Mel’s Story
She’ll Do What You’d Do.
Then a Little More.
When an owner once forgot a medication and said their cat would be fine without it, Mel went out and picked it up herself. That’s not a policy. It’s just the kind of care she believes every cat deserves.
Meet Mel
A lifetime pursuit comes to life
Hi, I’m Mel, and I’ve been preparing to care for your beloved kitty for most of my life.
Growing up in the 1980s, pet boarding was largely functional: safe, clean, and basic. Comfort, enrichment, and emotional well-being were rarely part of the conversation. That reality stayed with me. Even as a child, I sensed there could be something more — something gentler, more thoughtful, more loving.
I was raised in a world filled with animals. My parents were professional dog handlers with a 50-year legacy of breeding and showing champion dogs. While our home was built on dedication and expertise, I remember walking through the kennel as a child and feeling a quiet ache for the animals — not because they were neglected, but because their experience felt limited.
I often sat beside nervous dogs who had flown across the world, offering calm reassurance in unfamiliar surroundings. I also took full responsibility for our cats, carefully tending to their needs and sending handwritten report cards to their owners. Even then, I understood that animals deserve more than adequate care. They deserve to feel safe, understood, and cherished.
A Season of Refinement
Three chapters,
one purpose
Each step brought clarity about what cats truly need.
2020
Rosedale Pet Resort
After my parents passed away, I left my career in the corporate world and founded a thoughtful retreat for dogs and cats — built on everything I had learned and believed about quality care.
Founded & Operated
2023
Tiny Tails Lodge
After relocating to Wisconsin, I opened a boutique experience designed for small dogs and cats. The demand for feline care quickly outpaced everything else — and I made the intentional decision to focus entirely on cats.
Wisconsin
Now
Catnip Bed & Breakfast
Back in my hometown of Gig Harbor, I’ve lovingly designed a serene, feline-focused retreat just steps from my home — where I provide continuous, around-the-clock care and attention.
Gig Harbor, Washington
The Catnip Standard
“Animals deserve more than adequate care. They deserve to feel safe, understood, and cherished.”
— Mel, Founder
Mel’s Approach
Fear Free isn’t a label.
It’s how I think.
While some cats may do well with a drop-in visit once or twice a day, many need more: more companionship, more supervision, more enrichment, and more emotional presence than traditional pet sitting can offer.
In most boarding facilities, cats are an afterthought in dog-centered environments, receiving only basic care.
As a Fear Free Certified Professional, I stay current on best practices to ensure your cat feels safe, calm, and secure. Each guest is welcomed with patience and intention.
— Mel, Founder
Every kitty is given the time and space they need to settle in comfortably — no rushed check-ins, no chaotic lobbies, and no overwhelming noise.
