5.0

Animals have always been a major part of my life, and today I work full-time providing dependable, hands-on pet care throughout Westchester County and lower Fairfield County. My goal is to give every dog more than a basic neighborhood walk—I focus on exercise, enrichment, socialization, training, and memorable adventures tailored to the individual dog. Each morning, seven days a week, I organize dog park outings at Paws Place at Ward Acres. These outings give compatible dogs an opportunity to run, play, explore, practice recall, and build healthy social skills in a supervised environment. I carefully consider each dog’s temperament, play style, energy level, and comfort around other dogs before including them in a group. I also offer adventure outings throughout Westchester and Greenwich. Tuesdays and Thursdays are generally my Cos Cob and Greenwich days, with later-morning hikes and park visits at places such as Montgomery Pinetum, Mianus River Park, and Pemberwick Park. Depending on the season, weather, location, and each dog’s needs, adventures may also include Tod’s Point, Rye Beach, Larchmont Dog Beach, Saxon Woods, Congress Street Park, Harrison Dog Park, Abendroth Dog Park, Crawford Park, the Leatherstocking Trail, Sheldrake Lake, and other dog-friendly trails, parks, and open spaces. Based in Rye Brook near Crawford Park, I have convenient access to local trails and green space for walks, enrichment, and individualized care. I also have limited flexibility for select overnight or extended-care arrangements when the dog is a good fit for my home environment, schedule, and existing pets. During the winter, I especially enjoy offering beach adventures at Rye Beach and Tod’s Point. I also visit Larchmont Dog Beach throughout the year. These outings give dogs open space, fresh air, and a stimulating change from their usual routines. Warmer-weather adventures often focus on shaded woodland trails, swimming opportunities, and park exploration. Every adventure is adapted to the individual dog. Activities may include structured leash walking, long-line exploration, hiking, swimming, fetch, recall practice, confidence building, supervised group play, and off-leash exercise where it is permitted, safe, and appropriate. Some dogs thrive during energetic pack adventures, while others benefit more from a quiet trail, slower sniff walk, or one-on-one training session. I come prepared for active outings with a dedicated dog-adventure backpack and organized vehicle setup. Depending on the activity, I carry Chuckit balls, a Chuckit launcher, tug and floating toys, treats, water, collapsible bowls, long lines, backup leashes, cleanup supplies, tick-removal tools, and basic grooming equipment. I also keep canine first-aid supplies, vet wrap, emergency equipment, visibility gear, and support slings available so I am better prepared for injuries, fatigue, changing weather, or unexpected situations on the trail. I am a GoodPup Certified Dog Trainer and use reward-based training methods adapted to each dog’s personality, motivation, and learning style. I regularly work on loose-leash walking, pulling, recall, jumping, puppy biting, door manners, impulse control, place training, confidence building, and calm behavior around people and dogs. I am especially comfortable helping dogs who resist walking, become overstimulated outdoors, or need clearer structure and encouragement. Safety is always my priority. I am confident handling dogs of different sizes, breeds, ages, strengths, and energy levels, including dogs with behavioral or medical considerations. I use appropriate equipment and adjust each outing according to the dog’s age, fitness, training level, weather, trail conditions, and individual needs. On hot days, I shorten strenuous activity, choose shaded routes, provide water, and substitute calmer enrichment when necessary. I have experience caring for puppies, senior pets, rescue animals, anxious dogs, strong pullers, and pets requiring medication or specialized routines. I provide detailed updates after visits so owners know where we went, what their dog enjoyed, how they behaved, and whether they ate, drank, peed, or pooped. My animal-care background extends well beyond dogs. Over the years, I have cared for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, freshwater and reef aquarium fish, and reptiles including tokay geckos, leopard geckos, skinks, veiled chameleons, and ball pythons. This diverse experience has given me a broad understanding of animal behavior, enrichment, husbandry, and the importance of following each pet’s established routine. At home, I share my life with Zelda, my four-year-old golden retriever, who will turn five on July 18, 2026, and Little Girl “LG,” my ten-year-old rescue cat. Caring for my own pets—and the many animals entrusted to me by local families—has reinforced my belief that excellent pet care requires patience, consistency, communication, preparation, sound judgment, and genuine affection. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Public Health from the University of Maryland. My education has strengthened my communication skills, attention to detail, and commitment to the health and well-being of both pets and their people. Depending on your location and scheduling needs, I may be available for neighborhood walks, dog park runs, hiking adventures, beach outings, drop-in visits, training sessions, in-home pet sitting, and other personalized care arrangements for established clients. Whether your dog needs structured exercise, energetic group play, a peaceful woodland hike, confidence building, or individualized training support, I work to make every visit safe, engaging, and rewarding.