Becky's Dog Walking

Becky Steiner is a dog walker from Slingerlands, New York. I met her through Samuel Dearth, owner of Camp Bow Wow.

We made arrangements to meet in Voorheesville, New York to walk some of her clients. We ventured off on a trail that runs parallel to the power lines; well kept, grassy, a little muddy, and everything a pooch could ask for on an early weekday morning.

I met up with Becky again this past week. She pulled into the Capital Hills Golf Course parking lot with the dogs in tow. Five of them piled out of the car and instantly led the way through the course… after taking care of business that is. 

The thing that sets Becky apart from other dog walkers is that she takes her client’s dogs out on an off-leash group walk. There is no better way to get friendly dogs exercised and socialized then letting them get together in a pack and be “free.” Becky does an excellent job at keeping these pups happy, healthy, and tuckered out when it’s time to go back home.  

To begin this off-leash walking process, Becky will sit down with the dog’s owners, and have a discussion with them to find out if it is something that they are interested in for their dogs when they call her for service.

After the discussion, Becky will do a trial run with the owner’s permission. She will get to know the dog on and off-leash and check him out with the other dogs to gauge their behavior together.

On average, Becky walks about 5 or 6 compatible dogs together at a time. She always carries extra supplies such as leashes, bags and treats to make sure the walks go smoothly. Becky is insured and Pet First Aid/CPR certified. She is prepared and ready if an emergency situation ever broke out. 

These photos are from our most recent walk at Capital Hills Golf Course in Albany, New York

Becky saying "Hello" to a visiting pooch.

Time for treats!

Becky also recommends taking your dog to some of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy trails. You can find them here.

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Better With Age

A lot of seniors get overlooked at shelters, and people seem to gravitate towards the puppies and kittens. Why not look deep into the eyes of an older dog or cat that may have had to be surrendered or was found wandering the streets? 

Older dogs and cats already know the house rules - It takes very little training, if any at all to get accustomed to your way of life. Senior cats make the best lap companions, and will keep you warm throughout the colder months, while senior dogs already know the way of the leash, and will happily go for a leisurely walk with you. 

My family took in an old Maltese that was brought into the animal shelter that I worked at. The Animal Control Officer said he was found in an apartment, after his owner had passed away.

He was a shaky, frightened old dog and we could not bear to see him stay in the shelter, after being someone’s lifelong companion until the very last day of his owners life.

I brought him home to my parent’s house, which was home to four cats. He had no problem adjusting to them, or to my parents, and was soon King of the Couch. 

He had a great life with my parents, and brought them so much happiness with his unconditional love for them.

This is just one success story. Why not visit your local shelter or rescue, and save a senior cat or dog of your own? You can then share your success story with those around you.. or even introduce each other! 

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