Hi, all!
I'm Courtney, the heart and hands behind Fitz & Friendz Pet Care. I'm a proud boy-dog mom to sir Winston Fitzgerald Banks (but you can call him Fitz). Fitz is a chocolate and cream miniature dachshund and the perfect blend of spunk and sweetness. He's not just easy on the eyes, he's also the inspiration behind everything I do here at Fitz & Friendz. In my care, your furbaby isn't just a guest, they're family, loved as deeply as my own Fitz.
About Courtney and Fitz
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My love for dogs has been lifelong, influenced by my father, a dedicated German Shepherd enthusiast. As a child, I admired his training work and even tried to mimic it with my own puppy. Though he teased my miniature dachshund Kielee, I once caught him sneaking her belly rubs. That was proof that no one could resist her charm.
I have always been the go-to pet sitter among friends and family, drawn to animals from an early age. Fitz has been my greatest teacher, showing me how important it is to provide intentional care that nurtures both heart and instincts. He has also taught me what it means to become his number one advocate, which now inspires me to help other pet parents step confidently into that role for their own pups. That same philosophy is what I bring to Fitz & Friendz, where your pup is loved, understood, and treated like family.
When Fitz began showing a bit of reactivity, I knew I had to be intentional about how he experienced the world. Dog parks were never the right fit for us, so I created a structured and stress-free way for him to build positive social experiences. Fitz & Friendz was born out of that need, offering a place where pups can be introduced in a safe, natural setting that helps them thrive emotionally as well as physically.
That experience also showed me the importance of applying what I had learned about canine psychology and behavior in a practical, everyday way. It was not just about helping Fitz, but about turning knowledge into action. By doing so, I discovered how to create calm, positive environments that allow dogs to feel safe and understood. Today, I bring that same balance of empathy and expertise to every pup in my care.
Caring for Fitz has deepened my love for dogs and strengthened my commitment to their well-being. By learning about canine psychology and behavior, I have been able to provide Fitz with everything he needs for a happy, balanced life. The bond we have built through mutual understanding and love fuels my passion to extend that same intentional care to the pets I look after.
As an intentional pet owner, I focus on positive reinforcement techniques and avoid aversive methods that may cause undue stress or confusion. I have spent years learning from reputable trainers and integrating their approaches to help Fitz thrive. While I am not a certified trainer, I know from experience how effective these methods can be in shaping healthy behavior. I am committed to offering the same thoughtful, compassionate care to every pup entrusted to me, always focusing on their emotional well-being and instinctual needs.