Why We Started Barkside Bay (And What Keeps Us Going Every Day)

A story of trust, compassion, and creating the kind of care I’d want for my own dogs.

Before Barkside Bay ever existed, I worked in the world of dog boarding and daycare. I saw the joy it brought to many dogs: zoomies through the yard, play bows in a sea of wagging tails, dogs who couldn’t wait to get in the door. For a certain kind of dog, those environments can be wonderful.

But I also saw something else.

I saw dogs who didn’t thrive in those settings, dogs who were anxious, overwhelmed, or shut down completely. Dogs who needed more space, more routine, more one-on-one connection. I began to notice just how many dogs fell into that category and how few options there were for them.

And I thought: Where would I send my own dogs?

That question stuck with me, because the honest answer was: There was nowhere I truly trusted.

That was the beginning of Barkside Bay.

Building What I Wish Existed

I didn’t start Barkside Bay just to create another pet care service. I started it to fill a gap I deeply felt, not just as a pet professional, but as a dog parent.

I wanted to build the kind of care I’d want for my own dogs: something flexible, kind, thoughtful, and deeply personalized. A place where someone would truly see the individual dog in front of them and adjust to their needs, not try to fit them into a one-size-fits-all box.

Because my dogs? They’re not one-size-fits-all.

Meet My Crew

Let me introduce you to the real inspiration behind Barkside Bay: my three very different, very loved dogs.

🐾 Zoe has mobility and incontinence issues. She needs patience, loads of time, and a pace that honors her body. A noisy, high-energy environment would be too much and likely painful for her.

🐾 Emmy could probably adapt to a boarding or daycare setting, and on paper she’d do okay. But I know my girl. I know she wouldn’t blossom there. She hates chaos and "over-the-top" dogs. She thrives in calm, familiar routines, with people she trusts and settings that bring out her best.

🐾 Gamble is dog-selective and is high arousal, meaning he goes from 0 to 100 in a snap of a finger and has trouble working back down to 0. He's a sweetheart with his people, but the unpredictability of group play would be too much. He needs structure, clear boundaries, and space to decompress.

None of them are “problem dogs.” They’re just individuals with individual needs and I know so many other pet parents feel the same way.

We’re Not Anti-Daycare. We’re Pro-What-Works-for-Your-Dog.

Let me be clear: this isn’t about speaking negatively about daycare or boarding. They play an important role, and there are plenty of dogs who absolutely love them. I've seen the tail wags and happy reunions firsthand.

But it's important to recognize that not all dogs thrive in those environments.

Some dogs need more quiet. Some need smaller groups or one-on-one attention. Some need medication reminders, mobility support, or careful monitoring for anxiety. And some dogs just do better when they’re cared for in their own home or walked by someone who understands their quirks and triggers.

That’s where we come in.

What Keeps Us Going

Every day at Barkside Bay, we get to care for dogs like mine (yes, my dogs enjoy their weekly Trail Exploration!) and yours. Dogs who are aging gracefully. Dogs who need a little patience. Dogs who love a structured walk, or a peaceful vacation visit with a sitter who knows exactly where their favorite toys are kept.

We get to build real relationships with pets and their people. We get to see shy dogs come out of their shell, reactive dogs walk calmly past distractions, and nervous pups greet us at the door with full-body wiggles.

We get to give peace of mind to the people who love them. People who’ve said, “I never thought I’d find someone I could trust.” People who, like me, had been asking: Where would I send my dog?

The Barkside Bay Difference

At Barkside Bay, everything we do is guided by that original question. Would I trust this service for my own dogs? Would this meet their needs, on their terms?

That’s why we:

• Customize care based on your dog’s personality, history, and preferences

• Offer real-time updates and communication through Time to Pet

• Handpicked employees who are trained in more than just pet sitting. They’re trained in understanding dog behavior, anxiety, mobility issues, and more

• Prioritize trust, transparency, and compassionate care always

Thank You for Being Part of the Barkside Bay Family

Whether you’ve just discovered us or you’ve been with us from the beginning, thank you. You’re not just supporting a small business, you’re helping build a different kind of pet care. One that’s thoughtful, heart-led, and deeply rooted in respect for who our dogs truly are.

And if you're still looking for a place that feels like a true fit for your dog, we’re here. Let’s talk about what your pup needs, and how we can help them feel seen, supported, and at home.