Did you adopt adorable varmints during the pandemic? Us, too. A rescue pup with a medical journal-worthy case of anxiety and a rescue cat with more attachment issues than your ex. After not leaving the house during the first six months we had these broads, we went on our first vacation. Woo boy! Fun fact: your dog CAN chew through a couch to the studs. Didn't know couches even contained metal? Me either. But Dolly Barkton was determined to educate us simpletons on the inner workings of home furnishings. As an amateur carpenter, Dolly needed privacy to conduct her work, so naturally she locked the door to the office where she had set up shop. That's right. The dog locked herself in the office. I'll leave out the tantrums over thunderstorms, the sight of other dogs, walks after dark, putting her harness on... I swear she's a good dog. (Said every indignant pet owner.) Now, Mimi von Hissypants wasn't going to allow Dolly all the fun. She took this opportunity of newfound freedom and decided litterboxes were for babies. And even though she cries if she can't watch mom pee or her favorite toy, Higgins, skitters even slightly out of reach of her teeny little murderous mitten, she ain't no baby! So Mimi did what all big girls do and she turned the once soft, cozy spots in our condo into new bathrooms. I ought to buy stock in Nature's Miracle stain remover. Again, we are on vacation. Out of the country. For 10 days. But did we have to come home early and face the wrath of our little domestic terrorists? Of course not! Because Shirley is a damn superhero. Originally booked to stay nights and visit during the day, Miss Shirley adapted to the insurrection that was occurring and made arrangements to provide 24-hour care. After a particularly bad night that would have sent anyone else running for the hills (and buddy, they'd have to run far with Illinois being flatter than a pancake), Shirley not only continued with the booking, but went to the pharmacy for Dolly's anxiety medication prescribed that morning. After the unbelievable shenanigans these sasspots put her through, Shirley greeted us with a smile upon our return and told us we had darling little angels. Our plants were watered, the condo was neat and clean, and the girls looked happy and healthy. Since that fiasco took place, Shirley has been a saint and continued to babysit the very non-babies. We will literally plan our trips around her schedule because no one can keep our heathens happy like she can. Well, except David. David is another saint who can get Dolly to go on walks like she's at a dog show. Even our curmudgeon doorman has stopped me to say how impressed he was with David's handling of the Doll. It doesn't get better than Shirley & Co. read more

Shirley went out of her way to make including our dog in our wedding day as seamless as possible. We can't thank her enough for the attention to detail and ease of doing business while taking our little guy to the wedding venue and back home, so that we didn't have to worry about any of those details on the wedding day. We would recommend her to anyone! read more

I had seen Shirley's card at my local dry cleaner (Manor Cleaner - the best!) and found myself in a bind a month or so ago, where I really needed someone to take care of my Missy. I basically stalked Shirley in a panic, and she quickly reached out to me and let me know that she could certainly take care of Missy. Within the last few months I've reached out to Shirley 2-3 times, and every time it is so easy! She puts me completely at ease that Missy is in good hands, and takes the pressure off of always bothering my friends to take care of her! Shirley and her team are total pros. She even asks that you make two sets of keys, just in case one team member is unable to take care of your dog that day. As an event manager, I love the contingency plan, and really appreciate that she thinks of every detail. I'm super thankful that Shirley is close to where I live, and feel comfortable that she is always taking great care of my baby! read more

Sincere service above and beyond! Shirley and her team are absolute amazing! Totally 100% trustworthy with your most prized possessions. Beyond being 100% reliable and trustworthy, Shirley has a gift of bonding with animals. She really does intuitively understand what animals need and combines well rounded research with behavior approach. My animal and I rescued one another which was a tricky transition due to previous experience. I needed typical animal care and Shirley provided so much more than expected. She bonded with my cat naturally defensive cat and helped to break down walls for him. The trust she built with my boy animal and also myself is truly a gift that we are fortunate for. Her company's service is remarkable and Shirley truly has a gift for bonding. Hers is truly a pet project, way above and beyond, providing intuitive gift and holistic care. Thank you, Shirley, for sharing your strengths. read more

Shirley's Pet Project - Dog Walkers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

There are not enough words to describe how valuable Shirley and her team are to us. We've been with Shirley for a year and a half. During this time she's stayed with Sarah while we were on vacations and has added two people to her team that have walked Sarah. We have complete trust and confidence in everyone. Two weeks ago I received a call while at work that our dog was not well. One of Shirley's team members noted her condition and relayed them to Shirley. If it wasn't for their attention and the call which brought us to the emergency clinic, we don't know what our lives would be like now. They helped us save Sarah's life. It is evident that Shirley truly loves animals and Sarah truly loves Shirley and the rest of her team. Shirley does not miss a detail about your pet even offering suggestions. We will continue to be as loyal as our pet is to her. read more

Shirley has been taking care of my cats (formerly two, now three) for several years, and I trust her completely to give my cats the best of care. For short absences, she comes over to feed them, play with them, and scoop the litter. For several of my longer trips, she has stayed in my home to take care of my "kids." In all cases, she is caring and affectionate to them and worked hard to establish a trust level with my newest, shy, one. I truly believe that she treats my cats as if they are her own. One other service that Shirley provides for me is help with nail trimming of two of my cats who strongly resist anything being done to them. She has helped me with this a number of times and we've generally gotten the process down to a science, freeing me of the need to take them to a vet or groomer, which would further traumatize them. In fact, she and a helper have just left my place, after having quickly and painlessly taken care of this job, without my having to be involved at all. I've recommended her to friends and clients. I feel lucky to have discovered Shirley's service, and hope I can use her for many years to come. read more

Shirley is amazing. Within minutes of meeting her, you know that she genuinely loves pets of all kinds, communicates effectively and regularly, is detail-oriented nad ready to help out in any way. Once she starts to work with you, none of the qualities mentioned above disappear. She is quick with an update on your pet while you are out, and remembers all the details you had mentioned just once to her. I would highly recommend Shirley to anyone looking for a very reliable, kind and responsible pet caregiver read more

Shirley has been our life-saver! Kali, my 10 year old cocker spaniel has had surgery for a torn ACL, and lung surgery. She has heart disease, arthritis and chronic bronchitis. I trust no one but shirley. Not only is she completely dependable, but she will do whatever, whenever you need. She has sat with kali after surgeries so i could get out, she has learned all of her medications, timing and special food requirements, keeps all emergency contacts and has plan in place should it arise. She stays overnight when needed and gives Kali 110%, while constantly sending me pics, videos and anything i need to see Kali is doing great. She is over the top accommodting, flexible and ONLY pays attention to your pet at your time. You will never see her walking more than one dog at a time, talking on her cell phone while caring for your dog/pet, beting carless with your pet off leash. shirley will always make step by step decisions to keep your pet's safety in mind at all times. She also is aware of the "all other" without you having to specify. She will always check water, living conditions, too hot, too cold, make sure nothing is odd while she is visiting your pet. I have had a couple other dog walkers in the neighborhood before shirley.... All i can say is my dog is my child, do not want to ever think about life without her...and i only trust Shirley in my absence. Beth n Kali read more

We couldn't be happier with Shirley and her team. They have stayed with Ashe when we were out of town and taken him on countless walks during the day. They accommodate our last minute requests and are trust worthy and caring. Ashe loves them! read more

Shirley has been taking care of my dog Aquila for over 2 years, letting her out during lunch, and/or taking care of her on the weekends. Shirley is amazing with her and Aquila just loves her, and can't get enough! She is VERY accommodating to your schedule and I feel 100% comfortable with her having access to my condo and taking care of my dog. She even gives updates after letting her out. I can't say enough about her! Highly recommended! read more

I had been using another service when my cat got sick and needed daily medication. I began to notice relapses following their pet sitting and suspected he was not getting his meds. Then I found Shirley. I could tell from meeting with her that she was a very caring person and she really took the time to understand Khaki's needs. It was such a relief to know he was in good hands while I was away. I could not more highly recommend Shirley's Pet Project! read more

Shirley takes care of our cat Lulu whenever we go out of town. We have been using her services for a little over a year and couldn't be happier! Shirley always does a fantastic job and Lulu, who is a very shy cat, loves her! She is very accommodating and even sends updates and pictures to us while we are away. Shirley genuinely cares about the animals she visits and is very trustworthy. I highly recommend her! read more