Why I became a dog walker: I was the proud (and obvious to visitors) owner of a Labrador Retriever (13 years) and a German Shepherd (9 years). I threw a full tantrum with my day camp counselor who refused to let me out of summer day camp during a tornado. Never mind the danger! My Lab was still outside. The minute they opened the doors (an hour or so later), I turned into Flo-Jo during the two-block run to get home and hugged that Lab for hours.
I equally spoiled the second dog. Rain, hail, sleet, snow. I walked her every single time I saw her. (I'd moved out by that time.) Unfortunately, both dogs have passed on, and I couldn't convince my parents to get another dog. (Hey parents, it's never too late. Just sayin'.)
After spending three months trying to buy a condo that allowed dogs, and not succeeding, I looked for alternatives to being around dogs. On March 2019, my answer was Wag. Although I did end up joining the condo association board and reinstating the option to allow dogs for owners, I'd grown too fond of the dogs I was already walking. So I continue off-and-on with Wag as a dog walker and freelance dog boarder. I have, however, closed my account with Rover as of Feb. 28, 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns and an exhausting amount of last-minute cancellations from dog owners.)
I equally spoiled the second dog. Rain, hail, sleet, snow. I walked her every single time I saw her. (I'd moved out by that time.) Unfortunately, both dogs have passed on, and I couldn't convince my parents to get another dog. (Hey parents, it's never too late. Just sayin'.)
After spending three months trying to buy a condo that allowed dogs, and not succeeding, I looked for alternatives to being around dogs. On March 2019, my answer was Wag. Although I did end up joining the condo association board and reinstating the option to allow dogs for owners, I'd grown too fond of the dogs I was already walking. So I continue off-and-on with Wag as a dog walker and freelance dog boarder. I have, however, closed my account with Rover as of Feb. 28, 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns and an exhausting amount of last-minute cancellations from dog owners.)
Wag! and Rover profiles
Dog chronicles: I have had the pleasure of walking ...
Note: I have completed a total of 481 Wag walks; eight dogsittings and six dog boardings. Some of the dogs below are ones I have the pleasure of walking, boarding and/or sitting regularly, which is is why my Wag profile walk total is higher than the number of dogs (80) below.
Selfie doggie time (and two cats!)
Medium blog: Click banner above or headline of each blog post below.
94. Why the Heaven episode of Netflix’s #CanineIntervention matters most ~ Treat a dog like a human and she’ll treat you like a dog
93. I love dog boarding, but I left Rover anyway ~ Rover is to Uber what Wag is to Lyft
92. Meet-n-greets should be standard for timid dogs ~ Never leave your dog with someone you’re nervous about
91. Racism is NOT equivalent to being anti-pit bull ~ Stop using the term ‘racist’ when you don’t know what it means
90. Should children be able to walk a dog alone? ~ Learning how to walk a dog early and often is part of training
89. When your dog loses her sight ~ Subtle ways to figure out your dog needs visual help before it’s too late
88. Does your dog have a goddad or godmom? ~ Part 2: In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to …
87. ‘Hear’ your dog out on pet ear health ~ Understanding just how sensitive your dog’s ears are to loud noise
86. When your dog has to ‘go’ while traveling ~ Finding a place for your service animal to relieve herself
85. The working person’s guide to preventing pet loneliness ~ Multiply your own loneliness in social isolation 3x to equate it for dogs
84. Tips for keeping dog paws healthy ~ Dog boots probably won’t go over well at first
83. Can you ‘change’ your partner: the non-pet lover? ~ Part 2 of 2: Two dog caregivers discuss single life, marriage and parenthood
82. Single, dogs welcome, parents need not apply ~ Two dog caregivers discuss single life for those who want dogs more than children
81. Mobile app helps pet-loving singles find love ~ When your dog is all you need to get dates online
80. ESA animals told to ‘sit’ home instead of flying ~ COVID-19 travelers may want to be aware of new travel pet rules
79. Doggone World Bingo: Enjoy your dog adventures ~ The Bingo game that will make your dog mishaps more fun
78. Before you buy a Christmas puppy ~ Shopping pet tips to keep in mind for the holidays and beyond
77. I want my therapy dog to have a heartbeat ~ Why robotic therapy dogs don’t impress me as much as real therapy dogs
76. Christmas inspiration from the dog ~ ‘Raise the Woof’ and other pup entertainment
75. News outlets, you’re weirding dog owners out about Biden’s hairline fracture ~ If you’ve owned a dog, you’ve landed on your butt a few times
74. Should there be a dog size limit in your condo? ~ What leases and bylaws don’t always emphasize about pets
73. What’s up with Reverend Raphael Warnock and puppies? ~ Politicians know how voters feel about dogs
72. ‘Major’ news: First rescue dog makes his way to the White House ~ Biden’s dog choice brings up importance of adopting shelter dogs
71. Top 10 ways to decorate a dog crate ~ Make dog crate bars look dog chic
70. The accidental dog-napper ~ Tips to find your lost dog, with and without your neighbors
69. No pets, all scams: Recognizing the signs of pet scammers ~ Filling the pet void during social isolation without getting scammed
68. Potty training and pups: When carpet gets peed on more than grass ~ Tips for house-training and crate-training your dog
67. Prepping your child for a new dog ~ Always watch dogs and children closely, especially around each other
66. The dog trick we don’t test enough: Dodging cars ~ Why the ‘Pick of the Litter’ dog documentary should make non-guide dog owners pay attention
65. Dog owners date: What people-dating sites can teach dog owners about what to ask ~ Should dog owners choose pet dating sites exclusively?
64. Steps for getting an emotional support dog ~ Residents, here’s how to get an ESD in a building with a no-pet policy
63. When your dog gets mouthy ~ Acknowledging the difference between playful nibbling and dog bites
62. Recognizing early signs of dog arthritis ~ The one thing I’ll always regret about my first dog — the step fall
61. Will a dog treadmill help dog owners who don’t want to walk? ~ Your active dog won’t forget activity, even if you skip the outdoor walks
60. K9 bitten by dog behind fence, police blame owner’s dog ~ Dog walking 101: When you pass a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign, keep your dog close
59. Getting rid of pests in your backyard ~ When your dog thinks wild animals are wrestling partners
58. Your dog can be your wingman, watchdog or a hater ~ If my watchdog doesn’t like you, then maybe I shouldn’t either
57. When the dog stops, is the walk over? ~ Reevaluating your dog walking routine
56. When your dog has to ‘go’ but you just want to go to sleep ~ Keeping yourself entertained during a turtle-slow walk
55. Unconventional ways to distract dogs from fireworks ~ The fireworks show is fun to hear and see — unless you own a dog
54. Dating apps: Cat men not welcome ~ Man’s best friend may be helping men get more dating action
53. COVID-19 is screwing pet owners out of bonding time ~ Why dog owners may need to find a relative or caregiver if infected
52. ‘Dogfather of Harlem’ is grooming pets for free Harlem ~ Doggie Day Spa takes its grooming on a 12-day tour
51. My dog brought a baby possum in our home — lucky us! ~ When hunting dogs love the chase and wreak havoc in your home
50. Making your dog’s crate feel like home ~ If your dog looks uncomfortable inside, she probably is
49. Dog owner racially profiles black man, abuses her own dog ~ Yet another dishonest 911 call risking the life of a black man
48. Amazon’s dog food Wag and curious marketing ~ Obviously Amazon has its own dog food, along with everything else
47. When your dog hates his new home ~ The four-legged roommate with moving worries
46. The dog is digging up the plants again ~ Tips to stop your dog from destroying your yard
45. Before you use your dog as a wingman … ~ Five tips to help read a woman’s body language around dogs
44. Strange dogs and strangers: Keeping dogs safe ~ When your dog has admirers, and you don’t know who to trust
43. I was Today Years Old when I learned of dog braces ~ Yes, Julia from ‘Desus & Mero,’ dog braces may be a ‘white woman thing’
42. Girl Scouts, earn a badge for making homemade pet supplies ~ Obtain the Senior Textile Artist Badge while in social isolation
41. Ditching the dog groomer during COVID-19 outbreak, yay or nay? ~ Pet groomers and dog owners are putting themselves at risk — unnecessarily
40. Dogs get major TLC and toys during social isolation ~ Don't be offended if your dog wants a bit of space from you
39. Michael Vick did it, overcame it, now get over it ~ From a dog lover who is tired of people reminding us of his dogfighting days
38. A natural disaster vs my dog: I chose my dog ~ When a Chicago tornado made me fully understand dog lovers
37. In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to … ~ Have you planned a foster parent for your pet?
36. What happened to the Dogs of Amazon? ~ When working from home means your dogs get to see you more
35. Stop giving your dog liquor ~ Why is Jessica’s dog on ‘Love Is Blind’ drinking from her wine glass?
34. Non-crazy ways to remember your deceased dog ~ What should stay and what should go when your dog dies
33. Adopting a dog during the coronavirus scare ~ How to socialize your pet during social isolation
32. Keeping track of your dog walking, boarding expenses for tax season ~ Get a handle on your 2021 tax filings in 2020
31. Puppy protests and know-it-all dog walkers ~ How to diffuse conflict when your puppy throws a tantrum in public
30. Walking dogs during the coronavirus scare ~ Be wary of instant Internet coronavirus experts, opt for proven results
29. Elizabeth Warren’s dog Bailey earned that burrito ~ Tips for dog owners to keep their kangaroo-hopping dogs from stealing food
28. Please stop lying about owning dogs in your dating app profile ~ Where I went wrong on dating sites: Not looking for men who own dogs
27. Before you buy a dog antler, know the risks ~ How a freelancing assignment made me concerned about dog toys
26. Safe walks on Wag, the fake home scam ~ Eight dog walking tips to feel secure while walking new dogs
25. When your fearful dog has an elephant memory ~ Five tips to help your dog get over a scary experience
24. Sleeping with dogs and bed hogs ~ When you finally give up on sleeping alone
23. Always pet proof your home and fence ~ Don’t let Animal Control take your dog away because it’s not built for control
22. No, your dog cannot always say ‘hi’ ~ Learning basic manners for socializing your dogs with strangers
21. Michael Bloomberg’s weirdo way to greet a dog ~ Avoid the snout: Choose these seven tips for first greeting with dogs
20. Your dog is your best speech evaluator ~ Why Toastmasters need to practice speeches in front of dogs
19. When your dog gets a new roommate ~ Socializing your adult dog with a new puppy
18. People will fear your dog so deal with it ~ How Musophobia made me respond differently to Cynophobia
17. My heavy-hearted love for senior dogs ~ You can teach an old dog new tricks — when it depends on survival
16. The funniest trending topic on Twitter: Black dog parents ~ Black folks and their hilarious relationship with dogs
15. Hey lady, you do not have a ‘fur baby’ ~ Why I grudgingly denied the term ‘fur baby’ versus human babies
14. Should you let your dog donate blood? ~ As if veterinary visits aren’t hard enough as is
13. Is your dog racist, or is it really you? ~ What should a dog owner do when a dog expresses a racial preference?
12. Should homeowners treat dogsitters like guests or clients? ~ Five must-ask questions before dogsitting someone’s home
11. Dogs and dating: The no-dogs-on-bed rule ~ What do you do when your significant other doesn’t like dogs in your home?
10. When Wag! doesn’t pay dog walkers on time ~ Deciding whether to become a professional dog walker for Wag! or Rover
9. Your Airbnb host is not your maid ~ From dog housesitting to vacationing, treat their home like your own
8. Put your dog on a leash ~ Why dog owners should stop letting their dogs run loose outside
7. Dog poop bags in neighborhood cans: Yay or nay? ~ Should dog owners and walkers return home to throw away dog poop bags?
6. Dogsitting 101: Bonding with the dog and pet owner ~ How to carefully filter out the dogs you want to dogsit
5. 14 supplies for your dog-walking adventure ~ No matter what the owner already has, keep these in your bag
4. When a dog lover understands cat lovers ~ Cat ladies aren’t crazy, according to UCLA study
3. My dog chronicles: Becoming a professional dog walker ~ From Wag to Rover: Finding a way to make money with four-legged friends
2. Dog therapy: A writer’s break ~ Why writers should have an active, non-writing hobby
1. Wag! dog walkers, beware of scammers ~ What independent contractors need to be aware of with the Wag! app47. Getting rid of pests in your backyard ~ When your dog thinks wild animals are wrestling partners
46. Your dog can be your wingman, watchdog or a hater ~ If my watchdog doesn’t like you, then maybe I shouldn’t either
45. Let my service or companion dog inside! ~ Where ADA laws start, and local and state laws get involved58. The accidental dog-napper ~ Tips to find your lost dog, with and without your neighbors
57. No pets, all scams: Recognizing the signs of pet scammers ~ Filling the pet void during social isolation without getting scammed
93. I love dog boarding, but I left Rover anyway ~ Rover is to Uber what Wag is to Lyft
92. Meet-n-greets should be standard for timid dogs ~ Never leave your dog with someone you’re nervous about
91. Racism is NOT equivalent to being anti-pit bull ~ Stop using the term ‘racist’ when you don’t know what it means
90. Should children be able to walk a dog alone? ~ Learning how to walk a dog early and often is part of training
89. When your dog loses her sight ~ Subtle ways to figure out your dog needs visual help before it’s too late
88. Does your dog have a goddad or godmom? ~ Part 2: In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to …
87. ‘Hear’ your dog out on pet ear health ~ Understanding just how sensitive your dog’s ears are to loud noise
86. When your dog has to ‘go’ while traveling ~ Finding a place for your service animal to relieve herself
85. The working person’s guide to preventing pet loneliness ~ Multiply your own loneliness in social isolation 3x to equate it for dogs
84. Tips for keeping dog paws healthy ~ Dog boots probably won’t go over well at first
83. Can you ‘change’ your partner: the non-pet lover? ~ Part 2 of 2: Two dog caregivers discuss single life, marriage and parenthood
82. Single, dogs welcome, parents need not apply ~ Two dog caregivers discuss single life for those who want dogs more than children
81. Mobile app helps pet-loving singles find love ~ When your dog is all you need to get dates online
80. ESA animals told to ‘sit’ home instead of flying ~ COVID-19 travelers may want to be aware of new travel pet rules
79. Doggone World Bingo: Enjoy your dog adventures ~ The Bingo game that will make your dog mishaps more fun
78. Before you buy a Christmas puppy ~ Shopping pet tips to keep in mind for the holidays and beyond
77. I want my therapy dog to have a heartbeat ~ Why robotic therapy dogs don’t impress me as much as real therapy dogs
76. Christmas inspiration from the dog ~ ‘Raise the Woof’ and other pup entertainment
75. News outlets, you’re weirding dog owners out about Biden’s hairline fracture ~ If you’ve owned a dog, you’ve landed on your butt a few times
74. Should there be a dog size limit in your condo? ~ What leases and bylaws don’t always emphasize about pets
73. What’s up with Reverend Raphael Warnock and puppies? ~ Politicians know how voters feel about dogs
72. ‘Major’ news: First rescue dog makes his way to the White House ~ Biden’s dog choice brings up importance of adopting shelter dogs
71. Top 10 ways to decorate a dog crate ~ Make dog crate bars look dog chic
70. The accidental dog-napper ~ Tips to find your lost dog, with and without your neighbors
69. No pets, all scams: Recognizing the signs of pet scammers ~ Filling the pet void during social isolation without getting scammed
68. Potty training and pups: When carpet gets peed on more than grass ~ Tips for house-training and crate-training your dog
67. Prepping your child for a new dog ~ Always watch dogs and children closely, especially around each other
66. The dog trick we don’t test enough: Dodging cars ~ Why the ‘Pick of the Litter’ dog documentary should make non-guide dog owners pay attention
65. Dog owners date: What people-dating sites can teach dog owners about what to ask ~ Should dog owners choose pet dating sites exclusively?
64. Steps for getting an emotional support dog ~ Residents, here’s how to get an ESD in a building with a no-pet policy
63. When your dog gets mouthy ~ Acknowledging the difference between playful nibbling and dog bites
62. Recognizing early signs of dog arthritis ~ The one thing I’ll always regret about my first dog — the step fall
61. Will a dog treadmill help dog owners who don’t want to walk? ~ Your active dog won’t forget activity, even if you skip the outdoor walks
60. K9 bitten by dog behind fence, police blame owner’s dog ~ Dog walking 101: When you pass a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign, keep your dog close
59. Getting rid of pests in your backyard ~ When your dog thinks wild animals are wrestling partners
58. Your dog can be your wingman, watchdog or a hater ~ If my watchdog doesn’t like you, then maybe I shouldn’t either
57. When the dog stops, is the walk over? ~ Reevaluating your dog walking routine
56. When your dog has to ‘go’ but you just want to go to sleep ~ Keeping yourself entertained during a turtle-slow walk
55. Unconventional ways to distract dogs from fireworks ~ The fireworks show is fun to hear and see — unless you own a dog
54. Dating apps: Cat men not welcome ~ Man’s best friend may be helping men get more dating action
53. COVID-19 is screwing pet owners out of bonding time ~ Why dog owners may need to find a relative or caregiver if infected
52. ‘Dogfather of Harlem’ is grooming pets for free Harlem ~ Doggie Day Spa takes its grooming on a 12-day tour
51. My dog brought a baby possum in our home — lucky us! ~ When hunting dogs love the chase and wreak havoc in your home
50. Making your dog’s crate feel like home ~ If your dog looks uncomfortable inside, she probably is
49. Dog owner racially profiles black man, abuses her own dog ~ Yet another dishonest 911 call risking the life of a black man
48. Amazon’s dog food Wag and curious marketing ~ Obviously Amazon has its own dog food, along with everything else
47. When your dog hates his new home ~ The four-legged roommate with moving worries
46. The dog is digging up the plants again ~ Tips to stop your dog from destroying your yard
45. Before you use your dog as a wingman … ~ Five tips to help read a woman’s body language around dogs
44. Strange dogs and strangers: Keeping dogs safe ~ When your dog has admirers, and you don’t know who to trust
43. I was Today Years Old when I learned of dog braces ~ Yes, Julia from ‘Desus & Mero,’ dog braces may be a ‘white woman thing’
42. Girl Scouts, earn a badge for making homemade pet supplies ~ Obtain the Senior Textile Artist Badge while in social isolation
41. Ditching the dog groomer during COVID-19 outbreak, yay or nay? ~ Pet groomers and dog owners are putting themselves at risk — unnecessarily
40. Dogs get major TLC and toys during social isolation ~ Don't be offended if your dog wants a bit of space from you
39. Michael Vick did it, overcame it, now get over it ~ From a dog lover who is tired of people reminding us of his dogfighting days
38. A natural disaster vs my dog: I chose my dog ~ When a Chicago tornado made me fully understand dog lovers
37. In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to … ~ Have you planned a foster parent for your pet?
36. What happened to the Dogs of Amazon? ~ When working from home means your dogs get to see you more
35. Stop giving your dog liquor ~ Why is Jessica’s dog on ‘Love Is Blind’ drinking from her wine glass?
34. Non-crazy ways to remember your deceased dog ~ What should stay and what should go when your dog dies
33. Adopting a dog during the coronavirus scare ~ How to socialize your pet during social isolation
32. Keeping track of your dog walking, boarding expenses for tax season ~ Get a handle on your 2021 tax filings in 2020
31. Puppy protests and know-it-all dog walkers ~ How to diffuse conflict when your puppy throws a tantrum in public
30. Walking dogs during the coronavirus scare ~ Be wary of instant Internet coronavirus experts, opt for proven results
29. Elizabeth Warren’s dog Bailey earned that burrito ~ Tips for dog owners to keep their kangaroo-hopping dogs from stealing food
28. Please stop lying about owning dogs in your dating app profile ~ Where I went wrong on dating sites: Not looking for men who own dogs
27. Before you buy a dog antler, know the risks ~ How a freelancing assignment made me concerned about dog toys
26. Safe walks on Wag, the fake home scam ~ Eight dog walking tips to feel secure while walking new dogs
25. When your fearful dog has an elephant memory ~ Five tips to help your dog get over a scary experience
24. Sleeping with dogs and bed hogs ~ When you finally give up on sleeping alone
23. Always pet proof your home and fence ~ Don’t let Animal Control take your dog away because it’s not built for control
22. No, your dog cannot always say ‘hi’ ~ Learning basic manners for socializing your dogs with strangers
21. Michael Bloomberg’s weirdo way to greet a dog ~ Avoid the snout: Choose these seven tips for first greeting with dogs
20. Your dog is your best speech evaluator ~ Why Toastmasters need to practice speeches in front of dogs
19. When your dog gets a new roommate ~ Socializing your adult dog with a new puppy
18. People will fear your dog so deal with it ~ How Musophobia made me respond differently to Cynophobia
17. My heavy-hearted love for senior dogs ~ You can teach an old dog new tricks — when it depends on survival
16. The funniest trending topic on Twitter: Black dog parents ~ Black folks and their hilarious relationship with dogs
15. Hey lady, you do not have a ‘fur baby’ ~ Why I grudgingly denied the term ‘fur baby’ versus human babies
14. Should you let your dog donate blood? ~ As if veterinary visits aren’t hard enough as is
13. Is your dog racist, or is it really you? ~ What should a dog owner do when a dog expresses a racial preference?
12. Should homeowners treat dogsitters like guests or clients? ~ Five must-ask questions before dogsitting someone’s home
11. Dogs and dating: The no-dogs-on-bed rule ~ What do you do when your significant other doesn’t like dogs in your home?
10. When Wag! doesn’t pay dog walkers on time ~ Deciding whether to become a professional dog walker for Wag! or Rover
9. Your Airbnb host is not your maid ~ From dog housesitting to vacationing, treat their home like your own
8. Put your dog on a leash ~ Why dog owners should stop letting their dogs run loose outside
7. Dog poop bags in neighborhood cans: Yay or nay? ~ Should dog owners and walkers return home to throw away dog poop bags?
6. Dogsitting 101: Bonding with the dog and pet owner ~ How to carefully filter out the dogs you want to dogsit
5. 14 supplies for your dog-walking adventure ~ No matter what the owner already has, keep these in your bag
4. When a dog lover understands cat lovers ~ Cat ladies aren’t crazy, according to UCLA study
3. My dog chronicles: Becoming a professional dog walker ~ From Wag to Rover: Finding a way to make money with four-legged friends
2. Dog therapy: A writer’s break ~ Why writers should have an active, non-writing hobby
1. Wag! dog walkers, beware of scammers ~ What independent contractors need to be aware of with the Wag! app47. Getting rid of pests in your backyard ~ When your dog thinks wild animals are wrestling partners
46. Your dog can be your wingman, watchdog or a hater ~ If my watchdog doesn’t like you, then maybe I shouldn’t either
45. Let my service or companion dog inside! ~ Where ADA laws start, and local and state laws get involved58. The accidental dog-napper ~ Tips to find your lost dog, with and without your neighbors
57. No pets, all scams: Recognizing the signs of pet scammers ~ Filling the pet void during social isolation without getting scammed
