My passion for dogs started early — at 13, I was deep in dog breed research and a top contributor on Yahoo Pets forums. That curiosity never stopped. I'm well-versed in breed groups — working dogs, scent hounds, terriers, toy breeds and more — and understand how breed heritage, age, and background shape how a dog needs to be cared for and handled. Loving dogs and knowing how to care for them are two very different things. Truly caring for a dog means providing consistent attention, calm and confident leadership, a safe environment, and genuine affection — and that is exactly the standard I hold myself to. My approach is informed by years of hands-on experience and continuous learning. I'm a longtime fan of Cesar Millan and follow Beckman's Dog Training on YouTube, and have hands-on experience with mixed breeds and rescues of all backgrounds — including dogs with separation anxiety, trauma histories, and special behavioral needs. Experience across sizes, ages, and needs I've cared for dogs of virtually every size and background — ranging from 6 to 120 pounds — including a weeks-old Norwich Terrier puppy, a retired Greyhound racer, and a 120-pound Great Dane. I've managed multiple dogs from the same household simultaneously, including 4 French Bulldogs and a Chihuahua at once. I have experience de-escalating and breaking up dog altercations in multi-dog households among power breeds — something most people panic over, but which requires calm, decisive handling and a read on body language before it escalates. I am pet first aid and CPR-trained, and am comfortable administering daily medications (anxiety, seizure, nerve), supplements, eye drops, and ear drops. I also have experience with shelter rescues with separation anxiety, trauma histories, and street reactivity. Even picky eaters are no problem — whether that means hand feeding, creative food toppers, or simply figuring out what works to get a reluctant dog to eat comfortably away from home. Breeds I've worked with include: Small: Chihuahua, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Norwich Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/Havanese mix, Bernedoodle, Shih Tzu/Corgi mix, Pug, Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, French Bulldog Medium to Large: Australian Cattle Dog, Treeing Walker Coonhound mix, Greyhound, Golden/Labradoodle, Beagle/Boxer mix, American Staffordshire Terrier, Labrador/Husky mix, Pitbull mix, Chow Chow, Shar-Pei/Pitbull mix, Weimaraner, German Shepherd/Husky mix, German Shepherd, Boxer, Australian Shepherd, Great Dane My home & my dog I'm a dog mom myself to Lassie, a spayed Rough Collie with an excellent temperament — she holds both the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU) titles. Relevant to you as a client, both certifications test calm, neutral behavior when walking in close proximity to other dogs — a key part of what makes a safe and harmonious boarding environment. Lassie has also completed agility, obedience, and nose work training, all in group settings around other dogs. She has been socialized with Rover dogs since puppyhood, gets along beautifully with dogs of all ages and sizes, and has successfully hosted small and senior dogs in our home. We do ask that your dog is generally comfortable around cats. If needed, there is a designated separate space to ensure no direct contact. Your pet's stay Your dog will never be left unsupervised. I work from home full-time as a consultant and freelance photographer, meaning I am present in the home all day, every day — not just checking in between errands. I make it a priority to minimize time away from the dogs in my care — even everyday errands like groceries are delivered to my door. If anything does come up, my retired mom who lives with me full-time is always the backup, so your dog is never left alone. We even plan our outings around our guests — choosing dog-friendly restaurants and venues so nobody gets left behind. As a freelance photographer, the photo updates I send are a cut above — past clients have liked them so much they've had them professionally printed and framed. You deserve to see your furry family member happy and thriving while you're away, and I'll make sure of it.