5.0

I'm a part-time writer who's originally from the USA but has lived in Ireland for close to four decades. I grew up in a house full of dogs, from collies to Saint Bernards, and learned to handle various dogs as a paperboy. Today I live in Drumcondra in central Dublin with partner Dawn and 16-year-old son Harry. Our home is missing our beloved Fonzie, our rescue dog of 17 years, who passed away in 2024. I've been thinking about taking up dog walking/boarding ever since, in part because I'm an avid walker (and no longer an avid writer!). On my near-daily walks I'm always talking to fellow hikers with dogs, and it just seems a missed opportunity not to have a dog with me, too. So I'm open to tailoring walks that really suit your dog, even daylong adventures with a picnic somewhere nice in the middle. If your dog would be staying overnight, or longer, it'll be even better, because my partner Dawn is the true dog fanatic in the family. It'll be nonstop cuddles once she's home. One key commitment from me is that your dog will feel at home, in a family environment, and will never be left alone. That includes nighttime, when I'll be sleeping in the living room nearby your dog (who I am betting will get a particularly good night's sleep, despite the unfamiliar environment, given all the exercise!). Because of our experience caring for Fonzie, who had mobility issues in his final years, I've also got a soft spot for looking after older dogs. I certainly won't be pushing your dog to walk more than he or she wants. We'll make sure the activity level/duration is appropriate for age, breed and overall health, following your own instructions closely.