About Us

About Prancing Poodle

Prancing Poodle’s mission is to help you help your pets live their best life. Our personalized service to pets and their parents is unsurpassed.

Our business has grown because of our love for companion animals. We understand how difficult it can be to leave your pets at home, whether you are away for the day or traveling for an extended period of time. We are dedicated to providing and maintaining a stress-free, loving, and familiar environment for your pets. Our knowledge and investment in continuing education in pet care, nutrition, and safety ensures that every pet in our care has dedicated friend and guardian and provides you, our client, with peace of mind.

GET STARTED
About Us
About Us

There When You Need Us Most

Our Pet Care Assistants are mature, experienced, responsive, and reliable caregivers. You will feel confident about entrusting your pet(s) and your home to their care, secure in the knowledge that they will do everything that is needed to safeguard and care for your pets and your property in your absence.

You will enjoy peace of mind knowing that Prancing Poodle will be there when you need us with service that meets and exceeds your expectations.

Julie Duke

Julie Duke

Owner

I never had a pet when I was a child.  It wasn’t until I was a middle-aged adult that I became the guardian of a dog for the first time. Adopting that dog changed my life forever.  Life suddenly became about more than my career.  I still loved my work, but having a dog added a whole new dimension to my days.  The joy and fulfillment I experienced from bonding with and caring for Mardi sparked a passion for companion animals that inspires me to this day.

In 2015, I embarked on a mission to create a pet sitting service that I desperately wanted and needed but couldn’t find during my days of juggling a hectic professional career and caring for my dogs. I hated leaving them when I had to travel for work because there was no one I trusted to care for them.  I had no family to care for them and I certainly didn’t want to board them. I wanted them to feel safe in their own home while I was away. Their happiness was all I cared about. So I built a business to do just that.

I believe deeply in the power of animal companionship to enrich human experience.  I’ve been blessed to experience it and I wish it for every person. It’s this belief that drives me to offer pet care services that make it effortless for anyone, regardless of how busy and complicated their life gets, to enjoy the companionship of a pet.

At Prancing Poodle, our mission is to offer expert pet sitting services that go well beyond the ordinary. We serve clients who want to ensure that their pets always receive the love, care, and attention they deserve – even when they themselves must be away. Our clients appreciate the gifts that their pets bring into their lives and anything less than the best is not an option for them.  It is our privilege to be that trusted partner in caring for their beloved pets.

Personal Pets – Callie (Yorkie-Poo) and Sylvie (Toy Poodle)

Remembering those I love, now at the Rainbow Bridge – Jessica Sue, Phillip, Chloe, Nanette, Bella, C.C., and Mardi

 

Autumn

Autumn

Pet Care Assistant

Hello! My name is Autumn. I’m currently a student at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

I’ve been passionate about animals since I was a little girl. Having my own pets has helped me understand how much unconditional love they provide. I’m a devoted dog/cat mom to my own loving pets and I’m grateful for them every day.

I have worked in veterinary hospitals over the years and I always treated every pet in my care like they were a part of my own family. I look forward to providing the same kind of care to you and your pets!

Personal Pets – Prince (Maltipoo), KJ (Domestic Shorthair)

 

    Courtney

    Courtney

    Pet Care Assistant

    Hi there! My name is Courtney. I have been around animals my entire life. They always make my day just a little brighter. I am a Michigan State University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. With experience working in a shelter, zoo, and vet office setting, I have taken care of many different kinds of animals in many settings. I also was a member of 4H for many years. My hope is to make your pets feel comfortable and happy in my care. I look forward to meeting them!

    Personal pets – Jack (Husky/Pitbull mix), Stripe (Domestic Shorthair), Shadow (Domestic Shorthair), Fred (Domestic Shorthair), Nemo (Domestic Shorthair), Taco, Tony, Flash, Silver, and Mercury (Guinea Pigs), Landon, Lilly, and Mickey (Rabbits), 8 chickens, 5 ducks, and 2 fish.

      Jacob

      Jacob

      Pet Care Assistant

      Hi there! My name is Jacob and I’m an MSU alum with a degree in Media and Information. I grew up in rural Michigan on a farm with all kinds of different animals, including dogs and cats. I’m a proud cat dad to 3 amazing girls who keep me on my toes every day. To me, pets aren’t just animals, they’re family and friends and I respect and love them like they’re my own flesh and blood. I’ve been a devout vegetarian for the past decade. I’m a strong advocate for animal rights in my everyday life, always striving to make my furry friends as happy and healthy as possible. I look forward to providing your pets with the best care possible and giving you peace of mind while you’re away from home!

      Personal Pets – Prim (domestic short hair), Bowser (domestic long hair), and Piper (domestic medium hair).

       

      Mary

      Mary

      Pet Care Assistant

      Hi, I’m Mary.   My love for all animals began very early with childhood memories of our beloved cat and dog family members. I grew up understanding the responsibilities of pet care.  As an adult, I’ve been blessed with many pets and had a special bond with my soul dog, Dillon.

      I truly believe that our pets provide us with infinite amounts of pure and unconditional love. They fill our hearts and souls with joy and healing energy.

      My goal is to provide a positive, safe and stress-free experience for both you and your pets while you’re away from home.  I look forward to meeting both you and your pets.

      Personal Pets- Addison (Golden Doodle) and Coco (Terrier mix)

      Sarah

      Sarah

      Pet Care Assistant

      Hi there! My name is Sarah. I’ve been a pet parent, in addition to caring for others’ pets, for most of my adult life.

      It’s my goal to give you peace of mind, knowing that your beloved fur baby is well cared for while I am with them. You can count on me to be focused on your pet(s), providing them with exceptional care. Physical and mental well-being are extremely important to me. In addition to caring for their basic needs, you can expect me to stimulate them with play and lots of conversation!

      Personal pet: The late Stella Luna, a female black cat who was my constant companion for 21 years! She crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2023 and is deeply missed.

       

      Siouxy

      Siouxy

      Pet Care Assistant

      Hello! My name is Siouxy. I am from the Okemos area and have a passion for all furry friends. I will happily accommodate any requests for your pets and I will try to be as helpful as possible. I’ll give unlimited scratches and kisses to all my furry clients and look forward to providing exceptional service to you!

      Personal Pets – Gelato (Dachshund/Terrier), Artemis (Beagle/Pug), Bonnie (Golden Labrador Retriever), and India (Calico)

       

      Marti

      Marti

      Pet Care Assistant

      Hello! My name is Marti. I have 3 grandkids and a rescue cat. I’m an active volunteer with local rescues and shelters and I love it! I’m proud to be a voice for all animals when they have none. Animals are a huge passion of mine, so I retired early to pursue a life with more involvement with helping them. I’m looking forward to meeting you and your fur kids! Leaving them can be stressful for both of you. I promise they will be spoiled with unlimited love, scratches, playtime and fun.

      Personal Pet: Cat Kevin

       

      About The Prancing Poodle

      About The Prancing Poodle

      D’Bara Mardi Le Beau was the dog who entered my life and changed everything. Bred to be a show dog, Mardi grew too tall for the breed standard, so his breeder wanted to rehome him as a pet.

      Mardi was six months old when I first saw him. He crawled into my lap and settled right down. He was the most beautiful dog I had ever seen. Mardi went home with me that day and changed my life forever. He was a one-person dog, and I was his person. He taught me about the unconditional love dogs have for their people.

      When Mardi walked, he did the “poodle prance” perfectly. He was glorious.

      Mardi was with me for 17 years. We fought off worsening heart failure for many years, but in the end, he left me for the Rainbow Bridge and took a piece of my own heart with him.

      Today my pack includes Callie and Sylvie – who fill my days with love and delight.  Over the years I have been blessed to share my life with many other wonderful dogs: Jessica Sue, Phillip, C.C., Chloe, Nanette, and Bella.  But Mardi was the first, and he will always have a special place in my heart. So, when I decided to start this business, “Prancing Poodle” was my first choice for the name. I like to think that Mardi is always with me, prancing at my side.

                                                                                                                                                                       – Written by Julie Duke

       

      Book a Free Consultation

      A free consultation is the first step of our process. Following the consultation, you will be asked to complete an on-line profile in our scheduling application. After that, you can book the services you need. We are then available to help with your pets on an as-needed basis. A simple call, an email, or submitting our on-line contact form is all it takes to start the process.

      SCHEDULE NOW
      Skip to content