Testimonials

Gary’s positive reinforcement techniques were exactly what we were looking for in a trainer. His respect for our dog was evident the moment he walked through our door. We could not be happier with the results.

In addition to basic obedience, Gary’s first training session included thirty minutes on animal nutrition (dog food, supplements, etc.). He also advised us on what to look for when selecting a vet; he even gave us grooming tips!

Three years after his first visit, we continue to value Gary’s advice. To this day, we call Gary when we have a problem, whether it’s behavioral, nutritional or medical. He usually gets back to us the very same day with the help we were seeking.

Diane & Mike
Princeton, NJ

Gary is my friend and more importantly, he’s my dog’s friend (she told me!). He has professionally looked after my Australian Shepherd, Kyla on frequent occasions over the last six years. I am passionate about my dog and trust her care to no one else. He is a unique service provider; professional, reliable, knowledgeable, and compassionate and most importantly shares a canine sense of fun.

Robert
Bound Brook, NJ

Gary’s genuine love for the pets entrusted to his care is immeasurable. His caring, dedication and compassion is indicative of his passion for the animals he cares for.

Gary’s personal interest in his “clients” and catering to their specific and individual needs has made all the difference in the lives of our pets and our family. Always sympathetic and supportive, Gary has been a source of wisdom and knowledge when dealing with a “special needs” pet. His patience and commitment to the animals he serves is truly remarkable and heartwarming.

Our pets look forward to his visit each day and we are comforted knowing he is always there for them when we are unable to be. His remarkable ability to bond with our dogs and the companionship he offers is above and beyond the call of duty. He has never let us—or them—down.

Always happy to share informational resources, advice, guidance and encouragement, Gary has been a constant source of inspiration for our pets and for us. We are grateful to have him in our lives and can never thank him enough for all he does.

Janis & Richard (on behalf of Jenny Latte and Chappy)
South Brunswick, NJ

I have known Gary for over 5 years. He first came to us when we were new Basenji owners. Everything we had read about Basenjis was true (they are smart, inquisitive, tireless escapers and get into big trouble when bored!). Cinnamon was a rescue Basenji, one-year old at the time and had been placed and returned many times before we got her. She nipped, had accidents and had terrible separation anxiety. All the literature led us to believe it would be nearly impossible to get her to behave and she’d have to be in a crate whenever we would go out (which she hated).

Well, Gary showed up and told us that any dog could be trained…that is if the owners are (we were very skeptical)! He worked with us (and, yes, with Cinnamon too!). He made it clear that it was going to be hard work. He was unbelievably patient and supportive, especially when we called with our crazy questions. His positive methods were exactly what a difficult dog like Cinnamon needed.

I don’t know what we would have done without Gary, but one thing is for sure…Cinnamon would not have become the happy, well-adjusted dog that she is (and she doesn’t stay in the crate at all when we go out!). We even adopted a second Basenji, Mombera!

I am as picky about who takes care of my dogs as I am for my kids! Gary is the only one I will allow to come and walk my Basenjis on-leash outside of my yard! He is excellent with them, they love him and we all totally trust him. Time and again, Gary will do what is in our dogs’ best interest. He is someone we will value in our lives always.

Donna & Jon
Dayton, NJ

Gary is one of most dedicated owners I’ve met in a while. He found me on the internet in his search for treatment for his beloved Moondance, when no local doctor could figure out her problem. He not only did all I told him—no easy feat—but would routinely drive 2 hours one way to get her to me to get the help she needed. His love for animals and zeal for taking care of them is readily apparent.

Dr. Mark Newkirk
Margate Animal Hospital and Alternative Care Center
Margate, NJ

Dear Gary,

I realized the other day that you have been caring for my dogs for two years. I had learned about you and Peaceable Kingdom from the article that appeared in the Home News Tribune. I had saved it, just in case. And, sure enough, not long afterwards, I got Tashi and I suddenly went from one dog that was very easy to manage to two with Tashi being very difficult as a result of her extreme shyness. Then I remembered the article which I pulled out and called you. When you came over and we talked, I immediately liked you. I could see your warmth and caring about my dogs but also toward me and the difficult situation I was facing with Tashi. You were so gentle with Tashi and I so needed help that I decided to hire you then and there. Ever since, you have come over nearly every weekday to walk my dogs, you’ve cared for them when I’ve been away, and you’ve helped me to train them. With your help and encouragement, I have tried so many different ways to help Tashi be less fearful and shy and while not perfect, she is so much better. In addition to all of that help, whenever an issue arises, I know I can talk to you and get some help and guidance in dealing with it. As a first time dog owner, I often don’t know what to do, and it helps to have someone so experienced to rely on when problems arise. Most importantly, to me it is your absolute love for animals and your sensitivity to their needs that has made you the very important person that you are in my life as well as the lives of my dogs (and kitten!). And, with another dog on the way, challenges as well as the enjoyment should grow.

Thank you so much for everything. I sincerely mean that.

With warm regards,

Liz
Monmouth Junction, NJ

On the first warm spring day of 2006, Jingles and I could not wait to venture out into the neighborhood. Jumping three feet high after enthusiastic wiggles, I negotiated just where the leash hooks to his collar, then we were on our way. There’s just something about hearing the robin’s song and smelling newly-sprouted tulips after a long, cold winter. Jingles felt it, too. Like always, chest out and tail high, Jingles proudly began trotting at least 10 steps in front of me. He precisely marked each mailbox and shrub we passed, and I sensed he longed to rendezvous with those dogs who marked before.

Ahhh, springtime. Jingles and I knew it was the beginning of a season filled with long walks, bunny chases and sitting on the porch watching the grass grow – just like we’ve been doing the past 16 springs gone by before.

Yes, my happy-go-lucky mixed canine and I have been pounding neighborhood pavements and hiking trails together since 1990. Stealing my heart with that shaggy-dog charm and those large puppy-dog eyes, I adopted Jingles from the Hunterdon County SPCA (now the Hunterdon Human Animal Shelter) many moons ago.

Nowadays, our high-energy outings are always followed by a long, hearty nap. And those deep brown puppy-dog eyes are now a hazy blue, touched by cataracts. However, even at age 17, Jingles is still my little “mountain goat,” never hesitating to climb a hill or to jump a high log. And his aging eyes still reveal his gentle nature and loyal character.

For this, I thank Gary Nesbitt and Terri Shields of Peaceable Kingdom Pet Care. Since the beginning, their guidance on how to feed, train and holistically treat Jingles has given rise to a most healthy and happy pet. On how to love him, they left that up to me. But seeing them raise their own pets throughout the years has taught me how to do this best, too.

Thank you, Aunt Terri and Godfather, Uncle Gary for this most special gift—a lifetime of seasons with a best friend, Jingles.

I love you both,

Kristin

We are so lucky to have Gary Nesbitt and Peaceable Kingdom in our lives. Approximately two years ago we brought a 9 week old puppy Vizsla into our home and named him Emmitt. Gary not only taught us everything we needed to know about how to train and care for Emmitt, he has actually become Emmitt’s best friend. Gary has served as our invaluable dog walker and family friend. We couldn’t recommend Gary or Peaceable Kingdom more!

Sara & Steven
Mommouth Junction, NJ

Gary is the first and only petsitter and trainer that you will ever want to take care of and train your dogs! His business is not about making money, but about caring for and improving the lives of all animals! He is truly the best. As soon as you meet him, you know you don’t need to look any further. You and your dogs develop a lifetime relationship with him. He quickly comes to know your dogs (and their quirks) and treats them with the love and respect which you do. If our dogs are not with us, then Gary is taking care of them and they are in the very best of hands! We can relax when we are away, because we know that our dogs are receiving the best care possible when they are in Gary’s care.

Linda
Kendall Park, NJ

Phenomenal! You had to be there to believe it. I saw it with my own eyes and I still didn’t believe it! That’s usually what I say when relating the story of the first meeting between Gary and my then dog-from-hell Lobo almost 5 years ago. She was an 8 month old, black beauty shelter pup that we adopted who hid her heavy baggage well for the first week she was in our home. Then the storm hit! Dangerous behaviors quickly emerged from Lobo; things we had never experienced with the three other dogs we’ve had throughout the years. Lobo had a serious food aggression and became vicious towards Lady, our beautiful and gentle collie girl. Lady became fearful and was constantly on the defensive being forced to fight back. She took the brunt of Lobo’s anger and on two separate occasions, needed stitches in her face. All of our lives were changed for the worse as we were now living with a four-footed time-bomb. Knowing we couldn’t continue living like this I called Gary and he immediately came to the rescue. Gary walked through the door and Lobo ran to see him. Without him saying a word to her, she instinctively sat down and looked up at him as if she were looking into the face of God himself! (These exact words are not mine alone—they have been used by other friends who have benefited from Gary’s expertise). She became very calm and accommodating within seconds of his arrival. It was obvious that for her, it was love at first sight! Gary possesses an ethereal presence and a remarkable ability to “connect” with the animals on a totally different level. He has a true love for the animals; a natural ability and it is apparent to anyone who has been fortunate enough to witness his work. He put Lobo through a series of tests, recommended specific training techniques for her issues and gave me the tools I needed to help her become a real member of our family. Gary is a firm believer that it is the owner that needs the training—not so much the dog. He even offered numerous recommendations regarding proper diet and overall care that has benefited both of my girls. Thanks to his skills, patience and ongoing support, Lady and Lobo were able to live together as a family for more than four years until we lost our beautiful Lady last October. Today Lobo is my only four-legged family member but she is the love of my life. She is a happy, charming and totally lovable 6 year-old now & thanks to Gary. Thinking back to the first few weeks of having Lobo I can honestly say that if it were not for Gary we would not have been able to handle her. Lobo knows this and asked that I include a message from her to Gary: she says I love you Gary & thank you for giving me my life!
To this day Gary and his terrific wife Terri remain wonderful friends to us and are a constant source of guidance, understanding and support.

Thank you guys, from all of us.

Love always,
Lori, Mom Marie, Lady (who’s now happily waiting at The Bridge) and Lobo (who’s come a long way Baby!)
Bayonne, NJ