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!!!