Jean didn’t grow up with dogs, but always had plenty of cats around.  Cats were indoor/outdoor in those days, and sometimes those that weren’t even ours would visit.  Though her early experiences were not with dogs, she certainly witnessed her share of everything from pet bonding, to animal medical emergencies.

The first family dog came when Jean felt the urge to get a puppy, realizing this coincided with the last child being in full day school and a subconscious way to have another “baby”. 

Fun fact:  The AKC recommends the youngest person in the home be at least 8 years old before its appropriate to bring home a puppy)

Arthur the Boston Terrier was just 4 lbs when they brought him home.  Jean was shocked and charmed by how much of a relationship they had!  He lived 13 years and was overlapped with a second Boston named Dora, when Arthur was about 6.  They lost Dora at age 13 as well. 

And then came Dottie - our namesake, and inspiration for just about everything we do.

She was purchased from a now defunct small dog point of sale store.  We all know that those aren’t ideal places, but this one had a rescue dog program.  Dottie was literally running loose on the floor around the caged puppies.  She went home with them the next day.  The vet guessed her as a retired breeder, approximately 6 years old and in desperate need of dentistry.  Once 12 rotten teeth were pulled, they saw her personality start to emerge.

Fast forward 5 years, and this underweight, fearful, in pain dog has discovered what it is to be loved and pampered.  It is with this energy and lots of joy, we bring these services especially for the little dogs we (and you) adore.