I would like to take a brief moment to thank Your Moving Depot for their timely and critical assistance in designing the gift certificates and providing us with access to their apparel. Kim, in particular, was of immense help.

Be on the look-out in 2008 for some new and exciting promotions. Pitter Patter is not just a dog walking company. We want people from all walks of life to join the family. With the assistance of Substance Media, Pitter Patter will be taken to the next level this year and then globally in the years to come.

What a great time, a great year! Even before the year started I was struggling to figure out what I was going to do after being “let go” from my previous job of 8 years. But after taking my Rhodesian Ridgeback to the dog parks and conservation areas around the Greater Toronto Area and noticing these people with sometimes 10-15 dogs at a time, I realized that I could do that too. There was borne the thought that I had tried to cultivate many times. Corey, as an entrepreneur. I mean, I had a dog over the last 15 years. I trained my own dog (a Rottweiler who never ever walked on a lead). I loved all types of dogs, enjoyed being with people, loved the out of doors, wanted a job that I could take my dog to work with me. This is it! I’m going to start my own dog walking company. And Pitter Patter Companion Care & Services was born.

It is one thing to actually go into the government offices and register a company. It is a completely ‘nuther thing to know what you are doing, how to start, where to get help, etc. So the first thing I did was list the company on Kijiji.com. Within 24 hours I had my first client and newest ‘family’ member. And what a challenge for my first situation. 2 dogs I really didn’t have much experience with; Chihuahuas. They weren’t allowed outside because it was a cold winter. All I had to do is go and play with them and clean up their washroom area. But for 3 weeks Keira wouldn’t even let me go near her. I was so worried. But in the end, she came around and rushed to the door when she heard me steps away from putting the key in the lock.

Along the way, I picked up several more dogs; from Gilly, the Irish Spaniel with the tortured past to Holly (mix) & Emma (German Short-haired Pointer) who just never stops running to Padre, a misunderstood soul. Each one of the new Pitter Patter family dogs has their own personality that sets them apart from each other. It’s akin to having to learn canine customer service as I did with people during my time at the telco that I worked for. One of the greatest draws for me as a dog walker is to see dogs either blossom into social butterflies or see a dog that their companion thought was meek and mild join the pack and stake a claim on their small piece.

I was so lucky with the clients that came on. All so eager to learn more about their dogs, all so willing to accept me, engage me, all so accommodating. Can it always be this way? What a great way to start anyway!

We finally get to the end of the year and you have Christmas. Everyone was so generous! During the only time that I was sick enough to miss a walk this year, every client that was affected, was so unbelievably flexible. Through Pitter Patter, my belief in people has been renewed. I guess, at times like these, you have to look back in retrospect and take account of where you have been to see if you are still on the right track. I have been able to look back and find that Pitter Patter has grown in size and comfort since day one to today. I am comfortable with what I have learned, what I have still yet to learn. I am comfortable with the direction Pitter Patter is taking and will take. I hope that those of you who are Pitter Patter family members enjoy the ride with me and those that are yet to become members will jump in with both feet and know that Pitter Patter is always here to ensure the comfort of your companion.

The more things that your dog is able to experience is the more well adjusted your companion will be. The ultimate goal of socialization is to be able to take your dog any place, any situation, and have him stay calm, relaxed and confident. Dogs have a sensitive period for socialization between the ages of 3 and 12 weeks. There are the stories of dogs that attack other dogs or people. How many of them have been sentenced to a life in a yard or the very same walk routine 2 times a day?

For the above reasons, the Pitter Patter family travels to many different parks. This allows your companions wide running spaces for great amounts of exercise and also the opportunity to meet many different types of dogs, smell many different and new smells and just generally allow their minds to be unrestrained with guarding you or your home.

There are a few parks/conservation areas that I enjoy taking your companions to. The parks that we go to may even be around the corner from your home. If you are looking for a good park to go to in your area, check out the dog parks in Ontario website. If you are in the Oshawa area, there is Harmony Valley. A great conservation area that has woods, trails and open fields with prescribed off leash areas. In Scarborough, there is the U of T Scarborough campus/Colonel Danforth combination. While it is not officially an off leash area there are lots of great dogs that frequent these parks. If you are inclined for a long walk, you could walk from Kingston rd. to the beach. In Pickering, the Seaton Hiking Trails. I can’t say enough about the trails you will find there. You could walk for hours. Give me a call. Magellan and I will come with you!! Finally there is the Miller Ave. Leash Free Area in Markham. This is a completely fenced in area with park benches, an area for agility, water provided and lots of great dogs and people. You will be able to let your dog go with no worries that they will run off and never come back.

If you don’t have the time to devote to these necessary walks, don’t hesitate to join the Pitter Patter family. You or your companion will never regret it.

Last year, after leaving the corporate customer service world with a wonderful career of advancement (eventually reaching associate director after starting as a CSR), I took the summer off to collect myself and find out what it is that I really wanted to do. This also coincided with taking the time off from canine companionship (Sebastian, my 13 year old Rotty passed away on my birthday in January 2005). So on my search I went. I had seen the Rhodesian Ridgeback  years previous and knew that was the breed I wanted. So sleek, muscular, athletic, regal and majestic looking.

Now anyone will tell you that you need to look at several different breeders before choosing. You can’t be in a rush because this is a relationship that is going to last the canine’s lifetime. You have to be sure the fit is good all the way around. For some reason, when I looked at the Priderock website everything just clicked. When I contacted Heather I just felt so comfortable. Not only did she need to meet me in person, after doing so, she allowed me to come up and be with her dogs every other weekend. It was so great getting to know Axle & Frankie (Magellan’s daddy and mommy). Heather is so into her dogs. She demands that we continually email her to let her know how they are doing. She even created a little group forum so all Priderockers could keep in touch. To this day, I continue to walk with Moira and Zara (Magellan’s sister) and Audrey and Jello (Magellan’s brother).

Once I decided that companion care was the industry for me, I put an add in Kijiji and as luck would have it, within my first 24 hours I had my first contact and eventually my first customer. I will be eternally grateful to Sarah (and of course Zoe and Keira) for taking the chance on this burgeoning company.

So when you are feeling lucky. Take a second to think about it and truly appreciate it. It will come around again, but you just never know when.

One of my clients, Sheila, has a wonderful, if not irascible, middle aged Irish Water Spaniel named Mr. McGillicudy (Gilly for short). Because Gilly was attacked as a young puppy, he now finds it difficult to be in the company of dark coloured dogs or dogs with masks. I am also trying to work with him regarding the mailman. Wouldn’t you know it, he was actually submissive to another dog and when put in a down-stay, he stopped trying to get at the mailman. Our time together is beginning to pay off.

I also walk Spock, a Boston Terrier, who has, from day one, been a notorious lunger. He seems to think that he is much bigger than his tiny stature. He is great with dogs, but people? That’s a little bit of a challenge. Since I had my son with me who was eager to help daddy walk the dogs, I figured I would practise getting Spock to relax with strangers. Stacey, Spock’s human companion wanted me to be extra vigilant with kids. Wouldn’t you know it, within 5 minutes Spock was climbing on Ayden to get in a few kisses. Ayden was really great at following my directions and everyone was happy.

It’s times like these when I am overrun with happiness over my choice to become a professional dog walker. The undeniably hot weather has broken somewhat, all my dogs are getting along, I’m getting lots of outdoor exercise. What could be better?

    Now while my truck has been down, I have been having some fun driving the panel van that I rented from Discount Truck Rentals. The dogs love the extra room and so do I. It is a little more difficult to parallel park, but then again, you command a little more respect from all other vehicles.

    I wanted to take a second to commend Sarah (my very first client)  for taking the tough stance with her two companions. Zoe, a Chihuahua and Keira, a Chihuahua and Yorkie mix  who now have to discontinue using newspapers on the floor for a bathroom. I think that is a great idea. The clear benefit is a cleaner fresher smelling home but more importantly the dogs have a place to stay that is not a mess. You get to flush your toilette right? Well, your companions should have the same benefit of a poop free abode. Just in case you were wondering, Pitter Patter will also scoop your yard/run if you would like some help with that. Please see our services page.

    Have a great day! And don’t forget to have your companion sit before crossing the road!!