Spots are filling up quickly during School breaks and Holidays, please book it in advance if you have travelling plans in school breaks and holidays. I've been a dog lover ever since I was a little girl. A dog is a man's best friend—and it's easy to see why. They greet us at the door every day, love us unconditionally, and even help humans live longer, happier lives. It’s amazing to me how quickly a dog will attach herself/himself to me. Dogs have always been my companion, there for me through thick and thin. Hosting other dogs make the feeling multiplied by two, or three, or four … I have 25 years of experience caring for dogs, a big house and a big back yard for the dogs to run around and play. My back yard is fenced and faces Seneca Creek State Park and has a lot of shade for the dogs to run around safely, play and relax. Both of my husband and I work from home, so there is always someone here for the dogs. Dogs have all the freedom in the house to play and sleep on any couch or chair they desire. My husband and I enjoy playing with the dogs, watching the dogs play off-leash in the back yard is a joy for our family. I’ve been hosting dogs since 2014, stopped during the pandemic for more than two years; we lost our beloved Coco and Simsim, adopted Abby during this time. Abby is a two years old Shih-Poo, a cross between the Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle dog breeds. She’s small, smart, playful, energetic, and love to have fun, she would love to have other dogs to play with. If you are looking for someone who loves dogs and is responsible, experienced, caring and flexible to take care of your pups when you are not around, take them to us, I promise your pups will thank you for it later! Please note: 1. All dogs must be fully potty trained, neutered or spayed and vaccinated, must be on a veterinary-approved flea medication to visit. If we do not have your dog's current vaccinations on file, please contact your veterinarian and have the most recent vaccine records sent to us prior to arrival. We require rabies, distemper combo, and Bordetella. We also strongly recommend the canine influenza vaccinations. If your dog needs to update any vaccines, we recommend having them administered at least 7 to 10 days before arrival for maximum effectiveness. For the safety and comfort of guest dogs and my own dog, I don't accept aggressive dogs. 2. Drop off time: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm Pick up time: 8:30 am to 9:00 Pm 3. Things to bring for your dog’s vacation: a. Bed or blanket or crate, which ever your dog use for the bed time at home works perfectly at Pawtel as well. An old T-shirt of yours to keep your dog company. b. Food, treats and can food to stimulate his appetite if needed. For dry food and treats- bring the amount your dog will need for their stay in disposable zip-lock bags, labeled with your dog’s name and feeding instruction, for example- a half cup X 2 per day, PLUS 2 or 3 extra days' worth in case of travel changes or delays. Please do the same for home made fresh dog food. Any unused food and treat will be returned. c. We can administer oral or topical medications and supplements for your dog. Please bring prescription medications in their original containers along with clear written instructions in a disposable zip-lock bag, labeled with your dog’s name on it. Medications must be kept separate from foods. d. A collar with name tag and phone number on is REQUIRED for the safety concern, we use harness for walking. Please double check and tighten the collar and harness to make sure he can NOT get out easily. 4. Things DO NOT PACK: a. No need for you to bring food or water bowls! We provide freshly cleaned china bowls with filtered water, and freshly cleaned stainless steel food bowl for every meal. If your dog requires a slow feeder or elevated bowls, please label them with your dog’s name prior to check-in. b. We ask you not bring bone or any rawhide products, or items that may present a risk to your dog while stay with us. Any such items will be stored until you pick up your dog. c. Please leave your pet's toys at home. We've got lots here to keep them entertained and they are cleaned regularly. 5. Every day includes 2-3 walks plus unlimited indoor and outdoor playtime. 6. Meet-n-Greet will take place in Quince Orchard Valley Park, at 12015 Suffolk Terrace, which is a half-mile away from my house, I will give you a tour of my back yard right after. 7. I offer a 10% discount for new customers and multiple dogs a 20% discount on the second dog, a 30% discount on the third dog. Customers who booked multiple nights for more than 20 nights will will receive a 10% discount plus no holidays rates. Customers who booked multiple nights for more than 7 nights will receive a 10% discount for the next stay; customers also receive a 10% discount when a new customer you refer to Pawtel in Gaithersburg makes their first stay. Discount is limited to one per customer, not valid with any other offer, please ask the discount applies to you by clicking "Contact Sophia" and drop me a line. All the discounts are NOT valid during the holidays. Your dog’s first day at Mama Sophia’s Pawtel in Gaithersburg will be fun and exciting. When your dog comes to the Pawtel, he will start the day by slowly meeting new friends, I will help your pooch take stock of his surroundings, introducing him friends that help him channel his natural pack instinct. It just like every new experience, it can take some time to getting used to, he will be running and playing with the pack once he warms up to others. You will see this progress by the pictures/video that I send to you. We offer a natural pack environment that allows dogs to play with other dogs their own size, temperament, and play style all day long-socialization that contributes greatly to a balanced life for a dog.