Frequently Asked Questions

Of course you have questions, and we've tried to answer some of the ones you would be most likely to ask. (See below.)

If you'd like to get more information or schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to call: Peggy/ 630-888-8934

What services do you offer?
Can you tell us a bit more about yourselves?
What kinds of dogs do you bring and are they friendly?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
When are you available?
How much do you charge for your services?

What services do you offer?

Either Monica or I will come to your home, along with one of our dogs at your request, and read to you. If you'd prefer we will record/ write any material you care to dictate. We will engage in lively discussions of the reading material or on any topic you'd care to discuss, and can also offer editorial guidance for your writing. If you'd like we can share a meal, a snack, or tea/ coffee with you while we are visiting; we can even pick something up on our way to our visit (we'll pay for our share if you'll reimburse us for yours!)

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Can you tell us a bit more about yourselves?

Sure! Monica is just 24 years old but has already lead an exciting life. She grew up surrounded by dogs, horses, and other assorted creatures, and is an experienced dog and horse trainer. She has spent many years working with me (Peggy) as an animal behavior assistant, and helped co-found Teacher's Creatures, an animal behavior-based enrichment program for grade school children. While still in high school Monica volunteered as an intern for a Kenyan Anthropologist at the Chicago Field Museum and traveled as part of a research group to Kenya when she was just 18 years old. Besides having her own exciting stories to tell, Monica is an excellent reader; she graduated in the top five percent of her high school class, and was a National Merit Scholar. The four years she completed as an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago serve as additional proof she is very bright, but she is also kind, funny, compassionate, witty, and very polite--and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom! Speaking of me, I am a just-turned 50 year-old, award-winning professional writer, lecturer, and animal behavior expert. While that gives me an awful lot that is interesting to talk about, family ranks higher on my list of achievements. I am the proud mother of three: 24 year old Monica, described above; 22 year old Stephanie, an oboist and music education major in her third year at Western Illinois University; and 12 year old Jake, a dog lover, swimmer, talented writer, and all-around nice boy who cites his grandmother as his best friend! I am also step-mother to three more girls: dog lover Jessica, 30, foreign language-studying Rebecca, 27, and recent DePaul graduate (psychology) Kelsey, 24; and I mustn't forget to mention Dave, loyal hard-working husband who provides me with a cup of coffee-in-bed every single morning before he heads off to work for the Home Depot! I love reading and writing and words of all sorts, and am also a very social person. Since most of the kids are grown and gone I've spent many hours contemplating how to combine my love of people, animals, reading and writing, while offering a philanthropic service and at the same time help provide for my family. I believe I've found the answer in offering this service to you!

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What kinds of dogs do you bring and are they friendly?

If you request it we will bring one dog on each visit. You may request the same dog each time, or you may want to get to know each one of them! Because I (Peggy) am a practicing dog behaviorist I have several very well trained, loving, affectionate, polite, dogs who love to visit and cuddle. They include Buttercup, a female Pembroke Welsh corgi; Belle, a female Shetland sheepdog/ Pomeranian mix; and Buddie a female golden retriever with a boyish sounding name! On occasion I can also bring Bo, a male Havanese who is one of my students and a certified therapy dog. Bo loves to come visiting any chance he can get and offers the added benefit of being a non-shedding dog!

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Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Yes, yes, and yes!

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When are you available?

We can schedule both repeating and occasional visits. We are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Weekend availability varies but can be discussed.

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How much do you charge for your services?

We charge by the hour for in-home visits, with a one hour minimum. If you live more than 10 miles from Lemont, IL we charge an additional fee of .50 cents per mile. Our fees are as follows: $20.00/ hr.

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