Melissa Doherty-Guevin, founder of The Dogmother LLC, has always had a passion for caring for animals, a passion that started with her very first dog, Dutchess, when she was just nine years old.

“She was the beginning of my lifelong dream to care for dogs and help animals,” Melissa shares. “Now, years later, my love for dogs evolved into a career that led to the creation of The Dogmother, LLC, a full-service dog care business.”

Melissa started The Dogmother with the goal of offering personalized care in a home-like environment. “I wanted to create a space where dogs aren’t just boarded, but where they are treated as part of the family,” she explains. The Dogmother provides doggy daycare and boarding services from Melissa’s home, making sure that each dog receives individual attention, plenty of exercise, and care tailored to their specific needs.

The philosophy at The Dogmother centers on making sure every dog feels safe, comfortable, and stimulated. Dogs are given plenty of outdoor playtime, including access to kiddie pools, shaded areas, and separate spaces for small and large dogs.

“We work hard to make sure every dog has a great experience,” Melissa says. “Whether it’s playing in the yard or relaxing indoors, we make sure they’re happy and well cared for.”

In addition to daycare and boarding, The Dogmother also offers grooming services, ensuring dogs go home fresh and clean after their stay. For added convenience, Melissa provides pick-up and drop-off services within a specific radius, and her team is equipped to administer medications, including insulin. “We’re committed to providing comprehensive care, so owners can have peace of mind,” she says.

Melissa’s commitment to dogs extends far beyond her business. She is the proud founder of The Dogmother’s “Four The Paws” Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps local Animal Control Officers cover veterinary bills for stray and abandoned animals.

“Animal control officers often have a very limited budget,” she explains, “and I saw a need to step in and help.” The foundation raises money to ensure that these dogs receive medical care, including vaccinations and spaying or neutering and fosters them until they can be placed with a rescue organization or adopted into a permanent home.

Through partnerships with organizations like Sweet Paws Rescue, Melissa and her team have helped countless dogs find new families.

The Dogmother’s “Four The Paws” Foundation holds regular fundraisers to support this important work. One of the highlights of the year is a local event that raises money for vet bills and fosters. Melissa also fosters dogs directly in her home, caring for them until they are adopted. Some dogs stay just a few days, while others may be with her for several months or even up to a year. “Each dog is different, but they all deserve a chance,” she reflects.

For Melissa, The Dogmother is more than just a business—it’s a way to give back to the community she loves. As a mother herself, she balances her business with family life, often involving her children in caring for their foster dogs. “I’m teaching my kids the importance of compassion and responsibility,” she shares. “Helping animals isn’t just my job, it’s something that brings my family closer together.”

Looking ahead, Melissa remains focused on expanding her work with the “Four The Paws” Foundation and continuing to provide exceptional care through The Dogmother LLC.

“It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding,” she says. “Every dog that finds a new home, and every pet that has a safe, loving place to stay—those are the moments that make it all worth it.”