"My husband, Chris, and I frequently remark “We don’t know what we would do without Sasha!” After a rather random word of mouth referral in 2007 for our first dog, Gretchen, an awesome rescue beagle with a challenging case of separation anxiety, Sasha feels like a family member. She was an integral part of our decision to adopt a second puppy in 2007, Gracie, a high-energy border collie mix. Sasha was even a big part of our 2010 wedding as we couldn’t think of a better wedding buddy for Gracie, our ring bearer. Day in and day out for nearly four years, Sasha has helped us adapt to and troubleshoot our dogs’ polar opposite personalities within the confines of our city apartment. Seriously, what would we do without her?"
- Grace & Gretchen's Mom
Cheryl W.
"When we found Sasha, we were originally seeking a dog caregiver. What we’ve found is a new member of our family. Sasha goes beyond the duty of providing dependable quality care for our dog, Gracie, everyday. She has shown us ways to build a strong and loving relationship with Gracie, especially between Gracie and our daughter. In the process, we have made many lasting memories. We are so fortunate to have Sasha in our lives."
- Gracie's Mom & Dad
Kim & Brad
"We love Sasha and Michael! We moved from CA. where our dogs ran free and when we moved to Chicago we were not sure what we would do. I don’t know what we would have done if we didn't find Canine State of Mind. We travel frequently and our dogs go to the farm often. I feel guiltless knowing my dogs are in dog heaven on their own vacation! I trust them with my babies and always know they will get the best care and love!! We are so appreciative!"
- Luca & Lola's Mom
Trisha A.
"FULLY RECOMMENDED! My dog adores Sasha and Michael and I feel happy every time I travel, knowing that he is being loved and having more fun at the farm than he does at home! These are amazing dog people and will also help in every way they can,. e.g. by offering pick up/drop off and coordinating with your schedule."
- Bo's Mom
Cristina B.
"Sasha and the entire CSM team are wonderful. It's almost like they consider every dog they care for as their own, that's the only way I can describe the commitment to my dog's well-being they have demonstrated.
As a first-time dog owner, it's great to have them as a resource for questions on all the things you go through, from training, food, to 1000 other things. They have helped me through crate training, separation anxiety, some nasty gastro issues, an infected toenail, and many other things in the four months I've been working with them. They happily take care of any feeding, medication, or other quirks for your pooch.
Another nice thing is they are flexible when I have to make schedules changes if I am working from home or otherwise changing our normal schedule. All I can say is, keep up the good work!"
- Oscar's Dad
Dan H.
"I can't imagine a more ideal group of people to care for my dog than Sasha, Michael, and the whole Canine State of Mind crew. They take the time to learn about the personality and quirks of the dogs in their care. It seems as if all of the dogs in their care respects, admires, and adores this fine group of people. I feel privileged they allow my dog to spend time with them at their boarding facility in Galena. (What better place to board a dog than a farm?!?) And, while these are great reasons for your dog to love them, there are plenty of reasons why humans like them as well. For example, their prices are reasonable and you really know you are getting a lot for what you are paying. When it comes to picking up and dropping off they are flexible have always worked with me so everyone is happy. They are also very good communicators. When I found myself missing my pup, and they are watching him, I just sent them a text message. A little while later I received pics showing my dog resting comfortably in a cushy bed with some canine friend he made. I think that was the point I realized I could never go anywhere else."
- Booger's Dad
Cody B.
"Wow...where to start?? Wish I could give Michael and Canine State of Mind 10+ stars - they deserve it!!
Long story short...we were moving to Chicago from Hawaii with about 2 weeks notice and didn't have anywhere to live. The fun part of this adventure - we have 3 dogs! So we either find someone to board the dogs until we figure out where to live, or keep them at a hotel with us.
Okay, now comes the good part. After searching Yelp, I found Canine State of Mind and left a voicemail for Michael to call me about our kenneling needs. He was mindful of the time difference and returned my call later that evening. What a nice guy!! He took down our info, what our needs were and after checking with his wife, Sasha, and their schedule, promised to get back to me the next day. As promised, he called me the next day and said it was a go. We communicated via email and text several times before the dogs actually flew to Chicago. Once the flight landed, Michael picked up our dogs from the airport and transported them to their facility in the country. Prior to arrival, he also picked up the appropriate dog food and let me know the medications I shipped, had arrived by mail. Throughout the process, Michael was great at communicating with us, sending texts to let us the know the dogs had arrived okay and were settling in with their new-found friends, etc. The dogs ending up staying with Michael and Sasha for about 3 weeks. During that time, one of our dogs started limping, an ongoing issue. Michael promptly called and talked to me about it, we discussed options and went from there. He even talked to his local vet for me since we didn't have one in the area yet. Once we moved into our new home, they delivered the girls to us at the agreed time and we couldn't have been happier to see our furry family! Our older dog (who is a little pudgy) had actually lost some weight, due to her increased activity while away at her country retreat.
I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful Michael was to deal with. You can tell he really cares about animals and I felt like our dogs were part of their family during the stay. This was such a stressful time for both us and our dogs. I don't know how we would have done it without Canine State of Mind!! We actually had to go out of town about 2 weeks later and used them again for the care of our dogs over a long weekend.
Please do your pets a favor and call these folks if you have boarding needs. I promise, you'll be happy and your dogs will thank you!"
- Minnie, Romi & Rainey's Mom
Monica M.
"Thank you so much for taking such good care of O-Man (R.I.P) and our little Charlie. I don't know what we would do without you. Whenever we are out of town or away it is such a comforting feeling to know that Charlie is going to be taken such good care of while we are gone. You guys are the best! Whenever we say the name 'Michael' in our house, Charlie lights up!"
- Charlie's Mom and Dad
Kelly and JD
