Get to know us
The Buddy & Friends team consists of Michelle, her longtime companion Buddy and the dog family Jasha, Finja and Bagheera, as well as our four-member team consisting of Jenny, Caro, Fiona and Anabel.
Together, we will make sure that your dog is in good hands. We will create a place full of care and trust, ensuring that your dog wants for nothing during their stay with us.
Buddy — Michelle’s faithful companion
He is a very patient yet determined Border Collie / Australian Kelpie. As his name suggests, Buddy is Michelle’s absolute best friend and has been her sensational companion through thick and thin for more than ten years.
Found in Australia
After Michelle’s apprenticeship in freight forwarding, she moved to Australia for four and a half years. In 2013, she and her dog at the time, Sam, were out for a walk. A strange dog appeared out of nowhere and followed them wherever they went. They later found out that he had unfortunately been abandoned about 1000km north of Brisbane and had been on his own ever since.
When they arrived at her house and Buddy was still running after Sam, she didn’t have the heart to leave him outside. Since that day Buddy has been part of the family and lived with her and Sam for another four 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, Michelle was already involved in an animal welfare organization and took in many foster dogs of all kinds. Buddy had eagerly supported her with his Australian Kelpie / Borde Collie personality and they formed a well-rehearsed leadership team.
Life in Switzerland
Back home, it was clear to Michelle from the outset that she would take up dog care again. Not only because of her personal passion, but also because it is Buddy’s great passion! Over the past five years, they 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 her passion into a profession in 2025 – thanks Buddy!
Buddy’s dog family
Jasha ...
... is Michelle’s 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 Michelle patience every day and has shown her to love deeply and intensely!
history
Keeping a single dog was out of the question for her. After saying goodbye to Sam, she 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 Michelle’s family and teaches her a lot about dogs.
Finja ...
... is Michelle’s 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, Michelle is always learning to be calm and devoted to each other.
history
Finja originally came to Michelle 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 Michelle’s 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 six and a half 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 her dogs Bartolo and Oriol
About Anabel
Dog sitter at Buddy & Friends
Anabel has been part of Buddy & Friends since June 2026, working on a 20% part-time basis. She supports our team especially during high-season and on weekends with great dedication and valuable contributions.
As a close friend of Jenny’s, we’re especially happy to have Anabel such an open and motivated person on our team. Buddy & Friends offers her a welcome balance to her very demanding job in the social services sector, where she works 70% of the time.
Her great passions are obedience and agility, which she practices together with her two wonderful dogs.
mit ihren Hunden Inala und Azuka
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.
Residence for your dog
Flexible booking options, even for non-regular customers!
At our vacation care, dogs enjoy a structured daily routine and a peaceful atmosphere in our dog-friendly facilities. With individualized care, balanced rest periods, and a harmonious group of dogs, the well-being of each dog is our top priority. Since we offer only occasional dog-sitting services, we can accommodate last-minute and spontaneous requests for availability.
Owner
Do you have any questions?
Please contact me directly.
We look forward to getting to know you and your dog!
We’re currently unable to accept new customers. Existing customers can continue to contact us as usual.
