Happy 14th birthday, Princess! Your friends and I love you so much. and are so grateful for our shared adventures. I am in awe of you: your playfulness, regular zoomies, unrivaled passion for food and sweetness. Together, we’ve been to just about every Toronto dog park, and even had an ice cream date (doggy ice cream for her) last summer around Trinity Bellwoods. Thanks to her parents, Sam and Cassandra, for letting me be Princess’ dog walker for 4 years and counting. She is such a special dog and source of joy for both me and her four-legged friends. Love you so much, P!!!!
Grocery Pick Up and Delivery: Feeling the Need and Offsetting the Impact
For the past 11 days, I have self quarantined. It’s had its ups and it’s down but one consistent stressor was the threat of not being unable to get groceries when I needed them. The situation has worsened with wait times for grocery delivery now being weeks. With this in mind, we are offering Grocery Gateway, pharmacy and other delivery should it be ready for pick up for people who are self-quarantined, vulnerable or simply can’t wait two weeks for Fantastic- the boat I found myself in before a friend mercifully found a bottle. The service costs $15 and will offset the financial loss incurred by me and my walkers during this time. Please email through the K9 Kate’s website if you are interested, stay healthy safe and well!
Pawlidays for People Who Can't Care for Their Pets Right Now
Needless to say, the current moment has brought with it massive and unprecedented changes to our lives. If you are an at risk person (senior, lung issues, or currently sick) who needs to self quarantine, we are here to take the pressure off. K9 Kate’s currently has 5 walkers, 7 as of next week, who can and want to board your dogs. Typically, this service is only offered to our dog walking clients. However, it is now open to anyone who needs. We send daily updates and video chat so that you can remain connected to your dog while unable to care for him or her. All boarding is home-style (this is not a kennel), and all boarders receive complimentary adventure dog walks. Also, a quick reminder that there are FREE dog walks for nurses and doctors around Wellington Dog Park, and we will venture outside of our typical service area for nurses and doctors who can’t care for their dogs right now. Please read, share, and stay pawsitive; we may not have an end date but this will end. So stay in the moment, hug your dog, video chat with friends and family, be silly, give and get love, and know that you are most certainly not alone.
Free Dog Walks for Nurses and Doctors around Wellington Dog Park
To say that it is the scariest moment in time most have us have lived through would be the understatement of the century. One consistent comfort has been the ability of individuals to step up, and I see it daily in my clients: the doctors and nurses who are on the front lines of this, the self-employed who gave what they could while their own businesses suffer, the countless who offered to drop off supplies while I myself began to self quarantine after developing a soar throat. Ace- seen here- has a very lovely mom who is offering free dog walks for doctors and nurses around Wellington Dog Park so that they can work their shifts and not worry about their dog being walked. As long as we are open which, let’s face it, could change as early as today, we are offering dog walks for doctors and nurses outside of our typical service area so that they can work.
Numerous emails have been sent to clients regarding precautions both we and they can and must take in order for walks to continue. Despite my encouragement to postpone after being self-quarantined, the majority felt and feel that, as the evidence suggests, dog walking is too low risk to be concerning and they would feel better if dog walks continued. I’m not sure yet- like most- where I stand on this.
I do know that this is a pandemic and a crisis that we all want to help each other be safe so, again, doctors and nurses we are here to help should you need. Please forward if you know any Toronto doctors and nurses who are struggling to take care of their dogs right now.
Update: Dog Walking, Training, Boarding, Sitting and Visits Continue Uninterrupted
The time has come to address COVID-19, what we are doing to stay safe and what you can do as well, as we are all in this scary time together.
I messaged my walkers at the start of last week to stress that everyone has to be sanitizing and washing hands constantly. As of today, we will all be wearing latex gloves. They and I are prohibited from working if we show any symptoms of COVID-19. Importantly, dogs cannot contract the virus, and every single dog walker already self-quarantines and avoids people generally ... some levity :) Our clients are leaving sanitizer and wipes at the door. Together, we are doing everything possible to remain open and stay safe.
All cancellation charges will be waved during this time. We all owe it to each other to stay home sick and quarantine with as little stress as possible. If you feel at risk of being quarantined and unable to care for your dog should this occur, a number of us are in houses or have yards and could board should we ourselves be quarantined.
I do admin a group of the city's walkers and trainers and the panic is alarming. I shared with them my own mental health action plan to turn off my phone and news alerts, and to have designated news times; stress isn't good for your immune system. Take immune system boosters, exercise, stay calm and safe. Canada is taking the steps it needs to and following the lead of countries that quickly contained COVID-19. I will remain optimistic and continue to provide dog walking services to Toronto’s dog parents for as long as possible, take the break when it’s needed, and then be back in full force.
Thank you,
Kate
Picture of the Week ... And Rescue Dogs Rock :)
I love this picture taken of Princess yesterday at Coronation Park (my favourite Toronto dog park!). The special girl was not so patiently waiting for her treat and, in that moment, showed some serious tongue. I have been Princess’ dog walker for four years. When we started, she was already a senior dog. I’m always amazed by her endless energy and playfulness, a true testament to her wonderful nature. I’m so grateful that I get to be Princess’ dog walker. See you in a few hours , you fabulous lady.
Welcome Dakota the German Shepherd
I’d like to extend a big welcome to Dakota, Ann and Matt! These three lovelies had reached out a while ago, in search of a new Toronto Dog Walker who services the Summerhill area and provides off leash walks. Well…. hello :-)
Dakota had her first dog walk yesterday and did so well! She is such an affectionate dog who is not only great with people but with the dogs as well. I can see how much she will add to our daily adventures.
Dakota, Ann and Matt, welcome to our family!
Welcome Dudley the Aussiedoodle!
Cheryl reached out a few week ago: she was about to become a dog mom and needed a dog walker who services Trinity Bellwoods. We were, at the time, not taking new dogs but both Cheryl and I kept circling back to each other, and saw that this was a perfect fit.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dudley and pawrents, Cheryl and Paul, yesterday. A big welcome to all 3 and to Dudley’s human brothers, Carter and Bennett. This adorable puppy is starting on puppy visits this week and will be joining adventure dog walks as soon as he is fully vaccinated and a bit older. Both myself and my team can’t wait for the impending and inevitable cuddle fest with this guy. Saaa- woon!!!!!!!!
It is always special when you start with a dog at this age and are able to continue walking them into adulthood :) Dudley, we love you already!
Welcome Oliver the Golden Retriever Puppy
This darling boy joined K9 Kate’s yesterday and did amazingly on his fist dog walk. We braved the storm and ventured down to Coronation Dog Park, where Oliver’s face was painted with joy the entire time. Clearly, this little man, like so many Retrievers, is born to be offleash! Oliver is sweet, social, confident and a dog walker’s dream dog. I am so grateful that I get to hang out with him. Marla, thank you for choosing K9 Kate’s as your Toronto dog walker.
Welcome Otis the Standard Poodle
Otis joined K9 Kate’s adventure dog walks this week, and has been such a wonderful addition to our group. Otis is a LOVELY dog: he is sweet, a ton of fun in the dog park ( a wild man, in the best way), and confident as heck, which is equally as important and valuable for dogs as it is for people! Otis is also forgiving and didn’t yell at me when I accidentally referred to him as a Doodle; thanks for that, Otis!!
We ADORE you already, and can’t want to see you soon!
Welcome Freja, the Rescue Dog
Welcome to K9 Kate’s Freja the husky-mix, rescue dog extraordinaire. Freja had her first adventure walk last week and rocked!!
She’s sort of the dream dog so Katie, thank you for letting us hang out with her AND for reminding us of the value of adopting, not shopping. Shout out to all of the rescue parents out there- that’s you Katie- and the wonderful dogs they know as family !!
Freja, can’t want to see you for your next dog walk tomorrow !!! Welcome lady!
Picture of the Week: Mini Golden Double
Meet Oslo and Coco. Coco (left) has been adventure dog walking with K9 Kate’s since she was about 6 months old. Two years later, she continues to be an integral part of our group with her relentless doodle sass and sweetness. Oslo joined K9 Kate’s 2 months ago and just graduated from puppy visits to group dog walks. It always brings me so much joy to see our puppy nuggets move on to walks., and it brings me even more joy to see them thrive with their new dog friends. The excitement of this being Oslo’s first walk and the obvious adorable twinnage makes it my picture of the week!
Welcome Bowie the Aussiedoodle
Oh hi, Bowie! This little angel’s parents reached out a month ago. Their neighbour’s dog, (and Bowie’s best friend) Scout, had joined K9 Kate’s adventure dog walks and they wanted in. We are so happy they did. Bowie had her first dog walk this week and, in true Bowie spirit, ROCKED IT! Even Under Pressure, she stayed social and lovely, which is always in Fashion; no Changes to be had :) Bowie, we love you already. Nick and Hannah, thank you for choosing K9 Kate’s as your new Toronto dog walker. We promise to love Bowie and give her the best possible care each and every walk.
Welcome Ace the Rescue Dog, Steph and Earl the Pawrents
This sweet boy- who I almost referred to in the header as sweet Ace before realizing how that sounds (here’s hoping no one actually reads my welcome blogs) - joined K9 Kate’s a few weeks ago and has become an immediate and important park of our family. Ace has such a gentle soul, and is a blast in the dog park. He is an important reminder that so many incredible dogs are in need of adoption so PLEASE consider if you haven’t already. Ace, welcome buddy!!!
Picture of the Week: Stella and Milton
I love the focus of these two amazing dogs as they sit patiently for their inevitable treat. This picture was taken at Coronation Dog Park, during one of Toronto’s many snow days. As a Toronto dog walker, I love winter (except the -40 days, to be clear)! The dogs have so much fun running offleash in the snow; it’s almost like snow is their caffeine and it makes them wild :) Looking forward to some dog walking with these two later today.
Welcome Nina and Pumpkin, Rescue dogs Extroardinaire
There is a lot happening with these two pups that leaves this Toronto dog walker excited: during Nina’s initial rescue period, she was perfect. Then, a confluence of factors- added dogs, injuries, a period of absence from professional dog walking- led her to become leash reactive.
The goal is to have these two in the dog park. Thankfully, their parents are on board with muzzle training so that we can safely asses suitability. THANK YOU RESPONSIBLE PARENTS! You rock my world :)
It is such an exciting experience to share: we have these small steps that will - fingers crossed- get these pups back in the dog park fairly quickly. Together, we will be dog walking through Toronto’s city streets and then … dog park time!!
Picture of the Week: Blue the Dachshund
I adore this picture of Blue, the Blue Dachshund, taken at Ramsden Dog Park yesterday. Blue has been walking with K9 Kate’s for more than 2 years. It’s been incredible to watch his transformation from timid and anxious to Mister Confident and King of the dog park. This is the beauty of the adventure dog walks. Dogs on this type of walk go to different dog parks around Toronto (Ramsden, Bickford, Cherry, Coronation, Stanley, Winston Churhill, etc.). They are always smelling new smells and meeting new dogs, all of which is confidence building. Blue, we love you so much and our so proud of your transformation.
Welcome Cusco, the Rescue Dog and SUPERSTAR!
Cusco’s mom Carly reached out about 2 months ago: she was moving to Toronto, specifically to the Annex, and needed a dog walker for when she arrived. I am so happy she did. Cusco is such a sweet lab mix who does wonderfully with me and the dogs. We love her so much already and I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual :)
Together, we visited Ramsden and Coronation Parks. She is such a beauty inside and out. Cusco and Carly, welcome to K9 Kate’s.
Welcome Sir Arthur, the Labrador Retriever
Sir’s parents reached out a few months ago: they were researching Toronto dog walkers for their new puppy and K9 Kate’s had been recommended to them. The big day finally came last week when Sir joined us at Ramsden Dog Park. He was great with the other dogs and with me. Sir, we can’t wait to see you this week for more adventures!
Welcome Stella the Goldendoodle, and Quinn the Dog Mom
This beautiful Goldendoodle joined K9 Kate’s last week and absolutely rocked her fist walk :) Stella is confident, social and a dog walker’s dream. Quinn, thank you for choosing K9 Kate’s as your new Toronto dog walker. We promise to love Stella each and every walk.