09/10/2026
Because Every Animal Has a Story… and They All Matter. ❤️
For more than 30 years, animals have been one of the biggest parts of my life.
And when I say animals, I don't just mean dogs.
I've spent my life around dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, and the unusual little creatures that some people call "exotics." Big or small, furry, feathered, scaled, stubborn, frightened, confident, independent or completely spoiled — I've always felt a connection with them.
Over the years, I've learned something important:
Animals are always communicating with us.
Sometimes it's obvious. Other times, you have to slow down long enough to listen.
A frightened dog may need someone who understands what he's trying to say instead of simply correcting him.
A horse may tell you something with the smallest change in his eyes, ears or body.
An older pet may just need patience, routine and a familiar environment.
And sometimes an animal simply needs someone dependable to show up when their person can't be there.
That's a big part of why A Dog's Way has grown into more than canine behavior work for me.
I realized there are people in our area who need someone they can genuinely trust with their animals — especially when their family includes more than the typical dog or cat.
Maybe you have horses that need feeding and turnout.
Maybe there are chickens, goats or other farm animals waiting at the barn.
Maybe you have reptiles, birds or small animals and you've discovered that finding someone comfortable caring for them isn't always easy.
Or maybe you simply have a dog or cat who is happiest at home and you don't want to put them through the stress of boarding.
That's where I come in.
I provide in-home pet sitting, farm sitting, equine care, care for domestic pets and exotics, and home checks, along with my canine behavior services.
But what I'm really providing is something much more important:
Peace of mind.
I want you to be able to leave your home knowing that the person walking through your door understands animals, notices the little things, respects their routines, and genuinely cares about how they're doing.
Because to me, they're not "just animals I'm watching."
They're somebody's best friend.
They're part of a family.
They're the horse waiting for you at the gate every morning.
They're the dog who knows the sound of your car.
They're the old cat who has claimed the same sunny spot for twelve years.
They're the goofy goat who somehow always finds trouble.
And they're the unusual little creature that most pet sitters have never handled before.
Every one of them has a personality. Every one has a story. And every one matters.
After 30+ years of working with and caring for animals, I still love what I do.
Actually, I think I appreciate it more now than I ever have.
There's something pretty special about earning an animal's trust — and there's something equally special about earning the trust of the person who loves them.
That's what A Dog's Way is about.
Trust. Care. Understanding. For every animal.
If you're in Freeport, Illinois or the surrounding area and need someone experienced to care for your pets, horses, farm animals or exotics while you're away, I'd love to talk with you.
And if you know someone with a barn, multiple animals, an unusual pet, or simply a very loved dog or cat who would be happier staying home, please share this post with them. That one share may introduce me to a family who has been searching for exactly this kind of care.
❤️ Dondi Polzin
A Dog's Way
📞 815-275-9100
✉️ [email protected]
Happy Animals. Peace of Mind.
All Animals. Always.
