Rachel C.
Northwest, NC
Dog eutopia w/ fenced in yard
Pet care experience
I grew up around dogs, and continued my love of them into adulthood. I have had dobermans, and handled other working breads. I currently have a 10yo female Ridgeback who gets along with all dogs, even the grumpy ones. She is very calm and gentle - loves small dogs, isn't overly eager with shy dogs, and calmly keeps her distance from dogs that like their own space. She will play if provoked but is fine with laying around as well. I also have a dog savvy cat, that likes to say hi to his canine friends. I foster, and while energy is always different from one dog to the next, if they are dog friendly, I make sure to introduce them to new dogs slowly and properly. About the home: I have 5 large and 2 medium crates in the home. I keep plenty of dog toys, dog beds, leashes, and other walking tools, so there will be limited supplies needed to be packed up for your pooch. I respect rules and training of owners. But I am also extremely good at spoiling them. While I am gone, I have an 11x9 'den' that is gated and houses the crates, but looks into the family room, and has a pet camera for viewing while I am gone. This space is a perfect dog space and used just for them. Beds, blankets, crates and toys are in the room providing a wonderful space for them to relax in while I am gone. Why I love dog sitting I also have years of training experience, including some basic agility training, and I've kept up my training techniques over the years and over 25 years experience with handling dogs. I started working with dogs when I was young, taking my family Dobe to training classes. As an adult, I've owned two dogs: I previously had a doberman and I currently have a Ridgeback. I've also fostered for about 40 dogs over the last 6 years. I've had roommates with small - medium size dogs, and I constantly offer to help my friends and neighbors with their dogs. About my yard Large lot with 5' fence. I am very active and would keep your dogs exercised, assuming they are active as well, and have easy access to Umstead if hikes/walks are allowed. My experience administering medication Yes - My dobie was on meds for 3.5 years - I know most tricks to get them to eat the meds. While I did do shots, I'd rather not have to administer any to dogs that I am not familiar with. I am comfortable with eye drops, basic bandaging, etc. Update: 2018: Please let this serve as a notification to all previous and new clients that I now have the resources to board multiple clients dogs at one time in my home, and reservations may overlap. I will take the time to properly introduce all dogs to each other and monitor their interactions. Thank you.
Reviews
Gussie loved her time with Rachel! Our regular sitter moved prior to an upcoming trip and we were lucky to find Rachel after a few other sitters had backed out. Rachel was responsive and set up a meet and greet to ensure it was a good fit for us and her/her fur babies. My husband met with Rachel since I was unable to attend due to work, but Rachel was overly accommodating offering to meet up a second time prior to Gussie’s stay to ensure I was comfortable too. Gussie stayed with Rachel for about a week and we received daily updates and photos, and if I had questions, Rachel was always quick to respond. She took her ok walks, played mental stimulation games and even brushed Gussie’s doodle coat out daily! Gussie hurt her paw while playing during her stay, at no fault of Rachel’s or anyone else’s. I mention this because we were so impressed with how Rachel handled the situation. She let us know immediately and made sure Gussie rested throughout the remainder of her stay to prevent agitation. She was very willing to take her to the vet, if needed (which it wasn’t as Gussie was fine), and kept us updated. We really appreciate Rachel and will be using her again soon!
Rachel is excellent, the care she provided was top notch. She is very knowledgeable about dog behavior. I felt super comfortable leaving our fur baby in her care and her pupdates are the icing on the cake that allowed us to not worry one bit about how our baby was doing.
Statler enjoyed a five star stay with Rachel, as always! We whole heartedly recommend her and trust her with our most beloved family member.
Rachel is great in all aspects. Our dogs love her and are always excited when we pull up into her driveway. We highly recommend her!
About Rachel C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have dog gates up throughout the house, use crates while I am gone, and set boundaries for new dogs. I introduce dogs slowly and properly. I feed dogs separately. And I keep an eye on energy levels ensuring dogs are in a comfortable state.
Home
Information Rachel C. would like to know about your pet
1) Would the pup want to eat my cat 2) Can I use a crate when I am gone 3) Is the pup an escape artist from crates, leashes/collars/harnesses, fences, doors, etc., Knowing these things allow me to gauge the type of pups I'd be offering to watch, and to ensure the safety of my crazy cat, as well as the safety of all the pups. All dogs must be current on state mandatory vaccinations (e.g. Rabies, etc.) and on flea/tick and HW preventative. With respect to vaccinations that are not state mandatory, please do your research and discuss with your vet. I sit multiple clients pups at a time, they may have access to standing water in the yard and Umstead, and I foster dogs, pulled from shelters or as strays.
A typical day
Here's where we'll take our walks I am on a dead-end street, that has access to a subdivision for an easy 3 mile round trip walk, or I can take them into Umstead, assuming they don't mind a quick walk on the main street. The more active they can be, the more active the stay will be. I have a nice sized fenced in space, that is specifically for the dogs to run, chase, and play in. I try to correct digging, but other than that, I allow them to be goofy dogs in the yard. The space is for them! Your dog's sleeping arrangement I have 4 large dog crates, a dog only room off the living room, and my master bedroom access if they are cat friendly. If the dogs are not good with crates and can be trusted to stay out - without escaping or bothering my cat, I have extra tall gates used to keep pups safely separated and comfortable. Time I'll spend with your dog I work during the week days, but I devote my non-working hours to be with the pups. They get plenty of activity in and out of the house.
Services
Rachel can host
Availability
I work from home and I spoil the dogs throughout the day. Lots of yard time and couch naps while I am working and then walks and adventures in the evenings.
About Rachel C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have dog gates up throughout the house, use crates while I am gone, and set boundaries for new dogs. I introduce dogs slowly and properly. I feed dogs separately. And I keep an eye on energy levels ensuring dogs are in a comfortable state.
Home
Information Rachel C. would like to know about your pet
1) Would the pup want to eat my cat 2) Can I use a crate when I am gone 3) Is the pup an escape artist from crates, leashes/collars/harnesses, fences, doors, etc., Knowing these things allow me to gauge the type of pups I'd be offering to watch, and to ensure the safety of my crazy cat, as well as the safety of all the pups. All dogs must be current on state mandatory vaccinations (e.g. Rabies, etc.) and on flea/tick and HW preventative. With respect to vaccinations that are not state mandatory, please do your research and discuss with your vet. I sit multiple clients pups at a time, they may have access to standing water in the yard and Umstead, and I foster dogs, pulled from shelters or as strays.
A typical day
Here's where we'll take our walks I am on a dead-end street, that has access to a subdivision for an easy 3 mile round trip walk, or I can take them into Umstead, assuming they don't mind a quick walk on the main street. The more active they can be, the more active the stay will be. I have a nice sized fenced in space, that is specifically for the dogs to run, chase, and play in. I try to correct digging, but other than that, I allow them to be goofy dogs in the yard. The space is for them! Your dog's sleeping arrangement I have 4 large dog crates, a dog only room off the living room, and my master bedroom access if they are cat friendly. If the dogs are not good with crates and can be trusted to stay out - without escaping or bothering my cat, I have extra tall gates used to keep pups safely separated and comfortable. Time I'll spend with your dog I work during the week days, but I devote my non-working hours to be with the pups. They get plenty of activity in and out of the house.
Location
Raleigh, NC
Pets
Rachel C.
Northwest, NC