At Bed and BARKfest, finding the perfect sitter isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about finding people who embody the love, care, and attentiveness that we know our clients expect. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Julie and her wonderful family, who have become a cornerstone of our team and a favorite among our furry guests.
The Interview That Stole Our Hearts
When Julie first interviewed with us, we knew we were looking at a great candidate. Our interview process is thorough: it starts with a phone interview, moves to an in-person meeting, and then includes a home visit with one of our own pups to get a feel for how the sitter and their family interact with dogs. It’s not just about meeting qualifications—it’s about finding people who truly understand what it means to care for a dog like family.
Julie and her family went through every step with flying colors. When it was time for the home visit, my dog Murphy and I made our way to their beautiful home in Bloomfield Hills. As usual, we started with some basics, like teaching the family how to approach a dog calmly with no touch, no talk, and no eye contact, allowing the dog to come to them.
But Murphy, being her friendly self, quickly decided it was playtime—especially with Julie’s kids. Soon enough, we were all playing hide-and-seek, one of Murphy’s favorite games. Watching the kids laugh and play with her while still following all of our rules showed me just how special this family was.
A Sweet and Thoughtful Moment
The real magic happened when the youngest of Julie’s kids paused mid-play and said, “I think Murphy is thirsty.” Without being prompted, he got a bowl, filled it with water, and brought it over to her. Murphy, always dramatic, lapped it up like it was the best thing she’d ever had.
Then, something even more touching happened. The little one grabbed another bowl of water, set it beside Murphy, and started to drink from it himself—just to make sure she didn’t feel alone. It was in that moment I knew we had found something extraordinary. Julie’s family didn’t just understand care—they embodied it.
The Perfect Home for Playful Pups
Since joining us as the sixth Bed and BARKfest house, Julie and her family (Brooklyn-13, Carter and Mason - 9, and Logan-7) have been nothing short of incredible. Their home is a dream for dogs who thrive on activity and attention. With four energetic elementary and middle school-aged kids, there’s never a dull moment. The kids have become part of the team, knowing exactly how to treat dogs with kindness, respect, and leadership.
Of course, we understand that not every pup is suited for a busy household, but for those who love the extra love and playtime, Julie’s Bloomfield Hills home is a perfect match.
Why Julie’s House Stands Out
Julie and her family consistently receive glowing reviews from clients, just like all of our sitters. They’ve created a welcoming, fun-filled environment where dogs feel at home and cared for as if they were part of the family. We’re beyond proud to have them as part of our Bed and BARKfest community.