Picture of the Week and 7 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool in Summer!

Group shot! As a dog walker in a climate of extremes, I need to navigate the weather as much as possible, staying comfortable in both minus and plus 30 degree temps. I love taking the dogs to Coronation Park in the summer- it gets the lake’s cooling affect and it offers plenty of shade.- so it’s just right for me and the dogs!

Other stay cool (and safe) in the heat include:

1. Carry a collapsible water dish and a water bottle.

2. Stay in the shade.

3. Stay off the pavement. The grass is not only greener, it’s significantly cooler as well! Imagine your “paws” on the cement today … ouch!

4. Time walks so that you avoid the hottest parts of the day.

5. Exercise indoors: toss a ball or use a brain puzzle for a mental workout!

6. Try a cooling vest! I’m including a link to my favourite : https://ruffwear.com/products/swamp-cooler

7. Know your breed: dogs with short snouts (e.g. Bulldogs) can’t take this weather. Parents of these pups need to be extra mindful.

Thanks and remember to STAY COOL!

Picture of the Week: Saturday Dog Walking with Christina and Calle

I LOVE this picture of two great gals on their Saturday walk. Calle has been with K9 Kate’s since she was a puppy and is adored by both her four and two-legged friends! She brings so much joy to each and every walk. Calle (and Christina), thanks for helping make our days (and our walks) so special!

Picture of the Week: Sadie (Baby)!

I love this picture of smiling Sadie, taken yesterday at my favourite Toronto dog park: Coronation Park. As a dog walker who leads group walks, I appreciate that “Coro” is fenced in for safety. Plus, it’s right on the lake and the cooling effect is just right on Toronto’s scorching summer days. Add in an abundance of sticks for the dogs to chase and tug, and you’ve got yourself a perfect dog park :) Sadie, looking forward to seeing you on our adventure dog walk this afternoon. I’m thinking … Coro again. You?

Picture of the Week

Picture of the week hands down! Diesel looks so cute with his summer hair cut and tongue out! This pic was taken at my favourite, Toronto dog park, Coronation. If you haven't checked it out, I highly recommend you do, particularly in the summer heat: it's right at the lake shore, fully fenced in, and wood chipped so you'll stay cool and safe! It’s this dog walker’s ideal dog park :)!

Saturday Adventure Dog Walks to Cherry Beach, Cedarvale Ravine, and Ramsden Dog Park

This is definitely one of my favourite dog walking pix!! It was taken last summer at Cherry Beach when Baymax earned some new fans - he already has so many :) - in his life vest. We’ll be back at Cherry and other parks on SATURDAYS this summer. So sign up or come say hi … we DON’T bite :)

Welcome Jaxx, the Collie-Mix, and Samantha the Dog Mom!

Jaxx joined K9 Kate’s this weekend and had his first, official dog walk yesterday. Given how incredibly sweet and social he is, it was no surprise that he NAILED IT! Seeing this incredibly special, rescue pup do so well on his first dog walk, at Cedarvale Ravine, was nothing short of elating. Jaxx, your new friends and I can’t wait to share more adventures with you!

Welcome Shaia, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Liz and Rob the Pawrents

While Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred as hunters, Jess and I quickly learned that Shaia’s most interested in cuddling and playing … and we couldn’t be happier about that :) !

This gentle giant joined K9 Kate’s last week and has been a wonderful addition to our pack. Shaia, your new doggy friends, Jess and I are looking forward to future dog walking adventures (and cuddling sessions) with you.

Welcome Dog Mama, Amelia, and Maisy, the Toy Aussie/Collie Mix

I’d like to extend a big welcome to Amelia, and her amazing, rescue pup Maisy.

Maisy began adventure dog walks last week. Not only is she thriving, she’s captured two dog walkers hearts along the way (Jess and I already love this Southern belle). Despite some initial nerves on her first dog walk, Maisy was strutting around the park like she owned it by week’s end. It brings me tremendous pleasure, as Maisy’s dog walker, and as a dog lover, to see her do so well. I can’t wait for more adventures with Maisy and to continue seeing her rock out with her new friends.

Amelia, thank you for reaching out and letting me be Maisy’s new dog walker. I promise to love her each and every walk while you’re out making music.

Welcome Blue the Miniature Dachshund and Alex the Dog Mama

When Alex moved to Kensington Market, she was in need of a Toronto dog walker. I am incredibly grateful that she reached out to K9 Kate’s; both Jess and I have fallen hard for this little man. Jess has acted as his primary dog walker and only one word comes to mind in describing their relationship: imprinted (as in, the Twilight series, when someone “imprints” on his or her soul mate). However, I’m hoping to share Blue’s pick up and drop off and imprint as well :)

What’s so amazing about Blue (among other things) is how much he has gained from dog walks; as is the case for many pups (and people), moving induced anxiety for Blue. From day one, the anxiety was not present on Blue’s dog walks. Better still, I spoke with Alex last week and she informed me that Blue is night and day at home :) Jess, pretty freaking great, eh?!

Blue, we REALLY love you already, and we can’t get enough of seeing your little legs run at the dog park! Alex, thank you for letting me and Jess be your dog walkers - and for letting me say weird things like we’re imprinting with your dog :)

Welcome Frankie The Bernadoodle and Leah the Dog Mom

With the recent addition of Frankie, we are THAT much closer to realizing one of THIS dog walker’s dreams: a full Bernadoodle pack. Frankie joined fellow Bernadoodles Bauer, Edie, and Georgia on adventure dog walks a few weeks ago and has been shaking it like a Polaroid picture since.

Frankie, we love you already. Still, can you consider helping this dog walker realize a second, more recent dream and jumping into the car? Although, I have to say, you’re keeping me fit (bend with your knees, save your back)!!

Looking forward to some dog walking and a workout with you this afternoon, sweet Frankie Frank!

Welcome Oakley the Golden Retriever Puppy (2 in 2 weeks ... let's keep it going, people!) and Kailey the Dog Mom!

Another Golden puppy?!? What?!? To know me is to know the true soft spot I have for this breed.  Not to sound like a total dog weirdo butttt there's just no better small spoon :)  Period.  Having had Golden Retrievers her entire life, I know Kailey feels the same way.

It goes without saying that I'm thrilled Kailey reached out when searching for a Toronto Dog walker. Kailey, I promise to love Oakley each and every walk and will send lots of pictures of the full on puppy brigade that she's about to enter, alongside Edie (5 Months), Bauer (5 months), and Penny (4 months).  

Kailey, thank you for letting me be Oakley's dog walker!

Welcome Penny the Golden Retriever and Lisa and Stephen the Dog Parents

This little angel joined walks last week and has been an absolute pleasure to walk from day one.  Although Penny is young, she absolutely possesses the skills and awareness of a much older pup; her recall is SPOT ON.  Given the heat, we've been dog walking at Coronation Park, which (thank dog!) reaps the benefits of Lake Ontario's cooling effect.  However, it also provides a lot of distraction for any dog new to the park, let alone one new to this world!  Still, Penny comes when called each and every time, leaving this Toronto dog walker BLOWN AWAY!  She also plays beautifully with all of the dogs, knowing when to engage and also when to say "enough."  Importantly, THIS IS SOCIAL DOG BEHAVIOUR!!!  Penny, I have no doubt that you'll thrive for many years with K9 Kate's. 

Lisa and Stephen, thank you for letting me be Penny's dog walker.  Please tell the little one I'll see her soon!

Welcome Hank the French Bulldog and Heidi the Dog Mom!

Having recently moved to Little Italy from Vancouver, Heidi reached out a few weeks ago in search of a Toronto dog walker. 

I am THRILLED that she did: Hank is a freaking rock star!!  He started adventure dog walks last week and has been an absolute pleasure to walk.  He's confident, social, and sweet … a dog walker's dream.  Interestingly, Heidi had mentioned that Hank prefers to sniff and explore, rather than play at the dog park.  No more! He has been playing with EVERYONE!!! 

Hank, I absolutely love you already.  Apparently, the internet does too; Hank is a bona fide Instagram star with well over 100 000 followers (thelifeof_hank).  When I asked Heidi if he had an account, she replied nonchalantly that he was popular :) Well, he's a hit with our group as well!

Heidi, thank you for letting me hang out with Hank and be your new, Toronto dog walker! 

Become a Toronto Dog Walker with K9 Kate's!

Happy Saturday fellow Toronto dog lovers! K9 Kate's is hiring 1-2 Independent Contractors to help with dog walking and dog boarding.
If you are interested and meet the criteria, please reach out, or share with potential candidates … please :)
Walks are offleash and rooted in force free and positive reinforcement handling philosophies. The work culture is absolutely supportive, positive, and we work with dogs!  Dog walking is not always a walk in the park; this picture was taken last week when the city become flooded, and public transit was down throughout the GTA. Jess and I were not only walking, as we do each and every day, but we were out with smiles on; truly, dog walking is good for the soul and this is a great company to be a part of. So take the first step in becoming a  Toronto dog walker with K9 Kate's and reach out today!
Thank you and I hope everyone enjoys their weekends!

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-other-jobs/city-of-toronto/dog-walker:-downtown-5-star-company-offleash/1375854643?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Welcome Willow the Australian Shepherd, and Mercedes and Kyle the Pawrents

Mercedes reached out last week in search of a new, Toronto dog walker for Willow. 

Willow, like K9 Kate's pack members Blue and Baymax, had been struggling in her previous pack This has nothing to do with the skills of the dog walker but sometimes a fit isn't right, whether it be related to the park that the walker visits, or their dog walking and training philosophies (we are force free dog walkers, Willow's former walker was not), or the dogs in the pack (Willow is a young pup who is full of beans; she is grouped with dogs who are in line with this), or a dog has simply calmed down as time passed and s/he started with her new dog walker, or the training set in … as you can see, there are a lot of factors leading to a dog's success, most of which have very little to do with the dog walker.

Still, I was nervous so imagine my surprise, when Willow FREAKING ROCKED IT!!!  And I mean … ROCKED.  IT!!!!!!

She immediately integrated with her new pack, running with them for the full hour.  To an observer, she would not read as a dog with a new dog walker.  She blew me away.

Now, behaviours may begin to be exhibited in the coming weeks.  If they do, K9 Kate's amazing dog walker and dog trainer, Jessica Greenwell, is ready to get our new friend into fighting form so that she can continue to thrive (as we know she can)!!!

Mercedes and Kyle, thank you for letting us walk Willow.  We love her already.,

Welcome Edie the Australian Bernadoodle and Leanna and Brad the Paw-rents

This has been a loooong time coming.  I met Edie and Leanna a few months ago when Edie was 1/4 the size she is today (especially in girth … you go, girl!), too young for group dog walking, and headed up north; clearly, we weren't ready to start dog walks.

The tides have turned.  Edie is of age, back in the city, and ready to join her friends on her first adventure dog walk tomorrow.  She's already met and wowed fellow K9 Kate's pack members Olive and Homer.  Edie, we're getting ready for even more wow factor tomorrow!!!! If you repeat the fish in the mouth surprise you gave to your mom, I will be a VERY happy woman.

Leanna, thank you for letting me be Edie's dog walker.  I promise to give her lots of love, excitement, and best of all, she's coming home tired!

Dog Days: A New Classic For Dog Folks

Thank you Jessica Schachter (TaRo PR) for so graciously inviting the K9 Kate's team to the August 8th pre-screening of Dog Days, a heartfelt new comedy from acclaimed production company LD Entertainment (The Zookeeper’s Wife, Jackie, and Megan Leavey).

From the moment I hit play on Dog Days' official trailer, linked below, to the moment it finished, I smiled, laughed and thought "Oh, yes.  THAT'S my dog world!!" 

Dog Days hits on the dog world’s hilarity ($300 for pet therapy, anyone?) as well as its incredibly special interconnectedness..  Whether you’re a dog walker, trainer, owner, volunteer, vet, or someone who simply loves dogs and follows our four legged friends on Instagram, being a dog lover opens the door for human connection too.  Dog Days gets this and, in so doing, feels like home.

PLUS, the freaking cast is amazing (Finn Wolfhard from Stranger Things- NOT looking absolutely terrified, Eva Longoria, Vanessa Hudgens and Nina Dobrev, among others).  I am so excited for August 8th, and will be seeing this movie, for sure, a few more times once it officially opens August 10th.  Check out the clip and get ready to laugh and recognize something a little too familiar :)  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAfqqHwgI1U

A Welcome to Ragnarr and A Reflection by Kate

Ragnarr's mom, Farnoush, reached out last week to inquire about dog walks and  I was thrilled; I knew Rags' awesome parents already through (what else?!) dog walking.  When I first started K9 Kate's, I ran with dogs, including their good friends' pup until my body yelled "STOP, YOU CRAZY LADY!"

That was two years ago. K9 Kate's was truly in its infancy.  So much has changed that it feels impossible not to reflect.

Then, there were 2-3 dogs and I was terrified, as most new, small business owners presumably are.  Now, there are 36 dogs and counting and one incredible team member (and counting).  Still, a number is just a number.  What's so striking to me is my own growth, which is a direct result of dog walking.

Before I kew mindfulness was a thing (and for good reason it is), dog walking taught me to be in the moment.  Always be present or you'll miss something.  Don't let a bad walk get you down and don't let a great one lead to carelessness.  Be small, as they say and notice the way, for instance, one dog responds to a treat and another love as the best reward in the world.  Don't compare yourself: everyone has good and bad days.  Focus on yourself and being the best YOU that you can be.  

I do feel that in the past two and a half years, I became a more confident, present and aware person, all the result of working with dogs.  True, when I met Farnoush K9 Kate's was new, and starting a new business is unquestionably and unspeakably stressful.  Still, I can't help but reflect and be grateful not only that she reached out, but that I've been given the gift of walking dogs.  I am very fortunate: I spend my days, outside, doing something I love, with dogs.  I'm my own boss, the life lessons of which as well are countless and significant, and I've met some pretty amazing people along the way.

Farnoush and Jamie, thank you for letting me be Ragnarr's dog walker and unintentionally leading me to vocalize just how wonderful dog walking is, not just for the dogs.  Bet you weren't expecting THIS as a welcome post :) ?!?  Please tell Rags, he has a whole lot of doggy friends and two very loving dog walkers waiting for him.

Welcome Bauer the Bernadoodle Puppy and Parents Marni and Hersh

I met Bauer and Marni last week as I was picking up their neighbour and fan favourite, Baymax, for his morning dog walk. This little monster (of cuteness) began puppy visits yesterday and is set to join the pack next week.  I am told that FORMER neighbour - there are more neighbours I walk on Euclid but they are not yet entwined in this :) - Georgia is soooo excited that she'll be walking with her Barnadoodle brother!  Bauer, we promise to love you each and every walk, little man!

Welcome Eddie, Brother to Blue, and Jess, Partner to Sam!

I want to extend a big welcome to Eddie the Goldendoodle, and Jess the dog mom! Eddie began dog walks with K9 Kate's last week and has truly amazed both me and Jess with his incredible spirit and determination; he consistently wants to keep going and he does so with the BIGGEST smile on his face! Eddie, you are an amazing dog and I am beyond thrilled to welcome you to our pack!