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Mike A.

La Vernia, TX

5.0 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
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Well Adjusted Pack Welcomes All

Pet care experience

We welcome you and your fur baby to our home here in La Vernia, Texas. The single story ranch style house is open to all breeds and is well set up to handle any dog regardless of size. There are no breed restrictions in the subdivision. The large fenced in back yard offers the opportunity for your pet(s) to play and chase squirrels or each other. We understand that some animals are more of a social butterfly than others so just let us know your pet(s) tolerance levels with other animals and we can adjust the location of our personal pets to accommodate their stay. If your animal prefers to go for walks then please let us know and don’t forget to bring their harness and leashes! Our home has a country feel allowing the animals to unwind and eliminate the stress associated with staying in a city environment. We are within close proximity to two quality Veterinarian offices, as well as being within 15 minutes of my own personal Veterinarian, Dr. Proctor, located at the Rigsby Veterinary Clinic. We are a simple family with core values based upon the belief that God has placed us here as caretakers to the earth and its creatures. At any given time there may be numerous rescues within our household that are currently up for adoption. These rescues are socialized and played with daily and although they will remain well cared for they do not reside within the main house. Their sleeping quarters are in a climate controlled environment within our garage. Our pack dynamics within the home are structured simply and can be described as listed below. Human (Mike) - I have had dogs, cats, mice, and spiders as pets from an early age. I am totally comfortable around all breeds and species. After all, I help manage this motley pack! Oh, and for my real job I am retired Air Force and now work in IT as an Information Security Manager in San Antonio. Human (Celeste) – She is a stay at home Mother of our lovely little girl. Prior to our bundle of joy she worked in the legal field as well as in the San Antonio rescue community. She has been around dogs, cats, fish, pigs, goats, horses, cows and birds for her entire life. Many might say she spoils any animal she comes in contact with but I prefer to think she just mothers them all as if they are her own children. She has no fear of any breed and has a special fondness for what most consider ‘bully breeds’. Her views on animals and children are that as a parent you do not put the animal in a situation that it will fail. We believe our daughter needs to grow up around many types of animals in order to become a more compassionate individual. Adomis Maximus (Rottweiler, Male, Neutered, 75 lbs.) – Adam was an ACS/Brooks Facility rescue from the West side of San Antonio. He was abandoned at a rental property, left without food, water or shelter, tied to the end of an electrical extension cord. He has adjusted well to being a part of our family and tries his best to keep up with all the visitors. At times he pretends to rule the world but ever since July he has become our child’s shadow and caretaker. He is definitely one of the littlest Rottweiler’s you will ever encounter but he has a heart of gold. Aphrodite (Chow/Golden Retriever Mix, Female, Spayed, 65 lbs.) – Froo-girl is truly an ACS rescue success story. She was dumped by her ‘owner’ at the kill shelter along with her 7 puppies to be euthanized. Overcoming starvation and distemper she has forgotten her abusive mistreatment from her previous home. She is an amazing creature and most likely one of the gentlest souls I have ever encountered. Although no longer able to have puppies she still attempts to ‘mother’ just about anything or anyone that is around her for any length of time. A guard dog by nature she has adjusted well to family life and makes friends quickly while still managing to protect her new world. Our family welcomes all and looks forward to the chance to make great friendships. About this sitter: As an experienced large breed dog owner I understand how challenging it can be to find someone I trust with my "babies". I offer my broad spectrum of breed knowledge, a securely enclosed living environment within a single story house with a large fully fenced backyard as well as the emotional aspect of making your pet (s) feel secure in your absence. I am familiar with breed temperament and physically able to handle any breed. My opinion is that ultimately a dog is just that, a dog, regardless of the breed. I make no exceptions to breeds that I will provide care for as long as the owner is forward with me about the dog’s possible limitations. Although my preference is to have my guest(s) inside the home I can also provide the option of several large 6 foot chain link enclosures that can be used if your pet is an “outside only” animal. I have over 20 years of experience with my own dogs as well as working in the rescue community. In the event there are any crisis situations you can rest assured that I will treat your dog(s) like my own family members. On client request we also do what is considered "Traveling Services". Sometimes an animal just does not travel well to other locations due to temperament or health restrictions. On these assignments one of us will watch your pet(s) in your home and spend the night at your residence. Why I love dog sitting I honestly can't remember not loving all dogs. Even from an early age I would alsways be around dogs. About my yard I have a large 1/2 acre fenced backyard that is composed of mostly sand and wild grass (great for digging and running around in with wreak less abandon). The fence is 6 feet tall with stock wire. I have had no escapees in over 5 years (knock on wood). My experience administering medication Yes, I can even administer injections if needed. However, I perfer not to have sick dogs around my dogs but in a pinch I will help a dog owner out for the short term.

Reviews

Christina P.
Dog Boarding • Jun 04, 2017
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Our dog Molly stayed with Celeste and Mike and had a fabulous time. We never for a moment worried about Molly feeling loved while she was away! We received regular updates and pics. We appreciate how well they cared for her.

Kathy V.
House Sitting • Jun 04, 2017
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There is something so comforting seeing pictures of your happy dogs playing and sleeping and just being themselves in your home while you are away. 1 dog is a little.... difficult, but Celeste handled him perfectly. I didn't have to worry, about anything. And to come home to a clean house....amazing. I would trust her again, anytime. She is a blessing to worrywort dog moms.

Stella M.
Dog Boarding • Mar 27, 2017
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This was the first time ever to use a dog sitter. I was going to have a lot of out of town family stay with me because my son was getting married. I was a little anxious at first but after meeting Mike and Celeste I knew that my furbabies were going to be fine. Mike and Celeste took the time to meet my babies a couple of times before the scheduled stay. Both Jade and Heavy were fine but my Optimist was a little hesitant at first. After dropping them off at their place, I knew instantly that my babies especially Optimist were going to be fine. Celeste sent me pictures regularly and I could tell that my babies were having a great time. I ended really enjoying the wedding and didn't even worry about my babies. I highly recommend Mike and Celeste. And if ever a time comes when we need a dog sitter, I would without any hesitation book Mike and Celeste. Thank you Mike and Celeste for taking care of my babies like you did. You both are awesome and are now part of my family.

Judith T.
Dog Boarding • Jan 16, 2017
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Mike and his wife were responsive to our needs. They took excellent care of our dog. If I need help again, Mike will be the man for the job.

About Mike A.

Communication

100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
50% bookings with photo updates

Skills

20 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Information Mike A. would like to know about your pet

Mainly the temperment with other dogs, shot history and any dietary constraints. Other than that I let dogs be dogs.

A typical day

Here's where we'll take our walks We live in a rural neighborhood so we take laps around the neighborhood. From our home to the group mailboxes and back is just over 1 mile. Great for stretching the legs and wonderful new smells (or so the dogs tell me) Your dog's sleeping arrangement If the owner provides a crate then the crate will be situated in the living room. At the owners direction the animal can be put into the crate with an article of clothing from the owner (eases the stress of being in a different place). If the animal has a pet bed or any special blankets, those will be place in the living room near the sofa's so the animal can remain centrally located in the residence during its stay. Time I'll spend with your dog Once I have determined the dog is comfortable, I let the dog have free run of the house as well as the large fenced backyard. Typically, we spend about 8 to 10 hours with the dogs. Time I'll spend with your dog I work during the day but my wife is as dog fanatical as me and will spend a copious amount of time with your dog/s Extra house-sitting services Yes, within reason

Services

Drop-In Visits
visits in your home
$45per visit
Dog Walking
in your neighborhood
$35per walk

Mike can watch in your home

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Mike A.

Communication

100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
50% bookings with photo updates

Skills

20 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Information Mike A. would like to know about your pet

Mainly the temperment with other dogs, shot history and any dietary constraints. Other than that I let dogs be dogs.

A typical day

Here's where we'll take our walks We live in a rural neighborhood so we take laps around the neighborhood. From our home to the group mailboxes and back is just over 1 mile. Great for stretching the legs and wonderful new smells (or so the dogs tell me) Your dog's sleeping arrangement If the owner provides a crate then the crate will be situated in the living room. At the owners direction the animal can be put into the crate with an article of clothing from the owner (eases the stress of being in a different place). If the animal has a pet bed or any special blankets, those will be place in the living room near the sofa's so the animal can remain centrally located in the residence during its stay. Time I'll spend with your dog Once I have determined the dog is comfortable, I let the dog have free run of the house as well as the large fenced backyard. Typically, we spend about 8 to 10 hours with the dogs. Time I'll spend with your dog I work during the day but my wife is as dog fanatical as me and will spend a copious amount of time with your dog/s Extra house-sitting services Yes, within reason

Location

La Vernia, TX

Mike A.'s Neighborhood
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Mike A.

La Vernia, TX

5.0 out of 5 stars
7 reviews