends and family, managing pups of all temperaments and sizes. While my own long-time companion has recently crossed the rainbow bridge, the Spirit of the Dog remains the heartbeat of my home. I don’t just 'watch' dogs; I welcome them into a space built on four decades of experience and genuine love. Whether your pup needs a calm environment to relax or an adventure-filled stay, I have the room, the heart, and the professional setup at The Phydeaux Spaw to ensure they are safe and cherished. I’d be honored to welcome your dog into our pack for their next stay.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Mike was great at communicating leading up to and during the boarding. Our dog Frankie warmed up to Mike and his wife Sherri very quickly. She got lots of exercise and was in such a happy mood when we picked her up. We were very happy to meet Mike and will be excited to have Frankie visit again.
Mathilda‘s life has been substantially improved as a result of the time that ahe spent with Michael I really could not recommend him more highly
I had the feeling from the first conversation I had with Michael over the phone that this was going to be the right choice, a feeling I did not have until then. To say I was trepidatious is an understatement. I asked Michael to wait and allow Mathilda and I to get out of the vehicle, get her feet on the ground, do those doggy things doggies do and then approach him from a distance. She’s an old dog and she can be vulnerable in those uncertain moments, a formidable dog for her entire life, she now feels vulnerability in the most acute way. Because of her age and increasing infirmity, and also because she has now been a witness to the end of the lives of her siblings and her mother and her father. The wisdom of those experiences has taught her that even the most formidable will fall. Michael agreed and let us come to him out in the field where he was standing. Mathilda, while at the same time being keenly aware of his presence acted as if she already knew him or he wasn’t even standing there. I’m sure we all claim at sometime or another that all dogs love us or that we know dogs and we probably do and they probably do, but I’m very grateful that in this case it was true for Michael and Mathilda. This was not easy for me, as I have repeatedly said. it is the first time in my life, I’m 55 years old and I’ve had a dog or as many as seven every day of it, every single day. I’ve never asked an unfamiliar person to watch my dog, not once. Mathilda has been through a lot lately and I could see when I arrived to pick her up… she was lying on the bed in her blanket in front of the Christmas tree, the casual activities of a warm interior space on a cold winter night happening around her. And though Mathilda seemed forlorn in my absence, she was more comfortable and peaceful than I have seen her in a long time, Michael had to reach down and touch her, to draw her from her reverie and tell her I was there as she was so settled in and relaxed, if also sad with wonder about where I was and when I would return. Her glee at seeing me led her to, in her old age, wag her tail and emit the puppy sounds of joy. She was ready to go, quickly making her way to the door beside me, willing to leave that warm, wonderful space to come with me and I was grateful in that way that makes you count your blessings. I highly recommend Michael and encourage anyone who may like me find themselves needing a safe, loving, warm and soft, kind, and healing retreat for an old dog, or I can imagine a young dog, who is more precious to them than any other thing or all of them combined, to have faith and be patient, to be grateful, and to have trust for Michael, I have more of those things after this experience. I know I can rely on Michael and focus on my work with Mathilda in his care. i looked forward to writing this review from the moment I picked up Mathilda and we could not have had a better experience.
Mike was a true gift during a very emotional and busy time. With family in town for my father’s funeral, I needed a peaceful place for my dog Bo to stay for a few days. Mike and Shari welcomed him into their beautiful, woodsy home—with picture windows that Bo immediately wanted to look out, and a calm, comforting vibe. When I picked him up at the end of his stay Bo was a relaxed and happy dog! Thanks guys!
Awesome couple! Really took care of our little guy like he was his! Even gave him a bath so he came home smelling amazing. Overall an amazing experience with these guys and really really recommend.
A wonderful experience for my puppy; he was so happy that he didn't want to come home. I will definitely be using his services again, as he makes you and your pup feel right at home! P.S. He also has a mobile dog washing business.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
Pet care is not just a part of my routine; it is the center of it. As the owner of a professional bookkeeping firm and a mobile pet spa, my daily life is structured around my home base on Harper Hill. This 'work-from-home' lifestyle allows me to provide a level of consistency and supervision that a typical 9-to-5 sitter cannot. Morning & Evening Rhythms: My day begins and ends with the 'Adventure Playfield.' Every guest is integrated into a morning exercise routine and an evening wind-down that mirrors the structure of a professional facility. Mid-Day Engagement: Because I manage my bookkeeping clients from my home office, I am physically present all day. I take regular 'engagement breaks' to check on my guests, refresh water, and manage socialization in the yard. The 'Spaw' Advantage: On days when I am operating the mobile unit, the dogs in my care benefit from a high-energy, pet-centric environment. I am never more than a few steps away from the play area, and my 'Phydeaux Spaw' truck is a constant reminder of our commitment to professional-grade pet hygiene and safety. 24/7 Monitoring: Since I offer 'into the night' care and boarding, my evening routine is dedicated to ensuring every dog feels secure. My schedule is purposefully flexible to accommodate the needs of my clients—whether that’s an early drop-off or a late-night pick-up.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
At our Harper Hill home, safety isn't just a checklist—it’s the foundation of our environment. We’ve designed our space so that your dog is never out of sight and always under professional supervision. The 360-Degree View: Our home is uniquely positioned so that I have a clear, unobstructed line of sight to every corner of the yard from indoors. Whether your pup is napping in the sun or playing in the grass, they are under a watchful eye 100% of the time. The 'Adventure Playfield': For high-energy exercise, we utilize our expansive playfield. Here, we use long-lead techniques to allow for maximum freedom and movement while maintaining total safety. Mindful Socialization: We focus on more than just physical 'running out.' We specialize in helping dogs learn to respond without reacting. Through structured play and exercise, we help your pup build confidence and social skills in a calm, controlled atmosphere. Prepared for Every Scenario: My background with The Phydeaux Spaw mobile unit means I am inherently prepared for the unexpected. From first-aid awareness to specialized handling for dogs with ailments or anxiety, I bring a 'safety-first' professional toolkit to every boarding and daycare stay. This is a happy, balanced home where your dog’s physical safety and emotional well-being are our highest priorities.
A typical day
Structure, Sunshine, and Specialized Care "A day at our home base on Harper Hill is designed to balance physical exercise with mental relaxation. We don’t just 'watch' your dog; we provide an environment where they can thrive. Morning: The Wake-Up Wander. We start the day with a structured outdoor rotation. Our guests enjoy the fresh Port Orchard air in our secure play areas, getting their heart rates up and sniffing out the morning news. Mid-Day: The Adventure Phase. This is where the 'Adventure Camp' spirit comes alive. Depending on your dog's social style, we engage in group play or focused one-on-one attention. We use this time to monitor their energy and ensure everyone is having a safe, positive experience. Afternoon: The 'Phydeaux Spaw' Rhythm. While we aren't always washing every guest, the energy of our mobile spa keeps things professional and organized. If your pup is scheduled for a 'Departure Wash,' they’ll spend part of the afternoon being pampered in our state-of-the-art mobile unit, returning to the house smelling pristine. Evening: Wind-Down & Night Watch. As the sun sets, we transition to a calm indoor environment. We focus on 'den time'—giving every dog a comfortable, quiet place to digest and relax. Since we offer boarding that stretches 'into the night,' we maintain a consistent routine so our guests feel safe, secure, and ready for a peaceful night's sleep."