Dog Savvy LLC

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Dog Savvy LLC Providing dog walking and pet care in Grand Rapids. Don't let the name fool you, I gladly offer pet care for all critters - canine or otherwise.
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I proudly combine my background in dog training with my passion for the outdoors and spending time with dogs.

You'll catch me around town sporting a new patch on my treat pouch! Courtesy of 🥰 It was originally on a baseball cap, ...
05/11/2024

You'll catch me around town sporting a new patch on my treat pouch! Courtesy of 🥰

It was originally on a baseball cap, which, if you know me, is the kind of hat I wear morning to sunset outside of winter. The only problem is that the hat was white... as a self-proclaimed nature enthusiast and one who is notoriously clumsy with food and has perpetual "treat hands," this was a problem. I had two options: die it, or cut the patch out and sew it onto something else. This was the perfect solution! Something you'll never catch me dog walking without 😊 I'm very happy with it! Maybe I ought to get a custom-made Ripley patch... or finally make a real logo for my business.. 🤔

I hope your Howl-ween was a hoot! May all your pups, scared or brave, walk easy now that the novel lawn creatures are re...
02/11/2024

I hope your Howl-ween was a hoot! May all your pups, scared or brave, walk easy now that the novel lawn creatures are retired for the season.

What a great time to socialize your dog to sudden, strange stimuli, though! Not everyone got cozy with their neighbors Halloween display this month... but most of my weary friends did. Or at the very least, all decor but the talking or moving ones. They just too scary!

Photo challenge: Can you find the horror movie themed easter egg that I edited in to one of the 10 pictures? Let me know in the comments if you do. First person with the correct movie character wins the validation that they're a winner!

Happy Friday! Unleash your inner Mabel this weekend. Today was the first time I've walked her on the long line, and it w...
01/11/2024

Happy Friday! Unleash your inner Mabel this weekend.

Today was the first time I've walked her on the long line, and it went exactly as I hoped 🥰 endless zoomies and Mabel Crazies!

Dog Savvy's contribution to Artprize. I call this series of work, "Maybe it's Mabelline"
16/09/2024

Dog Savvy's contribution to Artprize.

I call this series of work, "Maybe it's Mabelline"

Just a few highlights from the last week! - Birdie and Grover pursuing a squirrel - Tucker beckoning me to a game of kee...
10/09/2024

Just a few highlights from the last week!

- Birdie and Grover pursuing a squirrel
- Tucker beckoning me to a game of keep-away
- Abby and Roxy smiling ear to ear
- Isabelle being a rollie pollie
- Charlie 🥹 Just existing ❤️ He doesn't need to do anything to be cute
- Mabel 🦘
- Luna planning a coup if I don't give her another treat right this minute
- Stick-wielding Grover

Mandatory sniff-spection from the neighbor's cat after a long day of walking pups! Her name is Quinn. It appears she pro...
10/09/2024

Mandatory sniff-spection from the neighbor's cat after a long day of walking pups!

Her name is Quinn. It appears she promoted herself to Chief Dog-Taxi Inspector. Ensuring the wag-wagon is up to code and safe for future canine commutes.

Who could pass up a great mural photo op?! Especially with this distinguished gentleman!
23/08/2024

Who could pass up a great mural photo op?! Especially with this distinguished gentleman!

Bruce signaled to me that he wanted a car ride, so a car ride he got! We only drove around the corner, but that was enou...
21/08/2024

Bruce signaled to me that he wanted a car ride, so a car ride he got!

We only drove around the corner, but that was enough to make him happy and provide a novel environment to sniff. He doesn't normally walk too far in his neighborhood. Not with me, anyway! He's more of a stop, go, stop, roll in the grass, sunbathe, maybe walk a little more, kind of dog. Also, the kind of walker I label as "opinionated." As in, if he doesn't want to walk that way, you're not gonna!

Changing the picture just a little bit incited much more enthusiasm to explore! Also, he surprised me with those ear sniffs as I took the selfie. Ear sniffs make me laugh every time. They're so loud 😂

Hello friends and followers! Man, is it hard to tend to social media when life gets in the way. I have mad respect for t...
20/08/2024

Hello friends and followers!

Man, is it hard to tend to social media when life gets in the way. I have mad respect for those who manage their businesses and stay active on socials. Forgive me for the lack of dog content. I assure you, I've been busy behind the scenes adventuring with my 4-legged friends, dolling out treats, and capturing their smiles.

I finally got a new phone. One that takes fantastic photos. It inspired me to log back into these accounts and share my adorable clients with the world again.

Please enjoy these moments from the last few days, featuring:
Birdie the Coton
Grover the Cavalier
Earl the Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix
Mabel the Pitbull
Zooey and Lou the Aussies
and
Argyle the Greyhound (or Noodledog, as I like to call him)

Hello Dog Savvy Gang. This week, my father has been experiencing some health complications and is stationed up at Butter...
16/05/2024

Hello Dog Savvy Gang.

This week, my father has been experiencing some health complications and is stationed up at Butterworth. Typically, this does not impact my schedule. However, because of the nature of his aphasia, and the fact that my mother cannot make it down here until this weekend, I have been taking over his advocacy at the hospital to ensure he receives the proper care and everything is communicated to myself, him, and my family efficiently.

I'm doing my best to avoid canceling walks, but there may be things that come up that require me to do so last minute. This week, I'm prioritizing the client-dogs whose owners work away from home and rely on my services for potty breaks and midday enrichment.

Next week remains unknown. As soon as I have more info about my dad's continued care, I will update the affected clients on the cancelations if they're necessary.

Thank you so much for your flexibility during this time. My dad insisted on "focusing on what's important" (he meant work). I told him I was, and what's most important is him and his health.

Photo: My pops and his beloved pom-mixes, Maggie and Parker 💙🩷

Tucker and Winnie soaked up this summery sunshine on their adventure today. Don't forget to drink water and take plenty ...
08/05/2024

Tucker and Winnie soaked up this summery sunshine on their adventure today. Don't forget to drink water and take plenty of shade-... or, uh, play breaks!

Every break in the shade devolved into an adorable fit of play 🤦‍♀️😂 Winnie can't help herself. She knows Tucker can't refuse her bouncy play invitations.

Piper and Teddy. Ying and yang. Order and chaos. That is how I would describe the elegant, refined doodle that is Piper....
14/04/2024

Piper and Teddy.
Ying and yang.
Order and chaos.

That is how I would describe the elegant, refined doodle that is Piper. And her wildcard little-big brother, Teddy. He is just shy of a year old and a whole lot of puppy! Each week, his sweet-spirited sister watches from the sidelines as he parades around with that days chosen toy. It used to be sticks, or more accurately, chunks of wood 😂 But lately, it's the poor garden hose he claimed as his own. Or one of my boots, if I take them off and forget to hide them in the stairwell...

With a dog that large, it's easy to forget Teddy's still a puppy. He is a delightful play partner (I KNOW he's going easy on me when we play tug! Ain't no way that's his full strength) and has really come around to his walks! Steadily, he's grown more confident in his neighborhood ventures. Now, we can walk down to the lake together without this massive puppy putting the breaks on at the sound of a far-off bark or the clamor of the neighbor's roofing company.

Piper's soulful eyes and gentle demeaner melt my heart on the regular. She's masterful at hopping out of the way when her amped up brother comes storming through the room or jets across the yard with his toy. When Teddy's distracted, I love to sneak in neck massages or ear-scratches for this delightful lady. Piper is more of a home-body and struggles walking in her highly stimulating neighborhood, so she hangs back at the house while Teddy and I hit the streets for his sniffari. Not to worry! She gets her share of enrichment afterward in the form of a frozen kong or treats hidden about the living room.

Over the months, I've cherished watching this boy grow and giving all the lovins to his sweet little-big sister. I thank their owner for allowing me to care for them each week!

Drum roll, please... For the criminally cute, charismatic, leaf-crazed Cavalier that is Grover! First he draws you in wi...
30/03/2024

Drum roll, please...

For the criminally cute, charismatic, leaf-crazed Cavalier that is Grover!

First he draws you in with his sweet appearance, and the next thing you know, he's conning every treat from your pouch with his frequent check-ins, hypnotic loose leash walking stare, and mastery of the engage/disengage game.

One of his humans is a dog trainer, so it's no suprise that this boy's work ethic is through the roof. If walking on my right isn't getting him treats.. he'll switch over to my left. Or, simply run ahead and promptly slow back down, as if to say, "Look! I returned to my position! More treats, please!" He's still just a wee baby, so it's illegal not to reward his constant stream of "good" behavior.

He lives for the chase. And the object of his desire happens to be abundant and readily available... leaves! Grover LOVES to chase leaves. I have to be on my A-game when it's windy because he will dart from one side of the walkway to the other in a blink of the eye if a leaf starts moving. I imagine he occupies himself for some time in his big backyard on gusty days 😂

He's developed a good friendship with Miss Birdie. Occasionally, after walking, we'll head to Grover's backyard so these two can sprint and burn off the remaining fuel in their "zoomie" tanks. She's taken a hit or two when Grover chases a leaf without ensuring the path is clear.. but she's quick to forgive her clumsy puppy friend since he makes up for it as a great play partner and sniff-sharer!

Grover brings so much delight to my week, and I thank his mama's for giving me the opportunity to spend time with him and enrich his day through sniffaris and playtime. I can't wait to see the little man this bright-eyed puppy grows into!

The newest additions to my weekly rounds include two small but mighty, magnificent mutts! They are a blend of breeds, re...
27/03/2024

The newest additions to my weekly rounds include two small but mighty, magnificent mutts! They are a blend of breeds, resulting in cuteness overload.

Abby, the lighter one, has some American Pitbull Terrier in her blood. Her short legs support her corgi-like body, and a head two sizes too big for her little stature. I can't get enough of her uniquely beautiful little self! Her love of critters reminds me of my own pittie. No squirrel goes unseen in her neighborhood, and if it's close enough, she'll stand up and pray this is the day her leash breaks, and she can chase it with the speed of 1000 greyhounds. Keep dreaming, little lady! For now, you'll have to make do with the squirrels that are bold (or foolish) enough to enter your yard.

Roxy, the brown, black, and brindle pup, most definitely has some beagle! If her looks weren't a dead giveaway, you'd be certain of her genetics 10 minutes into the walk. That girl spends more time with her nose glued to the ground than she does looking where she's going. The few events that do divert her attention from the important task of sniffing include:

•Me reaching anywhere into or around my treat pouch.

And,

•Birds! 🐦‍⬛

Specifically, robins. Since the american robin's returned this month, Roxy has been very interested in their presence! She often spots them before I do and quickly changes direction to try and creep towards them.

Together, these two make a powerful Critter Control team in their neighborhood. Dutifully keeping watch of all feathered and furred activities. I cherish their bubbly personalities and have watched them settle into their walks seamlessly since they joined Dog Savvy.

Roxy was a new addition to the household. And while her and Abby hit it off without a hiccup, they didn't have much experience walking together in the neighborhood. Me and their lovely gaurdians were thrilled to see them walk together like they've been doing it for ages!

After a week away in California, it's great to be back in Michigan, spending time with these familiar faces ❤️ A few of ...
26/03/2024

After a week away in California, it's great to be back in Michigan, spending time with these familiar faces ❤️

A few of them got dumped on by rain today, but we made the most of it. Sometimes, your dog's walk comes with a complimentary bath from nature's finest showers! It's days like this that make my car smell like wet dog and muddy boots. A lesser-known aspect of this job is how your car looks and smells like you own an entire kennels worth of dogs. Zooey and Lou's fur (the aussies) is abundant in my car 😂

I have an array of adorable faces to introduce you to. There's several dogs who have joined the Dog Savvy Gang over the last few months, and because of my lacking social media skills, they've missed out on their well-deserved spotlight. Stay tuned, and get excited for some adorable additions to the feed!

One bittersweet privilege of this industry is watching these beloved pets grow from vivacious puppies into full-fledged ...
23/02/2024

One bittersweet privilege of this industry is watching these beloved pets grow from vivacious puppies into full-fledged adults. Equipped with their individual personalities and interests. If you're lucky, you'll witness them fly through those years until their once spotless muzzle is adorned in various shades of grey and white, perhaps speckled with spots on their once pink nose.
Their gate may slow, or their legs may wobble, but their personality hardly dims.

Being a part of a dogs life for such a length of time is extraordinary.

Stewart has been in my life longer than any dog, besides my childhood dogs. I first met Stewart in 2017, when I walked for Nature of the Dog. His face was pure amber then. Besides the countless walks together, I've enjoyed many sleepovers when his owner was out of town and was his taxi to and from boarding. Stewart was one of those dogs that fell into the "friend" category rather than "client." He was a large presence in my life, and I was his.

He'd insist on walking in specific directions, depending on his mood that day. He never, ever, forgot where a friend lived, even if that house was 1.5 miles away. He'd walk me there repeatedly, and it wasn't until I put it in my journals that his owner would reveal in shock that one of his friends lived there. His memory recounted every spot he ever found a "sidewalk scrap".. and he'd lead me to and check that spot for weeks, just in case another donut or apple core materialized there.

He could befriend any dog. He wasn't picky about who he walked with, and was so gentle and polite. I could walk him with even my smallest clients. Unlike most dogs his age, he never slowed down. He was always a power-walker, up until the very end.

Today is a sad day. Stewart grew very ill last week, and his owner made the decision to let him go this morning. I'm grateful for the visits he provided me to say goodbye throughout his final week.

I love you, Stewart. You'll be missed greatly. By me, and the many dogs and humans you befriended along the way.

Speaking of community cookie jars for the pups.. here's an "oops!" moment of mine last week. I thought I'd get a cute pi...
01/02/2024

Speaking of community cookie jars for the pups.. here's an "oops!" moment of mine last week. I thought I'd get a cute picture of Tucker sniffing the cookie container...

When he opened it himself!

He thought he hit the jackpot. I was able to stop him from getting any. I still got a cookie for him because it's illegal to visit the cookie jar and not provide a cookie.

Does your neighborhood have a local Pup-Stop, complete with a cookie jar? Because Zooey and Lou's does. And you can bet ...
01/02/2024

Does your neighborhood have a local Pup-Stop, complete with a cookie jar? Because Zooey and Lou's does. And you can bet Zooey checks it for treats every time we're near it!

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I hope your dog enjoyed this fresh snow as much as Tucker did today. He's been savoring all the little piles left over this week, and he's finally got some fresh stuff to eat! #snowday #michigan #freshsnow #grandrapidsdogs #dogsofGR #dogsofgrandrapids #springerspaniel

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