Safety & Environment Professional Environment Management My approach to safety is rooted in my years of experience as a Search and Rescue handler. I don’t just "watch" dogs; I manage their environment—whether at my home or my retail office—to ensure they stay calm, secure, and relaxed. Secure Home Space At home, I have a fully fenced backyard where your dog can enjoy fresh air and play safely. While I am at the store during the day, our mornings and evenings are spent in this secure, private space. A Quiet, Focused Home I provide a calm, structured home environment. While I have a cat, she is an outdoor cat and will not be in the home or interacting with your dog during their stay. This allows your pet to enjoy the indoor space without the stress of other resident animals. Expert Handling & Security I use professional handling techniques on every outing. My background as a SAR handler means I am always scanning for potential triggers, off-leash dogs, or hazards. I am meticulous with gear—leashes, harnesses, and securing gates are double-checked with the same discipline I used when working with avalanche rescue animals in the field. Reliable Communication With a background in high-level operations, I value direct, clear communication. You’ll receive regular updates and photos, and you can trust that I am following your specific feeding, medical, and behavioral routines to the letter. Frequently Asked Questions Where will my dog spend most of their time? During the work week, your dog will be with me at my retail store in Cumberland. They will stay in a quiet office area behind the scenes, providing them with constant companionship throughout the day. At home, they have full access to a focused, quiet living space and a fenced backyard. How many walks will my dog get? I provide two primary structured walks: one before we head to the store and one after we finish for the day. During the workday, I provide regular outdoor potty breaks and fresh air. This routine is best for dogs that enjoy a "settle" routine during business hours and look forward to their exercise at the bookends of the day. Will my dog be left alone? Rarely. Because I can bring your dog to my workplace, they benefit from near-constant supervision. If I do need to step out for an errand where dogs aren't permitted, it is never for more than a few hours. This makes my setup a great fit for dogs that prefer having a human nearby. How do you handle "reactive" or high-energy dogs? I am very comfortable with dogs that have "big" personalities, thanks to my experience fostering for the SPCA and training SAR dogs. However, because I work in a retail environment, your dog should be comfortable with occasional ambient noise and seeing new people from a distance. I focus on maintaining the boundaries and commands you’ve already established to keep them feeling successful. What is your protocol for safety and emergencies? I treat safety with professional discipline. This means staying hyper-aware of our surroundings and ensuring all equipment is secure. Should an emergency arise, I have the experience to stay calm, and I will immediately contact you and your designated vet while following established emergency protocols.