"I know what you're thinking.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to be a dog?

Right?

Wrong!

Oh, sure...I get to lie around all day while my owner slaves away at the office.

But how do you think you'd like it. Nothing to do for hours on end.

Let's face it...I'm a dog!

I need to get outside so I can smell things. I need to move. I need to pee on things. I'm going crazy being cooped up in this house all day!

Sometimes I stare at the world outside the window. I see other dogs being walked in the middle of the day. They're the lucky ones. My only excitement is when I get to bark at the mailman and chase him away from the doorstep. (Works every time, too. Never once has he had the nerve to open the door.)

I love my humans, and I know they love me. But they just don't get it. They took me out for a short walk this morning. It was better than nothing. And if they're not too tired I might get another short walk when they get home. Chances are they'll be working late again and it will be too close to supper and then they'll want to watch Jeopardy ...and there goes another chance.

Is it any wonder that I bounce all over them when they come through the door? Is it surprising that my master's slippers are chewed to shreds?"

Is this your dog talking?

Nationally recognized dog expert and star of National Geographic Channel's hit show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan emphasizes that in order to have a balanced dog you must provide three things:

Exercise
Discipline
Affection

...in that order!

In their natural state dogs will spend up to twelve hours migrating for food. Some breeds need to walk more often than others, but all dogs need to walk. Being cooped up all day inside of the house is torture to a dog whose every cell is screaming for exercise.

At Peace of Mind Petcare we do one 2-hour walk each week day. Typically we take from 6-8 dogs at a time. Favorite areas include Mt. Doug trails, Thetis and Beaver Lakes, McCauley Point, and a variety of the beaches surrounding our city where they can run free and play with each other. The charge for this is $30. Additional dogs from the same family are half price.

Not only do the dogs get a terrific workout...often rough housing and cavorting until exhausted...but they also benefit greatly from the social contact with the other dogs. We've seen dogs that initially were very timid and shy, who didn't want to have anything to do with other dogs, become gregarious and outgoing after only a few sessions.

And one more thing...we never hire outside help to walk dogs. Companies that do so have to pay their employees from the fee they charge you and thereby end up pushing too many dogs onto the hapless walker simply in order to make a profit. This unfortunately results in dog fights, lost dogs, and dogs running on the street. It is for this reason that many cities in North America have imposed limits on the number of dogs that a walker can have at any time.

As dog owners ourselves, we understand how precious your pet is to you. Our primary concern is to ensure that we treat your dog as if he were our own, which means lots of exercise and fun in a safe environment.

Call us at 250-382-7131;

250-418-5216 or email

to arrange for a free consultation.

"Bob and Julie:

From the moment you came to our home for our initial visit, we knew that you were just the people to help us out with our little Zoe. Luckily, Zoe seemed to agree - and what a difference you've made to all of our lives! We now come home from work to a relaxed, happy, well-exercised pup. Zoe truly looks forward to and loves her "Bob Days", as do the rest of us.

We couldn't have gotten through Zoe's puppyhood without you helping us out. It's a wonderful feeling to know that she is being so well looked-after. You've both been so professional and flexible with your service, and it is is obvious that you really care for your four-legged clients. Our whole family looks forward to many more years of having you in our lives."

- Karla

"P.S. We know Zoe loves you because every time she hears a car pull up outside, she looks out the window eagerly to see if Bob is coming to take her out for a walk!"

"You guys are absolute angels----- was sitting at work, and got this fabulous e-mail------ made me so happy!!!!!! and Issie looked so happy!!!!!!- I am so thrilled. Thank you so much again--- for the report and pix."

Barb

Hi Bob -

Thanks so much for your note and the photos as well as for walking Farley. I am so grateful to you for your dog walking service. I can tell that Farley is much more relaxed when I get home from work and the exercise and time with other dogs is so good for him.

Many, many thanks,

Anne-Marie

My dog Goliath takes watching the house serious, but doesn't like being alone at home all day while "mom" is busy at work. Bob and Julie have brightened his day - he now eagerly awaits his noon-hour walk. Because of their wonderful and caring service, I now have one less thing to worry about. Bob and Julie are Goliath's new best friends!" ...Sabine Schuerholz-Lehr

Hello, Bob...

Thank you SO MUCH for writing Greg and I to tell us about your walk with Julie on Friday! Both Greg and I were curious to learn how she reacted to meeting the new dogs and we were both thrilled to hear that the three dogs got along so well. We were very hopeful that Julie would be friendly with the other dogs, but we were prepared for a snarly story from you about our Julie if it didn't work out!

It sounds so wonderful that you took the dogs to Thetis - the photos you sent were fabulous and very reassuring for us - I think they were just what we needed - seeing is believing! You're good ;) You know us already ;) And the best part for us was that when we got home from work, Julie was a dream - so calm and happy to see us, but not wiley and crazy - it was easy for us to tell she'd had some good playtime when she was out with you.

Jillian Oickle

Click to view videos of our clients at play.