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I began DogMa to bring professional in-home pet sitting, disabled/special needs animal care and positive, reward based training to the pets (and their people) of Portland, OR. I am a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College and practice positive reinforcement training techniques. Having been through a 2-year program and several internships I feel that I can give my clients the best in-home pet care that Portland has to offer. I have years of experience with pet sitting and caring for all types of dogs including special needs pets. I take the time to listen to each client’s specific needs and those are priority number one. One of the main advantages of in-home pet care is personalized attention for your pet and with DogMa, they will get the VIP treatment. Afterall, service…is my business.

I started out strictly wanting to become a dog trainer and behaviorist and midway through school, an event happened that led me down a path of true compassion for animal caretaking. My fearless hound Raga, who had been with me through college, many moves, road trips, hiking adventures, a few tours with a band and several trips back home to Louisiana, had a  severe accident. I had a few hours and not much solid information to make a huge decision about my sidekick’s future. I knew they were going to have to do spinal surgery. What I didn’t know is that it would paralyze him. After many weeks of hard work and long praying sessions, I made a decision and commitment to Raga to see this through until he was ready to be done. I honestly thought he would go down quickly but he was determined and he spent two more years being a happy dog! We moved across the country to Portland from Nashville and I submerged myself into learning all I could about therapies, treatments and ways to live with handicapped pets. After the first few months we both had the hang of it and Raga would get in his cart and fetch, chase squirrels, play on the beach, go rollerblading with me. Even though he couldn’t walk or potty without help, he still had a great quality of life. 

I understand that this path isn’t for every dog owner, it’s a very personal decision and I respect all choices. Some dogs who are handicapped or have special needs shut down immediately and at that point I do feel the respectful thing to do is let them go. But I will tell you that living with a special-needs/handicapped pet that has a will to live taught me volumes about life and gave me so much joy. My passion easily led to my calling. I would like to say this to anyone out there who is reading this and has a disabled pet. You are to be commended for your love and work and great big heart and you are not alone. I know what it takes and how hard it can be sometimes. One of the main reasons I decided to start in home care was to help people with handicapped or disabled animals. Whether you want a vacation, need to just have a break for a day or night, or would like to have someone to talk with about resources, I am here for you. In many cases, it just helps for me to spend some time with you and your dog and show you tools and tricks that can make your life so much easier.  It’s a true joy and life changing experience to have a disabled animal and I’m here to help you on the journey!

—Grayson

Click here to read Willamette Week's article featuring Raga. (12.10.09)