Welcome! Hi! I’m Krystal—a FULL-TIME Professional Pet Sitter, Berklee College of Music graduate, and proud dog mom to my Shiba Inu, Mina. As a fellow dog parent, I know your dog isn’t just a pet—they’re family. That’s why we created Paw Retreat, a boutique home boarding experience where every guest receives personalized care, enriching adventures, and the same love and attention we’d give our own dog. Inspired by my love for both music and animals, my goal is simple: to create a calm, loving second home where every dog feels safe, understood, and genuinely excited to come back. ⸻ 🌿 What Makes Us Different At Paw Retreat, we believe boarding should feel like a vacation—not simply a place to stay. Unlike traditional boarding facilities or sitters who care for many dogs at once, we intentionally keep our group small so every guest receives individualized attention, personalized care, and a calm home environment. 🌳 More Than Just a Backyard Many boarding facilities rely primarily on a backyard for daily exercise. Our guests enjoy 3–4 potty walks every day plus two outdoor adventures to beautiful parks, large fenced grassy fields, scenic walking trails, and other dog-friendly destinations throughout Greater Boston. We believe dogs deserve opportunities to explore new environments, sniff, discover, and enjoy the world around them—not just stay in one yard all day. ⸻ 🧠 Personalized Enrichment No two dogs are the same. Rather than following one routine for every guest, we tailor each day’s activities around your dog’s: • Personality • Age • Energy level • Confidence • Exercise needs • Comfort level As we continue studying canine behavior, enrichment, and positive reinforcement, we’ve learned that mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Every adventure is thoughtfully planned to help dogs stay confident, engaged, relaxed, and happy. ⸻ ❤️ A True Boutique Experience Because we welcome only a small number of guests at a time, every dog receives: • Plenty of one-on-one attention • Flexible daily routines • Individual play and enrichment • Quiet nap time • Cuddles and companionship • Personalized care instead of a crowded daycare environment We believe quality care comes from giving every guest the time and attention they deserve. ⸻ 🏡 A Full-Time Family Care Team Pet care isn’t a side job—it’s my full-time profession. My partner William works remotely most of the week, and my mother, who also has years of dog care experience, often helps throughout the day. This means someone is almost always home providing supervision, companionship, potty breaks, playtime, and lots of love. ⸻ 🦴 Thoughtful Extras To make every stay even more special, we also offer: • Healthy homemade treats (with owner approval) • Daily photo and video updates • Complimentary bath for long-term boarding guests • Individual feeding routines • Medication administration when needed ⸻ 🏆 Professional Qualifications Providing exceptional care means continuing to learn. I’m committed to ongoing education in canine behavior, enrichment, low-stress handling, and positive reinforcement so every dog receives the safest and highest quality care possible. My certifications include: ✔ Certified Professional Pet Sitter ✔ Fear Free Certified Professional ✔ Pet CPR & First Aid Certified ✔ Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Foundations ✔ 12+ years of hands-on dog care experience Every new course helps me better understand dogs and provide an even better experience for every guest. ⸻ 🤝 Building Long-Term Relationships Our goal isn’t simply to care for your dog during one trip. We hope to become the trusted pet sitter your family can rely on for years to come. As we get to know your dog’s personality, favorite activities, routines, and preferences, we’re able to provide an even more personalized experience with every stay. Nothing makes us happier than welcoming our returning guests back for another vacation.