DFWPugSitting.com “Loving Care at My Home” Tom Pilon, Sitter

 

About Me:

I’ve been an approved and very active Foster and Volunteer (two different things) for DFW Pug Rescue since January, 2018.  The adopters of a few of my foster Pugs (and Pug mixes) asked me to babysit their adoptees, and that grew into a small Pug Sitting service.  Some of the adopters owned other breeds, so they asked me to “Pug” Sit them, as well.  Also, a neighbor asked me to “Pug” Sit their two poodles and I did.  Since I’ve met literally scores of Pug Owners through the Rescue in the past 8 years, I primarily babysit Pugs, but I babysit other docile breeds, as well.  In just the past few months, in addition to Pugs, I’ve babysat 3 brother & sister Chug (Chihuahua Pug mixes) puppies, 2 small poodles, a Boston Terrier, a King Charles Spaniel (along with his Pug sister), several mixes, and even a super gentle Australian Shepherd(along with her Pug brother).  I love all animals, but especially dogs, all breeds. 

I’ve owned between 1 or 3 Pugs continuously for the past 45 years, and was raised with dogs (Boston Terriers & Pugs) prior to that. Between owning, fostering, temp fostering, and babysitting, I’ve learned a lot about providing all types of care:  from loving and calming them, to spotting health issues, to administering meds, etc.  I’ve cared for puppies, pregnant dogs, very ill dogs, dogs so old that they needed a lot of assistance and have even helped whelped a litter for the rescue.  I'm retired and at home the vast majority of the time.  I keep a dog sitting calendar in Excel to keep my foster, temp fosters, and client guests schedules straight.  From that calendar, I’m able to determine that I average 2.1 guests per night, although I do average closer to 4 guests per night during holiday and vacation months.  Except for some brief coming & going overlap, I do not schedule more than 4 guests per night, 5 on holidays .  I’ve never had more than 6 guest dogs overnight and that was only for a few days and as a result of client emergencies (baby was reluctant to be born, delayed flight from Europe, family emergency, etc.).

 

My Home & Yard:

I live a single family home in NE Carrollton with a very securely fenced-in, roomy and very shady backyard.  The one gate on my fence is always locked.  I am the only person that ever has access to the key to lock on my gate.

The living area of the interior of my home is mostly tile with a bit of wood laminate flooring.  The tile has enough texture to it that it doesn’t cause slipping issues for older dogs with weak legs . . .  like some types of tiles do. The wood laminate is not slippery either.   So, if messes happen, and they do, they are easy to clean up and no harm is done.

My home, yard and fence have been inspected by DFW Pug Rescue and numerous clients for security & safety.  I have a folding gate by my front door so people can come and go without risk of a dog getting out.  I follow the “ALWAYS one closed door or gate between dogs and the outside” rule.

 

Caring for your Dog:

Firstly, I follow all client instructions with respect to feeding, administering meds, exercising, and sleeping arrangements.  When I have more than 3 dogs here (including my own), I feed them in shifts of 2 or 3 matched by their eating behavior.  Special provisions are provided as needed:  dogs that eat very slowly, are prone to having their food stolen, or are food aggressors may be isolated.  Dogs that aren’t used to specific meal times (grazers) are given multiple opportunities until they eat.  I don’t crate dogs unless a client requests that I do.  I have numerous dog beds through the house and usually allow them to sleep wherever they want.  If too many want to sleep with me, I rotate them across nights.  I have a custom made stair to my bed that is much easier for older dogs to use and safer than any I could find on the market.  If there are any compatibility issues (see below), I separate them as needed.  I try hard to make guests comfortable and feel at home.  For example, in the rightmost photo above, the little boy in the crate is shy and likes to be in or near his crate, so when he is here, I put his crate in the living room so he is near us.

 

Meet & Greet:

You are welcome to make an appointment to come by with or without you dog(s) to meet me, my Pugs, and inspect my home & yard if you would like to do so.  A meet & greet is not required.  

 

Compatibility Issues:

I simply don’t allow dogs to fight with each other.  I’d much rather get bitten breaking up a fight than allow a dog in my care to get hurt.  Pug eyes are particularly at risk so I’m super careful.  That said, I have had only a couple of problems.  If dogs are fed well, loved on, given attention, and generally treated very well, they rarely fight.  If necessary, I have a gated guest bathroom, a 20 sq’ indoor pen, and a very large crate that I can use for time-outs or for separation if needed.  If I ever have a trouble-maker client dog, they won’t be scheduled again.  My goal goes way beyond keeping them from fighting, my goal is for them to get along so well that they are all comfortable sleeping on my lap together.  I have a “Pug” recliner butted up to my recliner because some dogs want to be close, but aren’t ready to join a “Pug Pile” yet.  I know better than to try to force them to do anything, my goal is to get them comfortable so they want to join in.

 

My Pugs:

I own two petite female DFW Pug Rescue Pugs. Scarlett (left) is 7 years old and Sweet Pea is 9.  Sweet Pea was quite timid when I adopted her, but she has evolved into shy with diva moments.  Scarlett is the most nurturing animal I’ve ever met.  She has a way about her that instantly makes other dogs feel at ease.  However, Scarlett is quite the opposite with dogs that are bullies, so I can’t have bullies here.

 

What You Need to Bring:

The only thing that I really need you to bring is their food, any meds, and any specific instructions.  I have plenty of beds, bowls, a slow feeder bowl, toys, etc.  However, you are welcome to bring anything you want such as a crate or something that might help your dog feel more at home, such as their bed or a toy.

 

Foster Arrangements:

If you have Pug(s) that you own AND foster a Pug, I will happily care for your foster, as well.  Of course, there’s no fee for your foster.  This arrangement saves us both trips and meetups, but must be pre-approved by DFW Pug Rescue via a Respite Foster Request form.  I’ve done this countless times and have never been denied by the Rescue.  I suppose the only reason that they would deny it is if they felt that there was compatibility issue: stage-of-life, some female dogs don’t get along with other females, etc.

 

Cancellation Policy: 

When you schedule a dog sitting term with me, there is no initial obligation or cancellation fee; it’s more like you’ve secured a first right of refusal.  However, if I have you scheduled, and someone else wants to schedule those same dates, such that scheduling them will cause me to be over my self-imposed limit, before I will consider scheduling them, I will contact you and ask you to guarantee your dates with a 1/3^rd non-refundable deposit.  If this is not clear, please ask.

 

Payment Policy:

Payment is due when you pick up your dog.  I accept cash, Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal.

 

References & Rates provided on Request:

Email:
Cell:

 

* Although I foster, temp foster and volunteer for DFW Pug Rescue Corporation, as well as Pug Sit for many people associated with DFW Pug Rescue, my Pug Sitting service is not affiliated with DFW Pug Rescue Corporation in any way.