Pictures of the Week: Why hello Georgia, Gert, Spruce and Phoebe!

Picture of the week, picture of the week where art though?  I'll admit I've not been too diligent - ok, ok, I've been slacking - when it comes to posting our picture of the week for the past month. It's certainly not for lack of wanting; this is truly an amazing group of dogs and I want to share our days with the community. 

Where it gets complicated: since founding K9 Kate's, I've habitually sent updates and pictures directly to doggy parents.  I like this personal touch and know they do too; not only can they see their dogs while apart, we are able to stay hyper connected when it comes to doggy goals, progress, highlights and the like. This is absolutely a dog walking company that emphasizes this type of relationship; at the Meet and Greet, I always ask the doggy parents to outline goals for his/her dog that I, as dog walker, can help facilitate.  This is very much an actively mid-sized dog walking company where client/walker relationships are able to remain quite close and things like goals are addressed.

For the past few months, I've been doing my very, very best to post on social media (Instagram) so that other dog parents and lovers can see these amazing dogs in action.  However, for someone whose bio includes a mention of how much she actively avoids screen time, I end up with quite a bit of it!  While I can't imagine a cuter, more fun, and fur-ocious group of doggos to show off, I can spend up to 2 hours/day doing so if I post on Instagram as well ... this seems a tad excessive!

So, I will do my very best to get back on track with blogging our days as I LIKE doing so ... but weekly may be too much :)

In these pictures are: Georgia the Bernadoodle, Spruce the GSP,  Gert the Cockapoo and Phoebe the mini Goldendoodle at Coronation Park, where I suspect we'll be from about 9 am onwards today; by the lake with a fountain that's ready to go ... swoon!!!

I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming long weekend and the extra time with their dogs. I'll be up north with K9 Kate's doggies, Phoebe and Dexter, and dog mom, Tara.  And yes, it means a lot to me too that through personal notes, real friendships with wonderful clients like Tara evolve.  Have a good one!

Welcome Scout the Portuguese Water Dog and Sarah the Dog Mama

Oh boy.  Not only is Scout awfully adorable, she's sweet, playful and a perfect addition to our pack.  Sarah reached out last week after hearing about our walks at Seaton Village's local vet, Bickford Animal Hospital.  I am so happy she did.  Scout is an offleash dog walker's dream; she's come to play and, well, we've got an awful lot of guys and gals that would be more than happy to help her out with that :) Sarah, thank you for reaching out.  I am thrilled to be Scout's dog walker.  I promise to love her and can't wait to see the joy in her face as she explores Toronto's incredible dog parks with her new friends.  She is about to enter a very enriching world and you'll get daily pictures so you can see your fur baby living it up with her friends.  I'm excited for Scout ... and for me 'cause, as was mentioned, she's this dog walker's dream dog .

Welcome Shep the German Shepherd and Dog Parents Taylor and Chrissi

Oh boy, two amazing pups joined dog walks this week and I am thrilled to welcome this DUDE ( a dude, not a DOOD). Shep, a 3 year-old rescue dog, is sure to melt hearts this afternoon when he has his first K9 Kate’s adventure dog walk.

His parents, Taylor and Chrissy, reached out a few week backs after being referred by a client who’s dog I’ve walked since his puppy days, Chester.

Shep is this dog walker’s dream: full of beans, sweet, and our first German Shepherd.  I’ve always had a majour crush on these guys and am so happy to finally be one’s walker.

Shep, I cannot wait to cuddle and love you and give you a good run this afternoon.  Taylor and Chrissy, thank you so much for reaching out and letting me be Shep’s dog walker!

Welcome Beethoven the Goldendoodle and Esther and Claudel the Dog Parents

Ok ... I can't be the only Beatles' fan looking forward to saying Roll Over, Beethoven!  I'd like to extend the biggest welcome to Esther, Claudel, and Beethoven, a 14 week mini-doodle, who will graduate from puppy visits (with Honours, no doubt) once he's completed his vaccinations.

Esther reached out to inquire about puppy visits last week and I’m so happy she did.  Not only is Beethoven in our dog walking service area (Little Italy), he is a Mini Goldendoodle (woot woot!!!) and, at this point, K9 Kate’s ought to be renamed : K9 Kadoodle!  Check out our social media and you’ll see what I mean :)

I am MORE than ok with this: I adore the Doods and am so grateful to be their dog walker.  They are the perfect breed for park and adventure dog walks; typically playful, social and with endless energy.  Beethoven, I can see already that you possess these qualities and are going to thrive with our group.  Esther, thanks so much for letting me be your dog walker.  I can’t wait to show this Dood off!

Picture of the Week

I love this picture of Retrievers Oakley, Maggie, Dexter and new friend Martha taken at Seaton Village's local dog park, Bickford.  Tongues are out as temperatures rise but, thankfully, the water is back on at most parks (ahem, Stanley Park, we're waiting for you!).  I am one lucky dog walker that I get to hang out these guys each and every day! Enjoy your weekends and your fur babies; they really are just the best!

Welcome Zipper the Yorkiepoo and Rose and Sydney the Dog Pawrents

Oh, the irony: just yesterday, I wrote a blog post outlining key tips on returning dogs home clean following inevitably messy, Spring dog walks.  Today, I write an official welcome to the delicious Zipper, a dog who spends his day with his lovely parents at their upscale Queen West clothing store, Sydneys.  

Thankfully, I do keep baby wipes in the car and promise Zipper will always be returned clean to Rose and Sydney at their shop.  I also promise that he will return with a smile and enahnced courage in knowing he has ventured out with his new friends to Toronto dog parks. 

Zipper had his first K9 Kate's dog walk yesterday.  We went to Coronation Park, an offleash dog park at Toronto's waterfront.  I was hugely impressed with him.  Zipper is 9, new to pack walking, and very attached to his parents.  As would be expected, it took a few minutes to show total comfort in a new environment BUT that's all it took.  Zipper is clearly a confident dog, as well as a loving and loved one.  I am so happy Rose reached out and that I get to be Zipper's dog walker.  He is a wonderful dog with equally lovely parents.

Zipper, I look forward to many dog walks ahead and, yep, love you already, little man.  Rose and Sydney, I look forward to testing my dog cleaning capacity because your store is too beautiful for a muddy pooch, even if he is insanely cute and sweet.  Thank you again for letting me be Zipper's dog walker.

Keeping Your Dog Clean in Springtime

I love this picture of Golden Retrievers Dexter (left) and Oakley, taken at Seaton Village's local dog park, Bickford, last week.  I adore the way Oakley is sticking his tongue out and both dogs are waiting to do what their breed requires: RETRIEVE!  I, on the other hand, am anticipating (dreading, really) what every Toronto dog walker must come Spring: lots of clean up.

I find the following helpful and hope you do too:

1. If a dog is muddy, wait for the mud to harden then comb.  This is particularly useful when cleaning long haired dogs like Dexter and Oakley. 

2. Baby wipes aren't just for human babies: these are AMAZING for removing dirt from your fur baby.  Dirty paws have the potential to wreak the most havoc on your home.  Baby wipe your dog's paws and save your sofa!

3. Use a paw washer.  There are many on the market but I recommend the Dexas Pawbuster, which can be purchased online. As was mentioned above, clean paws = saved sofas.

4. Know the challenge and be preventative.  Most dogs, at least among those who walk with K9 Kate's are easy to clean as they have short hair.  A quick rub and Fido is home looking fresh as a daisy.  Long haired dogs?  Not so much.  If it is a particularly wet Spring day, we will venture to a wood-chipped dog park, like Coronation, and avoid the ravine at all costs.  Bringing a Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle to the ravine on a muddy day would be, well, messy! 

5. Towels: Every K9 Kate's client leaves a dog towel at the door, alongside their dogs' harness.  This way, each pooch can have a second wipe down before being returned home.  Keep a towel at YOUR door.  Spring is messy.  Your home doesn't have to be.

Toronto dog walkers (and dog owners) can either fear or embrace each season and the challenges it presents.  So, grab your baby wipes, combs and towels and have fun out there! We certainly will be!

Welcome Spruce the German Shorthaired Pointer and Dog Paw-rents Michael and Alex

I first met Michael and Spruce about 1 month ago in Stanley Park.  Spruce immediately hit it off with our dogs and vice versa.  Since then, Spruce and Michael have been the unofficial 5th and 6th Beatles on our dog walks; we see them so regularly that they've truly become a part of the group.   Tomorrow, Spruce has his first OFFICIAL dog walk with K9 Kate's. Spruce, your friends and I can't wait to see you in the morning! You are a sweet, smart, playful and clearly adorable little dude who adds so much to our group.

Picture of the Week: Happy Friday!!

Go Baymax Go!!!!!!!!!!!!! Baymax has been with K9 Kate's for a few months now.  I had mentioned when he first joined that he had been struggling.  Thanks to a confluence of factors (age, switching Baymax to a morning group, etc.) Baymax is thriving.  Importantly, Baymax's success is also rooted in When Hounds Fly trainer, Stephanie Tran's, eager willingness to partake in a regular dialogue about how "our" mutual dog was faring.  Communication between dog walker, dog trainer, and dog parent is essential in setting up a pooch for success.  As a result of strong communication (and Bay just being a freaking amazing dog), Baymax can run and jiggle with his doggy friends daily at Toronto's offleash dog parks.  Bay, we love you cheeky boy!

Stop an Electrical Fire and Save a Dog's Life: All in a Day's Work for a Dog Walker

Earlier this week, I went to return Black Lab, Maggie, to her Seaton VIllage home following her daily dog walk. When I entered, I noticed immediately that the house was hazy and the smoke alarm was going off. 

I searched the house to see if I could find the source of the fire.  I could not. 

I know that Maggie's dad, Rob, owns the house and rents out his basement unit.  I called Rob and told him the situation and asked if there was any way to enter the basement.  He informed me that it could be opened from inside the house.  Fearing a hot door handle, I kicked the door open and there it was: smoke everywhere, lights flashing.  I called 911 and ran out of the house.  The firemen arrived immediately.  About one minute after their arrival the tenant's Goldendoodle sprinted out of the house; she was in the basement!!!   

Because I arrived within an hour or so of the fire beginning, there is minimal damage to the tenant's unit and the rest of the house is unaffected.  More importantly, everyone including the dogs, is safe and sound.

Dog walkers care so much about the dogs they walk and the people they work with.  It is so disheartening how rude people can be to people in our profession.  Yesterday, I was actively condescended twice.  All you can do is try not to let it break your spirit and know that those who are snarky are unhappy in their own lives. 

As I've said in earlier posts, my company motto is : "Work with difficult dogs, not difficult people."  There are 30+ dogs on the K9 Kate's roster and I actually adore all of their parents.  They are kind and respectful.  Now, to get that, I fire clients and don't take on ones that are controlling, condescending or mean spirited.  If I'm willing to jump into a fire for you, I at least expect kindness in turn!  Civilians, be kind to dog walkers.  We do so much for this city!!!

Picture of the Week: Happy Friyay!

Get it, girl! I love this picture of the morning group leashing up after Friday's dog walk at Coronation Park.  I had suggested a group shot and smiled, only to see that the amazing Jess was standing in some whacky pose.  So we went for it: air high five, and job well done.  

I am fortunate to own a company that regularly receives referrals from clients, other dog walkers, and even our local vet, Bickford ... woot woot! As a result, it's been a long time since I felt that "getting" dogs was an issue.  The bigger problem lies in "getting" amazing dog walkers.

I feel so blessed that Jess was looking when I was hiring.  Dog walks are more fun together; more doggy friends can see each other as we can each bring 6 dogs to the park, and we, as dog walkers, can see more of OUR doggy friends too. We get along so well because we DON'T "hang out" with each other at the park; we hang out with the dogs! It's what drew us to each other initially and has never changed.

Knowing I have such amazing people and puppy clients and a staff member like Jess, I also know that yesterday was, indeed, a Happy Friday.

Happy Birthday Winstonnnnnn/Winnie!

Happy Birthday to Winston the Weimaraner! Winston joined dog walks with K9 Kate's Pet Services nearly one year ago   Every day, I look forward to Hurricane Winston: the most excited greeting a dog walker could ask for in which Winston runs down his stairs like a Retriever chasing the last ball on earth AND said ball happens to be stuffed with Peanut Butter. As a birthday present from us to him, Winnie will spend the day with me and his friends on a double walk (The Dublinsky), on da house, Winstonnnnn!

Welcome Wally and Dog Pawrents Jenny and Anthony!

Biggggg welcome to Wally, Jenny and Anthony! After moving to Little Italy, these loverly people and puppy needed a new dog walker, and thankfully, their former dog walker, Jack Johnson, put them in touch with K9 Kate's Pet Services.  

Jenny, Wally and I met on Friday.  To me, a Meet and Greet is a time for introductions.  It is also the time to cover logistics, address dog walking goals, and ensure that both dog walker and client are a nice fit for for each other.  It really isn't the time to bond with the dogs; this is what our walks are for. 

Wally's Meet and Greet?  Not so much :) All I wanted to do was cuddle with this adorable dude!!!!! It was Friday, after group walks and after hours of scheduling and invoicing.  It was the time and day in which working people are expected to want nothing but bed, friends, family, and a glass or bottle of wine!  Well, Wally was so pawsome I didn't want to leave.

Jenny and Wally, thank you for choosing K9 Kate's as your new, Toronto dog walker!  I can't wait for our first dog walk Wednesday!

Welcome Zeus the Dobie and Marnie the Dog Mama

No, no Zeus, don't get up! Zeus is the latest puppy to join K9 Kate's Pet Services.  At 4.5 months, he's ready for adventure walks and is in great company; he'll walk with fellow puppies Fischer, Chester, and Baymax.  Plus, he'll have 9 year old Doberman, Bimmer, to hang out with so what could be better?!  

Zeus, we are so excited for your first dog walk with us this week!  Expect a whole lotta attention at the dog park; it's not everyday you see a puppy Doberman at the dog park and, man, you're adorable. 

Marnie, thank you for reaching out! We promise to love him and to take the best care possible of him each and every walk. 

Welcome Boston Terrier Lucky and Dog Mama Lucky

Lucky and Taryn joined K9 Kate's this past weekend and, needless to say, I am definitely feeling Lucky!!

For the next month, this puppy extroardinaire will be on twice daily puppy visits.  Once she's had her third round of vaccinations, she'll join her new friends on adventure dog walks throughout Toronto.

Lucky is not only sweet, she is a particularly intelligent puppy.  When we met, she understood come and stay immediately, despite not yet having  learned the commands in puppy class.  After our first puppy visit yesterday, I contacted Taryn to suggest she learn more about brain games for dogs, such as dog puzzles. In addition to this, Jess and I will use part of each puppy visits for brain work e.g. teaching commands. 

Lucky is pawsome.  I have no doubt she'll thrive in the stimulating world of adventure dog walk, and am thrilled to have both her and Taryn join our family.  Taryn, Lucky, welcome!

Welcome to The Family, Kristi and Harlow/Picture of The Week

Goldendoodle Harlow (far right) joined K9 Kate's Pet Services last week and we're thrilled to welcome her and her lovely dog mama, Kristi. 

We had our first adventure walk together last week at Coronation Park, my favourite Toronto dog park when the sun is shining.  Still, it wasn't just the sun that shone that day; Harlow was AMAZING!!  Although this was her first walk with a dog walker, Harlow ROCKED IT! She was confident, independent, playful and a total dog walker's dream. 

Her new friends took to her immediately.  Here she is with her pack members: Homer the miniature Poodle, Maggie (Captain Destructor) Goldstein, the Black Labrador, Baymax the Bulldog, Dexter the Golden Retriever, and hidden behind us, Harlow's best friend and long-time pack member, Phoebe the Goldendoodle.

Harlow, the dogs and I can't wait for our next dog walk with you!

Taking a Passover/Good Friday/Easter Monday Pawliday and You Should Too: 6 Vacation Tips for Dog Walkers

On Thursday, I'll fly to Paris to meet a dear friend, Eyal.  We met in Colombia and immediately shared a profound connection.  However, once our trips ended, we were likely to never see each other again as Eyal lives in Israel, and I, of course, am a Torontonian.  

Despite the distance, we were able to reconnect in person, in 2014, and have stayed in touch through, first Skype, then FaceTime.  Next week ,we are finally reconnecting in Paris, a city that's roughly between our two hometowns.  It's also a place where we're sure to drink and eat modestly each and every day (sigh).

As a Toronto dog walker, I have experienced how difficult it is to manage time off; finding backup is tricky and most clients prefer their dogs take a rest day than spend one or two days with someone new.  To many dog walkers, a vacation seems impossible and is a common lament in our community discussions.  

So, let's talk vacation.  Dog walkers, take them if you can financially.  Your day is long and physical and you need one! I do find the following has helped me to take relatively worry free vacation days and hope you find the same:

1. Take the Public Holidays: yes, boarding is a great way to earn extra cash and holidays are replete with boarders.  Still, most of your dogs aren't walking.  How significant is the financial gain from boarding? Also, boarding is a ton of work: multiple dog walks, managing different personalities, and 24 hour care.  I include walks in my boarding rate so I only make an additional $37/dog I board and I generally only board dogs that participate in group walks.  As a result, the potential profit from boarding is negligible.  I'd rather use the holidays, when possible, to rejuvenate.  If you also have most dogs off during public holidays and don't rely on boarding to support yourself, I definitely recommend using this time too.

2. USE YOUR NETWORK: if you are a Toronto dog walker and do not belong to a community group, sign up immediately.  There are groups for types of walkers, such as force-free, on Facebook.  I do follow these groups quite closely; I know who is force free and services the same areas as K9 Kate's.  I have met and trust these walkers.  As a result, when I do go away I know who I can reach out to for worry free back up.

3. Timing is everything: I give my client at least one month's notice when taking a vacation.  This affords all of us ample time to prepare.

4. Don't apologize for taking a break: YOU ARE A PERSON!!! You deserve a break.  Also, in my case, travel is a lifelong passion.  I spent 4 years teaching ESL and travelling through: Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, Colombia, Bolivia Peru, Ecuador, and Australia.  Travel is truly a part of who I am. Sure, as a dog walker, I don't get to travel nearly as much as I'd like.  Still, knowing that every 4 or 5 months I get to see somewhere new is crucial to my happiness.  I'm certainly not going to apologize for missing a day or even a week every now and again.  If you work with a client who gives you a hard time on this topic, well, consider giving them a permanent vacation.

5. Stay in Touch: this is particularly important if you're using backup or  employ other dog walkers, and everyone on your team will appreciate it.  I use Rogers (yes, I know, THE Rogers) and it provides customers with a Roam like Home option in most countries that makes staying in touch easy and affordable.  Check with your provider if they offer a similar service  

6. Short and Sweet: Keep your vacation on the shorter side.  This will place less stress on you, your clients and on those covering for you.  

I hope this helps and that everyone enjoys the upcoming pawlidays!

Picture of the Week: Tips on Capturing the Moments

First off let's call a spade a spade; any picture of Gizmo will be adorable.  Still, I chose this picture as the best of the week for other reasons too.

Since the dawn of my dog walking days, I've always taken pictures of the dogs to send to the puppy parents.  What could be better than seeing your dog ruff housing and running at the park with his buddies? Well, it certainly would have been better if those initial pictures weren't blurry and, at best, of a dog's front end!

I adore capturing the dogs in action and wanted to improve ... there was no way to go but up.  

Thankfully, me dog walking mentor and friend, Julie Posluns, also thought that my pictures were awful and shared a few tips I'm happy to pass on.  Whether you're a dog walker or a dog lover, I hope this helps.  

1. GET LOW: it's not just for the dance floor!  The best shot will be level with your dog, rather than towering over him.  If you're a dog walker, you're already pretty dirty ... so go for it!

2. Lighting:this is key to a good picture.  The best shots may come during an overcast day but strive to get pix with some brightness.

3 .RELAX: if you're relaxed, the dogs are ... plus, who doesn't want to relax?

4. Be natural: this is my personal preference.  I like pictures best where dogs are being dogs!

Last but not least, revisiting the initial thought of calling a spade a spade, let's be clear: I know very little about photography.  If this is something you want to know more about, feel free to check out the following links:

https://digital-photography-school.com/top-10-pet-photography-tips-techniques/

https://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2015/01/tips-pro-gary-parkers-dog-photography

Welcome Meagan and Chloe

I want to extend a big welcome to Goldendoodle, Chloe, and dog mama, Meagan.  The pair moved to Little Italy and were in search of a Toronto dog walker.  Chloe, our most recent Poodle mix, is in good company; Chloe + Gert + Calle + Georgia + Phoebe + Hunter = a full Doodle pack and whole lotta silliness!  Chloe, we love you already and can't wait for you to join our adventure as of this Wednesday!

Picture of the Week

Bernie! I love this dude so much.  He returned earlier this week after a week-long vacation and, well, we're both pretty happy to see each other :)  Bernie is half Bernese Mountain Dog/Half Golden Retriever and all heart.  

Bernie was referred to me by his former dog walker Wendy Dowhan, when Bernie's family moved to Little Italy.  When we spoke, it was clear how much Wendy adored this guy.  He really is a very special dog and I am grateful to be his dog walker. 

Good news: Wendy and I will meet up during our afternoon dog walk, so that she and Bernie can get some cuddles in.  I can picture Bernie pulling his classic dog park move: stop, drop, and wait for belly rubs!

I am aware that one of "my" dogs is moving in a few months and am bracing for the impact. Wendy, I understand what you went through with Bernie and am happy that you will be able to paw-ty more in the future :)