Susan N.
Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL
Services
Susan can host
Susan can care for
Availability
Caring for dogs is a natural and joyful part of my daily life. Since I work from home, I have the flexibility to structure my day around the needs of the dogs in my care. My routine includes regular walks, indoor and outdoor play sessions, and lots of cuddle time. Whether we’re tossing a ball in the living room, enjoying a quiet break together, or following a familiar feeding schedule, I strive to make each dog feel safe, loved, and truly at home. Weekends follow the same routine, so your pup will enjoy a calm, consistent environment every day of the week.
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About Susan N.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
Your dog’s safety and comfort are always my top priorities. I provide a clean, secure, and pet-friendly home where every pup is treated like family. I closely supervise all interactions—especially during introductions—and keep the environment low-stress by hosting no more than one or two dogs at a time. My own dog, Isla, a friendly, well-socialized three-year-old West Highland Terrier, offers wonderful canine companionship and helps other dogs feel welcome. You can trust that your dog will be in attentive, experienced, and loving hands throughout their stay.
Home
Information Susan N. would like to know about your pet
It’s really helpful for me to know ahead of time if your dog has any separation anxiety (mild or more significant), especially if they have difficulty being alone even briefly. I’m typically home throughout the day during stays, but I do occasionally step out for short periods, so this helps me plan appropriately and keep your dog comfortable. I also appreciate knowing whether your dog tends to destroy toys (for example, removing squeakers), as I manage shared toys carefully for safety. Any information about anxiety, reactivity, house-training quirks, marking behaviors, sensitivities to handling (face, paws, grooming), or known triggers (loud noises, leashes, transitions) is always helpful. The more I know in advance, the more calm and successful the stay will be for everyone. Also I’m happy to care for puppies who are already doing well with potty training or who are comfortable using pee pads. Very young puppies who need constant supervision or hourly potty breaks may not be the best fit for my home at this time.
A typical day
Activities are customized to each dog! Depending on their energy level, that might mean neighborhood walks, lots of sniffing and exploring, supervised playtime, or enrichment toys. Many dogs also enjoy plenty of couch time, cuddles, and simply relaxing nearby. I focus on keeping dogs happy, comfortable, and stress-free rather than overstimulated.
Location
Chicago, IL
Pets
Susan N. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Cozy Small Dog Retreat
Pet care experience
Hi, I’m Susan, a lifelong dog lover with over 40 years of experience caring for pups of all kinds and ages, from playful puppies to sweet seniors. I offer safe, loving in-home boarding and daycare for small breeds (typically 30 lbs and under), with a special affection for terriers. I provide a calm, cozy home environment where dogs are treated like family and receive lots of attention, affection, playtime, and walks. My Westie, Isla, is friendly, social, and loves having dog friends over—especially other small and medium-sized pups with gentle, playful personalities. While I primarily care for smaller dogs, I may accept select medium-sized dogs on a case-by-case basis depending on temperament, leash manners, and overall fit with Isla and my home environment. I currently offer boarding and daycare primarily Fridays through Mondays, with Thursday evening drop-offs available after 7:00 pm for longer weekend stays. This schedule allows me to provide focused, attentive care and maintain a relaxed environment for every dog in my home. Whether your pup is staying for a night, a long weekend, or recurring daycare visits, I’ll do everything I can to help them feel comfortable, happy, and loved while you’re away.
Reviews
Susan is my go-to sitter! Bean is always a happy and tired boy when he gets home from playing with Isla. I’m glad I’ve found a dog sitter that I can trust.
Susan and isla are so wonderful at helping take care of our boy!! She really loves what she does and our pup has come home nice and tired the last two days
Susan took fantastic care of Gryffin, would absolutely let her care for him again and again. She is our go-to!
We love Susan! Our dog is so happy and well cared for with Susan and we are so grateful!
About Susan N.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
Your dog’s safety and comfort are always my top priorities. I provide a clean, secure, and pet-friendly home where every pup is treated like family. I closely supervise all interactions—especially during introductions—and keep the environment low-stress by hosting no more than one or two dogs at a time. My own dog, Isla, a friendly, well-socialized three-year-old West Highland Terrier, offers wonderful canine companionship and helps other dogs feel welcome. You can trust that your dog will be in attentive, experienced, and loving hands throughout their stay.
Home
Information Susan N. would like to know about your pet
It’s really helpful for me to know ahead of time if your dog has any separation anxiety (mild or more significant), especially if they have difficulty being alone even briefly. I’m typically home throughout the day during stays, but I do occasionally step out for short periods, so this helps me plan appropriately and keep your dog comfortable. I also appreciate knowing whether your dog tends to destroy toys (for example, removing squeakers), as I manage shared toys carefully for safety. Any information about anxiety, reactivity, house-training quirks, marking behaviors, sensitivities to handling (face, paws, grooming), or known triggers (loud noises, leashes, transitions) is always helpful. The more I know in advance, the more calm and successful the stay will be for everyone. Also I’m happy to care for puppies who are already doing well with potty training or who are comfortable using pee pads. Very young puppies who need constant supervision or hourly potty breaks may not be the best fit for my home at this time.
A typical day
Activities are customized to each dog! Depending on their energy level, that might mean neighborhood walks, lots of sniffing and exploring, supervised playtime, or enrichment toys. Many dogs also enjoy plenty of couch time, cuddles, and simply relaxing nearby. I focus on keeping dogs happy, comfortable, and stress-free rather than overstimulated.
Susan N.
Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL