Get to know us
The Buddy & Friends team consists of me, Michelle, my longtime companion Buddy and the dog family Jasha, Finja and Bagheera.
Together we will make sure that your dog is in good hands – we will create a place full of care and trust so that your dog does not want for anything during day and vacation care.
Buddy — my faithful companion
He is a very patient yet determined Border Collie / Australian Kelpie. As his name suggests, Buddy is my absolute best friend and has been my sensational companion through thick and thin for more than ten years.
Found in Australia
After my apprenticeship in freight forwarding, I moved to Australia for 4 1/2 years. In 2013, me and my dog at the time, Sam, were out for a walk. A strange dog appeared out of nowhere and followed us everywhere we went. We later found out that he unfortunately had been abandoned about 1000km north of Brisbane and had been on his own ever since.
When we arrived at our house and Buddy was still running after Sam, I didn’t have the heart to leave him outside. Since that day Buddy was part of the family and lived with me and Sam for another 4 years in Australia.
Buddy’s years as a teenager
As a young dog, Buddy actively played frisbee and had great times with his friend Daisy. Back then, I was already involved in an animal welfare organization and took in many foster dogs of all kinds. Buddy had eagerly supported me with his Australian Kelpie / Borde Collie personality and we formed a well-rehearsed leadership team.
Life in Switzerland
Back home, it was clear to me from the outset that I would take up dog care again. Not only because of my personal passion, but also because this is Buddy’s great passion! Over the past five years, we have had the pleasure of welcoming some great dogs to visit us as a hobby. Even here, far away from Australia, Buddy continues his work in a beautiful way.
This led to the decision to turn my passion into my profession in 2025 – thanks Buddy!
Buddy’s dog family
Jasha ...
... is our mixed breed of Owtscharka, Azawakh/Taigan, Bracco Italiano, German Shepherd, Weimaraner and Jindo. Originally from Bulgaria, he lives out his diverse mix to the full! He teaches us patience every day and has shown us to love deeply and intensely!
history
Keeping a single dog was out of the question for me. After saying goodbye to Sam, we found Jasha through an advertisement. His difficult start in life makes him cautious, but he is interested, obedient and bright. Jasha brings a lot of love and sensitivity to our family and teaches us a lot about dogs.
Finja ...
... is our Cocker Spaniel girl, who immediately wraps you around her finger with her alert, attentive, compassionate and cuddly nature. Finja is also very clever and always has new tricks up her sleeve. Thanks to her, we are always learning to be calm and devoted to each other.
history
Finja originally came to us as a vacation guest – it was love at first sight. Various circumstances led to her staying. Four dogs were never planned, but it’s hard to imagine life without her. She brings joy, learns from Buddy and does a lot of great things in the dog pack. Finja has it “Fuscht Dick hinder dä Ohre”!
Bagheera ...
… (Bagheera DeLuxe du Filou Royal) is our Beauceron lady who, with her calm, gentle, yet incredibly steadfast nature – as her gaze so clearly shows – immediately dives deep into your heart and soul. Bagheera has a great love for peace and harmonious coexistence.
history
Bagheera spent the first 6½ years of her life with her breeder, where she was able to grow up, learn, and work. For various reasons, it was in her best interest to find a new soulmate. As fate would have it, this wonderful lady fell in love with the Buddy & Friends Crew at just the right moment and soon after moved in.
Our friends
These are Buddy’s friends. Some have been with us for many years, others are new arrivals. We are always happy to welcome new members and look forward to seeing how our colorful group develops.
Rainbow Bridge
Our beloved dogs remain unforgotten. Here, we remember every day the wonderful souls who accompanied us and left a lasting impression on us.
The Team
Behind Buddy & Friends are passionate, dedicated individuals who combine their passion and expertise to give your dog the best possible care. Get to know us!
About Jenny
Dog sitter at Buddy & Friends
Jenny has been working irregularly at Buddy & Friends since mid-2024 and has reliably supported Michelle in the background during a very stressful time. As of September 2025, Jenny has decided to become an important part of Buddy & Friends with a permanent position at 80% and is thus the most important confidante for Michelle at Buddy & Friends.
Michelle met Jenny when she was doing an internship with her friend Yolanda at Patchworkrudel. Jenny was working there at the time and is also good friends with Yolanda. This friendship is not only based on a shared interest in wonderful dogs, but also on the same attitude towards dogs – something that is very important to them.
dog Cádiz: powerful, happy, friendly
About Caro
Dog sitter at Buddy & Friends
Caro has been working at Buddy & Friends since February 2026 with a 40 % workload. Thanks to the ideal combination with her 60 % position at Patchworkrudel, she was able to make the transition from everyday office life into the world of dog sitting.
Caro completed her final FBA hours at Patchworkrudel. In addition, through her previous experience at a dog school, she has solid foundational knowledge in handling dogs.
Her strong interest in working with dogs and her high level of dedication make Caro a valuable addition to our team.
with dog Marlin
About Fiona
Dog sitter at Buddy & Friends
Fiona and Michelle have known each other since childhood and grew up on the same street; ever since, they have shared a close friendship. For several years now, they have spent their holidays together in the mountains, accompanied by their cheerful pack of dogs. They not only enjoy their time together with their four-legged companions, but also regularly attend training courses to expand their knowledge about dogs.
Over many years, Fiona has actively supported Michelle and the Buddy & Friends crew. In March 2026, she completed her commitment by successfully finishing the FBA training for the dog group. This enables her to independently look after all the dogs in the future, which is a great relief for Buddy & Friends. Fiona provides this support on a part-time, on-call basis – many thanks!
with dog Bartolo
About Michelle
Founder and owner of Buddy & Friends
For Michelle, it was clear from the start: life without dogs was not an option for her. Even as a child, she spent a lot of time with her godfather’s greyhounds and looked after her neighbor’s dog, Faya, whom she walked every day and looked after two days a week.
Later, she accompanied Jeanie, a neighbor’s puppy, everywhere she went, deepening her passion for dogs. After completing her education, she moved to Australia, worked for an animal transport company, and volunteered for an animal welfare organization. There, she took in many foster dogs; Sam, a senior dog, stayed with her and became her first dog of her own.
Finally, Buddy joined, helping her to look after other dogs. After returning to Switzerland, Michelle remained loyal to dogs. In 2024, she completed her FBA training at Patchworkrudel, became a self-employed dog sitter, and founded her own company, Buddy & Friends.
Proof of FBA certification
Dogs and Michelle — from an early age
Partner
Organizations and projects that Buddy & Friends supports as well as partners who accompany us on our way.
Offers animals protection and care until the end of their lives. We support the Lebenshof del Sol on a voluntary basis.
Animal and people photography by and with Daniela Blöchlinger.
The day stay for dogs
In our day care, dogs experience a balanced day in a family atmosphere with individual exercise, rest periods and lots of time in the garden – always tailored to their personality.
Residence for your dog
During vacation care, the dogs enjoy garden time in the shade, communicate with each other and sleep in the dog room or living room, depending on their personality. They are part of our everyday life and are looked after and cared for.
Owner
Do you have any questions?
Please contact me directly.
We look forward to getting to know you and your dog!
