Last year, I ran the first Best of DogBoston survey and got overwhelmed with responses… I asked people about their favorite dog places and dog services – including trainers, daycares, vets, and dog walkers. This is where I heard about Vicki. Out of all of the responses, it was clear that Vicki had such a loyal following of customers that she had easily defeated anyone close to her in the running. So I had to learn a little more about her and see what makes her tick bark.

Brian Henderson: Do you like what you do?
Vicki Lonergan: I LOVE WHAT I DO!!

BH: How did you get started working in the dog service field?

VL: I’ve loved animals, especially dogs, my whole life so I’d watch them for friends or family when they’d travel UNTIL a very dear friend of mine was looking to pursue another career and offered me to take over her business at the time, Pembroke Paws … here I am! I have an EXCELLENT network of other animal-based business, and we all work together, which works out great. They’re amazing people, especially my friends at The Healthy Animal (www.TheHealthyAnimal.com). I make homemade doggie pastries, all organic, which she sells in her Store.

BH: What services do you cover – sitting and doggie daycare?

VL: I walk or run the dogs while their owners are working or away, take them to vet appointments if need be, or the groomers, feeding, medications. NOT daycare. Many of my clients live close to one another and the dogs know each other, so I will walk them together to play, go on a trail, etc. I only pair dogs that I know and NO MORE than two at a time (unless someone is with me) so that they have my undivided attention (and I can keep an eye on them .

BH: What do you like most about it?

VL: I LOVE everything about it. I enjoy the variety of animals, and their humans are wonderful too! There’s not a day, bad weather, a Holiday, etc. that I don’t enjoy going to “work.” I have to wonderful co-workers that help me out when I need it.

BH: What do you like least about it?

VL: Rainbow Bridge.

BH: Can you tell us about your dogs?

VL: I, myself, have a bull mastiff, Bruce, and recently rescue a Chihuahua, Chico. Quite the pair. My other dogs are all quite unique……I care for bulldogs, older dogs, puppies, rescues, Boxers, Agility Dogs, Dogs that SMILE, yes, SMILE, Dalmatians, German Shepherds. You get it. No dog is turned away because of size or special need. I love and care for them all!

BH: Sounds like a nice thing you’ve got going.

Company Name: PEMBROKE PAWS PET SERVICE

Address: 31 Water Street, Pembroke

Phone: 781-864-8888

Years in Business: 4+

Rates for services: $15 for basic daily care, exercise, relief, food/water, meds. Some extra fees apply on Holidays, etc.