"PoohBear came to our household with many emotional problems that expressed themselves in the form of serial barking and deep fear of going outside. I almost lost my apartment and my sanity due his unusual behavior. Then a neighbor recommended Susie Deford and our lives changed miraculously almost overnight. One day out of frustration, I simply forced Pooh to go outside. When we got out to the street, there was Susie with 3 canine clients. She saw how I was struggling and simply said “give him to me.” I did. She took no nonsense from him (or me!). Firmly, but with compassion and understanding, she took over. We walked while Susie delivered and picked up other dogs. This began and amazing journey. I hired Susie to do a behavioral evaluation which was intuitive, thorough and clear. She put her finger right on the button, pointing out exactly what was going wrong and what could be done. I finally understood how to proceed in this dog/human relationship and for the first time in 4 months, felt hope for PoohBear and our household. Susie counseled me on how to be firm which would become the key to a more normal relationship. Pooh was now being walked twice a day by me and once by Susie--getting out all that pent up energy. His barking has subsided and he actually runs to the door when I say ‘okay, let’s go out!” Susie DeFord is a magician, dog whisperer, angel and all around great person. She’s truly one of a kind."
“I got a dog
from a rescue in August and hired Susie to walk her three times a week while I
was at work teaching. She has done a wonderful job not only walking Molly
(my dog) but helping her learn how to walk on a leash and to be around other
dogs. Being a rescue dog, Molly came with some struggles and Susie knew
just what to do. Not only did she help train Molly, but she also gave me
some great tips for training too. Susie is prompt and responsible. She communicates with me on a regular basis and takes
really good care of my dog. I highly recommend considering Susie's Pet
Care for your dog or cat. She and her staff know what they are doing and
they genuinely care about giving you and your pet the best services. It is more than a job to them and it shows.”
-Liz Doerschuck
“We were really stuck this fall when our newly adopted shelter dog, Phoebe, refused to come out of her crate for anyone but her owners and greeted all new people and dogs with suspicion and growls. A neighbor suggested we contact Susie and it made all the difference! Her calm, confident nature put all of us at ease immediately and within weeks Phoebe was happily joining Susie on daily walks and even playing with other dogs in the park. Phoebe continues to love her daily walks and we've continued to consult with Susie periodically as issues arise - she's always been thoughtful and very helpful and we highly recommend her.”
-Karina Moltz
“Susie is the best! Look no further when it comes to dog-walking around Prospect Heights/Park Slope. When we first got our puppy, Susie came for play-dates when he was too young to be walked. I think it really helped his development to have her visit. Then, as he got older, she integrated him into the walking pack. Communicating with Susie is always a pleasurable experience. She's helpful, knowledgeable, and professional. We love her, and you can tell our dog loves her, too!”
-Cori McKenna
“We highly, highly recommend Susie's Pet Care! Susie has always been a reliable and compassionate friend to our dog. As a professional couple with a small child, we've always appreciated her flexibility and devotion to our best buddy. Over the years, Susie has not only walked our dog, but fed him, administered medications, and helped him convalesce through various operations, even visiting him just to check in, when he wasn't ready for a walk just yet. At the end of his life, she was willing to carry all 55 pounds of him up and down our front steps when he was too weak to walk. 'Nuff said.”
-Mark Schwartz
“Susie is absolutely near and dear to my dog, Claudia's heart. Wagging tails all around! Susie was recommended to me by three other people in my neighborhood and had helped tremendously with the emotional behaviors of my dog. My dog is nervous by nature and is a puppy- 1yr. I got her form the country six months ago. Her biggest feat was getting used to the commotion of city life. For the last six months Susie has walked her to help her adjust, and Claudia is doing very well now. Whenever there is an issue that I can't solve with my dog books, Susie is there for informative/productive/successful training sessions. The care given is affordable, professional, and loving. I feel immensely relieved to have a friend like Susie to be there for us; she genuinely cares. She returns calls and emails immediately in regards to anything from setting up sessions to giving advice. Susie is well versed, confident, and knowledgeable. This is no average dog walking service and should not be passed up.”
-Lola
Fennimore
“Susie has been taking excellent care of my dogs Roxy & Finster for six years. She is flexible, devoted, super smart and easy to work with. I work long hours and have frequently called upon Susie to walk and feed the dogs on very short notice. She's always willing to help out in a crisis; if she can't do it, she taps someone who can. My life wouldn't work without Susie. She is a wonderful walker and trainer. And my dogs love her! I have recommended her to several friends and neighbors over the years and they are all most grateful!”
-Tonya Jenerette
“I highly recommend Susie, especially if you would like some training expertise thrown in with your walks. I was very overwhelmed by my hyper young lab (and scared I could not keep him) until Susie came by for the first time and demonstrated that he could, indeed, be tamed. I had also never given a stranger my keys until that point and felt very safe entrusting them to Susie.”
-Kate Milkens
“Susie,
Your services with my dogs Zenna and Akahi have been invaluable. The suggestions you have made along the way when Akahi came into our lives have made our world a world better with regards to his anxiety. Zenna, Akahi and I are a family pack in progress thanks to your walks, support, suggestions and compassion! The Park Slope and Prospect Heights neighborhood dogs are so fortunate to have such a conscientious, caring dog walker and behaviorist…a hidden gem that you are with the promising assistance of Nathan’s doggie care and walks. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
-Irene Spurla
“I have been using Susie for almost 2 years to walk both my dogs. One is a small Westie who doesn't like to walk and the other a big hound who wants to run all the time. Susie is amazing at handling and walking them both - she is patient and has trained them to walk together. She is extremely responsible and reliable. She also has a special way with dogs. I would highly recommend Susie's Pet Care!!!”
-Surinder
Singh
“Susie has been taking excellent care of our dog, Ginger, for (I've lost track) probably the last 7 or 8 years. She didn't bat an eyelid when I asked her to also take care of our new kitty a couple of years ago. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She's punctual, responsible and really loves the animals.”
-Cathy Moore
“We recently hired Susie to walk our newly adopted dog. I knew as soon as I met her that she was great! At our initial consultation, she interviewed us, gave us some training tips and immediately bonded with Stanley. Since then, Susie has arrived on time, been full of energy and keeps in constant communication. We feel very lucky to have her as our dog walker.”
-Kelly Kay
“As new dog owners of a rescued pup, we needed a reliable dog walker who understood our dog's needs. Susie Pet Care is the perfect fit for us. We have real peace of mind knowing Susie is walking our dog. She has also helped us teach our dog simple commands. Susie is an excellent communicator and a pro with dogs. I would highly recommend her dog services,”
-Heather Lester