DogBoston

by Kimberly Katz, Wags for Walks in Newton, MA

I can still remember his words like it was yesterday, only it wasn’t yesterday, it was 12 years ago. I remember my father telling me to never settle for a job. He said there was nothing worse than waking up in the morning and hating to go to work because you disliked what you were doing. I tell this story in response to the questions people ask me such as why would I give up a financially successful career in corporate America to become a dog walker and why would I give up a stable job that allowed me to dine at some of the best restaurants and stay at some of the nicest hotels. Before I can answer this, I need to give you a little background.

I went to Tulane University in New Orleans and graduated Cum Laude. After graduation, I did what most people do, FREAK OUT! I moved back to Boston and settled into corporate America. After several years of working in high tech marketing, I moved on to Pharmaceutical Sales. Most people think a Pharmaceutical sales job is a dream job. Sure, they give you a car, pay for your gas, and give you a great salary and bonus plan. Sure, you get to dress up and go out to great restaurants. Sure you get to meet great people and help those in need. SO, you ask, what was the problem?

Well, I asked myself that for 5 years, when all along, the answer was right in front of me on my lap, my dog. I realized I was not being true to myself and doing what I loved. Everyday, I would return home and immediately whisk my dog off to the park. I would stay at the park for hours watching my dog play and run with all of his dog friends. My husband would always ask me, “What did you do that whole time? Do you really have that much fun playing with dogs?” I did not have to answer that question because the smile on my face said it all! Friends would ask me, “How do you find the energy to go to the park after a day of work?” And I would answer, “You find time to do the things you love.”

Eventually, people started to notice how much I enjoyed being around dogs and told me I had a natural way with animals. Dog owners at the park urged me to leave my job so I would be free to care for their pets. It was now clear what I needed to do. I needed to leave my high paying job that gave me a car, paid for my gas and gave me health benefits! I needed to leave all of that behind and open my own company that would cater to my one true love, dogs!

I opened Wags 4 Walks, and never looked back. Wags 4 Walks offers private dog walking and Doggie Playgroups. We are insured, bonded, and CPR certified through the American Red Cross and we are also a proud member of Pet Sitter International. A typical day at my new job has me walking, running, hiking, and picking up the poo. Sure, it’s not as glamorous as my old job, but I don’t mind a bit. When my little “waggers” look up at me and kiss me from head to toe, I know that I struck gold - no amount of money can buy that! I can’t think of anything better than walking into a client’s home and finding their dog anxiously waiting for me. I love how they run to me and wag their entire body. I love how they tilt their head when I ask them if they want to go to the park and play. Most of all, I love knowing that I am helping my clients by providing their loved ones with the exercise and socialization they need to live a long and healthy life.

So, this brings me back to my father’s words that he uttered to me more than 12 years ago. Throughout the years he offered more words of wisdom and advice. I will always be grateful to him for encouraging me to follow my dreams and reminding me there is more to life than money and if you love what you do, the money will come. And if the money doesn’t come, you will be rich in happiness. Who can put a price tag on that?

Wags 4 Walks serves the Newton, Waltham, Wellesley, Weston, Needham areas. Call Kim and her team at 617-799-5993.