Hello! I am a current PhD student at UMass-Amherst. Before moving to the Pioneer Valley I was a pet sitter at a professional cage-free dog daycare in Buffalo, NY for two years. During that time I did home visits (check-ins and 30-60 minute walks), overnight stays at clients homes, and hosted pets at my own home. My husband, Austin, moved to the Pioneer Valley after completing his Masters in Buffalo, NY. He has assisted me in the past when I hosted in my home and is comfortable caring for dogs after growing up with two Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Additionally, we have now added Annie, a two year old Spinone Italiano, to our family. She is a very friendly dog who enjoys having new playmates. We strive to do whatever is best for your individual pet. Although it can be easier to have us both caring for your pet, we understand that some animals may be uncomfortable with men they have not met before. Similarly, some dogs prefer to be with their people rather than other dogs. In these cases, we've decided to leave it up to the pet owner's preference whether both Austin and I help out during the vacation and to dictate the amount of interaction, if any, between Annie and your pet. In all cases, we recommend meet-n-greets to help with introductions. We originally started out sitting in clients homes only (it is often easier on your pets to stay in a familiar location while their pet parents are away), but we have recently decided to offer sitting in our own home. We hope this new option allows for us to provide the best type of care for your particular pet. If you think that we can meet your and your pet's needs while you're away, please contact us!