You know what infuriates me the most. When people assume that when you say I’m a dog walker, that you don’t make a lot of money. Or it’s just a job for the neighborhood kid. Or it’s just a job to make some extra cash on the side. Now I’m not going to tell you I’m rolling in cash. I’m not driving around in a Bently with my Louis Vuitton bag and walking dogs in red bottom shoes. But I am happy and living the life I want to live, comfortably.
But what I am going to say…
I have spent hundreds of hours. Planning, budgeting, getting permits, insurance, and writing a business plan. I have gone to multiple dog training academies, taken veterinary technician classes, gotten certified in pet CPR and first aid. I still continue my education through workshops, seminars, classes, books, and online courses. Along with brainstorming and meet-ups with other professional walkers to bounce ideas and strategies off one another.
I give up my weekends, holidays, birthdays, and social gatherings. So my clients can travel and spend time with their families. Knowing their dog is having the time of their life. I take timeless photos and fun videos so clients can see and show off their favorite family members.
My house is not your normal everyday house. It is completely dedicated to the dogs, I just live here and pay the mortgage and keep it clean. If I could have my all-white and rustic farmhouse decor and couches, trust me I would. But that would be ridiculously hard to keep clean with dogs. I don’t have guest rooms, I have dog rooms. Those dog rooms come fully equip with a queen bed, pillows, and blankets JUST FOR THE DOGS. Yes, they get destroyed, and yes I replace them. I spend at least hours a day keeping my house clean just so dogs can get it dirty again. I buy veterinary-grade cleaning products so that the dogs sleep and hang out in a sterile and pristine environment. You don’t understand dirty till you have had 12 dogs run through your house after playing out in the mud.
I don’t get to have a nice fancy car to drive around in. I have minivans that are fully equipped to safely transport 10-12 dogs at once. And their safety is more important than my luxury dream car.
I chose to have a career where it’s not a 9-5 job. It’s from when I wake up to when I go to bed. Even then if a client needs me at 2 am they know it won’t bother me if they call. So when you say “oh…you’re a dog walker”. Don’t say it like I’m your 10-year-old next-door neighbor, because that kid may like your dog. I love your dog as if it’s my own. I would put my life before theirs if I had to.
My clients are my life. Not because they make it possible for me to have a roof over my head and food on the table. They truly are my family. I have been there for family’s bringing home their first puppy. Watched puppies grow into amazing adult dogs. Stood by when clients have to make the gut-wrenching decision to let their beloved dog go over the rainbow bridge. And they needed reassurance. Or a shoulder to cry on. Held dogs in my arms while they cross over the rainbow bridge. Picked up clients off the floor because the pain was just too hard to bear.
I have been covered in poo, pee, vomit, ticks, blood, drool and I am ALWAYS covered in dog hair, like….always. I have been knocked down, dragged, scratched, head-butted, and bruised. But I still love what I do. And I am going to do it till I die.
When clients have a dog problem I am the first phone call they make.
When a client’s dogs get loose, they don’t call animal control they call me, why? because they know I will search come hell or high water till their dog is home safe. And I know their dog better than anybody so I will have a good idea of where they went.
I have been there for birthday parties, weddings, funerals, pregnancies, and divorces. I’m the middle man, the coach, the referee, and the voice of reason, sometimes even a therapist and a counselor. Most of all I am a person my clients have grown to trust. If they need someone to talk to I am always there.
I have cried myself to sleep at night knowing my clients are morning. I stayed up all night researching treatments and educating myself. To help my clients going through a stressful medical complication with their dog and or their family member.
I am in my client’s wills as the primary caretaker of their dog if something was to happen to them. And I would take every single one of them in if I had to.
I’m the one taking dogs out rain or shine. So that they can get their dose of daily mental and physical exercise in order to be happy and healthy. So that when their human comes home from a long day at work they’re relaxed and ready to cuddle on the couch all night.
My clients go above and beyond to be sure their dog has the best care possible. That their dogs are living their best life. That’s what I do! I give their dog what they need. An adventure, guidance, new sights, and smells, new friends but most of all someone they can trust to lead them.
I don’t just walk your dog around the block. I give them balance, consistency, and both mental and physical exercise. They get love, and most of all, I give them a friend that they will have for life.
So yes I am a dog walker. I get to hang out with fluffy, happy, wiggly butts all day and get countless amounts of dog kisses. I get to live a life most only dream of. Because I am part of an elite group of people who change their lives just for dogs. We “dog walkers” get to live a life where every time we open a door they sometimes pee. Because they’re so happy to see us. Could be the owner could be the dog. I’m not going to specify LOL.
I have a purpose. I am needed. Loved. Relied on. In some people’s world, I am irreplaceable.
Yes, this post may seem a little angry or heated. To work so hard at something you truly love. To put blood sweat, and tears into your career. Only to have people act like you’re going nowhere in life. Or you will never match up to them. You’re considered the bottom of the barrel in the work world. Kinda makes me mad.
No, I’m not a doctor, lawyer, judge, executive, or surgeon. But I love my career and I wouldn’t wanna do anything else.
But hey I’m just a dog walker, right?
Love,
D