KEY POINTS:
Occupation: Dog walker.
Age: 37.
Working hours: Some weeks we walk twice a week for up to eight hours, other weeks we walk for anything from one to four hours per day, three or four times a week.
Fees: Dog walking $19.50-$35; cat feeding $16 each feed.
Qualifications: Preferably dog handling, behaviour and training qualifications. Sense of responsibility required.
Describe your job
Walkies was started by Wendy Cuiffe in 2002 - the first dog-walking, cat-feeding company in Auckland. Originally in Herne Bay, Ponsonby and Grey Lynn, the company has grown and now services most areas of Auckland, including the North Shore.
Walkies has five dog walkers. About 25 dogs are walked each week and approximately 150 different cats have been fed on regular cat-feeding schedules during holidays.
Walkers have the responsibility to ensure that the dog is safe. The walker has to have 110 per cent concentration and awareness of not only the dog, but also the surroundings to ensure this. Having a great time while being on the walkies is also essential. Dogs are social beings and the time and interaction they have with the walker is important.
Why do people employ someone to walk their dog or feed their pets?
Customers range from elderly people or people who have just undergone surgery who can't walk or exercise their dog, to people who would like to do something special for their furry friend to break the monotony of long days without exercise or stimulation, to people who are away on business or holiday and the housesitters can't walk their dog.
Many people feel it is less stressful for cats to remain in their surroundings and opt not to put cats in kennels. Our company ensures that the cats are fed, cuddled (if allowed) and checked on as stipulated by the owner. Owners away for a long period can receive regular status updates on their pets.
What areas of Auckland most use the services of Walkies?
Herne Bay, Ponsonby and Grey Lynn, probably only because the initial marketing focus was placed on those areas, when no competition existed.
How do you work out walking routines?
At most, two dogs from the same household are walked simultaneously. We guarantee that the time paid for by the owner is spent solely giving attention to their dog or dogs.
Bigger dogs don't necessarily need or want more exercise; it tends to be the younger dogs who like to sprint around. It also depends on the dog's personality; some dogs just are more lethargic.
But all dogs love to sniff around and download some peemail - it is this ideal combination of exercise and stimulation that makes any dog a happy dog.
For routines, I consider the owner's situations and the times they wish their dogs to be walked, the various areas and dogs which need to be walked that day.
Working out a good schedule can prove challenging.
Your work background?
Professionally - IT programmer and business analyst. Pet-wise - I have loved animals since I can remember and have been involved with numerous animal rescue and sterilisation projects in South Africa, as well as raised funds and been involved in the SPCA and a director on Foundation for Sterilisation of Animals.
Why is your job important?
As humans, we have an obligation to make the lives of all animals better - more so with pets. There is an outstanding reward in reciprocating the love we get from these gorgeous beings.
I am responsible for people's animals and sometimes even keys to their house, alarm codes and so on.
The best part of your job?
Meeting and dealing with the pets and the people who care so much for their pets. Also, it's good to remain fit.
And the worst part?
The weather can be horrendous; having to put a dog back when they really don't want you to go.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have four stunning dogs.
What is the most unusual job you have had?
Feeding a rabbit that is larger than my yorkies.
Any close encounters?
At a cat feeding, this beautiful ragdoll rolled over so that I could rub her tummy. While I was giving her a lovely rub, she raised her head and smelled my sleeve (which probably smelt totally doggy) gave me the look of death and bit me on the hand. It was so unexpected, I had to laugh.
Advice to those interested in a similar role?
One needs to really want to do this. Walking your own dog does not make you a paid "dog walker".
Where would you like to be in five years?
Running dog kennels in New Zealand, and contributing to pet sterilisation and educational projects here and in Africa.
