Testimonials

We have never left our dog Frosty with anyone other than family but when Gillian came so highly recommended, we decided to give her a try. We weren't disappointed! I have never met anyone so truly dedicated to animals! Gillian took care of our precious Frosty as if she were her own, taking her for long walks in the park, on outings to the beach, and on all kinds of adventures while we are away. I don't think Frosty ever misses us while we are gone! She is also very responsible, trustworthy and conscientious when she watches our home too. I would highly recommend her for both pet sitting and house sitting.

The Stephens

Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Gillian, with "Doggie Fitness Adventures", is such a wonderful part of our lives. Our Irish Red Setter, Griffin, LOVES Gillian. Griffin is so excited when Gillian arrives because he knows he is in for a great time. His outings range from hiking and dog park play to beach time and car rides. Not only does Gillian enhance Griffin's life but she enhances our lives as little Griffin is calm in the evenings after his adventures.

Gillian has also been a wonderful resource for us as Griffin's owners. She introduced us to the "easy walk" harness which has enhanced Griffin's leash walking behavior immensely. She also has given us several tips to help with training issues such as jumping.

Overall, we are most appreciative of Gillian's dedication to Griffin. She is attentive and caring with him. Griffin is lucky to have Gillian in his life and we are very thankful for all she does for us. We recommend Gillian for she will love your dog as you do.

Natalie & Dave Sebba
San Diego, CA

Sarg and a dog park patron bonding on a beautiful fall day in Carlsbad, CA.

As one of Gillian's first California clients, I can assure you, she is the best. My very bullish Old English Bulldog, Sarg, absolutely loves her. And for very good reason. She is kind, gentle, and patient. Gillian has done a great job training Sarg (and me!) in my own home. She respects my home, my dog, and understands my own schedule. Sarg is a happier dog due to Gillian's training and care. I am happy with the care, expertise, and general professionalism of Gillian. Thanks, Gillian! And remember, the West is the Best!

Tawnya & Sarg
Carlsbad, CA

Scooter (L), Sammy Wonder, and Mick (R)
getting ready to go to the dog park! Oh boy Oh boy!

Its not often you will find someone like Gillian. She takes very good care of our home, but especially our precious pets. Our 2 dogs, Mick and Scooter, and our cat, Henry, absolutely love her and are sad when her job is done. She keeps them extremely busy, visiting the beach, parks or just cruising around in her convertable. My boys are very spoiled, and Gillian continues to provide the life they are accustomed to while we are away from home. She is the best!

Sam and Mary Helen Hall
Rancho Santa Fe, CA

"Cherie" Burke helps with holiday cards
to WDI-DFA clients.

We don't have dogs; we have three hairy "special needs" children (Old Hickory, Sweet Cherie and... Rusty.) All of them eat very particular diets and are dealt with differently. One of our dogs, Rusty, is a very high maintenance and finicky rescued poodle. He is consistently wary of strangers, but when Gillian brings her magic and love, Rusty knows she is different and remembers he is in safe hands. She is a remarkable person of many talents, one of which is her ability to communicate with dogs to a degree that quickly bonds the animal(s) to her. She is a confluence of professionalism, integrity and charm that will confirm in a New York minute that Gillian in your life is a stroke of luck. We all will miss her terribly and we all envy you and your animals in California who come to know, value and depend upon her as we have.

Jay and Lolly Burke
Vienna, VA

(Rest in Peace, Hickory. Hickory retired from his seeing eye dog duties a few years ago and the Burkes added him to their family where he lived out his remaining years as every dog should - little to do, lots of love, and ever faithful... obedient to the end. We will miss you, Hickory!)

Gillian does an outstanding job house/dog sitting for folks on the east coast, specifically, Virginia. She has watched our zoo (1 dog, 2 cats and rats) on a number of occasions. Our painfully shy German Shepherd, Joy, is often disappointed when we return because hanging out with Gillian and her dog, Sam, is WAY more fun than being at home. I can't even imagine how to break the news to Joy that Gillian has moved to California! Gillian is responsive, adaptable, makes herself available, and very easy to work with - even with only a few hours notice sometimes. She takes the stress out of leaving town and I highly recommend her.

The Laughlins - Vienna, VA

Gillian was our dogsitter for two years in Northern Virginia, where she took care of our two dogs (as well as two pet rats!) Gillian took care of our dogs as though they were her own. On a summer trip to Europe, our elderly and partially-blind Boston terrier contracted a urinary tract infection. Gillian quickly spotted his distress and took him to our veterinarian for treatment. She contacted us as soon as she could, gave him daily medication, and kept us apprised of his condition throughout our trip, and we returned to a happy and healthy dog. Before meeting Gillian, we had kenneled our dogs at several highly reputable kennels, but each time they had come back dispirited and traumatized. With Gillian taking care of them, it was though we had never left town. (If anything, I think it was a vacation for them too, visiting Sam and the dog park!). Gillian is responsible, adaptable, cheerful, and truly loves and understands animals. We were deeply sad when Gillian left our area, but Virginia's loss is California's gain. I wholeheartedly recommend Gillian for any pet sitting.

Betsy Chittenden - Oakton, VA

Gillian is a highly professional and trustworthy dog sitter for our very old lab who is too feeble to go to a kennel when we are away. She did extra things like shovel a walkway just for our dog when it snowed, and did not kill our plants - HA! We recommend Gillian because she knows to treat our dog (and home).

Lynne & Alex Phillips Oakton , VA

Figaro - exhausted after a long dog party at a dog park!

I own a doggie day care and she can be my head trainer any day. After the work she did with all 7 of my dogs - from my 120 lbs mastiff to my 4 lb teacup poodle... Her instinct and knowledge and her communication skills make you understand her suggestions easily and quickly. I highly recommend her because I see the results of her work every day in my home. She is the first person I call when I need advice on a problematic client at my day care and I have seen positive and permanent results with her suggestions when I am consistent with them. Her knowledge is invaluable

Leah Pekarsky
Owner, Doggone Inn Doggie Day Care
Mommy to Fig, Electra, Chip, Flute and Yogi
and Gus (1995-2010), and Dakota (2010).

In Memoriam: those we have loved and lost...

Buddha (1999-2010)
Portuguese Water Dog
Reston, VA
(One of my very first clients)

Buddha, the lovable, laughable PWD, even with his miniscule attention span, served as my demo dog during my dog trainer certification externship classes. He was a delight in our classes, a true puppy, even in his later years. Wet, drippy beard & all, this lovebug was lost very suddenly and will be sorely sorely missed. His sense of humor, playfulness and love were endless. Rest In Peace, Bood-ster!

Precious (2001-2010)
Mini-Dachshund
Rancho Santa Fe, CA

This pint-sized snuggle bunny was a sentimental reminder of an elder relative lost... the premature departure of this gal was felt by all. From her sweet kisses to her little waddle, Precious will be greatly missed by her family and me.