Sheila M.
Bethesda, MD
Cody's Canine Retreat.
Pet care experience
Unfortunately, I am currently not accepting new clients unless they are referrals from current clients. If you are one of my standing clients and you see the calendar marked as full/unavailable, please check with me as I will always try to work it out for my regulars. Your home away from home for your beloved pet. Izzy, Cooper, and I absolutely love having other dogs here and your pup will be loved and cared for like one of the family. I am a typical dog mom and get very nervous when my pups have to go to boarding so fully understand that you will be too. Rest assured, I will love them to pieces and take great care of them. You will get nightly pupdates to put your mind at ease. I have had dogs of my own for 25 years. I have been taking care of friend's dogs as well as fostering dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages for the past seven years, so I have a wealth of experience dealing with all different personalities and needs. I am certified in animal first aid and CPR. I have happy to give any medications. Please let me know if your pup has any dietary restrictions when you drop them off. (eg grain-free, allergies, etc) Your dog must be up to date on all shots including bordetella. I recommend they have a canine flu vaccination too. The only things you need to bring are their food and treats. I have beds, bowls, and toys galore! I don't crate my dogs and yours won't be either unless that's what they are used to. I have a large crate and also have a small one. You are welcome to bring your own crate if that works for you. I live in a single-family home with a fully fenced back garden so your pup will be able to run around the garden as well as take daily walks around the neighborhood. I never let them outside unattended. When they're in the garden, I am right there with them. If it is nice weather they are free to lounge on the deck which is gated from the rest of the garden. Izzy is 6 years old and was one of my fosters That I couldn't let go. Even though she is tiny, she loves all other dogs once she feels comfortable with them. Cooper is 2 years old and super friendly with all people and pups. He loves to play. My two have the run of the house and sleep with me so if that is what yours is used to, that's fine. If they are crate trained, have restrictions on where to sleep, or space restrictions, just let me know. I have a series of dog gates so if I feel your pup needs to have space and downtime, they can have that without feeling they are shut in. I use the dog gates for feeding time too if they need their own space. When I have dogs arriving or leaving, I will keep them separated in other rooms to avoid too much excitement and negate the risk of anyone escaping. Other than that, they are never shut in.
Reviews
Thank you very much, as always, Sheila, for taking such excellent care of Pasha. Happy holidays!
We SO appreciate being able to leave our Belle in Sheila’s loving care!
Ace had a great stay- thank you for helping him feel comfortable!
We're so lucky to have Sheila as a sitter! I can tell how much Finn loves her every time I drop him off. He doesn't even say bye to us, he just runs in. She sends wonderful updates and it's clear how well cared for he is!
About Sheila M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
They are part of the family when they are here and are treated as such. They have free rein of the house unless advised not to. I don't crate mine but am happy to crate yours if that is what they are used to.
Home
Information Sheila M. would like to know about your pet
I need to know they are house trained and get along with dogs of every shape and size. Please make sure to tell me about any medical issues and/or special needs. Please make sure they are up to date on shots including bordetella. I need to know if your dog is on any medication or has any allergies. Please let me know if they have leash reactivity and also if they need to be fed in a separate area.
A typical day
The pups have lots of playtime in the fully fenced garden. Cooper and Izzy love having other dogs to run and play with. Our walks usually take us around our quiet neighborhood streets. I time my walks carefully so we don't run into many other dogs and am fine dealing with leash reactivity as mine aren't perfect either! If I have a house full, we do relay walks so both the pups and I are safe.
Services
Sheila can host
Availability
During holidays and school break times, I am home nearly all the time. During term times, my schedule allows me to make sure the longest the dogs will be at home on their own is four hours.
About Sheila M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
They are part of the family when they are here and are treated as such. They have free rein of the house unless advised not to. I don't crate mine but am happy to crate yours if that is what they are used to.
Home
Information Sheila M. would like to know about your pet
I need to know they are house trained and get along with dogs of every shape and size. Please make sure to tell me about any medical issues and/or special needs. Please make sure they are up to date on shots including bordetella. I need to know if your dog is on any medication or has any allergies. Please let me know if they have leash reactivity and also if they need to be fed in a separate area.
A typical day
The pups have lots of playtime in the fully fenced garden. Cooper and Izzy love having other dogs to run and play with. Our walks usually take us around our quiet neighborhood streets. I time my walks carefully so we don't run into many other dogs and am fine dealing with leash reactivity as mine aren't perfect either! If I have a house full, we do relay walks so both the pups and I are safe.
Location
Bethesda, MD
Pets
Sheila M.
Bethesda, MD