Highly recommended for pet visits and house sitting: Feather Stein, artist, "pet whisperer," and former veterinary aide. Feather has house-sat for us numerous times and cared for our aged dogs and spry young cats. Skilled at administering medicines to pets. Our fur babies love her! She is extremely tidy and thoughtful. Plus, once she alerted us to a water pump problem and helped resolve it while we were away. Very resourceful. Contact her at 540-447-4059; feathersmountain@gmail.com. Submitted by Sue & Dan Klett. November 2023
Kristen Nicks - 434-942-4457
We live in Stoney Creek and have used Kristen Nicks (434-942-4457) to check on our two dogs when we are away for several hours as well as to let them out or feed them. She is outstanding and even texted us pictures of the dogs playing in the backyard when she checked on them. She clearly is an experienced dog trainer. She even keeps a first aid kit with her. Kristen lives in Stoney Creek which for us is a huge bonus. We learned of Kristen through the Wintergreen Bulletin Board. Submitted by Mark Grubb. April 2023
If you need basic dog training or walking, I would heartily recommend fellow Stoney Creek resident Kristen Nicks (434-942-4457). Kristen has terrific insights on dog behavior development, years of experience with different types of dogs, and has worked wonders with my pup as he learned new commands and socialization skills. She also is a very reliable resource for dog walking and is quite knowledgeable about the best area hiking paths for pet safety and exercise. Perhaps best of all, she is a neighbor and only minutes away from those of us in the Wintergreen community. Submitted by Bill Fitzpatrick. October 2022
dogs, pets, pet sitting,
Carlinda Todd - 540-421-2643
I would like to recommend Carlinda Todd as a pet sitter in Stoney Creek. She has done great with our cat! Call her at 540-421-2643. Submitted by Diana Maier. January 2023
Camp Merricks - 434-981-7538
We would like to recommend a convenient-to-Wintergreen dog boarding facility we have used many times for adopted dogs. Camp Merricks is conveniently located 25 minutes from Stoney Creek, off Route 56 between 29 and 151 in Piney River. If your dog is bored at home and needs some friends and fun, and/or you need to go away for a few days, Camp Merricks is the place for your pup to enjoy time away from home. A meet and greet is required for all new campers. For more information call 434-981-7538 or visit campmerricks.com. Submitted by Flower and Ed Vankan. February 2022
dog kennel, pet sitting,
Meadowland B&B for Dogs - 571-277-5597
For dog care, I would like to recommend Meadowland B&B for Dogs in Lovingston (571-277-5597; roanbusch@gmail.com). Paul and Tim watched my large dog over a long weekend. My dog lived in their house like a member of the family and enjoyed walks through their wooded land. I would have no reservations about leaving my dog in their care again. Submitted by Ryan Milne.
pet sitting, kennel, dog,
Central Virginia Canine Academy - 917-865-7152
I highly recommend Central Virginia Canine Academy to anyone who needs professional help in training a dog. Tricia Pape, the owner, is a certified fear-free animal trainer who uses positive training methods to get great results. In case you’re interested, she also specializes in separation anxiety—and is certified in that area as well. You’ll be happy to know that she’s as good with people and she is with pets! You can reach her at cvcanineacademy@gmail.com or 917-865-7152. Submitted by Anne Hunter. December 2020
pets, dogs,
Rockfish Valley Veterinary Clinic - 434-361-1224
I highly recommend Nicole P. Driver, DVM. at Rockfish Valley Veterinary Clinic in Nellysford. She is knowledgeable and compassionate. My elder cat was her patient. I felt comfortable with Dr. Driver and her staff. Their approach with dogs and cats is conventional medicine, and they are open to alternative and complementary perspectives. The vet clinic’s phone number is 434-361-1700. Submitted by Leslie France.
Veterinarian
Dianna Schillinger 434-260-1892
• I highly recommend Dianna Schillinger, aka The Dog Nanny, for her excellent pet-sitting services. She recently stayed with our two big, senior Golden Doodles for four nights. We were so happy to find someone who would not only look in on them during the day but also stay overnight with them. Dianna came over before our trip to do a meet and greet with the dogs; I knew instantly that she possessed a special relationship with animals. While we were on our trip, Dianna sent us messages including pictures while we were gone just to show us that the dogs were doing fine. When we got home, there was a written Pet Care Report Card summarizing how well the dogs ate, pottied and behaved. If you’re a dog owner or have cats, you’ll appreciate knowing how they survived without you. We have already made arrangements for Dianna to stay with our dogs for three weeks in the spring. She can be contacted at 434-260-1892, email: iamthedognanny@gmail.com or her Facebook page: The Dog Nanny. Submitted by Helen Lindsay. 2019
My pet sitter recommendation is Dianna Schillinger (iamthedognanny@gmail.com; 434-260-1892). Her business goes by the name The Dog Nanny, but Dianna cares for all animals--I had cats at the time. After several unsuccessful trials with other sitters, I discovered Dianna and have confidently entrusted my pets to her ever since. While away, I could always expect a text message when Dianna had completed her visit. That extra effort was reassuring since I had an older male on special medication. If you decide to use Dianna to care for your pets, you won't be sorry. Her winning personality and sincere concern for animals is sure to win you and your pet over. You may get in touch with me if you have any further questions. Submitted by David Clayton. May 2021
dog, cat, pet, pets, pet-sitter, pet-sitting
Rose Csorba - 434-760-0270
We recently contracted with Rose Csorba to winterize our gardens and other yard work. She did an outstanding job and we found her to be a ready and reliable worker, knowledgeable, educated, friendly and eager to satisfy our wishes.
Rose is also an experienced pet-sitter for dogs and cats. She wants to establish a clientele in Wintergreen. We recommend you call Rose when you want reliable help with needed tasks both inside and outside the house. Rose's contact information is: cell/text 434-760-0270; email tflower750@yahoo.com. Recommended by Gaile and Craig Cooper
Housekeeper, handyman, cat, dogs, pets, cats, dog, landscaper, lawn
The Pooch Spa - 609-819-6230
• If you are searching for an excellent mobile dog grooming service, I highly recommend The Pooch Spa by Lisa. Our two, senior 112 pound golden doodles had their spa day with Lisa for the first time this week, and they look marvelous! Lisa Byer is the ultimate experienced professional who not only knows the pet grooming business but also knows all about the world of dogs. Our dogs warmed up to Lisa right away, and I could tell that they trusted her. She took into account the fragility of senior dogs and worked around their need to sit down while she was grooming them. So if you want to spoil yourself (and your dogs), by not having to load them in the car and have them groomed while you wait, go the mobile grooming route. Visit “The Pooch Spa by Lisa” Facebook page or call/text Lisa at 609-819-6230. Submitted by Helen Lindsay
Denise Merricks - 434-981-7538
There is an excellent dog boarding facility in Piney River. Camp Merricks also offers behavior assessments in your home and tailored owner dog training programs. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs through dog training, showing, rescue fostering, and assessments, Denise Merricks understands dog behavior and socialization. More information: campmerricks.com, (434) 981-7538. Submitted by Flower & Ed Vankan
pet-sitter, pet-sitting, kennel
Connie Brittle - 540-649-5109
I recommend Connie Brittle for house-sitting & pet-sitting–cat and dogs–services. I have known Connie for 12 years. She is a very caring person. Connie retired last year from many years of managing JABA's (Jefferson Area Board for Aging) senior center in Lovingston. Her phone number is 540-649-5109. Feel free to call or text her. Submitted by Cathy Kiehl
dog, cat, pet, pets, housesitting, pet-sitter
