Hi! I'm Steph, a doting dogmom who has adored and cared for animals my whole life. I grew up with two family dogs, who were my heroes and best friends. They taught me everything about friendship, unconditional love, and loyalty. I now have a wonderful rescue of my own, who is the absolute love of my life. We have a sweet little life together, and we love to share it with new friends. Caring for the pets of employers has been an important (and favorite!) part of most of my professional roles. I have years of experience as a trusted nanny and household manager, where I provided walks, drop-ins, meals, dog park visits, supervised playdates, transportation, vet visits, and overnight care for dogs of all ages, sizes, and temperaments. I am a confident dog handler who believes in compassion and consistency. I have lots of experience with rescue dogs and working with the negative behaviors of dominant dogs, as well as the behaviors of dogs who are fearful/insecure. I know it can be scary for dogs to walk or stay with someone new - I'm sensitive to each dog's particular needs and disposition and provide the loving presence they need to establish a trusting and positive bond. I have reliable transportation equipped with seatbelt buckles for pups!, I keep a tidy house, and I do not smoke! My dog is my child, and I know yours is too; I'm hyper-mindful of anything that could pose a hazard to your baby, indoors, or out there in the big world. I supervise play ALWAYS, and follow your instructions carefully. I am careful with dog introductions, and do not visit dog parks unless upon your request. I'm the kind of person who brings in the packages on your front porch, always sends you a picture to let you know I'm there, and double checks that your door is locked when I leave. Safety is my #1 priority. Fun is a close 2nd. My little rescue goes where I go, so I can provide dog boarding in my home or overnights in your home for small and medium dogs who are spayed/neutered, non-destructive or crate-trained, and play nicely with others. More about me: I'm a visual artist who lived in NYC before moving to the Hudson Valley. I currently have a lovely freelance schedule that allows for a lot of flexibility and dog time! I'm a peaceful, quiet person, and enjoy spending time at home and in nature.