Brian: Hi and congratulations for being selected DogBoston’s Best of 2007!

Erin: Thanks a lot, we’re proud of the honor!

Brian: So, how did you get started and when did you get serious about dog walking?

I began dog walking in Oct of 2005 and really got into it about one year later. I would have never expected to be doing this. I can assure you of that! I graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology. I went to college to be a probation officer. I worked in the courts, jails, detention centers all throughout my undergrad. I spent my days with hardened criminals, juveniles, drug addicts, you name it! I enjoyed the work, but decided immediately after completing my bachelor’s degree that I should complete my master’s degree.

I decided to go back to school and get an MBA with a marketing concentration. While doing this I took a job at an insurance company where I worked in the fraud department. Finally, in 2005 my MBA was completed. I graduated in May and was married in July. I quit my job two weeks before my wedding and had no idea what I was going to do! We traveled for a bit and then I got my real estate license and worked as a real estate agent for a while. I was so bored!! My days were all the same. I was really itching to get back working with criminals. I know how it sounds but I always enjoyed helping people!

One day I was in the park with my dog Carly. It was around lunchtime. I saw a dog walker come through the park with quite a few dogs. Immediately, I was jealous. She got to be outside all day and with dogs! I went home and told my husband that I wanted to walk dogs. He laughed and did not think I was serious! My family was not all that shocked because growing up I always took care of our dogs. In fact, I got my first dog walking job when I was ten-years-old. My neighbor hired me to walk her dogs while she was on vacation. With help from my mother I took care of the dogs while my neighbor traveled which was often. I did this until she moved when I was 16.

Once I decided that I wanted to walk dogs it seemed like no time before I began walking my very first dog and her name was Sophie. We spent hours together! I had so much fun and decided I would walk one or two more dogs. So I had about three dogs within the first few months. I did not think I was going to start a business because ultimately I thought I would go back into the corporate world. I thought I would take a break and figure things out. In the mean time why not walk a few dogs. Little did I know this was only the beginning! About a year after walking I decided there was no way I was going back to work and this is what I was meant to do. I was happy all the time and excited to go to work. The dogs were great, the owners were great, and I had a lot more free time to be with the dogs!

Brian: So, you started as the North End Dog Walker and now call your business Dog Party – what prompted the change?

Well I made the change because in the beginning I did not spend time thinking of a name. I kind of fell into dog walking and I did not think I would be starting a business. I figured I would only walk dogs temporarily. Also the dogs and I have lots of fun on our walks and I think this new name better gets across that point.

Brian: Your website mentions Dog Party has “full service dog walking agency” – can you tell me what that means?

Sure. It means that we do everything. We walk dogs, take care of them overnight, feed them, play with them, ext. All dogs are different and they all have different needs. Some dogs prefer certain things and our goal is to keep them happy! We even offer cat sitting.
Brian: I am still amazed by the amount of people who raved about your service in the DogBoston’s Best of 2007 Survey… So what do you think you do different than other dog walkers that people like so much about your service?

I think I run things very differently. I am very organized and a schedule is done days before the dogs are walked. This way we know exactly who is being walked and at what time. I would never miss a walk, I take this very seriously.

Also, I observe other dog walkers and try not do things that make me cringe when I see them! For instance, I do not spend my days on a cell phone. My job is to walk and spend time with my dog clients. I feel when you are on the cell phone all day that you are going through the motions, but you are not properly paying attention to the dogs.

I always say that when you are out walking you are in the public eye. When you walk dogs you tend to stand out and people are always watching. I am more likely to get caught being silly with the dogs in the park! Just the other day an owner emailed me saying she got out of work early and walked by the park. She said she was so happy to see me playing with her dog (we were having a blast in the snow). She said she was happy to know her dog was having so much fun while she was at work. These are the kinds of things that owners tell me! They see it firsthand. Since I live in North End I see the dogs I walk all the time. Even when they are with their owners they run up to me and give me kisses! This always makes the owners so happy. It is obvious I love the dogs and they love me too!

Brian: Your puppy program and play groups sound unique. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes, as the name suggests, the puppy program is designed for puppies. Since they are so little they require extra walks and extra attention. I start with them right when they come home with their owners. We teach them how to walk on a leash and help get them housetrained. At first, we carry the puppy everywhere because they do not want to walk! Then we take them out with other puppies and they get some play time. They are just so cute! It is important that once they have their shots that they get used to being around other dogs and learn to interact with them.

The playgroups are for dogs who love to play with other dogs. We take a few at a time to the park and let them run off leash where they can get all of their energy out! They love to wrestle and run around. This seems to make them the happiest. Some dogs prefer to play with people so I have a few that just like to watch the other dogs while sitting on my lap!

Brian: Do you think Boston is a dog friendly place? Why or why not?

This is a tough one! I find that people either love dogs or do not like them. I get a lot of people who come up to me and want to pet the dogs. However, everyday I get my fair share of dirty looks/comments as well. For the most part I think it is friendly, but not as friendly as I would like! The coffee store owners are great though. On hot summer days and cold winter days they let me come in with the dogs so I can get a hot or cold drink. They give the dogs treats too!

Brian: What is your favorite place to walk in 1. the North End, 2. Charlestown, and 3. Waterfront sections?

My favorite place in the North End to walk is in the Prado. This is right off Hanover Street. It is quiet and there and there are lots of benches and trees. The dogs like it. They can run around! My favorite place in the Waterfront is Christopher Columbus Park. I like the part closest to the water. It is wide open and the dogs can run! My favorite place in Charlestown is in the Navy Yard. It is nice to be able to see the harbor and the planes. Lots of grass for the dogs too!

Brian: Favorite park outside of Boston?

Gotta be the Fellsway

Brian: Best trainer in the area?

Hands down it is Zendog!

Brian: Sounds like you’ve found your passion, and things are working out well for you.

Erin: They sure are, thanks!