Hi there!
Alannah and Martin are lifelong dog lovers with a background in animal rescue and a genuine interest in dog behaviour and training. We bring experience from fostering all sorts of dogs, including those who need extra patience, comfort, and support. We are lucky enough to live right by the river and the mountain trails and to spend as much time outside as possible with our dog Deedee.
Traditionally trained as a Cognitive Scientist, Alannah realized that her training in this field was what allowed her to understand and train her own dog (who was very suspicious and anxious about vet examinations and grooming), as many concepts in cognitive science are based on animal models such as desensitization, counter conditioning, reinforcement, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, association, and so on. Now Deedee can get her nails trimmed and ears cleaned, receive physio examinations, wear boots (I seriously did not think this one could happen), and let us wrap a foot injury and cut out stitches. We even desensitized her fear of walking on metal surfaces (yes, you read that correctly) and taught her to ride in a bike cart.
About Us
Deedee
This is our resident dog named Deedee (she also goes by Doots, Oots, and Udi). Deedee is a Labrador/Coon Hound mix who loves all dogs big and small. At just 11 months old, we learned how sweet and patient of a caretaker she is when we fostered two 8-week old puppies. She will even let puppies win at tug-of-war, so that they are motivated to keep playing with her. Her favourite thing to do is nuzzle and kiss her doggy guests (as you can see in the Gallery below), but also understands when they need space. She will happily leave guests alone until they invite her to interact, a skill our past foster dogs have appreciated while they decompress. We're grateful to have a calm and confident role model for guests who are more on the anxious side.
Martin
Martin grew up in the countryside of France with an outdoorsy dog-loving family who always had border collie mixes and the occasional cat around too. His experience with high energy dogs means he is always game for long walks and hikes, if that's what our guests request. But fear not, sleepy lap dogs. He is just as happy to have an arm around you on the couch as well.
Pet Sitting Services
Check availability
*peak times (holiday & long weekend) rates apply
We do not currently offer scheduled dog walking at this time
Cooperative Care Training
Nail Maintenance Training for Anxious Dogs
This service is for dogs who are anxious, scared, jumpy or suspicious whenever the nail trimmers or dremel tool come out. This training is also for people who wish to avoid having their dogs develop this reaction after having too many negative experiences.
Having a rescue dog and fosters who have needed extra patience and time, Alannah is experienced with helping the most suspicious of dogs learn to relax when it comes time for grooming.
Owners have the choice to learn the training and continue it after the initial training session(s), or have regular home visits and continued training/maintenance sessions from Alannah. Please email YourBubsHaven@gmail.com for more information.
Book a Meet & Greet
Before your dog's stay, get peace of mind by booking a free meet and greet to make sure we pass the vibe check with your furry friend!
Please send us an email at YourBubsHaven@gmail.com to book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Testimonials
"Alannah came to cat-sit while I was away for a week. Scout is super sweet but also shy and skittish. Alannah sent regular updates and photos, and I saw how quickly Scout warmed up to her, even going belly-up and pawing at Alannah's head for food (a privilege only for the most honored). I know how much Alannah loves Scout by the way she talked about her time with her (and still does whenever she visits). She has my highest recommendation!!"
- Jen & Scout 🐱 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alannah came to stay at our home to watch our dog and cat while we were away for the weekend. We could tell by all the pictures and when we got back home that they both loved having Alannah over. They got to sleep in the bed with her, get lots of cuddles and go on great walks. Alannah is caring, thorough, clean and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend her!"
- Liesbeth & Iro 🐶 + Dorian 🐱 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I was coming to Vancouver for a concert and it was hard to find a two night dog friendly priced place. I messaged Alannah and she was so excited to have Ziggy come and stay! 10/10 service pictures were sent and was always there to answer my messages over concerned on how Ziggy was doing ! Reassured every-time with a picture and video she was living her best life :)"
- Felicia & Ziggy 🐶 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alannah and Martin are the best.
Patrick loves them and their awesome dog Deedee."
- Maryam & Patrick 🐶 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alannah has taken care of our various pets over the years. She is always who we ask when we leave town to make sure our cat and dog are taken good care of . She sends lots of pics and we recommend her. Especially with our cat Heidi, she is good, because Heidi can be really picky."
- Nicole & Heidi 🐱 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alannah was amazing and sweet with my dog, she took the time to make him feel comfortable and trust her. He doesn’t like his paws touched so I can’t trim them myself but the way she does it we've learned so much!! Will be calling her again in the future!!!"
- Sarah & Tosh 🐶 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gallery
@YourBubsHaven
