A Marin Dog’s Life

At last! I have found the best dog walker and house sitter. I cannot say what a relief and comfort it is to have someone, finally, that I can fully trust when I am away from home.
Since moving to Marin over three years ago I have struggled to find a combination dog walker and house sitter for my 3 small dogs. My husband and I like to have getaways but have had problems with finding trustworthy reliable house sitters and dog walkers since moving to California. We have tried boarding services but have not found any that we feel comfortable with and have had a few hair raising experiences. Unfortunately our dogs can’t talk but our neighbors can, leaving us with situations unpleasant for all concerned.
This was until I found Mary Lyons at A Marin Dog’s Life through my veterinarian and the services of Unilocal.Mary has turned out to be not only an excellent house and dog sitter but a friend as well.
Mary is a trained and experienced vet technician with years of working with both healthy and medically compromised animals. Additionally, for me there is the added benefit of having Kailani, Mary’s border collie & service dog as an example for good manners for my own unruly three.
Now, when we are away, my dogs are walked and cared for as I would walk and care for them myself. Mary is meticulous in foIlowing my arrangements for feeding, sleeping and exercise and is always in communication by email text or voice. I cannot say what a relief and comfort it is to have someone, finally, that I can fully trust when I am away from home.
I feel 100% confident in recommending Mary Lyons’ AmarinDogsLife service for the best possible care for your companion animal (s).

Mary is awesome! She is not only great with our dogs, but responsible, punctual, flexible and trust worthy. Our dogs fell in love with her immediately and always have a great time with her and come home tired and happy. Mary is great at communicating with you about how the dogs are doing and if there is anything you need to know. I highly recommend giving Mary a call — guaranteed healthy and happy dogs!

Mary is awesome! My friends in Sausalito watched my dog, Hugo, for a week, so I was in desperate need of a dog walker for the days they were at work (I live in SF). Mary came to the rescue, and took Hugo out on amazing hikes each day. When my friends came home from work Hugo was tired enough to be an absolute angel and sweetheart for them, yet still playful. Hugo has a ton of energy, so anyone who can get his energy down to a perfect level is just amazing, and that was definitely Mary. She kept in contact with me letting me know how he was doing and sending adorable pictures of his romps in the woods. Not only would I highly recommend Mary as a dog walker, but I’m really sad that I can’t have her as my dog walker here in San Francisco.

Our dog is like our child, and we are very selective about the folks we trust to care for him. After moving from SF to Sausalito, we were worried about finding the right person, but Mary is perfect — capable, kind, loving and incredibly flexible.
Mary is also an experienced vet tech, and noticed instantly when Bogie had a severe allergic reaction to something and took him straight to the vet, keeping us posted every few minutes on his condition. Without her help and diligence, we wouldn’t have caught his symptoms until much later.
Bogie comes home happy every day and loves hanging with Mary and the other dogs on long hikes — he even swims! Mary sends me pictures of their epic adventures during the day so I can live vicariously through my pup while sitting in a cubicle. :)
I highly recommend Mary to anyone looking for a fantastic dog walker.

Mary is great!!! My mutt pepe is 8years old but full of energy like if he was 1. He never gets tired … But when he comes back from his walk he will go straight to his bed and pass out!!!
He loves Mary. I highly recommend her to anybody that needs and excellent dog walker!!!

Mary is a true gift for anyone looking for a dog lover to care for their dog. As new residents to Sausalito, and brand new dog parents, we were a bit stressed about what to do with the puppy while we were both at work. We found Mary on Unilocal and she started the next day. We have been more than overjoyed with the care that she gives Bugsy. She goes above and beyond any normal dog walker. She picks him up, takes him hiking, to the beach, whatever the weather allows — and then drops him back off. He recently had surgery and she was extremely attentive and careful with him. I have no doubt in my mind that Bugsy is happy and safe when he is with Mary. She has a great amount of knowledge about dogs in general, but she does truly cater to the breed. She has also been extremely helpful in guiding us toward the right accessories for him. She even has given us a few of her hand me downs — leashes, collars, etc. She also had Bugsy’s ID tag made for us — I mean — above and beyond!!! I recommend Mary without any hesitation to anyone looking for the best care for their dog. She is amazing!

Mary walked my dog for several months while I was working. She is such a wonderful and caring person, that I felt at ease as soon as we met. I knew she would take as great of care of my dog as I would. She even made him christmas cookies! I can’t say enough great things about Mary. I wouldn’t leave my dog with anyone else.

Mary has been with me for three years now and she’s like family. She takes better care of my dog than anyone I’ve met (besides me!). She cares so much for her and wants the best for her. When I work long hours, I’m always happy knowing Mary will be there to hike with my dog, love her and know that she’s in good hands. Mary is truly a dog lover!

Mary is great. My dog loves her and has such a great time on their group hikes (I know this because of the adorable pictures that Mary sends me). Mary loves all the dogs in her care, and even tolerates my dog’s less than charming dietary proclivities (poo eater). Mary is reliable and trustworthy, and I would recommend her to anyone who loves their dog!

Mary is the best dog walker I’ve ever used! She doesn’t just «walk» my dog — but truly loves and cares for her daily. Last week when my dog, Chelsea had surgery, Mary (who’s trained in veterinary nursing) changed her dressings on her surgery site. gave her lots of extra TLC and made her a box so that Chelsea could still ride around with the doggies (even if she couldn’t go for a walk).
I know Mary goes on hikes with her dogs daily, sometimes they even swim. Most importantly, she tailors her care to the specific dog (age, temperament, physical limitations).
I wouldn’t leave my dog with anyone else. You’ll love her!