5.0

My first dog arrived 2 weeks after my 5th birthday, and I've been a dog lover ever since. My first cat arrived 35 years ago, and I happily became one of those people owned by both. I would be happy to make sure your furry friend is comfortable and well cared for in your home. I am a dog trainer with The Complete Canine here in Tucson and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. I am a registered Pet Partners therapy dog handler and evaluator with my golden retriever, Dudley, with whom I visit at Tucson Medial Center. We also participate in the Pima County Public Library's Read to a Dog program. I'm not sure who enjoys this more--me or Dudley! Dudley and I teach a pet therapy class every week for The Complete Canine in addition to puppy and adult obedience classes. Plus, I get to be den mother for puppy playtime once a week, which has to be the happiest job ever! The dogs and I have taken obedience, rally, and tricks classes with local trainers such as Jeremy Brown, Vanya Moreno, Pam Lundy and Palo Verde Golden Retriever Club, and Old Pueblo Dog Training Club to deepen our relationships, and to just have fun. In 2015, the dogs and I started taking rally classes, and are having so much fun, I bought equipment for the backyard. We're practicing new turns and sit/stay/walking combinations I can practice with your dog, too. Remember, a tired pup is a good pup! I recently acquired two kitten siblings, and have started trying to train them. So far, I'm the one who's getting trained by them, but I have taught a former cat to walk on leash and I'm working with Kari Cleland, an experienced movie work and service dog trainer, to learn new things with both my dogs and cats. I have a soft spot in my heart for the seniors, having taken care of my own senior pets and their medical requirements. I can administer daily insulin shots and eye and ear medications and subcutaneous fluids. I know that senior dogs and cats deserve extra tender loving care, and will help your elderly pet stand and walk outside or replace pet pads, as needed. If your dog and/or cat are more comfortable in their own home, I am happy to come visit and give them some exercise. If your dog likes walks, I'd be delighted to walk them in your neighborhood or at a local park, but we can also play in your backyard and maybe practice some basic obedience commands, too. I have a regular cat client I take for a walk, too. He always gets a lot of attention! Big dogs, little dogs, big cats, little cats, I love them all! You can rest assured your dog and/or cat will be well cared for with me. As of 2019, boarding in my home has been suspended. However, I have left my boarding policy here for when I resume boarding. Dogs spending the day in my house enjoy unlimited access to my large, completely fenced backyard (all photos taken in my backyard), weather permitting. My house has air conditioning and tile floors, which encourages summer napping.. A wading pool in the backyard is always full of cool, fresh water for playing in (towels supplied). If your dog likes rally, I can set up the rally equipment and your dog can race through a tunnel, jump a hurdle, and learn to weave through poles. Although my profile says I only board one dog at a time, two dogs from the same family can be accommodated. Multiple daily breaks outside will be taken in the hotter weather while the dogs spend most of their time inside. Your dog will never be left unsupervised, and as I live alone, they need not worry about strangers making them uncomfortable. There are multiple dog beds scattered throughout the house, and dogs are allowed on the sofa and beds, so they can rest wherever they'd like. There are several rooms with doors and stacking baby gates that can block off a room for the resident cats if you are worried about your dog's reaction to a cat. All dogs that will be at my house for boarding or day visits must be on flea and tick medication (proof required). Please contact me so we can devise a personal pet visit or stay that accommodates your dog's preferences and needs. Whether daily visits, daily walks, or sleepover dates, I will care for your pet as if he or she is my own.