Meet Gillian

I’ve been walking dogs for four years and working with dogs for a total of seven.  I started out as a full time student in a dog grooming program here in Calgary seven years ago.  I groomed dogs full time at a couple different shops around the city for three years.  I enjoyed grooming but realized I wanted more of a variety with the dogs on a daily basis.  With my passion for the outdoors I started thinking that dog walking might be the perfect job for me.  I did some research and applied at the first company that was hiring.  With my grooming experience, I was immediately hired as a full time dog walker.  I’ve taken quite a few different behavioural courses and learned a variety of skills over the years.  I had the pleasure to visit Dog Town in Utah and work with several of the rescue dogs at the facility for three days.  With this experience as well as Cesar Milan’s help, I’ve learned to become a confident, calm, assertive pack leader.  I always try to stay one step ahead of the pack and think like a dog.

When I was grooming I had the opportunity to rescue one of the more troubled dogs that came into the shop.  This is where I met my pup, Kia.  Her previous owner rescued her and owned her for one month.  She brought her in for a groom and Kia was in a terrible state, both physically and mentally.  She was overweight, matted, filthy, aggressive and mentally unbalanced.  She was no stranger to a muzzle.  When her owner informed me that she was contemplating euthanizing her because she was “too difficult to control”, I immediately told her “I’ll take her”.  She was so desperate to give up on Kia that she paid me $50 and we never looked back.  We headed for home and had to overcome another obstacle…the boyfriend.  Kia was a “typical rescue” and was not fond of men (or shiny floors), both of which were part of her new home.  It took a lot of hard work and dedication but she finally settled in at her forever home.

In my time away from walking dogs, I enjoy spending time with my nieces and doing various outdoor activities.  I play on a competitive fastball team, do a lot of camping and head out to the mountains whenever I get the chance.

Walking dogs is definitely the perfect job for me!