Wendy Tobin lives between two worlds: one that’s inhabited by humans, and one that’s populated with dogs. For almost five years, the South Milwaukeean has operated Milwaukee Pet Sitters, a cage-free "scout camp" for dogs.
"This is not a business for me. This is my life. I live in the pack," says Tobin, who has two dogs of her own: a rat terrier and a German shorthair.
Milwaukee Pet Sitters, 1204 Minnesota Ave. in South Milwaukee, operates out of a 6,000-square-foot warehouse with 2,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space. The building features two large playrooms and a bedroom with queen-sized beds and dog cots. Although Tobin has a home nearby, she spends many nights at the camp, curled up with a dog -- or five.
Milwaukee Pet Sitters offers daytime dog care, overnights and long-term boarding. During the day, Tobin cares for 12-20 dogs, and has four or five borders each night. The cost is $20 per day or $45 for an overnight stay.
Tobin says customer service and communication are crucial to her success. She recognizes dogs are family members and that caregivers want updates about their pets as well as reassurance that they’re doing OK. Also, Tobin provides door-to-door service and understands when caregivers run late.
"I have a very close working relationship with my clients, lots of communication and customer service," says Tobin, who worked in hotel sales prior to opening her dog camp.
Dogs in Tobin’s care spend their time between the two playrooms and hanging outdoors when weather permits. Tobin says "roaming time" is an integral part of the dogs’ day when they are under her care.
Also, Tobin plays ball with the dogs and walks the pooches that are boarding with her. She administers "quiet time" every afternoon that allows the dogs to lounge in the sun pouring through the large windows or nap in one of the dog tents.
"There’s a lot of sacking out under my desk, too," says Tobin.
Tobin divides the dogs into two groups based on their play style, keeping the spirited dogs together and the older, mellower pooches in a separate pack.
Because of the cage-free setting, Tobin can only care for dogs who are good natured and comfortable with other dogs. To ensure harmony, caregivers bring their dog to Milwaukee Pet Sitters for a test visit before leaving them in Tobin’s care.
"We have to make sure the dogs are comfy in this setting," says Tobin.
However, once in a while, a pup scuffle still breaks out. Tobin says sometimes the introduction of a new dog might upset older dogs set in their routine. Tobin says she spends a lot of her day observing the dogs, trying to read their mood and body language so she can foresee surliness and do her best to proactively prevent fighting.
Occasionally, a rumble occurs, and she is forced to take more serious measures.
"I have buckets of water strategically placed, just in case I need to stop a fight quickly," she says.
Tobin has more interaction with dogs than humans, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
"I find dogs very sweet and comforting. They make me laugh," she says. "And they always love you, unlike people."
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
