A: A West Michigan man was nearly killed when a dog got in the path of his bicycle. The owner of that dog was liable for thousands of dollars of medical costs. Whenever somebody else walks your dog, you, the owner, are responsible for any personal injury or property damage that might arise, unless you are employing a professional dog walker with liability insurance.

Also, experience with dogs and knowing how to handle them in diverse situations can be vital to safety and welfare of your dog. Would a non-professional know what to do if a small dog he is walking is confronted by a loose and aggressive big dog? Or take another scenario: William was walking a dog that inadvertently stepped on broken glass hidden in the grass; an artery was severed. That dog’s life was saved. Knowing what to do in an emergency can save your dogs life.

Dogs needing regular exercise are best entrusted to the care of professionals, and professionals are available when kids are in school.

Q2: I usually take my dog for a walk when I get home, or at least let him out the yard for a spell. Why should I pay for midday walking services?

A: Dogs originated in the wild. In the wild, dogs and the relatives of dogs (wolves, coyotes, fox) spend most of the day or night on the prowl. Movement is natural and necessary to a dog, just as flight is natural to a bird. A dog that is not allowed sufficient movement is akin to a bird in a cage. A fenced in area is no substitute for a walk in the woods or even just a neighborhood walk.

Also, dogs communicate in, and understand their environment primarily through, their sense of smell. A dog confined to the same fenced-in area, day after day, does not enjoy the stimulation that comes from experiencing a broad range of odors and scents, particularly as laid down by other dogs. While olfactory deprivation may, or may not, lead to depression in dog (think of a lion just “getting by” in a zoo) it certainly limits the dog’s enjoyment of life.

Furthermore, exhaustive research [1] has proven the many benefits of walking to humans. Many of those same benefits accrue to dogs. They include:

Finally, another good reason to employ a dog walking service is your own peace of mind. Whether you are at work or simply lack the energy to walk our dog while at home, knowing the physical and emotional needs of our beloved pets are fully met brings blessed peace of mind. That’s a good investment.

Q3: Why should I employ you for Vacation Walks when I can kennel my dog for less money?

A: Not all dogs do well in kennels. The stress of being placed in a foreign environment can traumatize a dog. Furthermore, some dogs have physical issues that preclude kenneling.

As regards to value for money - for weekend absences, one Vacation Walk a day may be sufficient, which puts our service on par with most kennels. Also, with Doolittle Dog Walking you can avoid charges for overnight kenneling on Friday and Sunday. For longer vacations where two visits per day are necessary, Doolittle Dog Walking may cost more than most kennels for a single dog, but not for multiple dogs. Three dogs for a five nights in a kennel costs anywhere from $200 to $300, plus you have to drop the dogs off and pick them up. With Doolittle Dog Walking, three dogs visited twice per day would cost you just $170, and there’s no driving for you.

Q4: What is the rationale behind the Adventure Walks? Why not just walk my dog(s) in my own neighborhood?

A: Dog’s roots are in the wild, so it almost impossible to overstate the physical, mental and emotional benefits to a dog from a good romp in the woods. I liken the difference between a Neighborhood Walk and an Adventure Walk to the difference between taking a child to a Disney World as opposed to a Disney movie. Both are good, but the two can’t really compare. Even a once a month Adventure Walk will yield immeasurable benefits to your dog; usually benefits the owner can easily notice – greater enthusiasm for life; better health; the list goes on. A typical Adventure Walk costs about the same as a trip for a family of four to the movie theatre. Isn’t your four-footed family member worth the occasional treat as well?

Q5: Can I save money by arranging to have you walk my dog(s) along with dogs belonging to family or friends, not in my household?

A: In some circumstances, yes, especially when the other dogs are close by. We will work with you to negotiate a group rate fair to all parties.

Q6: I’ve never heard of a Pet Taxi. How do they work?

A: Just like a human taxi. Give us a call (advance notice required) and we will transport your dog pretty much anywhere he or she needs to go. We use a custom made dog trailer (like professional breeders use for transporting dogs to dog shows) that is safer for your dog than riding loose in a car or van. Our trailer will accommodate all but the largest breeds. If you have any doubts as to whether your dog will enter the confined space of a dog trailer, call us and we may be able to come out and give your dog a trial ride to see how he likes it (certain restrictions apply).

Q7: I’ve never heard of a dog walking service in West Michigan. Aren’t they mainly for big cities?

A: It wasn’t long ago that there was no such thing as Starbucks. Sometimes, good ideas only lack the people to implement them. Doolittle Dog Walking believes that the time has come for pet owners everywhere to recognize the many benefits of adequate exercise in the life of their dog. Too many dogs live lives that fall short of the full potential and enjoyment that they deserve. It’s simply a matter of priorities. How much do we care about our pets?

Q8: What geographic area do you serve?

A: Our regular service area is a ten mile radius from the drawbridge in Grand Haven, and includes all or portions of the zip codes and municipalities listed at the bottom of this web page. There is a modest 50¢/mile surcharge for service to locales outside that radius.

[1] Sources (accessed 5/5/08):
a.) “The Health Benefits of Walking”, The Department of Cambridge Community Development (http://www.cambridgema.gov/~CDD/et/ped/ped_hlth.html)
b.) “The Numerous Benefits of Walking”, AARP.org (http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking/a2004-06-17-walking- numerousbenefits.html)
c.) “Benefits of Walking - How Walking Reduces Health Risks”, About.com (http://walking.about.com/od/healthbenefits/Benefits_of_Walking_How_Walking _Reduces_Health_Risks.htm)